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Madrid PAU English study materials
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Madrid PAU English practice questions

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Question 1Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this sentence from a PAU-style article: 'Although the council had approved the plan, residents remained sceptical about its long-term benefits.' What does the sentence suggest about the residents?

  1. They supported the plan but wanted faster results.
  2. They were unaware that the plan had been approved.
  3. They doubted that the plan would help over time. Correct answer.
  4. They had voted against the plan at the council meeting.

Explanation

The concessive 'Although' sets up a contrast: approval happened, yet residents 'remained sceptical', meaning they still had doubts. 'Long-term benefits' links those doubts specifically to future advantages. Nothing in the sentence mentions voting, ignorance of the decision, or support.

Question 2Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a reading-comprehension passage, the word 'nevertheless' most often signals which relationship between two ideas?

  1. An example that illustrates what came before
  2. A cause that explains what came before
  3. A contrast that qualifies what came before Correct answer.
  4. A summary that repeats what came before

Explanation

'Nevertheless' is a concessive connector: it introduces a statement that holds despite the previous one, so it marks contrast rather than cause, exemplification or restatement. Recognising this helps you track an author's argument.

Question 3Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage states: 'The museum's new wing, which opened in March, has already attracted record numbers of visitors.' Which detail is presented as background rather than as the main point?

  1. The record visitor numbers
  2. The attraction of the new wing
  3. The museum's expansion
  4. The opening date of the wing Correct answer.

Explanation

The relative clause 'which opened in March' is enclosed in commas and adds non-essential information, so the date is background. The main clause makes the record attendance the central claim.

Question 4Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'Sales of electric cars rose sharply last year; however, charging infrastructure expanded far more slowly.' Which statement best captures the contrast the writer draws?

  1. Charging infrastructure grew faster than electric car sales.
  2. Electric car sales fell while charging points increased.
  3. Both electric car sales and charging points grew at the same rate.
  4. Demand for electric cars grew faster than the infrastructure to support them. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Rose sharply' applied to sales and 'expanded far more slowly' applied to infrastructure, joined by 'however', create a mismatch: demand outpaced support. The correct paraphrase preserves both directions and the relative speed.

Question 5Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In the sentence 'Researchers who study sleep patterns warn that screens disrupt rest', what is the function of the clause 'who study sleep patterns'?

  1. It gives a reason for the warning.
  2. It identifies which researchers are meant. Correct answer.
  3. It contrasts researchers with other groups.
  4. It states the main argument of the sentence.

Explanation

A defining relative clause without commas restricts the noun 'Researchers', specifying the particular group. It does not carry the main claim, which is the warning about screens, nor does it express cause or contrast.

Question 6Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A text says: 'Volunteers cleaned the beach. They collected over two tonnes of plastic.' Which rewrite combines the two sentences correctly in a formal register?

  1. Volunteers cleaned the beach and they collected over two tonnes of plastic.
  2. Volunteers who cleaned the beach collected over two tonnes of plastic. Correct answer.
  3. Volunteers cleaned the beach, they collected over two tonnes of plastic.
  4. Volunteers cleaned the beach; collecting over two tonnes of plastic.

Explanation

A defining relative clause integrates the first sentence into the second smoothly and keeps a formal tone. The result is a single grammatical sentence with one main clause and a clear subject.

Question 7Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Which question would best help you locate the writer's attitude in an opinion article for the PAU reading task?

  1. Which statistics appear in the first paragraph?
  2. Which evaluative adjectives and modal verbs does the writer use? Correct answer.
  3. How many paragraphs does the article contain?
  4. How long are the sentences in the text?

Explanation

Attitude is carried by evaluative lexis (for example 'reckless', 'promising') and by modality (for example 'should', 'might'). Counting paragraphs, statistics or sentence length describes structure, not stance.

Question 8Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'The report, far from being pessimistic, offers a cautiously optimistic view of urban farming.' What is the writer's view of the report?

  1. It is more positive than might have been expected. Correct answer.
  2. It is pessimistic about urban farming.
  3. It is enthusiastic without any reservations.
  4. It avoids taking any position on urban farming.

Explanation

'Far from being pessimistic' denies an expected negative reading, and 'cautiously optimistic' confirms a measured positive view. The combination means the report is more hopeful than one might assume.

