Examen de Inglés PAU Madrid 2026 · Ordinaria (2ª lengua)

A Park Bench with an Address

In an unusual move that highlights British attention to detail, a park bench in Portland Square, Bristol, has been officially given an address—complete with its own postcode. This is not a silly gesture done by children, but a practical solution initiated by Bristol’s local health authority. The decision was made to help six homeless individuals who regularly sleep on the bench to have access to free medical care.

In Britain, registering for healthcare typically requires a fixed address, which many homeless people lack. By assigning an address to the bench, the health authority created a way for these individuals to qualify for treatment. As reported in The Indian Express, this act of compassion ensures that people who sleep outside are not excluded from essential services. Tony Palmer, manager of a local clinic that looks after many homeless patients, supports the initiative. “Homeless people are never turned away,” he explains, “but the invented address allows us to give rough sleepers better care.” While the bench is centrally located, it is not exactly a desirable residence. Still, public interest in the bench has grown since the announcement.

Homelessness remains a serious issue in Britain. Many people live on the streets, surviving with few possessions and asking for money or looking for food in trash. London, despite its wealth and glamour, has the highest concentration of homeless individuals in the country. The problem has even caused cultural responses—pop singer Phil Collins once wrote Another Day in Paradise to draw attention to the difficult situation of the homeless in London.

This situation is particularly troubling given that Britain is a welfare state. The government is expected to provide basic necessities such as free healthcare, education and housing. Yet the presence of so many homeless people suggests that the system is not working as effectively as it should. Still, the gesture of giving a park bench an address is a touching example of local authorities trying to make a difference. It shows a desire to adapt the system to meet real human needs. Perhaps this small act will inspire similar efforts in other countries, reminding us that even modest changes can have a meaningful impact.

Adapted from Brishti Bandyopadhayay’s “This Park Bench Has An Address.” Pitara. <https://www.pitara.com/news-for-kids/world-news/this-park-bench-has-an-address/?story=138>

QUESTIONS

1.- Indicate whether TWO of the following statements are True, False or the information is Not Given in the text (T/F/NG). In true and false cases, copy the complete sentence that contains the evidence which justifies your answer. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

[2 points]

a)

The bench's address was created as a joke by local kids.

b)

A local clinic in Bristol provides a daily meal to the homeless people.

c)

Although London is the capital of the country, it is not the city with the largest number of people living in the streets.

A Park Bench with an Address

In an unusual move that highlights British attention to detail, a park bench in Portland Square, Bristol, has been officially given an address—complete with its own postcode. This is not a silly gesture done by children, but a practical solution initiated by Bristol’s local health authority. The decision was made to help six homeless individuals who regularly sleep on the bench to have access to free medical care.

In Britain, registering for healthcare typically requires a fixed address, which many homeless people lack. By assigning an address to the bench, the health authority created a way for these individuals to qualify for treatment. As reported in The Indian Express, this act of compassion ensures that people who sleep outside are not excluded from essential services. Tony Palmer, manager of a local clinic that looks after many homeless patients, supports the initiative. “Homeless people are never turned away,” he explains, “but the invented address allows us to give rough sleepers better care.” While the bench is centrally located, it is not exactly a desirable residence. Still, public interest in the bench has grown since the announcement.

Homelessness remains a serious issue in Britain. Many people live on the streets, surviving with few possessions and asking for money or looking for food in trash. London, despite its wealth and glamour, has the highest concentration of homeless individuals in the country. The problem has even caused cultural responses—pop singer Phil Collins once wrote Another Day in Paradise to draw attention to the difficult situation of the homeless in London.

This situation is particularly troubling given that Britain is a welfare state. The government is expected to provide basic necessities such as free healthcare, education and housing. Yet the presence of so many homeless people suggests that the system is not working as effectively as it should. Still, the gesture of giving a park bench an address is a touching example of local authorities trying to make a difference. It shows a desire to adapt the system to meet real human needs. Perhaps this small act will inspire similar efforts in other countries, reminding us that even modest changes can have a meaningful impact.

Adapted from Brishti Bandyopadhayay’s “This Park Bench Has An Address.” Pitara. <https://www.pitara.com/news-for-kids/world-news/this-park-bench-has-an-address/?story=138>

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

Explain why registering for healthcare can be difficult for homeless people in Britain and how the bench's address helps.

b)

Other than healthcare, mention two difficulties faced by homeless people described in the text.

A Park Bench with an Address

In an unusual move that highlights British attention to detail, a park bench in Portland Square, Bristol, has been officially given an address—complete with its own postcode. This is not a silly gesture done by children, but a practical solution initiated by Bristol’s local health authority. The decision was made to help six homeless individuals who regularly sleep on the bench to have access to free medical care.

In Britain, registering for healthcare typically requires a fixed address, which many homeless people lack. By assigning an address to the bench, the health authority created a way for these individuals to qualify for treatment. As reported in The Indian Express, this act of compassion ensures that people who sleep outside are not excluded from essential services. Tony Palmer, manager of a local clinic that looks after many homeless patients, supports the initiative. “Homeless people are never turned away,” he explains, “but the invented address allows us to give rough sleepers better care.” While the bench is centrally located, it is not exactly a desirable residence. Still, public interest in the bench has grown since the announcement.

Homelessness remains a serious issue in Britain. Many people live on the streets, surviving with few possessions and asking for money or looking for food in trash. London, despite its wealth and glamour, has the highest concentration of homeless individuals in the country. The problem has even caused cultural responses—pop singer Phil Collins once wrote Another Day in Paradise to draw attention to the difficult situation of the homeless in London.

This situation is particularly troubling given that Britain is a welfare state. The government is expected to provide basic necessities such as free healthcare, education and housing. Yet the presence of so many homeless people suggests that the system is not working as effectively as it should. Still, the gesture of giving a park bench an address is a touching example of local authorities trying to make a difference. It shows a desire to adapt the system to meet real human needs. Perhaps this small act will inspire similar efforts in other countries, reminding us that even modest changes can have a meaningful impact.

Adapted from Brishti Bandyopadhayay’s “This Park Bench Has An Address.” Pitara. <https://www.pitara.com/news-for-kids/world-news/this-park-bench-has-an-address/?story=138>

3.- Find the words in the text that mean: (Puntuación máxima: 1 punto)

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

4.- Answer FOUR questions (from a to f) of your choice. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

Write a new sentence that has the same meaning as the one given. Use the word or expression in brackets. Do not change the word given, or complete/rephrase as indicated.

a)

This coffee is not cold enough for me to drink. (too)

b)

After arriving tomorrow, she will immediately call me from the airport. (as soon as)

c)

Although he works very hard, he is not very successful. (in spite of)

d)

I didn't know your phone number, so I didn't call. (if)

e)

Complete the following sentence to report what was said:

“We promise we will write to you.”

My friends ….

My friends

f)

Rephrase the sentence beginning with the word given:

They play football in many countries.

Football ….

Football

5.- Write between 140 and 180 words on ONE of the following questions. (Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos)

Opción a)

In your opinion, should local authorities take action to help homeless people? Give reasons and examples.

Word count: words (recommended: 140–180 words)

5.- Write between 140 and 180 words on ONE of the following questions. (Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos)

Opción b)

Write an informal e-mail to your English friend Jane describing a simple volunteer activity you would like to join to help your community and explaining why. Remember: DO NOT SIGN OR IDENTIFY YOUR EMAIL.

Word count: words (recommended: 140–180 words)