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Cantabria PAU Foreign Language II - English study materials
Cantabria PAU Foreign Language II - English study resources

Cantabria PAU Foreign Language II - English practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text opens: 'When my grandmother arrived in Santander in 1962, the harbour was still full of fishing boats.' Which reading purpose does this opening sentence best support first?

  1. Locating the author's main argument about tourism
  2. Identifying the setting and time frame of the passage Correct answer.
  3. Predicting the grammatical topic of the next sentence
  4. Recognising a statistical claim that needs verification

Explanation

The sentence supplies place (Santander, the harbour) and a date (1962), which are the classic markers of a narrative's setting. Global comprehension begins with establishing who, where and when before interpreting purpose or argument.

Question 2Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In a PAU-style text, the sentence 'However, not everyone in the village welcomed the new marina' most directly signals which textual function?

  1. A cause-and-effect relationship
  2. A contrast that introduces an opposing viewpoint Correct answer.
  3. A definition of a technical term
  4. A summary of the preceding paragraph

Explanation

'However' is a contrast connector, and 'not everyone welcomed' explicitly introduces a dissenting perspective after presumably positive material. Recognising contrast markers is essential for tracking the balance of opinions in a text.

Question 3Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage states: 'The council approved the plan in March. By June, three of the four proposed cycle lanes had been built.' What does the second sentence mainly do in relation to the first?

  1. It questions whether the decision was legal
  2. It reports the outcome that followed the decision Correct answer.
  3. It repeats the first sentence in different words
  4. It explains why the plan was rejected

Explanation

The second sentence gives a later development ('by June... had been built') that results from the March approval, so it reports implementation. Tracking chronological markers shows how a text develops an idea across sentences.

Question 4Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Which detail would a reader need in order to identify the main idea of a PAU reading passage rather than a supporting detail?

  1. A single date mentioned once in the second paragraph
  2. The number of words in the longest sentence
  3. The name of one person quoted in the text
  4. The point the writer returns to across several paragraphs Correct answer.

Explanation

A main idea is the central point developed and revisited throughout the text, whereas single dates, names or measurements are local details. Distinguishing recurrent ideas from one-off facts is the core skill of global comprehension.

Question 5Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Read this extract: 'Sales of electric bicycles rose sharply in 2021. Dealers reported waiting lists of several months.' Which inference is best supported by the two sentences together?

  1. Demand for electric bicycles exceeded what shops could supply Correct answer.
  2. The 2021 figures were later shown to be false
  3. Dealers had stopped ordering new stock
  4. Electric bicycles had become cheaper than ordinary bicycles

Explanation

Rising sales plus waiting lists of months jointly imply that demand outstripped available supply. A valid inference must be supported by combining stated facts, not by adding information the text does not contain.

Question 6Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text says: 'Although the museum receives public funding, its director insists that ticket prices must rise.' What is the director's position as presented?

  1. The museum should stop receiving visitors
  2. Higher admission charges are necessary despite public support Correct answer.
  3. Ticket prices should remain unchanged this year
  4. Public funding should be withdrawn immediately

Explanation

'Although... insists that prices must rise' sets public funding against the director's demand for an increase, so the position is that higher prices are needed. Concessive structures signal a tension between two facts that the reader must resolve.

Question 7Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In a passage about remote work, the writer asks: 'But is productivity really improved, or have we simply moved the office into the living room?' What is the function of this question?

  1. It requests factual information the writer does not know
  2. It challenges an assumption and invites the reader to reconsider it Correct answer.
  3. It marks the end of the writer's argument
  4. It introduces a new character into the narrative

Explanation

Rhetorical questions in opinion texts are used to cast doubt on a claim and push the reader towards the writer's view. The paired alternatives signal scepticism about the productivity claim rather than a genuine request for data.

Question 8Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text reports: 'According to the regional government, unemployment fell by two points. Independent economists, however, describe the figure as misleading.' How should a careful reader summarise the passage's stance?

  1. The economists fully confirm the government's data
  2. Unemployment figures are irrelevant to the topic
  3. The government has withdrawn its unemployment report
  4. The official figure is presented as contested by experts Correct answer.

