FASE DE OPOSICIÓN PRUEBA DE LENGUA INGLESA EJERCICIO DE COMPRENSIÓN ESCRITA

Lea atentamente los 30 textos que aparecen a continuación y conteste a las preguntas que se
le plantean. Marque en la hoja de respuestas la opción que considere correcta (A, B, C o D).
Dispone de un tiempo máximo de 50 minutos para la realización de esta prueba.

1. From an email

This email confirms your reservation for our Lincoln County Mental Health Association Annual
Conference to be held March 4-6. We are reserving space for you in each of the four substance
abuse treatment workshops.

Please send your personal check or a money order covering the $50.00 conference registration
fee and $75.00 for each of the workshops to the Association address above. In order to secure
your space at the four workshops, we must receive your check or money order for $350.00 no
later than February 28.

If you have any questions, please write or call. Source: writeexpress

The recipient is being asked to…

A. confirm attendance to the workshops. B. attend a professional meeting.

C. confirm a spot at the conference.

D. pay for the conference and workshops.

2. Working at a restaurant

I was waiting to get a promotion from a buser - a person who buses tables, washes dishes,
serves food and stocks coolers - to a server at a bar and grill.

When I got a tattoo on half of my arm, my boss immediately denied me the promotion he had
promised, even though some of my co-workers had much more visible tattoos and piercings.
He didn't say it was because of my tattoo, but the comments he made toward me made it
clear he didn't like it. Then he said that I was better off in the kitchen than as a waitress.

Source: BBC

The woman was…

A. promoted to server.

B. not given the promotion promised. C. not allowed to get another tattoo. D. given new
responsibilities.

3. A news story

A 4-year old boy has been freed after his arm was stuck in a vending machine.

The nearly six-hour ordeal began when the child tried to reach into the machine to get biscuits,
and became trapped by its anti-theft mechanism.

"We live in rural Australia, and I don't think he's seen a vending machine before," his father
Aaron Shorthouse told CNN affiliate 7 News.

Rescue workers distracted the child, Leo, by showing him cartoons on their phones and giving
him a stuffed toy as they worked to free him but he had to be sedated at times.

Leo was sent to hospital in a stable condition. Source: ktla

According to the article, the boy…

A. had to be sedated at hospital.

B. was trying to buy a package of biscuits. C. had been distracted when he got stuck. D. was
unfamiliar with vending machines.
4. From a research study about sleep

Sixty percent of people sleep with another person. When one person has sleep issues, both
can suffer. Certain sleep disorders, like snoring, have been shown to reduce the quality of
relationships, largely because

the person hearing the snoring wakes up a lot at night. Insomnia has also been linked to lower
relationship satisfaction.

Research into couples’ sleeping patterns reveals a curious dynamic. When objective measures
like brain waves or eye movements are examined, people are found to generally sleep better
when they sleep by themselves than when they sleep with a bed partner. Yet when they’re
asked about sleeping alone, people say they are less satisfied.

Source: NY times

The results of research show that people…

A. sleep better alone.

B. prefer to sleep with a pet. C. sleep better with a partner. D. prefer to sleep alone.

5. Life in Saudi Arabia

In Saudi Arabia, spending time with someone of the opposite sex before marriage who isn’t a
family member is strictly forbidden by law, even if it’s out at a café. However, there are young
people who secretly meet up with the opposite sex before marriage. This happens a lot here in
Saudi Arabia.

Young people don’t care about religion. I grew up with religion all around me, and I’m still
Muslim, but I don’t believe that true Islam is like this. Young people agree that the society we
live in is wrong about this. Unfortunately, many young men and women have to live a double
life.
Source: NY times

The author of the text…

A. doesn’t care about religion. B. enjoys leading a double life.

C. offers a negative view of Saudi society.

D. admits meeting secretly with the opposite sex.

6. A dinosaur in the news

A dinosaur was left in the middle of a high street thanks to some "drunken pranksters", it is
believed. A 25ft (7.6m) model triceratops had to be removed from High Street in Godshill on
the Isle of Wight after it was dragged from the Jurassic Garden shop property.

A photo of the obstruction was taken by Chris Hollingshead, who spotted it when he was
driving home from work on Saturday morning and later posted a photograph on social media.
Staff from Island Roads, which operates road maintenance on the island, returned the
dinosaur to the Jurassic Garden and the road was reopened to traffic.

