Monday, 4 May 2026
Monday, 27 April 2026
PAU: practice makes perfect!
Modelos de examen de convocatorias anteriores
An
American friend of yours, Tom, has just moved to Spain. He has asked you about
using some Spanish online platforms like Wallapop since he has never used them
before. He likes buying and exchanging products online but he prefers paying by
check or bank transfer since he was. He has asked you to explain this
information he found, especially about the precautions he should take. Write a short text (70 -100 words) based on
the information provided:
Comprar y vender online
Las plataformas de compra y
venta de artículos, como Wallapop o Vibbo, han vivido un extraordinario impulso
en los últimos años. Estas webs colaborativas ofrecen un espacio para
intercambiar o comerciar con artículos de segunda mano pero, como en cualquier
espacio online, es necesario seguir ciertas precauciones de seguridad para
evitar ser víctima de estafas y fraudes.
Desde las propias plataformas son conscientes del riesgo derivado de la
actuación de ciberdelincuentes y, a modo de advertencia, ponen a disposición de
los usuarios una serie de medidas de seguridad. En el caso de Wallapop, además,
la propia empresa colabora estrechamente con organismos policiales,
concretamente la Guardia Civil, para mejorar sus niveles de seguridad.
Nuestros consejos de seguridad
Si quieres prevenir este tipo
de situaciones, puedes observar algunos principios de seguridad adicionales que
te ayudarán a mantenerte más seguro:
1. Evita los pagos por
adelantado, salvo que los puedas realizar a través de métodos seguros como la
plataforma Paypal o contra reembolso. Adelantar dinero sin garantías te deja
expuesto a estafas e impagos que, además, luego serán difíciles de demostrar.
2. Las webs recomiendan las transacciones en
persona siempre que sean posibles. Probar los objetos in situ es una de las
mejores garantías.
3. Cuida la seguridad de tus
dispositivos y de tus contraseñas. La utilización de soluciones de seguridad
profesionales con un gestor de claves y antivirus, aumenta tus defensas y
reduce los riesgos de sufrir robos de identidad.
4. Todas las comunicaciones
deben realizarse a través de la mensajería interna de las plataformas. De esta
forma, en caso de problemas siempre habrá un rastro electrónico.
5. Participa activamente en la
aplicación denunciando casos sospechosos y valorando usuarios y productos. En
este sentido, es la propia comunidad la que puede ayudar a mejorar los niveles
de protección.
6. Desconfía de las gangas y
las ofertas de ensueño. Especialmente en las marcas de gama alta. Pide fotos
tomadas por el vendedor, no imágenes de catálogo.
7. Pregunta al comprador si
conserva resguardo de compra o libro de instrucciones. Es una forma de asegurar
que el producto es original e indica su antigüedad, así como si todavía está en
garantía.
Ser víctima de estafa
En caso de ser víctima de estafa en una de estas plataformas, es importante notificarlo rápidamente a la plataforma de venta y a la Guardia Civil y, en su caso, poner una denuncia. Guardar la mayor cantidad posible de información sobre la transacción y el estafador puede ser muy útil para la posterior investigación. Ponte en contacto también con los servicios de atención al cliente de las plataformas. Adaptado de ©www.pandasecurity.com/spain/mediacenter/consejos/comprar-wallapop-vibbo/
Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Writing task
Task
Your class has recently taken part in a debate on ways individual citizens can reduce their carbon footprints in order to combat climate change. Below are three of the methods discussed and some quotes from people who took part in the debate.
- Changing our diets and eating habits
- Changing travel habits
- Changing our shopping habits
Comments:
“Going vegetarian or vegan would be so hard for me, I couldn’t live without meat or cheese!”
“Airplanes and cars pollute so much, I cycle to work and try not to fly too often.”
“Fast fashion is terrible for the planet, people buy cheap clothes and sometimes don’t even wear them!”
Write an essay discussing and including at least two of the ideas in your notes. You should explain which method you think is most realistic for most people and give reasons to support your argument. You may make use of the opinions expressed in the debate but you should use your own words. Write your essay in 150 words considering the organisation of contents and the use of linking words.
Monday, 13 April 2026
Writing- Environmental issues
LINKERS/CONNECTORS PRACTICE:
Passive practice:
PARAGRAPH 1
· Introduce the topic and give your opinion. Say whether you agree or disagree with the statement.
PARAGRAPH 2
· Give a reason to support your opinion.
