EBAU JUNIO 2018

OPCIÓN DE EXAMEN Nº 1

How to Cope with an Excess of Emails

Email is over 30 years old and hasn’t changed that much since its invention. But over the years we have been letting it take over our lives. It started out as a basic electronic messaging system, and we now use it to communicate everything – from the simplest to the most complex messages. Many of us email people we sit next to in the office instead of talking face to face, and new emails interrupt whatever we are doing.

About 269 billion emails are sent daily, which means almost 2.4 million emails are sent every second. So it’s hardly surprising that email overload is now a major cause of stress and disruption. People either feel they can never completely disconnect, or find they are incapable of answering all their new emails.

There are a few approaches people use to help deal with email overload, like simply ignoring unwanted messages, trying to answer all emails immediately or checking their account constantly. Most of these approaches, and especially constantly checking email, can be bad for your health and well-being. Distraction from emails has helped reduce our concentration to eight seconds – less than that of a goldfish – according to a Microsoft study in 2015.

Since email has been around for so long we assume everyone knows how to use it effectively. But do they? Here are some ways to start changing your email behaviour: Firstly, turn off all new email alerts and set aside quality time to deal with the inbox. Secondly, move emails out to a folder as you deal with them (from reading to responding). Use your software to filter out all unimportant emails automatically.

Another essential option is to think before sending a message – Is email the best way to communicate? If not, use an alternative like actually having a chat in person. Finally, make it easy for people to reply properly – keep it short – try limiting yourself to five lines, and only mention essential topics or questions. Within that, make sure your message is structured, spell-checked and focused on a single topic.

The Guardian, 6th November 2017 (Adapted)

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TrUE or FAlSE and write down whichpart of the text justifies your answer.

a) Email is radically different now from when it started.
b) One reason that causes people stress is that they find it difficult to take a break from emails.
c) The author suggests you should simply not pay attention to certain messages.
d) Emails have increased our ability to focus on things according to the Microsoft study.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text. 

a)What problems with email does the text mention?
b) How does the author suggest people should deal with their email problems?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

a) to allow (paragraph 1).
b) each (paragraph 2)
c) straightaway (paragraph 3)
d) to suppose (paragraph 4)
e) correctly (paragraph 5)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

1. The text says that…

a) only a few people email colleagues who they work closely with.
b) a lot of people email colleagues who they work closely with.
c) some people never email colleagues who they work closely with.
d) most people rarely email colleagues who they work closely with.

2. If people are constantly looking at their emails,…

a) it might affect their health negatively.
b) it will definitely affect their health negatively.
c) it would have affected their health negatively.
d) it will always influence their health negatively.

3. The author suggests that people will find it easier to reply…

a) despite your answer being short and focused.
b) as long as your answer is short and focused.
c) although your answer is short and focused.
d) whether your answer is short and focused or not.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

– What are the advantages and disadvantages of communicating with your friends electronically?

OPCIÓN DE EXAMEN Nº 2

Street Art Finds Permanent Home in Berlin

For decades, street art has been an essential part of Berlin’s cultural DNA. West Berliners would write messages of resistance along the Wall in the 1980s, and, after reunification, creative thinkers used the bombarded buildings of the east part of the city to express themselves. This earned Berlin a reputation as the world’s graffiti mecca and today, millions of tourists flock to the city to see its biggest street art attractions.

Now, a brand new museum offers street and urban art lovers another reason to visit Berlin. The Museum for Urban Contemporary Art opened in the Schöneberg neighbourhood on September 16, 2017. The project was made possible through the efforts of the Berliner leben Foundation and Yasha Young, the well-known gallerist. They renovated the museum space with the help of a €1 million grant from the Berlin lottery, which encourages culture in the city.

But this isn’t just a place to go and see the illegal graffiti commonly associated with street art. The new museum is home to some of the best examples of urban contemporary art from around the globe, showing how the art form has evolved since its early days in the 1970s to now include digital works, hyper-realistic paintings, sculpture and more. “I wanted to give urban contemporary art an archive where one could actually research the history much longer and much later. This project was 10 years in the making,” said Young, who is now the museum’s executive creative director.

Young worked with 10 museum curators to select 150 artists whose work is on display. For her, the museum was also an opportunity to raise the profile of these artists and preserve their work in a permanent collection. “It was a long process, and we worked until we found we had made a good varied selection of works to give a broad overview,” Young said. “We wanted to elevate work that isn’t necessarily considered by many people to be art, give these artists institutional recognition and make them part of a museum collection.”

Additionally, the new museum is designed to fit into Berlin’s street art scene. The art is not limited to the inside of the museum — in fact, Young made it a point to have creativity spilling out into the streets. The building’s facade is made up of panels that will display rotating murals, and the museum has commissioned several artists to create artworks in the surrounding blocks of Schöneberg.

