Examen de Inglés PAU País Vasco 2026 · Extraordinaria

My ‘Chinglish’ has a strong Australian accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child

My seven-month-old daughter was lying on her play mat, holding her tiny feet in her hands. She looked exactly like she was doing the “happy baby” yoga pose. I wanted to tell her this in Mandarin, but halfway through the sentence I realised I didn’t know the Mandarin word for “yoga”. She smiled at me, waiting, and I had to finish the sentence in English. This mix of simple Mandarin, English words and my strong Australian accent is what I am passing on to her. When I read her Chinese baby books, I often don’t know many of the words. It feels like we are learning together, step by step.

It’s strange that I am now trying to teach her Mandarin, because, when I was young, I tried hard to hide my Chinese background. While growing up in Australia in the 1980s and 90s, I spoke loudly in a clear Australian accent so that no one would think I was “too Chinese”. At that time, it felt safer to distance myself from my culture. My father had arrived from Malaysia in 1973, just as Australia was moving away from the White Australia rule. He believed that fitting into Anglo-Australian culture was necessary.

My parents worked hard and sent my siblings and me to good private schools. There, I met girls who seemed to represent the “ideal” Australian image: tall, confident country girls. I didn’t realise that my own story—children of immigrants working for a better future—was also becoming part of Australia’s identity. My parents tried to raise me bilingual. When I was about ten, they sent me to Saturday Chinese school. But I felt embarrassed because younger children who spoke Chinese at home were far ahead of me. I soon gave up.

Nowadays, multiculturalism has gone from a government rule to a source of national pride: the most recent Scalon Institute survey shows 85% agree multiculturalism has been good for the country. Multilingualism is now seen as both a personal and professional strength, creating opportunities to work overseas and in globalised markets. Studies demonstrate its cognitive benefits: boosting memory, problem-solving and mental flexibility, while also delaying dementia.

Many second-generation parents like me want to pass on their languages, even if imperfectly. A friend told me she had the same experience in Punjabi school; however, she still plans to raise her baby bilingually. She reminded me that parents simply do their best. Unlike my parents, I have more resources: bilingual childcare, language apps and community programs. Sometimes I worry that my Mandarin is too weak. But another colleague once shared how a single Portuguese word from her childhood became a precious link to her culture. It made me realise that even small pieces of language matter.

Language is more than grammar and vocabulary; it’s a bridge through time. Even when fractured and messy, it connects generations. One day, if my daughter passes on even one awkward phrase of our “mixed Mandarin”, it will carry our family’s story with it.

Abridged and adapted from: Monica Tan (2025, January 28). My ‘Chinglish’ has a cringe-inducing ocker accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child. The Guardian.

I.- a) Answer 4 out of the following 6 questions according to the information given in the text. Write complete sentences using your own words. Do not copy from the text. (Choose 4 out of the 6 questions) (4 x 0.5 = 2 points)

1.

Why couldn't the mother finish her sentence in Mandarin when talking to her baby?

2.

How does the mother describe the way she and her daughter learn Mandarin together?

3.

Why did the mother try to hide her Chinese background when she was younger?

4.

What made her feel embarrassed at Saturday Chinese school?

5.

How has the perception of multiculturalism changed in Australia today?

6.

What does the expression “it's a bridge through time” in the last paragraph mean?

My ‘Chinglish’ has a strong Australian accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child

My seven-month-old daughter was lying on her play mat, holding her tiny feet in her hands. She looked exactly like she was doing the “happy baby” yoga pose. I wanted to tell her this in Mandarin, but halfway through the sentence I realised I didn’t know the Mandarin word for “yoga”. She smiled at me, waiting, and I had to finish the sentence in English. This mix of simple Mandarin, English words and my strong Australian accent is what I am passing on to her. When I read her Chinese baby books, I often don’t know many of the words. It feels like we are learning together, step by step.

