lunes, 8 de septiembre de 2025

PAU ORDINARIA 2025

 PART 1 [7 points]. Choose one of the two options below and follow the instructions to answer the questions.

Option 1. Written understanding.

Montoya, please!

1     A viral moment from the Spanish show La Isla de las Tentaciones has raised questions about the ethics behind reality TV. In the clip, contestant José Carlos Montoya watches footage of his girlfriend, Anita, cheating on him. His reaction—screaming, crying, and running down the beach—became an internet meme. Being exposed in such an emotional moment can be humiliating and cause lasting psychological effects. Furthermore, when personal trauma is joked about, it can increase feelings of shame or isolation. However, while some viewers think he was genuinely heartbroken, others believe he exaggerated to become famous.

2     Many reality shows are edited to create drama. Contestants often face emotional situations on purpose. Some become famous and use this to start careers online, but others suffer from the pressure, which can lead to anxiety, low self-esteem, or depression, especially when participants are mocked online or reduced to a single moment. One Married at First Sight UK (MAFS) participant said filming left him in a bad mental state and that he needed therapy after the show.

3     Of course, people don’t watch reality shows just to laugh at others. As Dr. Jacob Johanssen from St Mary’s University explains, some viewers enjoy the arguments or embarrassing situations because it helps them escape or feel better about their own lives. But there’s more to it. Reality TV also shows real emotions—like sadness, love, and anger—in a way that feels honest.

Viewers connect with these feelings and sometimes see parts of their own lives in what happens on screen.

4     Modern reality shows say they are trying to be more ethical. Love Island, MAFS and others now offer psychological support and limit alcohol. Some now inform and prepare contestants more effectively at the start of filming. However, some shows, like The Real Housewives, have faced legal complaints. Former cast members say producers pressured them to drink or ignored situations of harassment. These stories suggest that reality stars aren’t always protected like other workers. One lawyer said, There should not be an expectation that they’re allowed to violate employment laws simply because it’s a reality show.

5     But is it right to turn someone’s pain into entertainment? Montoya’s emotional breakdown became a joke. However, for him, it may have been a real heartbreak. Should producers stop before things go too far? Reality TV is about money and ratings. However, if audiences ask for more ethical content, producers might listen. After all, if no one watches cruelty, it will stop being made.

Adapted from Grazia, February 2025

 

Question 1 [2 points].

Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

A.   Reality shows are presented exactly as they happen.

B.   Reality TV participants always receive the same legal protections and support as employees in regular jobs.

C.   The only reason why people watch reality shows is to make fun of the participants.

D.   People have different opinions about Montoya’s reaction.


 Question 2 [2 points].

Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

A. What are some ways reality TV can negatively affect participants’ mental health, according to the text?

B.  According to the text, why do people enjoy watching reality shows? (Give two reasons)

C. According to the text, what are two things reality shows are doing to improve how they treat participants?


 Question 3 [1.5 points].

Find in the text a word or phrase that corresponds to the meaning, definition, or opposite of each of the following.

A.   A word that means “A person who competes or takes part in a TV show” (paragraph 1):

   B.   A synonym for “intentionally” (paragraph 2):

   C.   A word that means “morally right” (paragraph 4):

   D.   An antonym for “kindness” (paragraph 5):

 

Question 4 [1.5 points].

Choose the correct option - A, B, C, or D - for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence that follows. No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

1.  Which of the following statements is true according to the text?

A.   Love Island has received legal complaints for pressuring contestants to drink.

B.   All Married at First Sight UK participants said that their experience on the show had been positive.

C.   The Real Housewives has been praised for limiting alcohol and offering strong psychological support.

D.   A contestant on La Isla de las Tentaciones had a strong emotional reaction that went viral after seeing his partner with someone else.

 

2.   What problem does the text highlight through the example of the Married at First Sight UK

participant?

A.   The emotional stress of filming had long-term effects.

B.   The participant was edited unfairly to appear as a villain.

C.   He felt supported by the show and gained confidence.

D.   He left the show early because of a disagreement with producers.


3.  What is the text's last argument about reality TV?

A.   It should be completely banned.

B.   Producers should prioritize ratings over ethics.

C.   Audience demand can influence more ethical content.

D.   Contestants should not participate voluntarily.                                                    [See Part 2]


 

Option 2. Written understanding.


How artificial intelligence is revolutionizing professional sports

1          Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming common in sports, in the same way as other technological advances like 3-D motion graphics and high-speed photography. Its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions in real time is proving valuable across various aspects of sports. From athletes to coaches and fans to referees, AI is enhancing performance, decision-making, and engagement at all levels.