USA Today, 7th November (Adapted)

Question 1: [2,5 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down whichpartof the text justifies your answer.

a) The importance of street art in Berlin is a very recent phenomenon.
b) The new museum only displays exhibits from Germany.
c) Graffiti is the only type of exhibit on display in the new museum.
d) Some of the exhibits at the new museum are outside the actual building.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a) Why is Berlin known for street art?
b) What different things make the new museum special?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

a) vital (paragraph 1)
b) famous (paragraph 2)
c) generally (paragraph 3)
d) to keep (paragraph 4)
e) what`s more (paragraph 5)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

1. The text says that…

a) many people visit the city of Berlin because of its street art.
b) many people visit the city of Berlin despite its street art.
c) many people visit the city of Berlin in order to create new street art.
d) many people will not visit the city of Berlin unless more street art is created.

2. Yasha Young …

a) worked completely on her own to choose the works for the new museum.
b) worked with a small team of museum staff to choose the works for the new museum.
c) worked with a very large group of artists to choose the works for the new museum.
d) worked with a group of more than one hundred museum staff to choose the works for the museum.

3. Various artists…

a) have asked to create artwork in the Schöneberg neighbourhood.
b) have been asked to create artwork in the Schöneberg neighbourhood.
c) have to be asked to create artwork in the Schöneberg neighbourhood.
d) have to ask to create artwork in the Schöneberg neighbourhood.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

– Do you think traditional museums should change to make them more attractive to younger people? Justify your opinion.

SEPTIEMBRE 2018

   

 OPCIÓN DE EXAMEN Nº 1

Why You Should Surround Yourself with Books

A full bookcase, or kindle, says good things about your mind. Lifelong learning will help you be happier, earn more, and even stay healthier, experts say. Plus, plenty of some of the smartest names in business, from Bill Gates to Elon Musk, insist that the best way to get smarter is to read. So what should you do? You should go out and buy books, lots of them. And according to bestselling author Nassim Taleb, it isn’t even that important whether you have read all the books you own or not.

Taleb begins his thesis with an anecdote about the legendary library of Italian writer Umberto Eco, which contained an amazing 30,000 volumes. Did Eco actually read all those books? Of course not, but that wasn't the point of surrounding himself with so much potential knowledge. By providing a constant reminder of all the things he didn't know, Eco's library kept him intellectually hungry and perpetually curious. An ever growing collection of books you haven't yet read can do the same for you, the author argues.

A private library is not just something to boost your ego but a research tool. Books you have already read are actually far less valuable than unread ones. The library should contain as much of what you do not know as your personal circumstances allow you to put there. You will accumulate more knowledge and more books as you grow older, and the growing number of unread books on the shelves will look at you menacingly. Probably, the more you know, the more books you’ll buy, and so the larger the number of unread books you have. Taleb calls this collection of unread books an “antilibrary.”

An antilibrary is a powerful reminder of your limitations - the vast quantity of things you don't know, think you know, or are probably wrong about. By living with that reminder daily you can nudge yourself towards the kind of intellectual humility that improves decision-making and drives learning. Why? Perhaps because it is a well known psychological fact that is the most incompetent who are the most confident of their abilities and the most intelligent who are full of doubt. It's equally well established that the more readily you admit you don't know things, the faster you learn. So, just relax. All those books you haven't read are your greatest opportunity to grow.

 Published on: Dec 5, 2017 www.inc.com

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) Experts suggest that continuing to learn can help you have a higher salary.

b) Umberto Eco felt quite bored by his library.

c) The books you haven`t read yet are said to be worth more than the ones you have.

d) It’s common knowledge that learning is quicker if you recognise what you don’t know.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

                         a)Can you describe Umberto Eco’s library in your own words and explain why it is used as an example?

b) Define the idea of an “antilibrary” in your own words and say why Taleb says it is such a good thing.

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given. 

                         a) famous (paragraph 2)

b) in reality (paragraph 3)

c) to permit (paragraph 3)

d) huge (paragraph 4)

e) chance (paragraph 4)

Question 4: [1,5 ] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your POINTSanswer sheet.

1. According to Taleb…

a) owning books is never more important than reading them.

b) owning the books that you read is essential.

c) reading the books that you own is not essential.

d) buying books that you do not read is not intelligent.

2. Taleb suggests that…

a) the number of unread books a person has will probably increase with age.

b) the number of unread books a person has will probably decrease with age.

c) the number of unread books a person has will definitely decrease with age.

d) the number of unread books a person has will not definitely decrease with age.

3. If people admit their limitations,…

a) they won’t be more motivated to learn, according to Taleb.

b) they would be more motivated to learn, according to Taleb.

c) they would have been more motivated to learn, according to Taleb.

d) they will be more motivated to learn, according to Taleb.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

– Do you prefer books or the internet for studying and entertainment? Justify your opinion.

OPCIÓN DE EXAMEN Nº 2

The Big Dispute over Manchego Cheese

Two different cheeses which share the same name are at the heart of an international dispute. One is a traditional sheep’s milk cheese, as typically Spanish as cured Serrano ham and Don Quixote. The other is a mild cow’s milk cheese, enriched with vegetable oil, sold cheaply in Mexican markets and stuffed into quesadillas. Both cheeses are called Manchego, but they have very little in common. That is how they have come to be at the centre of a dispute that is putting a major trade deal between Mexico and the European Union at risk.