It’s strange that I am now trying to teach her Mandarin, because, when I was young, I tried hard to hide my Chinese background. While growing up in Australia in the 1980s and 90s, I spoke loudly in a clear Australian accent so that no one would think I was “too Chinese”. At that time, it felt safer to distance myself from my culture. My father had arrived from Malaysia in 1973, just as Australia was moving away from the White Australia rule. He believed that fitting into Anglo-Australian culture was necessary.

My parents worked hard and sent my siblings and me to good private schools. There, I met girls who seemed to represent the “ideal” Australian image: tall, confident country girls. I didn’t realise that my own story—children of immigrants working for a better future—was also becoming part of Australia’s identity. My parents tried to raise me bilingual. When I was about ten, they sent me to Saturday Chinese school. But I felt embarrassed because younger children who spoke Chinese at home were far ahead of me. I soon gave up.

Nowadays, multiculturalism has gone from a government rule to a source of national pride: the most recent Scalon Institute survey shows 85% agree multiculturalism has been good for the country. Multilingualism is now seen as both a personal and professional strength, creating opportunities to work overseas and in globalised markets. Studies demonstrate its cognitive benefits: boosting memory, problem-solving and mental flexibility, while also delaying dementia.

Many second-generation parents like me want to pass on their languages, even if imperfectly. A friend told me she had the same experience in Punjabi school; however, she still plans to raise her baby bilingually. She reminded me that parents simply do their best. Unlike my parents, I have more resources: bilingual childcare, language apps and community programs. Sometimes I worry that my Mandarin is too weak. But another colleague once shared how a single Portuguese word from her childhood became a precious link to her culture. It made me realise that even small pieces of language matter.

Language is more than grammar and vocabulary; it’s a bridge through time. Even when fractured and messy, it connects generations. One day, if my daughter passes on even one awkward phrase of our “mixed Mandarin”, it will carry our family’s story with it.

Abridged and adapted from: Monica Tan (2025, January 28). My ‘Chinglish’ has a cringe-inducing ocker accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child. The Guardian.

I.- b) Indicate whether the following statements are True or False according to the text. Copy the part (and ONLY the part) of the text which justifies your answer using quotations marks. (Choose 2 out of the 3 statements) (2 x 0.5 = 1 point).

.

Valuation:

My ‘Chinglish’ has a strong Australian accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child

My seven-month-old daughter was lying on her play mat, holding her tiny feet in her hands. She looked exactly like she was doing the “happy baby” yoga pose. I wanted to tell her this in Mandarin, but halfway through the sentence I realised I didn’t know the Mandarin word for “yoga”. She smiled at me, waiting, and I had to finish the sentence in English. This mix of simple Mandarin, English words and my strong Australian accent is what I am passing on to her. When I read her Chinese baby books, I often don’t know many of the words. It feels like we are learning together, step by step.

It’s strange that I am now trying to teach her Mandarin, because, when I was young, I tried hard to hide my Chinese background. While growing up in Australia in the 1980s and 90s, I spoke loudly in a clear Australian accent so that no one would think I was “too Chinese”. At that time, it felt safer to distance myself from my culture. My father had arrived from Malaysia in 1973, just as Australia was moving away from the White Australia rule. He believed that fitting into Anglo-Australian culture was necessary.

My parents worked hard and sent my siblings and me to good private schools. There, I met girls who seemed to represent the “ideal” Australian image: tall, confident country girls. I didn’t realise that my own story—children of immigrants working for a better future—was also becoming part of Australia’s identity. My parents tried to raise me bilingual. When I was about ten, they sent me to Saturday Chinese school. But I felt embarrassed because younger children who spoke Chinese at home were far ahead of me. I soon gave up.

Nowadays, multiculturalism has gone from a government rule to a source of national pride: the most recent Scalon Institute survey shows 85% agree multiculturalism has been good for the country. Multilingualism is now seen as both a personal and professional strength, creating opportunities to work overseas and in globalised markets. Studies demonstrate its cognitive benefits: boosting memory, problem-solving and mental flexibility, while also delaying dementia.