PARAGRAPH 3
· Give a second reason to support your opinion.
PARAGRAPH 4
· Summarize your ideas and repeat your opinion using different words.
BASIC DOS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
Introduce each paragraph with a topic sentence, outlining the main ideas.
Do not write about advantages or disadvantages or points for or against.
Write in formal style.
BASIC DON’TS IN WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY
Don’t use colloquial expressions.
Don’t use short forms.
Don’t use emotive vocabulary.
Don’t give personal examples.
EXPRESSING OPINIONS
In my opinion, ….
Personally, I think/ I believe (that)…
I strongly believe that….
It is clear (to me) that…
I feel very strongly that…
I (completely) agree/disagree with …
It seems to me that…
As I see it, …
To my mind….
In my view,…
From my point of view, ….
As far I am concerned, …
I am sure/ convinced that …
I (dis)agree with the statement, because …
GIVING REASONS
My main reason is….
Another reason is…
One reason for… is ….
Many people say/ believe that…
Because…
Since…
Because of/ due to…
EXPRESSING FACTS
It is widely known that…
It is a well-known fact that …
Research has shown that…
There are definitely…
It is a fact that…
It is clear/ true that…
For example/ for instance,...
ADDING IDEAS
What is more,…
Moreover/ furthermore/ in addition (to)
Apart from (that)…
Firstly,…
First of all,…
Secondly,..
Thirdly,…
Lastly,…
Finally,…
EXPRESSING CONTRAST (LINKERS OF CONTRAST)
ALTHOUGH
Although I was feeling depressed, I went to the party.
DESPITE
Despite the rain, I went to the party.
Despite feeling depressed, I went to the party.
IN SPITE OF
In spite of the rain, I went to the party.
In spite of feeling depressed, I went to the party.
EVEN IF
I will go to the party, even if I feel depressed.
WHEREAS
Adults can make their own decisions, whereas teenagers have to do what other people tell them.
HOWEVER
Mike is a very good singer. However, he can’t play any instruments.
IN CONTRAST
BUT
Their music is very good. But, their lyrics are not very interesting.
ON THE ONE HAND….. ON THE OTHER HAND
On the one hand, they are extremely rich. But on the other hand, they have lots of debts.
EXPRESSING PURPOSE (LINKERS OF PURPOSE)
We use linkers of purpose to introduce reasons:
SO (THAT)
I have brought a microphone so that the audience will be able to hear us.
IN ORDER TO
We need to register with the council in order to vote.
TO
I am phoning to ask information about the event.
SO AS TO
We all need to vote so as to express our opinions.
CONCLUDING THE ESSAY
TO SUM UP,…
TO CONCLUDE...
IN CONCLUSION,…
IT IS CLEAR THAT…
IN SHORT
ON THE WHOLE
ALL IN ALL,…
ThingLink of an example of writing
Writing topics:
- Should electric scooters and bikes be allowed on the pavement?
- Humans are responsible for global climate change. Do you agree?
- Should animals be used for scientific testing and trials
Global warming
Gases such as carbon dioxide trap heat from the sun
This causes global temperatures to rise
This process is known as the greenhouse effect
Human activity is a major factor in the rise of the greenhouse gases
Factories and vehicles produce emissions and exhaust fumes
Many developing countries are becoming industrialized
The number of cars on our streets is growing
Cheap air travel is allowing more people to fly
Effects of Global Warming
Global warming will have a significant impact on our planet
Rising temperature will cause melting of the polar ice caps
Sea levels will rise
We can expect more extreme weather conditions
Flooding and droughts may become more common
Impacts of humans on the environment
The increasing world population is putting pressure on natural resources
Fossil fuels like oil and gas are running out
We are destroying wildlife habitats
We have cut down enormous areas of rainforest
This has led to the extinction of many species of animals and plants
Solutions to environment problems
Governments could introduce laws to limit emissions from factories
They should invest in renewable energy from solar, wind or water power
They could impose “green taxes” on drivers and airlines companies
Government campaigns should promote recycling
Natural areas and wild animals should be protected
Individuals should also try to be greener
We should take fewer flights abroad for holidays
We should take public transport rather than driving
We should choose products with less packaging
We should recycle as much as possible
Waste/rubbish
The amount of waster we produce has increased
This problem is a result of our consumer culture
Products are not made to last
If something breaks, we throw it way and buy a new one
Advertisers encourage is to buy the newest fashions
Packaging is an important part of selling
Most foods are sold in non-biodegradable plastics packaging
The amount of household waste is growing
This waste ends up in landfill sites
Litter
People do not think about the consequences of dropping rubbish
They assume that somebody is pad to clean the streest
Plastic packaging does not break down easily
Most of the litter seen on streets is fast food packaging
Recycling and other solutions
Companies should make goods that last longer
They should not use so much packaging
Governments should be stricter, about waster produced by companies
They should put legal limits on packaging
Consumers should avoid buying over-packaged products
We should recycle and reuse useful materials.