Question 9Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a passage about remote work, the phrase 'a double-edged sword' is used. What does it mean in context?

  1. It is a weapon used in negotiations.
  2. It brings both advantages and drawbacks. Correct answer.
  3. It is a solution that fails completely.
  4. It is a policy supported by everyone.

Explanation

The idiom 'double-edged sword' describes something with both beneficial and harmful effects. In a reading task, identifying such figurative language prevents literal misreadings.

Question 10Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A text states: 'Not until the final chapter does the author address the ethical questions raised earlier.' What does this imply about the structure of the book?

  1. The ethical questions are dealt with late in the book. Correct answer.
  2. The ethical questions are ignored throughout the book.
  3. The author addresses ethics at the start of the book.
  4. The final chapter raises new ethical questions.

Explanation

The inverted structure 'Not until... does...' places emphasis on timing: the discussion happens only at the end. It does not mean the topic is ignored, only delayed.

Question 11Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Which option best paraphrases this sentence from a passage: 'Few critics expected the film to succeed, yet it became the year's highest-grossing release.'

  1. Despite low expectations, the film earned more than any other that year. Correct answer.
  2. Because critics praised it, the film earned a great deal of money.
  3. The film was expected to succeed and did so modestly.
  4. Critics predicted the film would be the year's biggest success.

Explanation

'Few critics expected... to succeed' conveys low expectations, and 'yet' contrasts this with the outcome: highest-grossing. A correct paraphrase must keep both the expectation and the contrast.

Question 12Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'While the government praises recycling, critics point out that most plastic waste is still incinerated.' What is the function of 'While' here?

  1. It concedes that the critics are wrong.
  2. It indicates that both events happened at the same time.
  3. It contrasts the government's claims with the critics' evidence. Correct answer.
  4. It introduces a condition for the critics' argument.

Explanation

At the start of a clause, 'While' commonly means 'although' and sets up a contrast between two positions. The time meaning is possible in other contexts but not here, where two viewpoints are opposed.

Question 13Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage refers to 'the so-called green revolution in agriculture'. Why does the writer use 'so-called'?

  1. To confirm that the label is officially correct
  2. To introduce a technical definition
  3. To signal distance from or doubt about the label Correct answer.
  4. To praise the achievements described

Explanation

'So-called' often signals that the writer is quoting a label without fully endorsing it, hinting at scepticism. Recognising this hedging is important for identifying stance in PAU opinion texts.

Question 14Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'The scheme was intended to reduce congestion; in practice, it merely shifted traffic to neighbouring streets.' What does the writer imply about the scheme?

  1. It failed to achieve its real objective. Correct answer.
  2. It was designed to move traffic elsewhere.
  3. It was never implemented.
  4. It reduced congestion across the city.

Explanation

The contrast between 'intended to reduce congestion' and 'in practice... merely shifted traffic' shows the goal was not met. 'Merely' reinforces that the outcome was limited and not the intended one.

Question 15Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Which sentence from a passage contains a claim rather than a fact?

  1. Ridership rose by 18 per cent after the change.
  2. Public transport should be free for students in every city. Correct answer.
  3. The council funded the scheme for three years.
  4. The city introduced free bus travel for students in 2019.

Explanation

A claim expresses an opinion or recommendation, often marked by modal verbs such as 'should'. The other sentences report verifiable data and events, which are factual statements.

Question 16Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In the sentence 'Having analysed the data, the team published its findings', what does the participle clause 'Having analysed the data' express?

  1. An action completed before the main action Correct answer.
  2. A condition for publishing the findings
  3. A contrast with the main action
  4. The purpose of publishing the findings

Explanation

A perfect participle clause ('Having + past participle') shows an action finished before the action of the main clause. It does not express condition, contrast or purpose.

Question 17Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A text says: 'The author's argument is compelling, if somewhat one-sided.' What does the writer think of the argument?

  1. It is weak and poorly supported.
  2. It is impossible to evaluate.
  3. It is balanced and objective.
  4. It is persuasive but incomplete in its perspective. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Compelling' signals that the argument is persuasive, while 'if somewhat one-sided' adds a qualification about limited perspective. The combination expresses partial praise with a reservation.