Machego makers in Spain say their product has a denomination of origin and want Mexican cheeses to stop carrying the same name. Ismael Álvarez de Toledo, president of the Spanish Association of Manchego Cheeses insists that there is only one product worthy of the name – and it is made from the milk of sheep in the region of La Mancha. He explained, “Mexican manchego is an insipid cow’s milk cheese that sometimes doesn’t even look like cheese because it often comes in slices for making sandwiches.” He insisted they have no right to use the name.

The trade deal threatened by this disagreement was signed in 2000. Mexico has recently wanted to revise the deal’s conditions as they need to diversify their business away from the USA, and it was hoped that a new treaty could be reached by Christmas. This has not been possible, however, because of the Manchego cheese problem. Furthermore, the EU takes geographical indications of its member states very seriously. Ten years ago, Spain successfully blocked a Belgian cheese maker who was selling an imitation “Manchego.” It was decided that Manchego was a brand name that belonged only to cheeses from the region.

Mexico is fiercely protective of many of its own denominations of origin, such as Tequila, but their cheese industry does not seem particularly concerned about this issue. “Mexico is more like the US in that we focus more on brands,” said René Fonseca, general secretary of the National Milk Industry.” We’re not interested in protecting generic names.” Fonseca even argues that it was in fact Europeans who first introduced the name Manchego to Mexico and so it is not the Mexicans´ fault. Álvarez, however, insisted that the confusion has led to real economic losses for Spanish producers, especially in the American market.

The Guardian, 15th January 2018 (Adapted)

  

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a)  The trade agreement between Mexico and the EU is only a couple of years old.

b)   The EU thinks that what its member countries want is important.

c)  Mexico doesn’t care about protecting the names of any of its products.

d)   The dispute is said to have caused financial implications for Spain’s cheese industry.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a)  Describe the difference of opinion related to cheese between Spain and Mexico in your own words?

b)  Why is this an international dispute?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given. 

                          a) disagreement, argument (paragraph 1)

b) economically, inexpensively (paragraph 1)

c) tasteless (paragraph 2)

d) to agree, to achieve (paragraph 3)

e) for example (paragraph 4)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

1. Mexico is trying to…

a) conduct trade only with the EU.

b) improve their trade agreement with the EU.

c) do more trade with the EU than the USA.

d) protect their trade in the USA.

2. The text says that Spain…

a) has already allowed another European country to produce a version of Manchego cheese. 

b) is in favour of allowing other European countries to produce versions of Manchego cheese. 

c) has already prevented another European country from producing a version of Manchego

cheese.

d) is going to prevent another European country from producing version of Manchego cheese.

3. According to Fonseca,…

a) the Mexican government is the original cause of the problem.

b) the cheese industry is the original cause of the problem.

c) people from Europe are the original cause of the problem.

d) no one is really to blame for this problem.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

– Do you think that typical home cooking is better or worse than fast food? Justify your opinion.

OPCIÓN 1 JUNIO 2018

Question1:

1. FALSE “hasn’t changed that much since its invention”
2. TRUE So it’s hardly surprising that email overload is now a major cause of stress and disruption.                    People either feel they can never completely disconnect,
3. TRUE “like simply ignoring unwanted messages”
                Use your software to filter out all unimportant emails automatically
4. FALSE “Distraction from emails has helped reduce our concentration to eight seconds”

Question 2:

1. What problems with email does the text mention? Different problems:

• It takes over our lives
• It is an obstacle for face to face communication.
• It causes stress and disruption.
• It makes it difficult to disconnect from work.
• It is impossible to answer all your emails.
• It reduces power of concentration.

The main problems associated with email is that it makes it difficult for us to concentrate on other aspects of our lives, causing us to feel stressed and preoccupied with work all the time. It also discourages more personal forms of communication like speaking to people in person.

2. How does the author suggest people deal with their email problems? Different suggestions:

• Turn off email alerts.
• Deal with your emails properly, setting aside quality time.
• Organize your email in different folders.
• Use an application to filter out unwanted emails.
• Think before you email.
• Consider other communication option, such as a face-to-face chat.
• Write appropriately- short, focused, making it easier for people to reply.

The author suggests planning time to deal with emails specifically instead of being constantly alerted to their arrival. He also says it is a good idea to organize messages appropriately and to use software to avoid receiving spam. When it comes to writing to people, you should make your messages logical and short, which means that people will answer you better.


Question 3.

1. letting, to let
2. every
3. immediately
4. assume
5. properly

Question 4:
1. b. a lot of people email colleagues who they work closely with.
2. a. it might affect their health negatively.
3. b. as long as your answer is short and focused.

OPCIÓN 2 JUNIO 2018

Question1:

1. FALSE “For decades, street art has been an essential part of Berlin’s cultural DNA”
2. FALSE “of urban contemporary art from around the globe”
3. FALSE “to now include digital works, hyper-realistic paintings, sculpture and more”
4. TRUE “The art isn’t limited to the inside of the museum”

Question 2:

1. Why is Berlin known for street art? Different reasons:

• It has been culturally important for a long time.
• Before reunification it was used to express political ideas.
• After reunification, this was also true.
• Many tourists have visited the city to see the graffiti.
• The new museum is another reason to visit the city.