Explanation

The structure 'According to X... however, Y describes it as misleading' presents the official claim and then undercuts it with expert doubt. Good summary captures this tension instead of reporting only one side.

Question 9Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Which sentence from a reading passage contains a fact rather than an opinion?

  1. Residents must have been delighted to see it reopen
  2. The bridge was closed to traffic for eleven days in April Correct answer.
  3. The bridge is the ugliest structure in the whole province
  4. Closing the bridge was a terrible decision by the council

Explanation

A fact can be verified independently (dates, durations, measurable events), while opinions involve evaluation or speculation. 'Eleven days in April' is checkable; the other options contain value judgements or assumptions about feelings.

Question 10Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A paragraph begins: 'Not only did the scheme reduce traffic, but it also cut air pollution.' What does the 'not only... but also' structure emphasise?

  1. That two benefits were achieved together Correct answer.
  2. That pollution was the only problem
  3. That the scheme failed to reduce traffic
  4. That the second benefit is doubtful

Explanation

The correlative pair 'not only... but also' adds a second, often emphasised, item to the first, presenting two achievements. Recognising such structures helps the reader capture the full range of claims in a sentence.

Question 11Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage describes a character who 'smiled politely while glancing repeatedly at the door'. What does this detail most likely suggest about the character?

  1. Genuine enthusiasm for the conversation
  2. A wish to leave the situation despite outward courtesy Correct answer.
  3. Anger towards the person speaking
  4. Confusion about where the exit is located

Explanation

Repeated glances at the door combined with a polite smile are behavioural cues implying a desire to escape while maintaining appearances. Reading such details for implied meaning is central to detailed comprehension.

Question 12Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In a text about a scientific study, the phrase 'the sample was small, so the results should be treated with caution' performs which function?

  1. It confirms the results are universally valid
  2. It qualifies the reliability of the findings Correct answer.
  3. It proves the study was fraudulent
  4. It introduces a completely new topic

Explanation

The sentence limits how far the findings can be generalised, which is a qualification or caveat. Identifying hedged conclusions prevents over-reading research claims in a passage.

Question 13Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text states: 'The festival, first held in 1987, now attracts visitors from across Europe.' Which question does this sentence answer?

  1. Who founded the festival and with what money?
  2. When did the festival begin and how wide is its reach now? Correct answer.
  3. How much do tickets for the festival cost?
  4. Why did the organisers choose the month of August?

Explanation

The sentence gives the founding year (1987) and the current geographical reach (visitors from across Europe). Detailed comprehension means matching each stated element to the question it can actually answer.

Question 14Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

An article ends: 'Whether this trend continues remains to be seen.' What does this closing sentence indicate about the writer's conclusion?

  1. The outcome is still uncertain and the writer avoids a firm prediction Correct answer.
  2. The article's earlier claims have been disproved
  3. The trend has definitely ended already
  4. The writer is certain the trend will continue for decades

Explanation

'Remains to be seen' is a formula expressing uncertainty about future developments, so the writer declines to predict. Recognising such closing formulas prevents readers from attributing false certainty to the author.

Question 15Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Two paragraphs discuss a new high-speed rail link. Paragraph one lists journey-time savings; paragraph two lists concerns about cost and wildlife. What is the overall structure?

  1. A definition is followed by an example
  2. Advantages are presented first, then drawbacks Correct answer.
  3. A single drawback is repeated twice
  4. A historical account is followed by a biography

Explanation

The text balances positive effects (time saved) against negative ones (cost, wildlife), a classic for-and-against organisation. Mapping paragraph function is a reliable route to global comprehension.

Question 16Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage notes: 'Critics argue the tax will hit low-income families hardest. Supporters counter that the revenue funds free school meals.' How does the text treat the two sides?

  1. It claims the tax has already been abolished
  2. It rejects the critics' argument outright
  3. It reports both positions without clearly endorsing either Correct answer.
  4. It presents supporters as the only informed group

Explanation

Verbs like 'argue' and 'counter' attribute claims to opposing groups while the narrator stays neutral, so both sides are reported. Detecting balanced reporting matters when answering questions about the writer's own view.

Question 17Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Which of these best describes a 'supporting detail' in a PAU reading text?

