GRUPO A — Texto: "Are pets good for us or just hairy health hazards?" (The Guardian, October 2.019)

1. Say whether the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE according to the text. COPY the evidence from the text. No marks will be given without the evidence. (1.5 points)

a) Non-pet owners get better sleep.

b) Babies who spend time with dogs tend to suffer from breathing disorders.

c) Pets can be the cause of accidents among older people.

2. ANSWER the questions below. COPY no more than 10 words and/or a number from the text to answer each question. (1.5 points)

a) What care do owners provide that improves their pet's life?

b) On a yearly basis, how many people need hospital treatment after being attacked by a dog?

c) Who was found to suffer from stress and anxiety?

3. WRITE a synonym (=), an opposite (≠), a definition or a sentence for each of the following words to show that you understand their meaning in the text. Use your own words. (1 point)

a) to abound (line 4)

b) chance (line 10)

c) alarming (line 17)

d) downside (line 21)

4. READ this conversation and COMPLETE your part. Write the numbers (1-6) and complete each sentence on your exam paper. (1.5 points)

You are being interviewed for a summer camp job

Interviewer: Good morning. Take a seat, please. First of all, I'd like to know what made you apply for this summer job.
You: (1) _____________________________________________________
Interviewer: I see. That's interesting! Tell me the qualities you have to work with children.
You: Well, (2) __________________________________________________
Interviewer: So, do you think you're prepared to handle stressful situations?
You: (3) _____________________________________________
Interviewer: Aha! I see you are a good candidate. Is there anything you'd like to ask?
You: Yes. (4) ______________________________________________________?
Interviewer: The camp opens from July 1st to August 31st. Would you be available if you're recruited?
You: (5) ____________________________________________________________
Interviewer: OK, then. We'll be in touch to let you know. Bye.
You: Thank you so much. (6) ___________________________________________

5. Read the following situations and WRITE what you would say in each one to show that you understand the context of the situation. Write between 10 and 25 words. (1.5 points)

a) You are angry with your friend because she picked a different partner for a group project. Complain about it.

b) You've got an old phone that doesn't do much. Your birthday is close. Convince your parents to buy you the cool phone that you want.

c) "I don't know what to do after secondary school," your cousin tells you. Suggest something.

6. WRITE a composition of about 120-150 words on the following topic (3 points):

The demand for dog-friendly spaces is increasing, but should dogs be allowed in restaurants, stores, on the beach…? Give your opinion.

GRUPO B — Texto: "What we get wrong about time" (BBC Future, December 2.019)

1. Say whether the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE according to the text. COPY the evidence from the text. No marks will be given without the evidence. (1.5 points)

a) Neuroscientists have discovered how the human brain processes the passing of time.

b) All cultures perceive time in the same way.

c) Pliny claimed that time seems to pass more quickly while we are experiencing something pleasant.

2. ANSWER the questions below. COPY no more than 10 words and/or a number from the text to answer each question. (1.5 points)

a) In the West, how do people tend to see the present?

b) What enables us to predict the future?

c) Why will your weekend seem longer if you do something different?

3. WRITE a synonym (=), an opposite (≠), a definition or a sentence for each of the following words to show that you understand their meaning in the text. Use your own words. (1 point)

a) rough (line 4)

b) fairly (line 6)

c) to shape (line 8)

d) to link (line 16)

4. READ this conversation and COMPLETE your part. Write the numbers (1-6) and complete each sentence on your exam paper. (1.5 points)

Your friend has decided to study the same degree as you so you can still be together

Your friend: It will be such fun when we go to university classes together!
You: Mmmm… (1) ________________________________________?
Your friend: Oh yes! I'm certain. Even though I'm not that good at Physics now, I'm sure I can improve.
You: Yes, but (2) _________________________________________
Your friend: Oh, I'm sure I'll like it once I start.
You: (3) _________________________________________________
Your friend: Well, I can always change to a different course next year.
You: (4) _________________________________________________
Your friend: I hadn't thought of that. Perhaps you're right.
You: (5) _________________________________________________
Your friend: So…, we could still share a flat then?
You: Of course! (6) ________________________________________

5. Read the following situations and WRITE what you would say in each one to show that you understand the context of the situation. Write between 10 and 25 words. (1.5 points)

a) Your parents are going away for the weekend and your friends are trying to convince you to throw a party at home on Saturday night. Explain to your friends why you think this is not a good idea and propose an alternative plan.

b) Your friend has found a 50€ note in the toilets at school; she wants to keep it. Tell her what you think she should do.

c) You forgot your mother's birthday. Apologise and say what you will do now.

6. WRITE a composition of about 120-150 words on the following topic (3 points):

Write an email to your friend from the United States. Say how you plan to spend your time together when you see each other in the holidays.