MODELO PAU 2025

 BITTER ORANGES FROM SEVILLE FOR THE QUEEN OF ENGLAND

A box of bitter oranges from the trees of the Real Alcázar of Seville, the oldest palace in use in Europe, will arrive in the form of jam at Buckingham, London, thus recovering a tradition that had been lost at the beginning of the 20th century. The transformation of citrus into jam will take place in Madrid, at the residence of the British ambassador to Spain, Hugh Elliot, who last February wrote a letter to the director of the Alcázar Isabel Rodríguez, to thank her for the gift: “I am very happy that this tradition from the beginning of the 20th century that had been lost, fortunately has now been recovered,” says the handwritten letter. 

“When Manuel del Valle was appointed warden of the Alcázar told me that there used to be a tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs and that it would be nice to be able to get it back. Last year we contacted the honorary consul in Seville, Joe Cooper, and prepared a box of oranges, about 20 kilos, for him from our trees. He sent it by diplomatic bag to the ambassador, who was in charge of preparing the jam and delivering it to the Queen of England," explained this Wednesday Isabel Rodríguez. 

"This year, however, it was the Seville consul who visited us last week to collect them directly and, again, send them to Madrid, as has been done,” added Rodríguez. The Alcázar is surrounded by some 7,000 square meters of gardens in which 1,053 orange trees grow. Its fruits have to be harvested every year to favour the new flowering, a task that is done by hand. Without the harvest of ripe oranges, the city would lose part of the characteristic smell of orange blossom that surrounds it every spring. 

One legend, of the many that circulates around this palace, says that it was Pedro I El Cruel (1334 -1369) who planted a bitter orange tree in the Alcázar and which according to experts is the oldest in Spain. However, some sources disagree and date this tree to the 16th century. Those who support this second theory assure that the orange tree was planted in March 1526 when the wedding of Carlos V and Isabel de Portugal was celebrated in the palace. What is documented is that these citrus fruits were brought by the Almohads in the 12th century. 

All the bitter oranges that are collected each year in Seville, those of the Alcázar and those of the 48,000 trees that adorn city streets and gardens, are used to make compost and cosmetics, as feed for goats in livestock farms or as fuel to generate electricity. However, very little of its production is destined for the food industry, which requires strict quality controls. 

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 provide the sentence or part of the text that justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent. 

A. The tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs was revived by the British ambassador to Spain.   

B. Bitter oranges from the Alcázar are mainly used for food production.   

C. The bitter orange tree planted by Pedro I El Cruel is the oldest in Spain, according to all sources.   

D. The bitter orange trees in Seville contribute to the city’s distinctive smell in spring. 

Question 2: [2 POINTS] 

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

A. How did the tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs start, and how has it been revived?   

B. What are some of the uses of bitter oranges that are collected in Seville, as mentioned in the text?   

C. What is the legend surrounding the bitter orange tree planted in the Alcázar by Pedro I El Cruel? 

Question 3: [1.5 POINTS] 

Find in the text: 

A. A synonym for “transform” (paragraph 1).   

B. An antonym for “coincide” (paragraph 4).   

C. A word that means “a collection of myths or stories” (paragraph 4).   

D. A word derived from “to produce” (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. 

1. According to the text, why is the harvest of bitter oranges important?   

A. It helps maintain the fertility of the Alcázar gardens.   

B. It contributes to the characteristic fragrance of Seville in spring.   

C. It is necessary for the production of jam.   

D. It is used for medicinal purposes. 

2. What is the author’s attitude towards the tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs?   

A. Positive and appreciative of its cultural significance.   

B. Indifferent, as it is just an old custom.   

C. Critical of the use of citrus fruits for diplomatic purposes.   

D. Confused, as the tradition was lost and has only recently been revived. 

3. In the sentence, “One legend, of the many that circulates around this palace, says that it was Pedro I El Cruel (1334 -1369) who planted a bitter orange tree in the Alcázar,” what is the meaning of “circulates”?   

A. Is spread among people or communities.   

B. Is documented in historical records.   

C. Is a part of official records.   

D. Is proven to be true. 

Question 5: [3 POINTS] 

Write an essay in which you discuss the following statement:   

“The use of traditional customs and symbols helps preserve cultural heritage.”   