Source: BBC

Who took the dinosaur back to the Jurassic Garden?

A. Chris Hollingshead.

B. The Island Roads staff.

C. Some drunken pranksters. D. The Jurassic Garden staff.

7. A news story from China

On Friday morning, a rat was found running around the cabin shortly after a Loong Air flight
left the city of

Hangzhou for Xishuangbanna, the airline said.

It wasn't clear how the rat gained access to the plane, although it seems it wasn't brought on
board as a pet and may have arrived with the meal service. Apart from worrying passengers,
rats can damage a plane's electrical and other systems.

"Considering the threat to passenger health posed by the rat and the possibility of
endangering flight safety by biting through wires, the captain flew back to port in Hangzhou,"
the airline said.

Source: NBC

The article states that the rat…

A. caused a change in the flight plan. B. bit through cables on the airplane. C. belonged to
one of the passengers.

D. was seen eating food from the meal service.

8. Online dating profile tips

First you should decide what you want. If you are a casual dater, let it be known; some of you
may prefer to date with more seriousness; let that be in your profile. Often online daters will
say on their profiles, “I’m open to anything playful or serious – whatever comes along.”
Although that may be good and true for some, it could give the wrong message to some
people.
If you really are looking for something in between casual and serious dating, be more
descriptive about what you want. If you are more interested in something casual or serious,
don’t be afraid to say it.

Source: sampleonlinedatingprofile

According to the tips, online dating profiles should…

A. describe who you want to date. B. reflect your personality.

C. describe who you are.

D. reflect your dating preferences.

9. About an organization

Habitat for Humanity is an international, non-governmental, and nonprofit organization. It has

been devoted to building "simple, decent, and affordable" housing, a self-described "Christian
housing ministry," and has addressed the issues of poverty housing all over the world.

The organization’s mission statement is "Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for
Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope". Homes are built
using volunteer labor and Habitat makes no profit on the sales. Habitat has helped more than
4 million people construct, rehabilitate or preserve more than 800,000 homes since its
founding in 1976, making Habitat the largest not-for-profit builder in the world.

Source: Wikipedia

Habitat for humanity…

A. has 4 million volunteers.

B. has a religious orientation.

C. has constructed more than 800,000 houses. D. is the largest building company in the world.

10. Coffee or tea?

The biggest differences between coffee and tea may emerge once your head hits the pillow.

Comparing people drinking the same volume of tea or coffee over a single day, researchers at
the University of Surrey in the UK confirmed that although both drinks lend similar benefits to
your attention during the day, coffee drinkers tend to find it harder to fall asleep at night –
perhaps because the higher caffeine content finally catches up with you.

Tea drinkers, in contrast, had longer and more restful sleep. Tea offers many of the benefits of
coffee, without the sleepless nights – a clear win.

Source: BBC

According to the article, coffee and tea…

A. should be avoided before bed. B. affect people’s sleep differently. C. should be drunk in
the morning.

D. influence sleep in a similar manner.

11. A review about a restaurant

I read good reviews about this restaurant so I decided to try it. My mum and I ordered drinks
and the waiter misunderstood us and brought red wine instead of white. When we were
brought the correct drinks, there was something floating in mine, so I sent it back.
The waiter then ignored us for the duration of our visit, sending other staff to our table, and
standing with his back towards us while talking to the other guests on either side of us, making
us feel very uncomfortable. If service is anything to go by, no wonder this place lost its
Michelin star.

Source: tripadvisor

The author of the text was…

A. unhappy the restaurant was out of white wine. B. bothered by the clients at a nearby table.

C. annoyed that the waiter misunderstood her. D. upset with the way she was treated.

12. An advert

Charming, quiet one 1 bedroom flat (39 m2) in central Paris (parquet floors, big windows,
marble fireplace, Wi- Fi and TV, new bathroom) for one month to six weeks from mid-
December 2016 to mid-January 2017. Dates flexible with one month minimum. My place is
located in a trendy neighborhood, directly south of Sacre Coeur and Place des Abbesses near
the Rue des Martyrs. You can find Paris’ best food, shopping, and restaurants all nearby.

