Ejercicio Option A - I · Inglés PAU País Vasco Ordinaria 2022

OPTION A

WHY PEOPLE GET TATTOOS

Tattooing –or as supporters call it, “inking”- is an ancient practice. In Pharaonic Egypt tattoos indicated status or served as talismans for protection. In many cultures such as the Maori of New Zealand, tattooing was linked to ancient rituals or traditional beauty standards.

Until the late 20th century, many people associated inked bodies with bikers, punks and other groups that were thought to operate outside society’s norms. However, nowadays tattoos are increasingly popular, particularly amongst the young. According to one estimate, 38 percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 29 have at least one tattoo.

Explanations vary as to why so many people are getting their bodies inked. The media has had an enormous influence in spreading the tattoo trend. Since the 1990s, tattoos have appeared in magazines, films, TV, and the entertainment industry in general. This exposure has helped tattoos achieve a wider social acceptance.

Celebrities displaying tattoos have also had an important role in changing stereotypes and giving tattooing a higher status and making it fashionable. Nowadays, it is hard to find a famous footballer or a pop-star who hasn’t had their body inked.

The long-term fear of being "marked for life" is being moderated by advances in ink removal technology. Although nowadays young women are more likely than men to get tattoos, women are also twice as likely to have them removed.

Despite being quite fashionable, researchers have found that negative perceptions of inked people are still common, including considering them less competent or responsible. On the other hand, they may be seen as stronger and more independent than those without tattoos.

Tattooed individuals are particularly vulnerable to workplace discrimination. Research shows that visible body ink (on the face, neck, hands, lower arms and legs) makes it more difficult to get a job in some professions such as healthcare, teaching or banking. In those jobs, employees are not allowed to show their tattoos, regardless of whether they are offensive or not. In some sectors, you may not even get hired if you have tattoos. Employers often claim that they affect their company's image.

The popularity of tattoos has its down side. Now that middle-aged professionals and even your parents are getting inked, maybe it doesn’t make you look cool any more.

OPTION A

I.- Answer 4 out of the following 6 questions according to the information given in the text. WRITE COMPLETE SENTENCES USING YOUR OWN WORDS WHENEVER POSSIBLE. DO NOT COPY FROM THE TEXT. (Choose 4 out of the 6 questions) [4 marks]

1.

Why did ancient Egyptians use tattoos?

2.

What was the image tattooed people had before the late 20th century in our society?

3.

How has the media helped make tattoos more acceptable?

4.

How have celebrities changed the stereotype that tattoos used to have?

5.

Why can we say that nowadays getting a tattoo does not mean that you are marked for life?

6.

How can visible tattoos affect the chances of getting a job?