KEY

Question 1: 

Indicate TRUE or FALSE and provide justification from the text. 

A. The tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs was revived by the British ambassador to Spain. 

TRUE. 

“Last year we contacted the honorary consul in Seville, Joe Cooper... He sent it by diplomatic bag to the ambassador, who was in charge of preparing the jam and delivering it to the Queen of England.” 

B. Bitter oranges from the Alcázar are mainly used for food production. 

FALSE. 

“All the bitter oranges that are collected each year in Seville... are used to make compost and cosmetics, as feed for goats in livestock farms or as fuel to generate electricity.” 

C. The bitter orange tree planted by Pedro I El Cruel is the oldest in Spain, according to all sources. 

FALSE. 

“One legend... says that it was Pedro I El Cruel... However, some sources disagree and date this tree to the 16th century.” 

D. The bitter orange trees in Seville contribute to the city’s distinctive smell in spring. 

TRUE. 

“Without the harvest of ripe oranges, the city would lose part of the characteristic smell of orange blossom that surrounds it every spring.” 

Question 2:  

A. How did the tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs start, and how has it been revived? 

The tradition began in the early 20th century when bitter oranges from the Alcázar were sent to British monarchs. It was revived when Manuel del Valle, warden of the Alcázar, proposed restarting it. The honorary consul in Seville and the British ambassador worked together to send oranges to the UK, where they were made into jam and delivered to the Queen. 

B. What are some of the uses of bitter oranges that are collected in Seville, as mentioned in the text? 

The bitter oranges collected in Seville are used to produce compost, make cosmetics, feed livestock (goats), and even generate electricity. Only a small portion is used for food production due to strict quality standards. 

C. What is the legend surrounding the bitter orange tree planted in the Alcázar by Pedro I El Cruel? 

The legend claims that Pedro I El Cruel planted a bitter orange tree in the Alcázar, which is believed to be the oldest in Spain. However, some sources dispute this, arguing that the tree was planted during the wedding of Carlos V and Isabel de Portugal in 1526. 

Question 3: 

A. A synonym for “transform” (paragraph 1): “conversion”. 

B. An antonym for “coincide” (paragraph 5): “disagree”. 

C. A word that means “a collection of myths or stories” (paragraph 6): “legend”. 

D. A word derived from “to produce” (paragraph 3): “production”. 

Question 4: 

1. According to the text, why is the harvest of bitter oranges important? 

B. It contributes to the characteristic fragrance of Seville in spring. 

2. What is the author’s attitude towards the tradition of sending bitter oranges to British monarchs? 

A. Positive and appreciative of its cultural significance. 

3. In the sentence, “One legend, of the many that circulates around this palace, says that it was Pedro I El Cruel (1334 -1369) who planted a bitter orange tree in the Alcázar,” what is the meaning of “circulates”? 

A. Is spread among people or communities.

MODELO PAU 2025

 DON’T FAKE HAPPINESS

When I see people smiling warmly in pictures, when I see them grinning cheekily through filters, when I see them partying as if there is no tomorrow, and when I see them laughing as if their heart isn’t choked up with sorrow, a question pops in simple words, the answer is “No, they are not really happy. They just pretend to be.”

How do I know that or who am I to assume things? The first thing we need to wrap our heads around is the reality of happiness. What is happiness? Wikipedia refers to it as a feeling of satisfaction and joy. A positive and pleasant emotion. But everyone has their own way of thinking, so there must be multiple different definitions of happiness. Nonetheless, we all experience happiness in one way or another.

Happiness is a raw emotion. A genuine one. When it appears in its truest form, you just “feel” it. You don’t fake it. You don’t put fake smiles or let out laughs. You just feel it surging through your whole body, in your heart, in your veins. And this emotion is sometimes too raw that you even cry as well

We are living in the age of social media. You share something on it, and magically, it flies till the other end of the world. You start doing it just for fun. Sharing little things about you. You love boasting, hanging out with pals, late movie nights, sun-kissed pictures, shopping, funny vlogs, and what not! An escape from the tiresome studies and work. But then, you don’t even realise, and it plants its roots in you. On the contrary, people know how you look, your family, your house, how you present yourself. They see your videos and see how you are in person. People criticise you and those people surrounding you, and you don’t want them to know that your life is not all rainbows and sunshine. I can see right through the faces that are morphed into fake happiness. We don’t want others to suspect anything is wrong with us.