I’m interested in a one bedroom, preferably in the centre of London but I’m flexible. Send me
an email with pictures and tell me about yourself if you are interested.

Source: craigslist

The author of the advert is looking for a…

A. room to share.

B. flat to exchange. C. room to rent.

D. flat to buy.
13. News from America

"Knockout game" is one of the many names given by American news media to assaults in
which one or more of the attacker(s) attempt to knock out an unsuspecting victim. This is done
by punching someone in the head really hard for the amusement of the attacker(s) and their
accomplice(s). Other names given to assaults of this type include "knockout king", "point 'em
out", and "polar-bear hunting", allegedly called such when the victim is white. Serious injuries
and even deaths have been attributed to the "knockout game". Some news sources report that
in some cases, the attacker was charged with a hate crime.

Source: Wikipedia

The knockout game…

A. is done for entertainment.

B. involves special boxing moves.

C. is practiced by professional boxers. D. specifically targets white people.

14. An advertisement

Looking for someone to share a spacious (700sq.ft), sunny 2 bedroom apartment available
March 1st (moving date flexible -- possibility to move in the weekend before). Current lease is
up end of June but possibility to renew if interested. The apartment is fully furnished and has
wooden floors and high ceilings. The bedroom

available has a sofa, twin bed, and shelves –as well as a big closet. The kitchen is fully equipped
with a dishwasher, oven, fridge, freezer and microwave. The bathroom is clean, has cabinets
and is a decent size. Washing machine and dryer are located in the basement. The building has
an elevator.

Source: craigslist
Which of the following statements is true?

A. The washer and dryer are in the kitchen. B. One bedroom includes a sofa-bed.

C. One bedroom is available to rent in March. D. The apartment is going up for rent in June.

15. A news report

An Australian mother woke to the sound of her son's screams and found a python wrapped
around his belly. Tamara Thurgood struggled to pull the snake off her son after it bit him
repeatedly on the face while he slept,

relatives said.

Ms Thurgood told local media it was "like a nightmare" as she fought to free her son.

She said Tyler, 6, had his eyes closed during the ordeal and could not remember being bitten.
Two male relatives who were called to the property killed the snake.

Snake experts described the encounter with the snake as an "unfortunate chance meeting" as
pythons do not eat humans.

Source: BBC

According to the report, the boy…

A. was not harmed by the snake.

B. woke up when the snake bit him.

C. managed to free himself from the snake. D. was sleeping when the snake bit him.
16. An article about a parrot

Parrot owner Pauline Smith has taught her five-year-old African grey, Skylar, to use the toilet.
Skylar is believed to be Scotland’s only toilet-trained parrot.

She can do more than just use the loo. She can bark like a dog, sound like a ringing telephone
or imitate a car

– and of course, she can talk.

She says, “Mummy you’re so pretty... give me a kiss”. But, Skylar doesn’t always say nice
things. She likes to sit next to Pauline’s window and shout, “What the hell?” which sometimes
scares passers-by.

And she’s also been known to yell “help” when there’s nothing wrong with her said Pauline.
Source: dailyrecord

Which statement is true about Skylar the parrot?

A. She does naughty things.

B. She uses vulgar vocabulary.

C. She can imitate a toilet flushing.

D. She calls for help in emergencies.

17. Leap Day, February 29th

According to an old Irish legend, or possibly history, Saint Brigid made a deal with Saint Patrick
to allow women to propose to men – and not just the other way around – every four years on
leap day.
This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in
a similar way to how leap day balances the calendar. In some places, leap day has been known
as “Bachelors’ Day” for the same reason. A man was expected to pay a penalty, such as a dress
or money, if he refused a marriage proposal from a woman on leap day.

Source: timeanddate

According to legend, on leap day a woman…

A. has to ask her boyfriend for marriage.

B. must pay a fine if she rejects a man´s proposal. C. has permission to ask a man to marry
her.

D. must say yes if proposed to by a man.

18. An ad

Touro College Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology is seeking volunteer

participants for a research study. We are investigating how musical talent affects accents in
Spanish-English speaking populations. We hope to demonstrate the importance of music
programming in schools and second-language learning.

In order to participate, you must be between 18 and 75 years old and speak Spanish as a first
language. You must have learned English after 12 years of age. The study is simple! We just ask
you to fill out a demographic questionnaire and provide a short speech sample. No
compensation will be provided but you can participate from home and it only takes 10-15
minutes.

