Ejercicio A · Inglés PAU Madrid Ordinaria Coincidencias 2024

TEXTO A

Does Listening to Music Stimulate Creative Thinking?

Listening to music while working may affect your creativity, according to a study conducted in 2000. This study looked at how different types of background music influence creative problem-solving. Participants did word puzzles in both quiet and music-filled settings, and, on average, their creativity scores were lower when music had been played. Therefore, the study questioned the idea that background music boosts creativity.

However, the relationship between music and creativity is not straightforward and can depend on the creative task the person is dealing with. In a study from 2022, researchers found that happy music helped with thinking of innovative ideas because it encourages flexible thinking. Another key issue found is that music can reduce anxiety and improve our state of mind, which can help with creative insights. A positive mood is generally good for creative breakthroughs. Conversely, anxiety tends to encourage intense focus, which isn't great for creativity.

Creative problem-solving usually involves different stages. After analyzing a problem and realizing that typical solutions don't work, the brain needs to shift focus to make room for new ideas. This is where music can be useful. Music can act as a mild distraction, relaxing the mind's focus at the same time that it facilitates a creative mindset. This often leads to "aha!" moments.

The type of music that can boost creativity varies among individuals. In most cases, pleasant and familiar music (not so new that it might become a distraction) can be helpful when seeking inspiration during problem-solving. So, if you find yourself blocked, try listening to some nice, familiar tunes.

Adapted from “Does Listening to Music Stimulate Creative Thinking, or Stifle It?” Time.com, July 16, 2019. <https://time.com/5626958/music-creative-thinking/>

QUESTIONS

A.1.- Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. Use a complete sentence. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos)

a)

At the beginning of the century, a study confirmed that background music improves creative skills.

TRUE

FALSE

b)

A deep state of concentration is good for being creative.

TRUE

FALSE

A.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)

What did a recent study discover regarding joyful music?

b)

What type of music is beneficial for most people to foster creativity?