The people, who you admire on social media, also go through the exact same issues. They get anxious and depressed as well. They also have this fear of people judging them. Happiness, before anything else, is an emotion. And so is sadness, and anger. You are not obliged to be happy all the time. Be happy, for yourself. Not for the world to see. Happiness can be found anywhere and everywhere. You can feel it while working, suddenly realising how much you love your job. You can feel it when you see your pet running around your house. Nothing else should matter. This is genuine. This is raw.

Today, I want you to make a promise to yourself, that you’ll at least try to not fake your happiness; that you’ll try to not let social media and other people around, affect you; that you’ll try to be really happy. Just promise that you’ll try. And once you’ll try it, you will know how pure and ecstatic that feels.

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 provide the sentence or part of the text that justifies your answer. The evidence must make sense and be grammatically and lexically coherent.

A. People often share their lives on social media to escape from the stress of their daily routines. 

B. According to the text, all emotions, including happiness and sadness, are equally valid. 

C. The author believes that social media is solely responsible for creating fake happiness. 

D. The author encourages people to be happy only for the approval of others.

Question 2: [2 POINTS]

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

A. What is the author’s view on the relationship between social media and the portrayal of happiness? 

B.What does the author suggest about the nature of “genuine” happiness? 

C.How does the author contrast the happiness people show on social media with their true emotional state?

Question 3: [1.5 POINTS]

Find in the text:

A. A synonym for "fakes" (paragraph 4). 

B. An antonym for "calm" (paragraph 5). 

C. A word that means “to speak of with prde” (paragraph 4). 

D. A word derived from “to satisfy” (paragraph 2).

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.

1. According to the text, how does the author view the portrayal of happiness on social media? 

A. It is a reflection of people’s genuine feelings. 

B. It is often exaggerated and unrealistic. 

C. It is a means of promoting one’s lifestyle. 

D. It is mostly used to seek validation from others.

2. What does the author suggest is necessary for achieving true happiness? 

A. Constantly trying to please others. 

B. Pretending to be happy for social media. 

C. Focusing on personal happiness and emotional authenticity. 

D. Using social media to showcase personal achievements.

3. In the sentence, "I can see right through the faces that are morphed into fake happiness," what does the author mean by "morphed"? 

A. Transformed into something genuine. 

B. Changed into something unrecognizable. 

C. Altered into something that is not real. 

D. Protected from showing emotions.

Question 5: [2 POINTS]

Write an essay in which you discuss the following statement: 

"Social media has a major influence on how we perceive happiness, but true happiness is something much more personal." 

KEY

Question 1:

A. People often share their lives on social media to escape from the stress of their daily routines.

TRUE.

Justification: “An escape from the tiresome studies and work.”

B. According to the text, all emotions, including happiness and sadness, are equally valid.

TRUE.

Justification: “Happiness, before anything else, is an emotion. And so is sadness, and anger. You are not obliged to be happy all the time.”

C. The author believes that social media is solely responsible for creating fake happiness.

FALSE.

Justification: “But then, you don’t even realise, and it plants its roots in you.” (The text implies that social media contributes to fake happiness but does not state it is solely responsible.)

D. The author encourages people to be happy only for the approval of others.

FALSE.

Justification: “Be happy, for yourself. Not for the world to see.”

Question 2:

A. What is the author’s view on the relationship between social media and the portrayal of happiness?

The author believes that social media often leads people to present a false image of happiness to avoid being judged or criticized. While it may start as harmless fun, it becomes a habit where people feel pressured to showcase an idealized version of their lives, hiding their true emotions.

B. What does the author suggest about the nature of “genuine” happiness?

The author suggests that genuine happiness is a pure and intense emotion deeply felt throughout the body. It is authentic and cannot be faked. True happiness arises naturally, often unexpectedly, and may even be expressed through tears.

C. How does the author contrast the happiness people show on social media with their   true emotional state?

The author highlights that the happiness displayed on social media is often fake or exaggerated, crafted to appear perfect to others. This contrasts with people’s true emotional states, which may include anxiety, sadness, or fear of judgment—emotions they avoid showing publicly on these platforms. 