Question 18Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'Scarcely had the announcement been made when shares began to fall.' Which paraphrase is closest in meaning?

  1. Shares fell long before the announcement was made.
  2. Shares started falling almost immediately after the announcement. Correct answer.
  3. Shares rose steadily after the announcement.
  4. The announcement was made because shares had fallen.

Explanation

'Scarcely... when' means one event followed another almost at once. The fronted negative adverb triggers inversion ('had the announcement been made'), but the meaning is simply immediacy.

Question 19Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage says: 'The study's findings are provisional and should be treated with caution.' Which word could replace 'provisional' without changing the meaning?

  1. Temporary Correct answer.
  2. Controversial
  3. Definitive
  4. Detailed

Explanation

'Provisional' means temporary or subject to later confirmation, which fits 'should be treated with caution'. 'Definitive' is its opposite, while the other options describe different qualities.

Question 20Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'The article's title promises a revolution, but its content delivers only modest reforms.' Which rhetorical effect does the writer create?

  1. Agreement with the article's title
  2. A sense of anticlimax between expectation and reality Correct answer.
  3. Strong support for the article's argument
  4. Confusion about what the article discusses

Explanation

The contrast between 'promises a revolution' and 'delivers only modest reforms' creates disappointment or anticlimax. The word 'only' intensifies the gap between the title's claim and the content.

Question 21Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A text states: 'Had the city invested earlier, the flooding might have been avoided.' What is implied?

  1. The city invested early and prevented flooding.
  2. The city did not invest early enough. Correct answer.
  3. The city plans to invest in the future.
  4. The flooding was unavoidable.

Explanation

This is a third conditional with inversion: 'Had the city invested' replaces 'If the city had invested'. It describes an unreal past situation, implying the investment did not happen early enough.

Question 22Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'It is not that the policy lacks ambition; rather, it lacks a credible timetable for delivery.' What is the writer's main criticism?

  1. The policy is insufficiently ambitious.
  2. The policy has too many delivery targets.
  3. The policy has no realistic plan for when it will be carried out. Correct answer.
  4. The policy has been delivered too quickly.

Explanation

The 'not that... rather' construction explicitly denies the first criticism (lack of ambition) and substitutes the real one: no credible timetable. 'Credible timetable for delivery' points to scheduling and feasibility.

Question 23Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage argues: 'Banning single-use plastics is popular, but popularity is a poor guide to environmental effectiveness.' Which assumption underlies the argument?

  1. Popular measures are always environmentally effective.
  2. Single-use plastics have no environmental impact.
  3. Environmental policy should never be popular.
  4. Measures can be popular without being environmentally effective. Correct answer.

Explanation

The argument separates popularity from effectiveness, which only works if the two can come apart. The writer is not claiming that popular measures are always ineffective, only that popularity is not a reliable criterion.

Question 24Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read: 'The novelist's later works, though admired by critics, are rarely read outside academic circles.' Which inference is best supported?

  1. Critical acclaim has not translated into a wide readership. Correct answer.
  2. Academic readers avoid the novelist's later works.
  3. The later works are more popular than the earlier ones.
  4. Critics dislike the novelist's later works.

Explanation

The concessive 'though admired by critics' contrasted with 'rarely read outside academic circles' shows a gap between critical praise and general readership. The inference must preserve both halves of that contrast.

Question 25Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A text claims: 'Automation will not eliminate work; it will redistribute it, and the redistribution will be uneven.' Which conclusion follows most directly?

  1. Some workers will be more affected by automation than others. Correct answer.
  2. Automation will create no new jobs at all.
  3. All workers will benefit equally from automation.
  4. Automation will end employment within a decade.

Explanation

If work is redistributed unevenly, the effects will fall more heavily on some groups than others. The text explicitly denies that work will disappear and does not claim equal benefits.

Question 26Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A PAU reading passage states: 'The council approved the plan despite fierce opposition from local residents.' What does this sentence tell us about the council's decision?

  1. The council postponed the plan until residents could express their views.
  2. The council approved the plan with the full support of local residents.
  3. The council rejected the plan because residents opposed it.
  4. The council approved the plan even though residents opposed it strongly. Correct answer.