Source: craigslist

To participate in the study you must…

A. have a talent for music. B. be bilingual from birth.

C. have learned English as an adult. D. be a native Spanish speaker.

19. The Canadian Athlete Assistance Program

The Athlete Assistance Program is a program where the Government of Canada provides
funding assistance to elite level Canadian athletes. Athletes who are receiving this assistance
are called carded athletes.

To qualify the athlete has to be one of the top 16 in the world in their sport, or to have the
potential of reaching the top 16. Athletes are nominated by their National Sports Organization.
Only athletes in sports that are funded by the Government of Canada will be considered.

Monthly funding is provided directly to the athletes and the tuition at a post-secondary
institution is also paid for.

Source Wikipedia

According to the text, to receive funding, athletes…

A. must already be carded athletes.

B. can participate in any kind of sport.

C. need to be enrolled in post-secondary education.

D. have to be considered among the best in their sports.

20. A collection

In late 2008, a man sold the world's biggest collection of Scalextric models: a set of more than
1,000 cars, two- and-a-half miles of racetrack and countless accessories. The collection
includes a rare blue Bugatti Type 59 and a yellow Ferrari Berlinetta GT250 and other 1,000
Scalextric models.

The owner acquired his first Scalextric in 1957, when the brand was launched, and has added
to it over the last half century. There are 80 boxed sets in the collection, including modern
Spiderman and Knight Rider models. There is even one of only three known prototype
Batmobiles. The auction of this collection raised

£99,000. Source: oddee

The collection included…

A. all 1000 Scalextric models.

B. both classic and modern models. C. mostly classic cars from the fifties. D. a unique
prototype Batmobile.

21. About a DJ

I go by the name Domester from Queens, New York. I'm an inspiring DJ who works all over
New York City and the tri-state area. I work hard to provide my customers with 100%
satisfaction. I play all kinds of music and I’m specialized in Hip-Hop, R&B, Dance, House,
Bachata, Merengue, and Salsa. I have experience with events such as private parties,
weddings, babyshowers, birthdays, baptisms, and corporate events. I'm flexible and I'll work
with your budget so you can be comfortable with getting the price you can afford. I’m also
bilingual with Spanish. If you have any questions please text me.

Source: craigslist

The DJ…

A. has fixed prices.

B. will negotiate what he charges. C. has played at bridal showers.

D. is specialized in private parties.

22. A happy ending

Christine remembers the day she was helping her boyfriend Matt pack for his move to Hawaii,
on the other side of the world. She was worried that they wouldn’t be able to see each other a
few times a year.

That day, Matt presented Christine with a sapphire promise ring that had been in his family for
years, and asked her to come to Hawaii on a fiancé visa. “It's the same ring that his dad gave to
his mom,” Christine said. “His mom and I both have September birthdays and sapphire is our
birth stone. At that moment, I realized he really wanted us to be together.”

Source: BBC

Matt…

A. bought Christine a ring like his mom’s.

B. promised Christine a ring like his mom’s. C. proposed to Christine with his mom’s ring.

D. told Christine he would give her his mom’s ring.

23. House for rent

This four bedroom semi-detached villa is located in the popular residential area of Dingwall
and will appeal to those seeking a family home. Dingwall offers services and facilities which
include shops, supermarkets, professional and banking services, primary and recently re-built
secondary school, and a leisure centre with swimming pool. The accommodation consists of an
entrance hall, a living room, big kitchen with white cabinets,

3 double bedrooms with a 4th bedroom/study and a shower room. The property benefits from
gas central heating and a garden front to back. No pets or smokers. Only by viewing can you
appreciate the accommodation on offer. References required. Deposit: £775.00

Source: rightmove
The property…

A. is conveniently located. B. has a swimming pool.

C. is in the business district.

D. has a separate dining room.

24. An advertisement

If you need help picking up items from Craigslist or need a ride to the airport, I can help. I have
a Honda 04

Crv SUV. I am very negotiable with prices and do emergency moves if you need help right
away. I also do rides to transport items that you have bought at places like Ikea, Lowes, Costco,
etc. I drive to places like Newark, JFK and LaGuardia airports, as well as Brooklyn, Queens,
Manhattan, Bronx, Long Island, and Staten Island. If you cannot reach me, kindly leave a
message and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Source: craigslist