Question 3:

A.“morphed”.

B.“anxious”.

C.“boasting”.

D.“satisfaction”.

Question 4:

B. It is often exaggerated and unrealistic.

C. Focusing on personal happiness and emotional authenticity.

C. Altered into something that is not real.

Hot bedding

The simple act of sleeping in a bed has taken a new and extreme turn we did not see coming. Strangers can now share a sleeping space in a new bedtime arrangement known as “hot bedding.” 

Living on your own has become more of a financial burden than ever, so students and young adults are opting for a choice that might look strange from the outside. However, “hot bedding” prevents them from dealing with the soaring prices for rent. 

Hot bedding is similar to the common modern office arrangement known as “hot desking.” It allows employees to not have assigned desks or workstations. Instead, individuals can choose any available desk or workspace within a shared office environment on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

However, when you put a bed and two strangers into the mix, the new arrangement becomes “hot bedding.” For this, two strangers share a bed, but they don’t sleep in the bed at the same time. Instead, they get the bed to themselves, each taking shifts.

We all want our own bed to rest in after a long day. But this method has been financially logical for some people, especially individuals who have completely different lifestyles and careers. 

Along with this sleeping arrangement that allows you to save some cash in the bank, it can impact your privacy and comfort when a stranger invades that space. 

However, Shariff, sleep expert and founder of Owl +Lark, said this might work for you if you like to meet new people and your job requires you to move around a lot, while also cutting down on expenses. 

“Some people might find comfort and companionship in sharing a bed, while others might feel more stressed and uncomfortable,” he said “It’s important to gauge your own needs and preferences before diving into this sleeping arrangement.” He also said that to make this arrangement beneficial for you and your well-being, it’s important to establish boundaries with the other person.

“Make sure to discuss issues such as personal space, temperature preferences, and any other factors that may affect your quality of sleep,” he said. “Additionally, it is crucial to be considerate of each other’s hygiene practices, such as showering before bed and keeping the sleeping area clean.” 

With some considerations to bear in mind, it’s important to think about if this will fit into your lifestyle and satisfy your needs.

Question 1: (2 points). Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down the sentences or part of the text that justifies your answer. No points will be given if the evidence is not correct.

a)      In “hot desking” you have to book a place in advance.

b)      With “hot bedding”, people use the bed at the same time.

c)       Hot bedding is used by people from all walks of life.

d)      Hot bedding can be good if you feel lonely.

Question 2: (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

            a)      What rules are mentioned in the text if we want hot bedding to work well?

            b)      What are the positive aspects of hot bedding?

            c)       What are the negative aspects of hot bedding?

Question 3: (1,5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given. You only need to have five correct answers to get 1,5 points.

           a)      load (par.2)

           b)      rising (par.2)

           c)       to reduce (par.7)

           d)      to measure (par.8)

           e)      limit (par.8)

           f)        significant (par.9)

Question 4: (1,5 points) Choose the correct option – a, b, c or d – for each question and COPY both the letter and the sentence that follows onto your answer sheet.

1)      Hot bedding…

a)      is a long-awaited phenomenon.

b)      came as a surprise to people.

c)       was expected to happen

d)      had been claimed by people for ages.

2)      Hot bedding…

a)      is the solution to housing problems.

b)      help people lighten costs.

c)       will give people a lot of money.

d)      is very expensive.

 

3)      Hot bedding…

a)      is an easy decision to make.

b)      is the worst decision you can make.

c)       is a decision you have to share with other people.

d)      is a decision you have to be really conscious about.

 

 

KEY

QUESTION 1

 

a)      FALSE “individuals can choose any available desk or workspace within a shared office environment on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

b)      FALSE “they don’t sleep in the bed at the same time”.

c)       TRUE “But this method has been financially logical for some people, especially individuals who have completely different lifestyles and careers”.

d)      TRUE “Some people might find comfort and companionship in sharing a bed”

 

QUESTION 2

             a)      Space / temperature / hygiene / shower / clean area

             b)      Save money / extra cash / reduce expenses / meet new people

             c)       Privacy invasion / less comfort / stressing / personal space invasion

 

QUESTION 3

            a)      Burden

            b)      Soaring

            c)       cutting down

            d)      gauge

            e)       boundaries

            f)        crucial

 

QUESTION 4

 

a)      B came as a surprise to people

b)      B help people lighten costs.

c)       D is a decision you have to be really conscious about.