There are collection banks for glass, paper and plastic bottles
Households can use several rubbish bins to separate waste
Recycling saves energy and raw materials.
Tuesday, 7 April 2026
TED talks. Oral and written mediation
TED TALKS. PREPARED FOR YOUR OWN STORY-TELLING
TED, in case you haven’t heard, is an organization designed to spread ideas. The ideas take the format of short minute talks which are given during conferences held around the world. All the conferences have a focus, one guiding idea that ties all the talks together. The TED format of presenting is different from any other style of presenting in that the focus is on making a connection with your audience. A strong TED style speech bring the audience in and helps them to relate to the speaker and topic in a way unlike any other. Here you can find some examples before creating yours:
Visit www.ted.com (or search TED Talks on Youtube).
Decide on the topic and fill the template to help you organise the speech to be delivered in front of the class. This should be no longer than 3 minutes and visual aid will be limited as it is NOT meant to be a presentation with slides but a specch on the selected topic. Try to use all the hints provided, such as humour, inspiration, shocking facts, etc.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCskU_g7t6b5ecsA1CTS3y9Q
Sleep has become a big deal in working life. Sleeping is no longer seen as a sign of weakness among competitive colleagues. Apple introduced a Night Shift feature on its devices earlier this year, as consumers recognised that stimuli such as your screen’s backlight can affect your sleep quality.
Research shows that more sleep can lead to us earning more money. A US study has found that in areas where the sun sets earlier, people sleep for longer – and this translates into higher earnings. In the long term, just one extra hour of sleep a week increases wages by 4.9%. So if you live in an area that gets darker earlier, you should be richer. But don’t move house just yet – the higher wages correspond almost exactly with inflated house prices. As Jeffrey Shrader, one of the authors of the study, puts it: “If you want to sleep more, there are better ways to do it than moving house – just buy better curtains.”
This goes against conventional economics. Each extra hour of sleep should be taken away from working time. So how can sleeping earn you money? The answer is productivity. “The biggest effects come through employees who work on commission,” says Shrader. “If you go to work well rested, you are livelier and happier, and can sell more to increase your earnings.”
Even small amounts of sleep deprivation can have large effects. Another study found that sleeping six hours a night for two weeks produced the same results in cognitive tests as being totally sleep-deprived for up to two days straight. But a mid-afternoon nap can help. “Naps are great,” says sleep psychologist Dr Hans Van Dongen. If you struggle to get eight hours of sleep a night, a siesta can have a “reset” effect, and your productivity improves afterwards. “Roughly speaking, an hour’s nap can make up for an hour in lost sleep at night.”
So, the introduction of nap pods at Google’s headquarters does have some science behind it. Although once you start sleeping at work, what is the point in going home at all? Even short naps of up to half an hour can partially offset the productivity lost from chronic sleep deprivation. You snooze, you win.
But the most important workplace revolution would be much more flexible hours. Most of us fall into two broad “chronotype” categories: morning and evening types. Rigidly early start times at work are fine for larks, but a third of us are night owls, who are likely to earn up to 5% less as a result of being tired at work.
Lack of sleep has already been shown to be worse for productivity than being overweight or underweight. So, why are you still reading this? You should go back to bed.
Question 1: [2,5 POINTS] Indicate whether the following statements are true or false and write down which part of the text justifies your answer.
a) The best way to get more sleep is to move to a new home.
b) Sleeping more makes employees produce more.
c) The less you sleep at night, the longer you need to sleep during the day to get the same effect.
d) Google is about to introduce places in their offices for the workers to have a nap.
e) You may earn less if you are a nocturnal person.
Question 2: [1,5 POINTS] Find words or phrases in the text that correspond to the words and definitions given.
a) characteristic (par.1)
b) salary (par.2)
c) to remove (par.3)
d) to make better (par.4)
e) to recompense (par.5)
Question 3: [2 POINTS] Choose the most suitable answer (a, b or c) according to the text
1. You sleeping quality…
a) affects your colleagues at work.
b) is said to be related to being overweighted..
c) is affected by how you use technology at night.