Berlin has been famous for its graffiti for a long time, as both before and after reunification, it is a way that people used to express their political ideas. Nowadays a lot of people specifically visit the city to see the street art and the new museum is also encouraging this trend.

2. What different things make the new museum special? Different things:

• There are a lot of exhibits from around the globe.
• The history and evolution of graffiti is also presented.
• There are different types of exhibit: painting, sculpture and digital.
• The museum took a long time to plan and organize.
• There are also exhibit outside the actual museum building.

The new museum is special because of the range of different origins of the exhibits – there are works from all over the world, and also because there are different formats, such as drawings, sculptures and digital exhibits. It also uses the buildings around the museum to display some of the works, so the art is both inside and outside the building.

Question 3:
1 .essential
2. well-known
3. commonly
4. (to) preserve
5. additionally

Question 4:

1. a. many people visit the city of Berlin because of its street art.
2. b. worked with a small team of museum staff to choose the works for the new museum.
3. b. have been asked to create artwork in the Schöenberg neighbourhood.


Opción 1 Septiembre 2018

Question1:

1. TRUE “Lifelong learning will help you be happier, earn more…”
2. FALSE “Eco’s library kept him intellectually hungry and perpetually curious.”
3. TRUE “Books you have already read are actually far less valuable than unread ones.”
4. TRUE “It’s equally well established that the more readily you admit you don’t know things, the faster you learn.”

Question 2:
1. Umberto’s Eco’s library was very large and had 30,000 books. It was also famous because it was so big. It is used as an example because Eco hadn’t read all the books he owned, but was inspired and motivated to learn more by so much potential knowledge around him.

2. According to the author of the text, an antilibrary is books which you have bought but which you haven’t read. These books have the things you don’t know yet but which you would like to learn about. This is important because it reminds you of your limitations and that increases your desire and chance to grow more intellectually.

Question 3:

1. LEGENDARY
2. ACTUALLY
3. ALLOW
4. VAST
5. OPPORTUNITY

Question 4: heet.

1. c. reading the books that you own is not essential.
2. a. the number of unread books a person has will probably increase with age.
3. d. they will be more motivated to learn, according toTaleb.


Opción 2 Septiembre 2018

Question1:

1. FALSE “The trade deal threatened by this disagreement was signed in 2000.”
2. TRUE “the EU takes geographical indications of its member countries very seriously.”
3. FALSE “Mexico is fiercely protective of many of its own denominations of origin,”
4. TRUE “the confusion has led to real economic losses for Spanish producers,”

Question 2:

1. The problem between Spain and Mexico is that both countries have a national cheese which goes by the same name. The two different Manchego cheeses and not at all similar in any way, but the Spanish cheesemakers feel that the name is protected and that the Mexicans shouldn’t use it. Mexico, on the other hand, does not think this is important.

2. Firstly, it is an international dispute because Spain and Mexico are different countries. Furthermore, as Spain is a member of the European Union, this problem also has implications for international the trade agreement between Mexico and the EU.

Question 3:

1.disagreement, argument(paragraph 1) DISPUTE
2.economically, inexpensively(paragraph 1) CHEAPLY
3.tasteless (paragraph 2) INSIPID
4.to agree, to achieve (paragraph 3) REACHED
5.for example ( paragraph 4) SUCH AS

Question 4:

1. b. improve their trade agreement with the EU.
2. c. has already prevented another European country from producing a version of Manchego cheese.
3. c. people from Europe are the original cause of the problem.

MODELOS JULIO 19 OPCIONES 1 Y 2

Cycles for Cigarettes: City Gives Bikes to Children if a Relative Quits

Standing on the street in the centre of Kilis, a small Turkish city on the border with Syria, a steady stream of noisy motorcycles, scooters and cars zoom past. It’s certainly not the most bicycle-friendly city, but local leaders are determined to change that with a new network of cycle lanes, and by giving away thousands of bikes to local children.

Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war seven years ago, millions of Syrians have sought shelter in  Turkey. While there are refugee camps lining the border, most refugees opt to live in cities such as Kilis. The population of Syrian refugees now exceeds the number of locals here and Arabic is heard as much as Turkish. Many shops and restaurants are emblazoned with Arabic signs.

The mayor, Hasan Kara, wants Kilis to be viewed as a place that has graciously opened its doors to refugees. As part of that, Kara has embarked on a series of civic and infrastructure projects aimed at creating a liveable environment. Perhaps the most unusual is a scheme to give thousands of free bicycles to the city’s children. “So far, we have distributed more than 4,000 bicycles, and our target is to give out at least 15,000,” Kara explains as we talk in his office in a restored historical building near the centre.

On the streets nearby, motorcycles and scooters zoom past in every direction; some carry entire families of three and four, and it is rare to see a helmet. “We placed importance on the bicycle project because as you can see, the usage of motorcycles is very common,” he says. “Now, we’re seeing children coming to and from school on their bicycles.” To get a bike, children must meet three requirements: they must get a smoker relative to quit, maintain strong grades while improving a weak area of study, and promise to ride for an hour a day.