The author of the ad…

A. needs a ride to the airport. B. would like help with moving.

C. must transport his own furniture. D. gives rides and transports things.

25. A revolutionary aircraft

Two German brothers – Walter and Reimar Horton – began designing aircraft in the early
1930s. One of their designs was built and flown in Nazi Germany at the end of World War Two.
That aircraft – the Horten Ho 229

–was so far ahead of its time that today, its aerodynamic secrets are still not completely
understood. The aircraft looks more like a flying saucer than a fighter plane – it doesn’t have
the traditional tail fin at the back.

In fact, there’s a chief scientist at NASA still working to discover just how its creators managed
to overcome the considerable aerodynamic challenges that should have made it unflyable.

Source: BBC

The Horten Ho 229…

A. was designed by NASA. B. is being studied today.

C. was tested in both World Wars. D. is similar to a fighter plane.

26. From a dating profile

I just moved back to Rhode Island from New York City. I'm so excited to finally live in the Ocean
State again and to be around easy-going people! I love the beaches and the quiet, small town
environment. It’s much nicer than NYC which is always so noisy and stressful! I don’t know why
I ever left!

I love taking long walks on the beach and doing lots of water sports. I like trying new foods,
drinking coffee, and eating ice cream! I also enjoy reading novels, traveling, and biking. I’d
much rather spend a relaxing evening at a local restaurant than partying at city nightclubs.

Source: sampleonlinedatingprofiles

The author of the profile…

A. is new to the area. B. likes big city life.

C. enjoys outdoor activities.

D. is keen on going to parties.

27. News about a popular doll

Barbie is getting a makeover! Three new body types – tall, curvy and petite – in a variety of
skin tones, 22 eye colors and 24 hair styles are now available. And yes, she finally has a flat
foot.

"I think it's an important step because we've been living in a culture for far too long where
beauty is coming in one shape and one size" says Samantha DeCaro, licensed psychologist.

DeCaro says the changes offered by the Barbie manufacturer could help shift cultural views of
what it means to be beautiful and might help prevent people from suffering common eating
disorders like anorexia and bulimia.

Source: healthusnews

Which statement is true about the new Barbie dolls?

A. They come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. B. They have the same foot and body
shape.

C. They reflect the classic idea of feminine beauty. D. They maintain their original body shape
and size.

28. A news report

A Dutch man who spent two decades collecting Ecstasy pills of all colours and shapes as a
hobby called the police for help after they were stolen – because he says some of them are
poisonous.
Police in the Netherlands say the man, who was not identified, decided to report the theft
despite the illegal nature of the collection because he was worried about someone swallowing
one of the poisoned pills.

It was not clear why about 40 red-and-white pills out of the 2,400-pill-strong collection would
be poisoned, but the police say they fear the drugs could be lethal if swallowed.

Source: metro.co.uk

The Dutch man reported the theft…

A. with the hopes of getting his collection back. B. in order to try to find the thief.

C. because the collection was valuable. D. to prevent someone from falling ill.

29. A letter

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to request a copy of my graduation certificate awarded in last year’s spring

commencement services. Unfortunately, I lost the original when my briefcase was stolen from
my car last weekend. I am enclosing a copy of the police report to support my claim, along
with a certified check for $27.50 to cover the replacement fee. My full name and driver’s
license number are included in the report. Please send the certificate to the address below. If
you need any additional information feel free to contact me by telephone at (401)-773-9145.
Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely, John Smith

Source: writeexpress

Which of the following statements is true?

A. John is requesting a photocopy of his certificate.

B. John lost his original certificate on graduation day. C. John’s original certificate was stolen.

D. John’s original certificate was in his stolen car.

30. Marry me!

I decided to propose to my boyfriend Diego in a square near our favourite bar. On the big
night, we arrived at the bar with some friends who knew about the surprise. Then I invented
an excuse and left the bar. I went to the square where our family and friends were hiding with
heart balloons, and a microphone and sound system.

I'd already agreed things with the owner of the bar - a waiter came to the table and told Diego
his car was involved in a crash outside. So he left the bar to check on his car - and was
surprised with my proposal!

