GRUPO A — Texto: "How online gaming has become a social lifesaver" (BBC, December 2.020)

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) Gaming, just like other business activities, has been suffering the economic effects of the pandemic.

b) Today, Twitch is a platform exclusively used by gamers and their audiences.

c) New gamers are unlikely to continue playing when social distancing ends.

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) Who saw the lockdown as a manageable situation?

b) Besides occasional gamers, who turned to gaming during the pandemic?

c) According to Prof. Griffiths' study, what did gamers enjoy the most?

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) rise (line 6)

b) enduring (line 8)

c) live (line 20)

d) to face (line 24)

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 and your friend are planning a barbecue party

Your friend: Hi, What's up? Ready to organize our great barbecue party?
You: Hi! Yes, let's get on with it. (1) _______________________________?
Your friend: About 15, not too many. So, let's start with the place … What about my home?
You: Are you sure? (2) _______________________________
Your friend: As long as you help me do the clean-up after the party, it's OK.
You: Great! (3) _______________________________
Your friend: Yeah. Let's make a shopping list. We don't have to worry about drinks, my parents are supplying them. For food, I thought about having sausages, chicken brochettes, beef burgers with fries and some snacks.
You: Terrific! But, isn't Elena coming? (4) _______________________________
Your friend: True! I'd forgotten. What can we get for her?
You: (5) _______________________________
Your friend: Any would do! Anything else we need?
You: Of course, what about the music? (6) _______________________________
Your friend: That's a good idea! You think of everything.

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 grandmother has just given you some money for your birthday. Express your satisfaction.

b) Your sister is taking a very long time in the bathroom but you need to use it. Complain to her.

c) "School should be four days a week", your classmate comments. Give your opinion.

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

Socialising by gaming can never replace face-to-face relationships. Give your opinion.

GRUPO B — Texto: "Why living with and caring for plants is good for you" (BBC Culture, October 2.020)

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) Swiss Cheese plant is another name for the Hoya plant.

b) Millennials and Generation Z are used to spending a lot of time online.

c) Buying too many plants without knowing what conditions they need is not a good idea.

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) When did the new passion for plants begin to boom?

b) Ironically, what has helped young people who are interested in plants to make contact?

c) What is Hilton Carter's single most important piece of advice about caring for plants?

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 explore (line 6)

b) deeply (line 8)

c) antidote (line 14)

d) shelter (line 24)

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 says she doesn't want to be vaccinated against Covid-19

Your friend: There's no way I'm letting anyone put a needle in my arm!
You: Don't be silly. (1) _______________________________
Your friend: Injections always hurt! And anyway, it isn't safe.
You: (2) _______________________________ ?
Your friend: It's everywhere on the internet.
You: But (3) _______________________________
Your friend: My cousin says the vaccine might have side-effects nobody knows about yet, so he's telling our grandmother not to have it.
You: (4) _______________________________
Your friend: So, do you think I should talk to my grandparents?
You: (5) _______________________________________
Your friend: Well, OK, then. I'll tell them that.
You: And how about you? (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 had some friends round while your parents were out and someone spilled an orange drink on the new sofa. Apologise to your mum.

b) Your friend has been texting on her phone all the time you have been telling her about a problem you have. Explain why you find this annoying.

c) Your friend is worried about going away to university. Give him some advice.

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

Plants or pets - which do you prefer?