Many second-generation parents like me want to pass on their languages, even if imperfectly. A friend told me she had the same experience in Punjabi school; however, she still plans to raise her baby bilingually. She reminded me that parents simply do their best. Unlike my parents, I have more resources: bilingual childcare, language apps and community programs. Sometimes I worry that my Mandarin is too weak. But another colleague once shared how a single Portuguese word from her childhood became a precious link to her culture. It made me realise that even small pieces of language matter.

Language is more than grammar and vocabulary; it’s a bridge through time. Even when fractured and messy, it connects generations. One day, if my daughter passes on even one awkward phrase of our “mixed Mandarin”, it will carry our family’s story with it.

Abridged and adapted from: Monica Tan (2025, January 28). My ‘Chinglish’ has a cringe-inducing ocker accent – but I’m determined to pass it on to my child. The Guardian.

I.- c) Find the words or expressions in the text that mean: (Choose 4 out of the 6 questions) (4 x 0.25 = 1 point)

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

SECTION II

II.- a) Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given in brackets. Do not change the word given and do not use contractions. You must use between two and five words, including the word given. (6 x 0.25= 1.5 points)

1.

She insisted that she wanted to pay for the meal. (ON)

She for the meal.

2.

“I have never visited London”, she said to me. (ME)

She told London.

3.

It is not necessary for you to bring your laptop. (NEED)

You your laptop.

4.

I started working here ten years ago. (FOR)

I ten years.

5.

We had no more milk, so I could not make breakfast. (RAN)

We milk, so I could not make breakfast.

6.

I am sorry now that I have trusted him for so long. (REGRET)

I for so long.

II.- b) In this text, fill in the gaps with the most suitable option from the four options given for each gap. (10 x 0.15 = 1.5 points)

Over the last decade, the way people organise their free time has changed dramatically. Although many still enjoy traditional activities such as reading or going for a walk, others prefer more modern hobbies that allow them to stay connected with friends and family. One of the most popular trends nowadays is taking part in online communities, which offer a surprising variety of interests. (1)

,

not all of these communities are helpful, and some can even become overwhelming if they demand too much attention. My friend Daniel recently joined an online group dedicated to sustainable living. He has always been interested in reducing his environmental footprint, but he admitted that he (2)

more before signing up. The group expects members to post updates every week, and Daniel sometimes feels pressured to meet these expectations. In spite of that, he says the experience has encouraged him (3)

small but meaningful changes in his daily routine. Another aspect that Daniel appreciates is that the group promotes critical thinking. Members are encouraged to avoid false information, particularly articles that are (4)

and which are not supported by scientific evidence. In this sense, the moderators suggest checking reliable sources before sharing anything. This has helped Daniel realise that the Internet is filled with persuasive messages that can easily influence people, (5)

they have good intentions. However, being part of such a committed group also brings certain challenges. Daniel sometimes feels guilty because he believes he (6)

more active in community events. He often wants to participate, but he struggles to balance this with his job responsibilities. Last month, for instance, he had planned (7)

a workshop on recycling practices, but he had to cancel at the last minute due to an important meeting at work. Despite the occasional difficulties, Daniel has no intention of leaving the group. (8)

,

he has recommended it to several friends, arguing that, even if they do not have much free time, they can still learn valuable habits simply by reading the discussions. Daniel also says that joining the community has made him more aware (9)

cultural differences. Some members come from countries where certain environmental practices are already part of everyday life, while others are just beginning to implement them. In conclusion, Daniel's experience shows that online communities can be a powerful tool for personal growth, (10)

they require time, effort and a sense of responsibility to make the most of them.

SECTION III: Write a composition of about 150 words on one of these topics. Specify your option. (3 points)

a)

Nowadays, schools are multicultural and multilingual, and many people think that students should be allowed to speak in their home language in class, even if the teacher does not understand all the languages. This can have advantages and disadvantages. Write a for-and-against essay on this topic.

SECTION III: Write a composition of about 150 words on one of these topics. Specify your option. (3 points)

b)

The author of the text in Section I speaks Mandarin to her daughter, even if imperfectly, because she wants to preserve her language, culture and identity. Do you think this is a good or bad idea? Write an opinion essay on this topic.