  1. The central message that unites the whole passage
  2. A specific fact or example that backs up a broader claim Correct answer.
  3. The title printed above the article
  4. The writer's name at the end of the text

Explanation

Supporting details are the concrete facts, figures or examples used to develop a wider point, while the main idea is the broader claim itself. Separating the two levels is essential for answering detail and main-idea items correctly.

Question 18Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A sentence reads: 'Had the council consulted residents, the protests might have been avoided.' What does the writer imply?

  1. The council consulted residents thoroughly
  2. The council did not consult residents before acting Correct answer.
  3. Residents refused to take part in consultation
  4. The protests were avoided in the end

Explanation

This is a past unreal conditional (inverted 'Had...'), which describes a situation that did not happen, implying no consultation took place. Recognising unreal past forms is necessary to avoid reading them as factual statements.

Question 19Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In the sentence 'The report, which had been leaked to the press, forced the minister to resign', what is the function of the relative clause?

  1. It adds background information about the report without defining it Correct answer.
  2. It contradicts the main clause
  3. It identifies which of several reports is meant
  4. It states the main consequence of the leak

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause between commas adds extra, non-essential information about an already identified noun. Distinguishing defining from non-defining clauses affects how much weight each piece of information carries.

Question 20Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text says a policy was 'hailed as a breakthrough by some and dismissed as a gimmick by others'. What does this contrast reveal about the policy's reception?

  1. It was withdrawn before it could be judged
  2. It was received with sharply divided opinions Correct answer.
  3. It was ignored by commentators entirely
  4. It was welcomed unanimously by all observers

Explanation

'Hailed as a breakthrough' versus 'dismissed as a gimmick' sets praise against contempt, showing polarised reactions. Antonymic evaluation words are strong signals of divided opinion in a passage.

Question 21Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage about volunteering states: 'Far from being a burden on public services, volunteers often fill gaps that budgets cannot reach.' What is the writer doing with 'far from'?

  1. Introducing an example of a public service
  2. Agreeing that volunteers are a burden
  3. Describing the geographical distance involved
  4. Rejecting a common assumption before asserting the opposite Correct answer.

Explanation

'Far from X, Y' explicitly denies X and asserts Y, here rejecting the idea that volunteers are a burden. This construction is a frequent device for correcting misconceptions in opinion texts.

Question 22Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text mentions that a coastal town 'has seen its population double since 2000, though the school has closed and the health centre is under threat'. What contrast is being highlighted?

  1. A steady population with stable services
  2. Rapid construction of schools and clinics
  3. A fall in population combined with new facilities
  4. Population growth alongside a decline in local services Correct answer.

Explanation

'Double since 2000' signals growth, while 'school has closed' and 'health centre under threat' signal service decline; the concessive 'though' marks the contrast. Noticing such contrasts is key to detailed comprehension.

Question 23Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Which element of a PAU reading passage would most reliably help you decide the writer's purpose?

  1. The length of the title
  2. The presence of a date in the first line
  3. The overall pattern of claims, examples and evaluative language Correct answer.
  4. The number of paragraphs in the text

Explanation

Purpose is inferred from how claims, evidence and evaluative words combine across the whole text, not from formal features. Structural counts such as paragraph numbers rarely reveal intent.

Question 24Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage reports: 'The company says the delay was caused by supply problems. Staff, speaking anonymously, blame a lack of planning.' What does the reader learn about the causes of the delay?

  1. The delay had a single undisputed cause
  2. The staff agree with the company's explanation
  3. Two conflicting explanations are offered by different sources Correct answer.
  4. The cause of the delay is never discussed

Explanation

The company attributes the delay to supply, while anonymous staff attribute it to poor planning, giving competing accounts. Comparing sources within a text is a core detailed-comprehension skill.

Question 25Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Read: 'Only after the flood did the town realise how vulnerable its older bridges were.' What does the sentence suggest about the town's awareness before the flood?

  1. It had already repaired all the older bridges
  2. It had underestimated the weakness of the bridges Correct answer.
  3. It knew the bridges were unsafe and acted early
  4. It had no older bridges at the time

Explanation

'Only after... did the town realise' implies awareness came late, so the town had not previously recognised the vulnerability. Inverted 'only after' structures often highlight delayed realisation.