In addition to the bikes for kids scheme, Kilis has built a four-mile cycle lane close to the city centre, near rows of modern apartment buildings. The mayor aims to build a 20-mile network of bike lanes throughout the city, including one along its main shopping street, in an attempt to break the dominance of cars and motorcycles. Initial funds for the cycle project came from the city and Turkey’s Ministry of Health but there is not enough to complete the project, so Kara is calling on the European Union for help.

11 Dec 2018, The Guardian (Adapted)

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE  and  write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) Kilis is not currently a very easy city for cyclists.
b) It is not very common to hear Arabic spoken in Kilis.
c) The projects proposed by Hasan Kara aim to make the city a better place for residents.
d) Any child who gets a relative to stop smoking will receive a bike.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.
a) What is the traffic in the city of Kilis currently like?
b) What different things is the proposed project trying to do?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) constant (paragraph 1)
b) flow (paragraph 1)
c) objective (paragraph 3)
d) unusual (paragraph 4)
e) effort (paragraph 5)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.
1. According to the text, the majority of the Syrian refugees in Kilis...
a) would like to live in special camps.
b) have to live in special camps.
c) choose not to live in special camps.
d) have never lived in special camps.
2. The text says that...
a) some of the children have already started using the bikes they have been given.
b) some of the children said they don´t want to use the new bikes they have been given.
c) no children are still waiting to be given their bikes.
d) none of the children have started using their new bikes yet.

3. Unless a child does well in school...
a) he/she may be given a bike.
b) he/she will not get a bike.
c) he/she may not want to receive a bike.
d) he/she will expect to receive a bike.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of riding a bike where you live? Is it a good or bad place for cyclists?

No One Seems to Care how Dangerous CrossFit Is

Carolyn Nagler has witnessed a lot of accidents in her year attending CrossFit classes. Her own most painful experience happened six months after first wandering into a class, when she cut her legs in missing her target during a “box jump”. Still, that hasn’t stopped the 45-year-old from returning to her local gym in Astoria, Queens, up to five times a week. “I was bleeding all over, but I got up and kept going,” she says. “If I hadn’t, I would never be able to do a box jump now.”

New Yorkers are always seeking new, extreme methods for staying fit, and high-intensity interval-training (HIIT) workouts such as those at CrossFit — in which participants complete physically demanding repetitions— have unique appeal to New Yorkers’ need for both competition and novelty. With these extreme workouts, however, come injuries. “I do think there is a sort of race between gyms to find the next new thing,” says Jordan Metzl, a specialist sports doctor who also teaches an HIIT class. He says he’s seen a 30 percent increase in HIIT- related injuries at the hospital over the past two years. “It can kill you,” CrossFit co-founder Greg Glassman even told the New York Times in 2005. “I’ve always been completely honest about that.”

Noel Lozares, an orthopedic and sports physical therapist who often works with Olympic athletes, says it’s easy for workout enthusiasts to get carried away. He recommends that people interested in HIIT should already be active — whether it’s running, yoga or pilates — three days a week. “You always want to consult the instructor,” he says. “So many people who have never done any kind of exercise before get into these classes, and that’s when injuries happen.”

The most common athletic ailments include muscle strains, particularly in the lower back; knee and shoulder injuries; and tendon issues. Still, doctors believe strength training is an important part of any athlete’s workouts — and can make other kinds of exercise, like running, easier and more productive. Before a session, Metzl recommends doing what he calls a “dynamic warm-up” to get muscles and joints moving. Another important part of staying fit and healthy is allowing the body time to recover, says Lozares. “I am working with athletes who are members of the US Olympic team — none of them do HIIT every day.”

March 15, 2016. New York Post (Adapted)


Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down  which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) Carolyn Nagler now goes to the gym every day.
b) Gyms in New York are very competitive when looking for new activities to offer clients.
c) There have been fewer patients from CrossFit injuries at Metzl’s hospital recently.
d) The typical problems associated with CrossFit are all located in one single part of the body.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.
a) What is CrossFit and why is it considered dangerous by some?
b) According to the text what different precautions are necessary if you do CrossFit?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) however (paragraph 1)
b) to look for (paragraph 2)
c) singular (paragraph 2)
d) attraction (paragraph 2)
e) to ask for an opinion (paragraph 3)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.
1. Carolyn Nagler...
a) hasn’t seen other people get hurt in CrossFit classes.
b) hasn’t been hurt in CrossFit classes herself.
c) has been hurt in CrossFit classes herself.
d) has hurt other people in CrossFit classes.

2. Greg Glassman claims...
a) to have always told the truth about the risks involved in CrossFit.
b) to have been more or less sincere about the risks involved in CrossFit.
c) to have lied openly about the risks involved in CrossFit.
d) to have avoided speaking about the risks involved in CrossFit.

3. Despite being professionals, the Olympic athletes mentioned in the text...
a) rarely do daily HIIT workouts.
b) like to do daily HIIT workouts.
c) never do daily HIIT workouts.
d) try to do daily HIIT workouts.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

Do you like extreme sports? Do you think all dangerous sports and hobbies should be illegal? Give your opinion.