2. Productivity is linked to….
a) mainly to your weight.
b) only to sleeping
c) both your sleep and your weight.
3. In places where it gets dark earlier….
a) people sleep more hours.
b) houses are cheaper.
c) you’d better use curtains.
4. Working shifts….
a) Are more tiring for workers.
b) are the change needed.
c) are only for nocturnal people.
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
VOCABULARY-U11-SIGHT
English vocabulary - WAYS OF LOOKING
▪ look: give attention to what one is seeing; turn the eyes and see in a certain direction. Look at that cute baby!
▪ see: use the power of sight. See! Here she comes!
▪ watch: look at some activity or event; keep one's eyes fixed on something. The boys watched television all the afternoon.
▪ gaze: look at something for a long time, in surprise or admiration. She gazed at him in disbelief when he told her the news.
▪ stare: look at something for a long time with the eyes wide open. She was staring into space.
▪ gawk = gawp: stare impolitely. Many people gathered to gawp at the crashed car.
▪ gape: look at something with one's mouth open. She gaped at him in surprise.
▪ glance: have a quick look at something. She glanced at her watch.
▪ scan: look quickly at something without careful reading. He scanned the newspaper over breakfast.
▪ glare: stare angrily or fiercely. She didn't answer, but just glared silently at me.
▪ glower: look very angry, annoyed or threatening. You don't need to glower at me like that; you know the rules!
▪ peer: look very carefully, as if not able to see well. He peered at me over his spectacles.
▪ peep: look quickly and cautiously. He was caught peeping through the keyhole.
▪ observe: watch carefully. The police observed the man entering the bank.
▪ glimpse: have a passing view of something or someone. Usually used in the expression to catch a glimpse of. He could catch a glimpse of the president among the crowd.
▪ spot: recognize someone suddenly among many others. He was spotted by the police boarding a plane for Berlin.
▪ behold: old use of the verb to see. Behold the king!
▪ view: (technical) look thouroughly; regard, consider. That film hasn't been viewed by the censor yet.
▪ sight: see for the first time. The men in the ship finally sighted land.
▪ leer: look in an unpleasant way, suggesting ill will or lust. The man leered at the young girl.
▪ blink: shut and open the eyes quickly. How long can you stare without blinking?
▪ wink: close one eye briefly, as a signal to somebody. He winked at me to show that he was just joking.
▪ frown: look in a worried or angry way, moving down the eyebrows together. He read the telegram, frowning at its contents.
▪ scowl: frown angrily. She was very angry and scowled at him while she talked.
▪ squint: look with eyes half shut or turned sideways, or through a narrow opening. She squinted through the letter-box and saw an envelope.
▪ peek: look quickly and secretively. She found her brother peeking at her diary.
▪ ogle: look or stare (at a woman) suggesting sexual interest. Most women hate being ogled at.
▪ goggle: look with the eyes wide open in surprise or shock. (old-fashioned) People were goggling at her as if she were from another planet.
▪ eyeball: look directly or closely. Francis eyeballed a beautiful woman at the party.
▪ take a gander at something: (informal) look at something.
▪ cast an eye on/over something: look at something, examine something.
▪ browse: look through the pages of a book or magazine; look at the goods in a shop without really wanting to buy anything. Sheila spent all the afternoon browsing the boutiques.
▪ scrutinize: examine thoroughly and carefully. John scrutinized the painting at the museum.
Listening: SECTION 3. QUESTIONS 21-30. You will hear a discussion about shopping habits.
Questions 21-24
Complete the sentences below. Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS
AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
21. The woman being interviewed is now working in the bank. Her occupation is .
22. The woman usually spends about when she goes shopping.23. The woman often goes to because she finds them convenient.24. According to the woman, is/are her most difficult thing(s) to buy.Fill in the blanks with ONE WORD AND/OR A NUMBER for each answer.
50% of the people being interviewed spend
25. a month.
15% of the people being interviewed spend
26. a month.
35% of the people being interviewed spend
27. a mo
Questions 28-30
Mark THREE letter that represent the correct answer.
Most of the people being interviewed think that _________ is/are most difficult to buy.
A Books
В Study materials
С Foods
D Trousers
E Shoes
F Sportswear
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