 

The Coronation of King Charles III

 

Andrea Montiel y el alumnado de 2º bachillerato B/C del IES Augusto G. Linares de Santander

Besides King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla, the entire Wales family was present at the Coronation, with Prince George acting as one of the Pages of Honour during the service. Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis were also in attendance, travelling with Kate, William and George in the carriage procession back to Buckingham Palace after the ceremony. The Duke of Sussex was among the congregation, too, although he kept a low profile, while the Duchess of Sussex remained at home in California with Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

The ceremony was held on 6 May – more than eight months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and shortly before the 70th anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. While the late monarch acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952, she wasn’t crowned until 2 June 1953, after a period of national mourning for her father, King George VI – a tradition that King Charles chose to follow.

Guests began to arrive at Westminster Abbey from 9am, with King Charles III’s procession setting off from Buckingham Palace at 10.20. The Coronation ceremony then began at 11 – going off without a hitch. Afterwards, the King boarded the Gold Stage Coach at 1pm and returned to Buckingham Palace to appear with the other royals on the balcony before cheering crowds.

Following Queen Elizabeth II’s declaration in 2022 that it was her “sincere wish” that the former Duchess of Cornwall take the title of Queen Consort when Charles acceded to the throne, Camilla was crowned alongside her husband. She is the first Consort to be crowned since the Queen Mother in 1937.

More than 2,000 guests were invited to Westminster Abbey on 6 May. Among them were members of the royal family (and other members of royal families around the world), representatives from the Houses of Parliament and the Church, and prominent politicians from the Commonwealth and beyond. The number of Coronation invitees is actually relatively small, given that more than 8,000 people attended the Queen’s service in 1953.

 

Question 1: (2 points). Indicate whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE and write down the sentences or part of the text that justifies your answer.

a) The Duke of Sussex played a vital role at the Coronation.

b) The ceremony took place over eight months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

c) Only members of the royal family were invited to Westminster Abbey.

d) There has never been a coronation with more invitees.

 Question2: (2 points) Answer the following questions in your own words according to the text.

a) Why was Queen Elizabeth II crowned on June 1953?

b) What was the sincere wish of Queen Elizabeth II?

 Question 3: (1,5 points) Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.

a) Gathering (par. 1)

b) Service (par. 2)

c) Grief (par. 2)

d) Begin a trip (par.3)

e) Obstacle  (par. 3)

f) Well-known (par. 5)

Question 4: (1,5 points) Choose the correct option – a, b, c or d – for each question.

1. When did the parade take place?

a) On 2 June.

b) On 6 May.

c) On 6 February.

d) On 8 May.

2. There was a period of national mourning because...

a) It was a custom.

b) It was King Charles’ willing.

c) It is a law.

d) It was decided by the British population.

3. Camilla is the first Consort ...

a) to be crowned for many decades.

b) not to be crowned since 1937.

c) to be crowned in British history.

d) to be crowned in the 20th century.

Write a short essay on the following topic.  (3 marks)

‘Traditions are important and should be preserved?  Do you agree?  

 

 KEY:

Question 1.

a. False "The Duke of Sussex was among the congregation, too, although he kept a low profile"

b. True "The ceremony was held on 6 May – more than eight months after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II "

c. False "Among them were members of the royal family (and other members of royal families around the world), representatives from the Houses of Parliament and the Church, and prominent politicians from the Commonwealth and beyond."

d. False "The number of Coronation invitees is actually relatively small, given that more than 8,000 people attended the Queen’s service in 1953."

Question 2.

1. She wasn’t crowned until 2 June 1953, after a period of national mourning for her father, King George VI – a tradition that King Charles chose to follow.

2. Her “sincere wish” that the former Duchess of Cornwall take the title of Queen Consort when Charles acceded to the throne, Camilla was crowned alongside her husband.

 

Question 3.

a) congregation

b) ceremony

c) mourning

d) set off

e) hitch

f) prominent

Question 4.

1. B

2. A

3. A