Question 26Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A short PAU passage opens: 'Every summer, thousands of tourists descend on the small fishing village of Castro Urdiales.' Which single question is answered directly by this opening sentence?

  1. How much money do these visitors spend in the village?
  2. Why do tourists choose this village rather than larger resorts?
  3. When does the arrival of many visitors to the village take place? Correct answer.
  4. Which specific months bring the largest number of visitors to the village?

Explanation

The sentence states that the arrivals happen 'every summer', so the timing of the tourist influx is the information it supplies. The other questions ask for reasons, amounts or comparisons that the sentence does not mention.

Question 27Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage says of a local library: 'Since the renovation, it has extended its opening hours and added a children's reading room.' Which statement is supported by this sentence alone?

  1. The library now offers longer opening hours and a space for young readers. Correct answer.
  2. The library has become the most popular in the province.
  3. The library has replaced its adult collection with children's books.
  4. The renovation was paid for by the regional government.

Explanation

The sentence lists two concrete changes: extended hours and a new children's reading room. Only option 0 restates those two facts without adding anything.

Question 28Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text states: 'The new tram line, which opened in March, carries around 40,000 passengers each week.' Which detail is given as a precise figure in this sentence?

  1. The cost of a single ticket
  2. The length of the tram line
  3. The weekly number of passengers Correct answer.
  4. The month in which the line opened

Explanation

The only number in the sentence is 40,000, and it refers to weekly passengers. The month is named but not given as a figure, and length and price are absent.

Question 29Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In a passage, the writer says of a housing scheme: 'The flats were built quickly, but the promised playground was never constructed.' What does this sentence tell the reader about the scheme?

  1. The playground was built before the flats were finished.
  2. Neither the flats nor the playground were ever built.
  3. The flats were completed rapidly while one promised facility was not delivered. Correct answer.
  4. The flats were finished on time and the playground opened later.

Explanation

The contrast introduced by 'but' sets a fast completion of the flats against a promised playground that was never built. The sentence therefore reports partial delivery of the scheme.

Question 30Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage contains the sentence: 'The volunteers, most of whom were students, spent the weekend clearing the beach.' What does the relative clause tell us?

  1. That only students were allowed to volunteer
  2. That the volunteers were paid for their work
  3. That the majority of the volunteers were students Correct answer.
  4. That the students organised the whole event

Explanation

'Most of whom were students' is a non-defining relative clause adding information about the volunteers, and 'most' signals a majority rather than all of them. It does not comment on payment, organisation or eligibility.

Question 31Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text reads: 'Ana had studied the map for hours. Nevertheless, she took the wrong path within minutes of setting off.' What does 'Nevertheless' signal here?

  1. That the second event contrasts with what the first would lead us to expect Correct answer.
  2. That the two events happened at exactly the same time
  3. That the writer is unsure whether the second event occurred
  4. That the second event happened because of the first

Explanation

'Nevertheless' is a contrastive connector: careful preparation would lead us to expect success, but the opposite happens. It marks an unexpected result, not a cause, simultaneity or doubt.

Question 32Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage describes a beach clean-up: 'Within a month, the group had collected three tonnes of plastic.' Which reading of this sentence is correct?

  1. The group has not yet finished collecting the plastic.
  2. The group will collect three tonnes every month from now on.
  3. The group collected the plastic in a single day.
  4. The group collected plastic over a period of about a month. Correct answer.

Explanation

The past perfect 'had collected' with 'within a month' describes an amount gathered during a completed period in the past. It reports a finished total, not a repeated future rate or a single day's work.

Question 33Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A reading text begins: 'Few people in the town expected the festival to succeed.' What does the word 'Few' indicate about the town's expectations?

  1. That a small number of people expected success Correct answer.
  2. That almost everyone expected success
  3. That a large number of people expected success
  4. That nobody at all had an opinion

Explanation

'Few' is a negative-leaning quantifier meaning a small number, so only a minority expected the festival to succeed. It does not mean nobody, and it certainly does not mean most people.

Question 34Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage says of a coastal path: 'The council has pledged to repair the eroded sections, although no timetable has been announced.' What can a reader reasonably conclude?