2          In competitive sports, even the smallest differences can determine the outcome of a game. AI is transforming how athletes train, compete, and recover. It analyzes their movements to provide personalized training plans focusing on areas like speed, endurance, and technique. Coaches can use AI to gain insights into player performance and make adjustments to individual and team strategies. AI also reduces injury risk by recommending optimal training and recovery.

3          AI also plays a role in game strategy. By analyzing past performances and studying footage, AI identifies patterns that may not be visible to the human eye. This allows coaches to adjust strategies during the game and provide recommendations for best approaches to beat the opponent. In sports like football and basketball, AI suggests the best plays based on data, improving chances of success.

4          Sports referees and judges are also taking advantage of AI. The technology is allowing referees to make better calls on the field. In gymnastics, for instance, AI assists with scoring by analyzing athletes’ movements in 3D and comparing them to a database. This helps judges make fairer, more consistent decisions while reducing human error. AI also eliminates bias, ensuring scores are based on data rather than emotions.

5          AI enhances fan engagement too, as it analyzes preferences and behavior, offering personalized content such as articles or merchandise suggestions based on a fan’s previous interactions, ensuring they stay engaged with the sport even off the field. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, AI generated automatic highlight reels, focusing on events fans were most interested in. This technology allows better storytelling and engagement.

6          AI chatbots are improving fan interaction with sports teams. They provide instant responses, offering updates on games, ticket sales, and schedules. This creates a more personalized fan experience and simplifies communication with teams.

7          Sports are a major business, and AI is optimizing performance, marketing, and fan engagement. As AI technology continues to evolve, its influence in sports is expected to grow and bring new improvements to the game.

Adapted from Forbes, August 2024


 

Question 1 [2 points].

Indicate clearly by writing the words TRUE or FALSE whether the following statements are true or false according to the text and write down the sentence or the part of the text that you consider justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

No points will be given if the evidence is not correct or if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

A.   AI helps ensure fairness by using data instead of emotions to decide scores.

B.   AI contributes to injury prevention by suggesting the best training and recovery methods for athletes.

C.   AI’s role in sports is expected to decrease as technology develops.

D.   AI is less significant in sports than other technological advances like 3-D motion graphics and high-speed photography.

Question 2 [2 points].

Choose and answer only TWO of the following questions in your own words according to the text.

A.   What are some ways AI helps improve fan engagement with sports?

B.   How does AI assist coaches in making better decisions regarding game strategy? (Mention at least two examples)

C.   What are some ways AI helps improve athletic performance and training?

Question 3 [1.5 points].

Find in the text a word or phrase that corresponds to the meaning, definition, or opposite of each of the following.

A.   An antonym for “useless” (paragraph 1):

B.   A synonym for “result” (paragraph 2):

C.   A word that means “to defeat somebody in a game or competition” (paragraph 3):

D.   A synonym for “big” (paragraph 7):

Question 4 [1.5 points].

Choose the correct option - A, B, C, or D - for each question. Indicate your choice clearly in your answer sheet, either by writing the letter A, B, C, or D or by copying the letter and the sentence that follows. No points will be given if the handwriting is not sufficiently clear.

1.    How does AI assist referees in sports?

A.   It helps them make fairer decisions by reducing mistakes.

B.   It makes all decisions automatically without human help.

C.   It helps them improve their skills by training outside of the game.

D.   It offers biased decisions based on feelings instead of data.


 

2.    How does AI improve the fan experience in sports?

A.   It allows fans to create their own highlight reels and share them on social media.

B.   It automatically creates personalized social media posts for teams based on fan interactions.

C.   It personalizes content and suggestions based on the fan’s behavior.

D.   It generates live social media polls for fans to vote on team strategies during matches.


3.  How does AI assist athletes in improving their performance?

A.   It designs customized training routines by analyzing their movements.

B.   It replaces human coaches by designing training programs.

C.   It prevents injuries by automatically stopping workouts.

D.   It generates reels that help athletes review their games.


PART 2 [3 points].

Written production.

Choose ONE of the two options below and write a short composition (120-150 words). Compositions up to 200 words won’t be penalized.

Remember that compositions MUST NOT be signed.


Option 1

Write a story about something that happened to you in the past. Your story must begin with this sentence: I was at a friend’s house when we heard something strange coming from upstairs.

 

Option 2

Write a for and against essay on the following topic: What are the advantages and disadvantages of allowing students to use mobile phones in schools?

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