KEY

Opción 1

Question1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts a cada respuesta.

1. Kilis is not currently a very easy city for cyclists.

TRUE It’s certainly not the most bicycle-friendly city,

2. It is not very common to hear Arabic spoken in Kilis. FALSE Arabic is heard as much as Turkish

3. The projects proposed by Hasan Kara aim to make the city a better place for residents. TRUE ...projects aimed at creating a liveable environment.

4. Any child who gets a relative to stop smoking will receive a bike.

. FALSE To get a bike, children must meet three requirements: (they must get a smoker relative to quit, maintain strong grades while improving a weak area of study, and promise to ride for an hour a day.)

Question 2:[ 2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text Cada apartado se valorará con 1 pt. 0´5 para la comprensión del texto y 0´5 para la expresión escrita respectivamente.

1. What is the traffic in the city of Kilis currently like?

The traffic in Kilis sounds quite hectic and dangerous. There are a lot of cars and motorbikes already, and traditionally, fewer bicycles. The use of the motorbikes seems particularly risky as they rarely use safety equipment and often carry too many passengers.

2. What different things is the proposed project trying to do?

The project is trying to improve the traffic situation by encouraging children to use bikes and giving them the equipment and infrastructure they need to do this. It is also trying to improve people’s health by getting people to stop smoking and to motivate children to study more.

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS]Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given.

Se otorgará 0,3 pts. a cada respuesta

1. constant (paragraph 1) steady

2. flow (paragraph 1) stream

3. objective (paragraph 3) target

4. unusual (paragraph 4) rare

5. effort (paragraph 5) attempt

Question 4:[1,5 POINTS]Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts. a cada respuesta

1. According to the text, the majority of the Syrian refugees in Kilis...

c. choose not to live in special camps.

2. The text says that...

a. some of the children have already started using the bikes they have been given.

3. Unless a child does well in school...

b. he/she will not get a bike.

Question 5:[3 POINTS]Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

What are the advantages and disadvantages of riding a bike where you live? Is it a good or bad place for cyclists?

1,5 pts. se otorgará a la estructura global de la redacción teniendo en cuenta la coherencia y la claridad de las ideas, argumentos y opiniones expresadas. Con 1,5 pts. se valorará la expresión escrita teniendo en cuenta la ortografía, la corrección y la adecuación del léxico y de las estructuras gramaticales al tema.

Opción 2

Question1:[2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts a cada respuesta.

1. Carolyn Nagler now goes to the gym every day.

FALSE Still, that hasn’t stopped the 45-year-old from returning to her local gym in Astoria, Queens, up to five times a week.

2. Gyms in New York are very competitive when looking for new activities to offer clients. TRUE “I do think there is a sort of race between gyms to find the next new thing,”

3. There have been fewer patients from CrossFit injuries at Metzl’s hospital recently.

FALSE He says he’s seen a 30 percent increase in HIIT-related injuries at the hospital over the past two years.

4. The typical problems associated with CrossFit are all located in one single part of the body. FALSE The most common athletic ailments include muscle strains, particularly in the lower back; knee and shoulder injuries; and tendon issues.

Question 2:[2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text

Cada apartado se valorará con 1 pt. 0´5 para la comprensión del texto y 0´5 para la expresión escrita respectivamente.

1. What is CrossFit and why it is considered dangerous by some?

CrossFit is a specific type of fitness programme that combines different types of vigorous exercise. It is considered dangerous because it causes a high number of injuries due to its intensity and difficulty.

2. According to the text what different precautions are necessary if you do CrossFit?

The text says that people who do CrossFit should already be actively involved in other exercise programmes, should talk to an expert before starting and should not do it too often. It is also important to warm-up and cool-down correctly before and after the activity.

Question 3:[1,5 POINTS]Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given.

Se otorgará 0,3 pts. a cada respuesta 1.however (paragraph 1) still

2.to look for (paragraph 2) seeking 3.singular (paragraph 2) unique 4.attraction (paragraph 2) appeal

5.to ask for an opinion (paragraph 3) consult

Question 4:[1,5 POINTS]Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts. a cada respuesta

1. Carolyn Nagler...

c. has been hurt in CrossFit classes herself.

2. Greg Glassman claims...

a. to have always told the truth about the risks involved in CrossFit.

3. Despite being professionals, the Olympic athletes mentioned in the text...

c. never do daily HIIT workouts.

Question 5:[3 POINTS]Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

Do you like extreme sports? Do you think all dangerous sports and hobbies should be illegal? Give your opinion.

1,5 pts. se otorgará a la estructura global de la redacción teniendo en cuenta la coherencia y la claridad de las ideas, argumentos y opiniones expresadas. Con 1,5 pts. se valorará la expresión escrita teniendo en cuenta la ortografía, la corrección y la adecuación del léxico y de las estructuras gramaticales al tema.

MODELOS JUNIO 19 OPCIONES 1 Y 2

Why Young People don’t Watch TV the Old Way.