  1. The path will be closed permanently.
  2. The council intends to repair the path but the timing is unclear. Correct answer.
  3. The council has refused to repair the path.
  4. The repairs have already been completed.

Explanation

'Pledged to repair' expresses a commitment, while 'no timetable has been announced' leaves the schedule open. Combining the two clauses gives an intention without a date.

Question 35Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Read: 'The museum's new wing was designed to attract younger visitors, yet its interactive exhibits are the first thing to be switched off when budgets are cut.' What does the writer suggest about the museum's priorities?

  1. That the museum has abandoned its plans for a new wing
  2. That younger visitors have stopped coming to the museum
  3. That its stated aim and its actual spending decisions are in tension Correct answer.
  4. That the interactive exhibits are the most expensive part of the wing

Explanation

The 'yet' contrasts the wing's purpose with the fact that the very exhibits serving that purpose are cut first. This implies a gap between declared intentions and financial choices.

Question 36Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A paragraph describes a mayor who 'promised transparency, then held the key budget meetings behind closed doors'. How does the writer build the criticism?

  1. By quoting the mayor's own explanation of the decision
  2. By listing statistics about the town's finances
  3. By contrasting a public promise with contradictory behaviour Correct answer.
  4. By reporting the opinions of opposition councillors

Explanation

The criticism works through juxtaposition: the promise of openness is set against secret meetings. No quotation, statistics or third-party voices are used in the sentence.

Question 37Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text reports: 'Sales of electric bicycles rose sharply last year, a trend retailers expect to continue as fuel prices remain high.' What reason does the text give for expecting the trend to continue?

  1. Government subsidies for electric bicycles
  2. A fall in the price of bicycles
  3. Improved safety features on new models
  4. The high price of fuel Correct answer.

Explanation

The clause 'as fuel prices remain high' supplies the reason for the retailers' expectation. The text attributes the predicted continuation to fuel costs, nothing else.

Question 38Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

In a passage, a researcher says: 'Our findings are encouraging, but they come from a single hospital.' What is the function of the second clause?

  1. It explains why the hospital agreed to take part.
  2. It gives an example supporting the first clause.
  3. It repeats the first clause in different words.
  4. It qualifies the optimism of the first clause by pointing to a limitation. Correct answer.

Explanation

The 'but' clause restricts how far the encouraging findings can be generalised, since one hospital is a narrow base. This is a limitation that qualifies the initial optimism.

Question 39Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text about a language programme notes: 'Enrolment doubled after the classes were moved to the evening.' What does this sentence most strongly suggest?

  1. That the teachers preferred working in the evening
  2. That the timing of the classes affected people's ability to attend Correct answer.
  3. That evening classes are easier than daytime classes
  4. That the programme reduced its fees at the same time

Explanation

The change in enrolment is linked to the change of timetable, which implies that daytime classes had been inconvenient for many potential students. It says nothing about difficulty, teachers or fees.

Question 40Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage states: 'The old market hall, once the busiest in the region, now houses little more than a car park.' What is the writer emphasising?

  1. The architectural quality of the building
  2. The need for more parking in the town
  3. The popularity of the new market site
  4. The building's decline from a lively past Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'once the busiest' set against 'now houses little more than a car park' traces a fall from importance to near-emptiness. The emphasis is on decline, not on parking policy or architecture.

Question 41Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text contains the sentence: 'Not until the final report was published did residents learn the full extent of the pollution.' Which paraphrase keeps the meaning?

  1. Residents never learned the full extent of the pollution.
  2. Residents learned the full extent of the pollution before the report appeared.
  3. The report was published because residents learned about the pollution.
  4. Residents learned the full extent of the pollution only when the report was published. Correct answer.

Explanation

The inverted structure 'Not until X did Y' means that Y happened only after or at the moment of X. Here, residents found out about the pollution at the point when the report came out.

Question 42Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage notes: 'The scheme was piloted in three towns. Its supporters now want it rolled out nationally.' What does 'rolled out' mean in this context?

  1. Reduced in scale to save money
  2. Evaluated by an independent team
  3. Cancelled after the pilot phase
  4. Extended to the whole country Correct answer.

Explanation

To 'roll out' a scheme is to introduce it more widely, and here it contrasts with the limited pilot in three towns. 'Nationally' confirms the intended expansion across the country.