Source: BBC

According to the article, …

A. the bar staff helped with the surprise. B. Diego left the bar to meet friends.

C. the bar staff first noticed the accident.

D. Diego was surprised his car had been hit.

COMPRENSIÓN ESCRITA

PREGUNTA RESPUESTA

1 D

2 B

3 D

4 A

5 C

6 B
7 A

8 D

9 B

10 B

11 D

12 B

13 A

14 C

15 D

16 A

17 C

18 D

19 D

20 B

21 B

22 C

23 A

24 D

25 B

26 C

27 A

28 D

29 C

30 A

51) When I arrived I was …………… into Sally’s office.

A) show B) showed C) showing D) shown

52) The interviewer asked me some questions - …………… , did I have children and so on.A) did I
married B) got I married C) married I D) was I married

53) I opened the door and managed to find the cupboard. …………… everything was going fine.

A) And then B) Meaningfully C) So far D) Wonderfully

54) You would like to live in Australia, ……………

A) shall we? B) will we? C) won’t you? D) wouldn’t you?

55) When I saw the lady’s face I knew it was …………… serious.

A) barely B) hardly C) mostly D) very

56) I knew I was hurting him but I carried on …………… my fingers down his throat.

A) push B) pushed C) pushing D) to push

57) If the sting is …………… the body, put ice on it for about ten minutes.

A) about B) at C) in D) on

58) I …………… killed him because of my ignorance.

A) already B) nearly C) rarely D) willingly

59) …………… having a large brain, Neanderthals were characterized by having a short period of
development.

A) Despite B) Even though C) However D) In spite

60) Growing up …………… had a great childhood because of the poverty of my family.

A) both my brother nor I B) either my brother nor I C) neither my brother nor I

D) nor my brother nor I

61) Mr Reynolds was not invited to the party, ……………

A) did he? B) didn’t he? C) was he? D) wasn’t he?

62) …………… that I could not even walk, so I had to stay home all day.

A) It was much painful B) It was painful too

C) It was so painful D) It was too many painful

63) When Mary worked as a manager she …………… drive a company car.

A) can B) may C) use to D) would

64) The more jobs you apply for, the …………… you will get one.

A) easy B) more easy C) soon D) sooner

65) Marianne has …………… attended a graduate course.

A) however B) recently C) since D) yet

66) Be careful, you …………… over that carpet.

A) are going to trip B) are tripping C) should trip D) will be tripping

67) This time …………… he will be living in a new city.

A) at the next week B) in the next week C) next week D) the next week

68) You can borrow my bicycle but you …………… bring it back before 5 pm.
A) can B) may C) must D) will

69) Don’t be late …………… school, Pete!

A) at B) for C) off D) on

70) This essay …………… before the end of July.

A) must be finish B) must be finished C) must finish it D) must finished it

71) The present was …………… expensive that Pamela felt embarrassed.

A) either B) neither C) so D) such

72) …………… the bad weather, we had a great time shopping in town.

A) Although B) Despite C) However D) Since

73) Take-off was …………… for over an hour because of the strike.

A) delayed B) missed C) retarded D) suppressed

74) Last year we had the …………… to travel to Indonesia.

A) benefit B) occasion C) opening D) opportunity

75) We reached the airport with plenty of time to …………… .

A) free B) let C) spare D) use

76) We …………… down outside Leeds and had to wait for an hour before someone came.

A) broke B) came C) fell D) gone

77) This is Stan, …………… brother works with me.

A) what B) which C) who D) whose

78) Violet does not study …………… Joanne.

A) as hard as B) harder as C) hardest as D) hardest than

79) It is the first time …………… to Paris.

A) we did ever go B) we ever went C) we have ever been D) we went

80) I was trapped and started to shout …………… but it was useless.

A) definitely B) frantically C) naturally D) usefully

Respuestas dudosas

GRAM. y VOCAB.

PREGUNTA RESPUESTA

51 D

52 A

53 A

54 A

55 D

56 C

57 B

58 D

59 C
60 D

61 A

62 A

63 B

64 A

65 C

66 A

67 C

68 C

69 B

70 D

71 D

72 B

73 A

74 A

75 A

76 A

77 B

78 A

79 C

80 C

ODONTOLOGÍA