Since rising to prominence in the 1950s, television has become a universal experience for people of all ages. And until recently, due to lack of variety, everyone watched the same programmes most of the time. The top-rated non-sporting event in American history was the M*A*S*H finale, viewed by 105.9 million Americans. That was nearly half the U.S. population in 1983. But the days of the family gathered around the TV set and watching their favourite show together are now long gone.

Many young people no longer have cable and it’s become more and more common to hear people say they “don’t even have a TV.” Both of these statements may be true, but it doesn’t mean young people are consuming less visual entertainment. It just means they’re watching less live television on traditional television screens. People aged 25-34 watch less than half as much live TV as those aged 50-64, but they’ve just turned their attention to other screens and different times.

Streaming services like Netflix are largely responsible. Thanks to its cheap monthly subscription that can be shared between multiple users, I know exactly zero people my age who do not have access to Netflix. Its success can be attributed to a number of factors, most notably its ease of use – you can connect to Netflix via your phone, computer, Smart TV, a gaming console, or nearly anything with an internet connection. Many traditional networks now even post their shows online, for free – accessible for anyone who wants to watch.

Access to whichever show you want, whenever you want, has made television a more solitary experience. We can now watch a sporting event or our favourite show on a tablet or a phone. The top rated shows on television remain on networks like CBS and NBC, but the median age of viewers is creeping towards 60.

What lies ahead is even more confusing. Today’s kids are even more adverse to traditional TV; entire careers are now made off producing daily or weekly YouTube videos. One particular YouTube personality, Logan Paul, has 17 million subscribers and posts a new video daily. But all in all consumers both young and old benefit. An increasingly competitive marketplace provides us with hundreds of shows to choose from and watch however we like. It’s a golden age for television, even if we don’t call it television anymore.

(M*A*S*H – a popular American TV series from the 1970 and 80s.) May 30, 2018. Edmonton Prime Times (Adapted)

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and  write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) At least three quarters of the people in the US watched the end of M*A*S*H in 1983.
b) The author has many friends his age who do not use Netflix.
c) The fact that Netflix is not difficult for people to use makes it attractive.
d) Logan Paul uploads a video to YouTube 3 times a week.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.
a) According to the text, how has the way people watch TV changed over the last 50 years?
b) How does the author say a person’s age affects the way they probably watch tv programmes nowadays?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) usual, typical (paragraph 2)
b) through (paragraph 3)
c) average  (paragraph 4)
d) specific  (paragraph 5)
e) everything considered, on the whole (paragraph 5)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.
1. The text says that young people...
a) used to watch more live television.
b) are getting used to watching more live television now.
c) don`t watch any live television at all.
d) didn’t use to watch as much live television.
2. The text suggests that if services like Netflix were more expensive,...
a) more people could afford them.
b) nobody would use them.
c) fewer people would probably watch them.
d) nobody would ever use them.

3. The text explains that the shows people watch the most...
a) are no longer produced by the traditional networks.
b) are still produced by the traditional networks.
c) can no  longer be seen on portable devices.
d) can now only be seen on portable devices.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:
– In your opinion, is it better to watch movies at home via the internet or at the cinema? Give reasons for your opinion.


OPCIÓN DE EXAMEN Nº 2

Is Owning a Dog Good for Your Health?

Dogs really are our best friends, according to a Swedish study that says canine ownership could reduce heart disease. A study of 3.4 million people between the ages of 40 and 80 found that having a dog was associated with a 23 % reduction in death from heart disease and a 20 % lower risk of dying from any cause over the 12 years of the study. Previous studies have suggested dogs relieve social isolation and depression – both linked to an increased risk of heart disease and early death.

Dog owners show better responses to stress (their blood pressure and pulse rates don’t soar), have higher levels of physical activity and slightly lower cholesterol levels. The American Heart Association released a statement in 2013 saying that owning a dog “was probably” associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Their reluctance to more strongly endorse dog ownership is because most previous studies are what is called observational – researchers note an association, but can’t prove causation. This means that other factors might explain why dog owners are healthier than, say, goldfish owners – for example, perhaps only people who are fit in the first place purchase pets that need daily walkies.

This latest study found the biggest positive impact of having a dog was on people living alone. “It seems  that a dog can be a substitute for living with other people in terms of reducing the risk of dying,” says Tove Fall, an epidemiologist and the lead author of the study. “Dogs encourage you to walk, they provide social support and they make life more meaningful. If you have a dog, you interact more with other people. If you do get ill and go into hospital and you have a dog, there’s a huge motivation to try to get back home.”

Of course, getting a dog and watching it from your sofa while you eat fatty food is not going to reduce your risk of heart disease. And a toy dog may look cute, but won’t have any effect either. Fall’s study showed the most health benefits came from having retrievers or pointers. Until her German shorthaired pointer died last year, she ran 10km with her most days. “In Sweden, we have one of the lowest rates of dog ownership in Europe,” says Fall, who has recently got a new puppy. “Maybe this will increase the acceptance that dogs are important to people.”

4 Dec 2017, The Guardian (Adapted)

Question 1: [2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

a) People who have a pet dog will suffer more from cholesterol-related health problems.
b) Dog owners tend to do more physical exercise.
c) The study suggests some breeds of dog are more beneficial than others.
d) Tove Fall doesn’t have a dog of her own anymore.