Question 43Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Read: 'The novel's central character is described as generous by everyone who meets her, yet the narrative shows her ignoring her brother's letters for years.' What is the effect of this discrepancy?

  1. It confirms that the character is genuinely generous.
  2. It suggests the character's reputation may not match her actions. Correct answer.
  3. It shows that the narrator dislikes the brother.
  4. It proves that the brother is lying about the letters.

Explanation

The contrast between other characters' praise and the character's own behaviour invites the reader to question her reputation. The narrative does not settle the issue but exposes a gap between report and action.

Question 44Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text about urban trees argues: 'Planting is popular because it is visible. Maintaining young trees is less photogenic, yet without it most of them die within five years.' What is the writer's main point?

  1. That maintenance matters more than the publicity value of planting Correct answer.
  2. That planting schemes should be abandoned
  3. That urban trees survive well without care
  4. That young trees are difficult to photograph

Explanation

The writer contrasts the popularity of visible planting with the less visible but essential work of maintenance, which determines survival. The argument favours attention to upkeep over photo opportunities.

Question 45Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage reports: 'Critics of the bypass point to the extra traffic it has drawn to the town centre; the council counters that through-traffic has fallen by a fifth.' What does the council's reply attempt to do?

  1. Deny that the bypass exists
  2. Reframe the debate by citing a different measure of success Correct answer.
  3. Concede that the critics are entirely right
  4. Argue that traffic levels are irrelevant to the decision

Explanation

The council does not dispute the critics directly but shifts attention to a different statistic, the fall in through-traffic. This is a reframing move that offers an alternative criterion for judging the road.

Question 46Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text says: 'The claim that screens harm concentration is often repeated, though the studies behind it rarely distinguish between passive viewing and active use.' What weakness is the writer identifying?

  1. That the studies fail to separate different kinds of screen activity Correct answer.
  2. That passive viewing is always harmless
  3. That the studies are too few in number to be published
  4. That concentration cannot be measured at all

Explanation

The criticism targets a missing distinction: the research lumps passive viewing together with active use. The writer questions the precision of the evidence, not its quantity or the possibility of measurement.

Question 47Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

Read: 'Had the town invested in flood defences a decade ago, the damage caused last winter would have been far less severe.' What is the writer's implied criticism?

  1. That flood defences are ineffective in coastal towns
  2. That the town failed to act early enough Correct answer.
  3. That the town spent too much on flood defences
  4. That last winter's floods were unusually mild

Explanation

The third conditional 'Had... invested... would have been' describes an unreal past and implies the investment did not happen. The writer therefore criticises a missed opportunity to prepare in advance.

Question 48Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage ends: 'The village has survived the closure of its mine, its railway and its barracks. Whether it can survive the loss of its school is another matter.' What does the final sentence mainly do?

  1. It explains why the mine and railway closed.
  2. It summarises the earlier list of closures.
  3. It introduces a new threat while casting doubt on the village's resilience. Correct answer.
  4. It confirms that the school will remain open.

Explanation

The closing sentence adds the school to the list of losses but frames it as a test the village may not pass. This both introduces a new risk and questions the resilience implied by earlier survivals.

Question 49Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A text states: 'Supporters describe the new law as a safeguard; opponents call it a straitjacket.' What does the contrast between the two metaphors reveal?

  1. That both sides agree on what the law will do
  2. That the writer supports the opponents' view
  3. That the same law is understood as protection by one side and as restriction by the other Correct answer.
  4. That the law has already been repealed

Explanation

'Safeguard' frames the law as protective, while 'straitjacket' frames it as confining. The paired metaphors show how the same measure is evaluated in opposite ways, without the writer declaring a preference.

Question 50Reading comprehension - global and detailed understanding of a written text

A passage about a music festival says: 'Organisers cut the number of stages from six to four and reported record ticket sales.' Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Fewer stages caused the rise in ticket sales.
  2. The reduction in stages did not prevent strong ticket sales. Correct answer.
  3. The festival has become less popular with audiences.
  4. The organisers plan to reduce the number of stages again.

Explanation

The sentence places a reduction alongside record sales, so the safest conclusion is that the smaller programme did not harm sales. The text does not establish that one change caused the other.