Question 2: [2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.
a) What does the study described in the text prove?
b) According to the text what are the two major changes in lifestyle that having a dog brings about?

Question 3: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) to decrease (paragraph 1)
b) earlier (paragraph 1)
c) possibility (paragraph 2)
d) the most recent (paragraph 3)
e) adorable, pretty (paragraph 4)

Question 4: [1,5 POINTS] Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.
1. The main study described in the text...
a) followed more than three million people for 12 months.
b) followed more than three million people for less than a year.
c) followed more than three million people for over a decade.
d) followed less than three million people for over a year.

2. Having a dog is said...
a) to significantly increase the owner's risk of heart disease.
b) to significantly increase the time the owner spends in hospital.
c) to significantly increase the owner’s need of companionship.
d) to significantly increase the owner’s overall health.

3. The study suggests that being a dog owner...
a) is the only cause of a decrease in health risks.
b) is only one possible cause of a decrease in health risks.
c) is not likely to be the cause of a decrease in health risks.
d) is not related to a decrease in health risks.

Question 5: [3 POINTS] Write a short essay (about 120-150 words) on the following topic:

– What are the pros and cons of owning a pet? Which animals make the best pets? Give reasons for your opinion.

KEY

OPCIÓN 1

Question1:[2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts a cada respuesta.

1. At least three quarters of the people in the US watched the end of M*A*S*H in 1983. FALSE. That was nearly half the U.S. population in 1983.

2. The author has many friends his age who do not use Netflix.

FALSE I know exactly zero people my age who do not have access to Netflix.

3. The fact that Netflix is not difficult for people to use makes it attractive.

TRUE Its success can be attributed to a number of factors, most notably its ease of use.

4. Logan Paul uploads a video to YouTube 3 times a week.

FALSE Logan Paul, has 17 million subscribers and posts a new video daily.

Question 2:[2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

Cada apartado se valorará con 1 pt. 0´5 para la comprensión del texto y 0´5 para la expresión escrita respectivamente.

1. According to the text, how has the way people watch TV changed over the last 50 years?

The text says that people watch less live TV although they still watch TV shows on computers and other portable devices. This is particularly true for younger people, and as a result people don’t watch TV as a family much nowadays and so it has become a less sociable activity.

2. How does the author say a person’s age affects the way they probably watch tv programmes nowadays?

Younger people watch shows on their own on their phones, computers or tablets. They often use online services to view the shows they want to watch, whenever they want to watch them. Older people still tend to watch TV in the more traditional way.

Question 3:[1,5 POINTS]Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given: Se otorgará 0,3 pts. a cada respuesta

1. usual, typical (paragraph 2) common

2. through (paragraph 3) via

3. average (paragraph 4) median

4. specific (paragraph 5) particular

5. everything considered, on the whole (paragraph 5) all in all

Question 4:[1,5 POINTS]Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts. a cada respuesta

1. The text says that young people...

d. didn’t use to watch as much live television.

2. The text suggests that if services like Netflix were more expensive,...

c. fewer people would probably watch them.

3. The text explains that the shows people watch the most...

b. are still produced by the traditional networks.

OPCIÓN 2

Question1:[2 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts a cada respuesta.

1. People who have a pet dog will suffer more from cholesterol-related health problems.

FALSE have higher levels of physical activity and slightly lower cholesterol levels.

2. Dog owners tend to do more physical exercise. TRUE Dogs encourage you to walk.

have higher levels of physical activity

3. The study suggests some breeds of dog are more beneficial than others.

TRUE Fall’s study showed the most health benefits came from having retrievers or pointers.

4. Tove Fall doesn’t have a dog of her own anymore.

FALSE says Fall, who has recently got a new puppy.

Question 2:[2 POINTS] Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text

Cada apartado se valorará con 1 pt. 0´5 para la comprensión del texto y 0´5 para la expresión escrita respectivamente.

1. What does the study described in the text prove?

The study proves that having a dog as a pet is good for your health, and in particular is useful to reduce the chance of you suffering from the specific health issues associated with heart disease.

2. According to the text what are the two major changes in lifestyle that having a dog brings about?

Firstly, owing a dog can bring about social benefits as the pet will be company for people who live on their own or feel loneliness. The second change in lifestyle is more related to physical health since having a dog normally means that you do more exercise.

Question 3:[1,5 POINTS]Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words given.

Se otorgará 0,3 pts. a cada respuesta

1. To decrease (paragraph 1) reduce

2. earlier  (paragraph 1) previous

3. possibility  (paragraph 2)  risk

4. the most recent (paragraph 3) the latest

5. adorable, pretty (paragraph 4) cute

Question 4:[1,5 POINTS]Choose the correct option, a, b, c or d for each question and COPY the sentence onto your answer sheet.

Se otorgará 0,5 pts. a cada respuesta

1. The main study described in the text...

c. followed more than three million people for over a decade.

2. Having a dog is said...

d. to significantly increase the owner’s overall health.

3. The study suggests that being a dog owner...

b. is only one possible cause of a decrease in health risks.