Explanation

The preposition 'despite' introduces a contrast: the approval happened even though there was fierce opposition. The main clause 'approved the plan' is not negated or postponed; it is presented as a fact that occurred alongside the opposition.

Question 27Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a PAU passage about urban transport, you read: 'The new tram line has cut journey times, but critics say it has done little to reduce car use.' Which statement best captures the overall message?

  1. The tram line has improved journey times while car use remains a concern for critics. Correct answer.
  2. Critics believe the tram line has reduced car use significantly.
  3. The tram line has been a complete failure in every respect.
  4. The tram line has had no measurable effect on journey times.

Explanation

The sentence balances a positive outcome ('cut journey times') with a limitation raised by critics ('done little to reduce car use'). A correct summary must include both parts without exaggerating either.

Question 28Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage contains the sentence: 'The museum, which opened in 1997, attracts thousands of visitors each year.' What does the relative clause 'which opened in 1997' do?

  1. It adds extra information about the museum without changing the main claim. Correct answer.
  2. It contradicts the statement that the museum attracts visitors.
  3. It states the reason why the museum attracts thousands of visitors.
  4. It identifies which museum is being discussed among several.

Explanation

A non-defining relative clause between commas supplies additional, non-essential information. The main clause 'The museum attracts thousands of visitors' remains the central claim, and the clause could be removed without changing it.

Question 29Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this extract from a PAU text: 'The company's profits rose sharply last year. However, its share price fell.' What is the function of 'However' in this context?

  1. It introduces an example of the previous statement.
  2. It adds a similar point to the previous sentence.
  3. It introduces a result that follows logically from the previous sentence.
  4. It signals a contrast between the two statements. Correct answer.

Explanation

'However' is a contrastive connector: it marks the second statement as surprising or opposite to the first. Rising profits would normally suggest success, so the falling share price is presented as a contrasting outcome.

Question 30Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A PAU passage says: 'The festival was cancelled owing to the heavy rain.' Which option best explains why the festival was cancelled?

  1. Although it rained heavily.
  2. Because of the heavy rain. Correct answer.
  3. In spite of the heavy rain.
  4. Unless it rained heavily.

Explanation

'Owing to' is a prepositional phrase meaning 'because of' and introduces a cause. The cancellation is presented as a consequence of the heavy rain, so 'because of' preserves the causal link.

Question 31Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a passage about language learning, you read: 'Learners who read extensively tend to develop a larger vocabulary.' What kind of claim is this?

  1. A prediction about one specific learner in the study.
  2. A generalisation based on a tendency, not a guarantee for every learner. Correct answer.
  3. A command telling learners what they must do.
  4. A statement that reading extensively is the only way to learn vocabulary.

Explanation

The verb 'tend to' signals a tendency or general pattern rather than an absolute rule. It allows for exceptions and does not claim that every learner will necessarily develop a larger vocabulary.

Question 32Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A PAU text states: 'The proposal was met with a lukewarm response from the committee.' What does 'lukewarm' suggest about the committee's reaction?

  1. The committee welcomed the proposal with great excitement.
  2. The committee did not understand the proposal.
  3. The committee rejected the proposal outright.
  4. The committee showed little enthusiasm for the proposal. Correct answer.

Explanation

'Lukewarm' literally means slightly warm and is used figuratively to describe weak or unenthusiastic support. It suggests neither outright rejection nor strong enthusiasm, but a lack of real interest.

Question 33Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this sentence from a PAU passage: 'The scientist's findings were met with scepticism by her colleagues.' What does 'scepticism' mean here?

  1. Anger at the scientist's methods.
  2. Doubt about whether the findings are correct. Correct answer.
  3. Indifference to the scientist's work.
  4. Complete agreement and praise.

Explanation

'Scepticism' is the attitude of doubting or questioning a claim. In this context, colleagues are not convinced by the findings and require more evidence before accepting them.

Question 34Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage says: 'The new policy will affect thousands of families, many of whom are already struggling financially.' What does the relative clause 'many of whom are already struggling financially' add to the sentence?

  1. It explains why the policy was introduced.
  2. It provides background information about the families affected. Correct answer.
  3. It contradicts the claim that thousands of families will be affected.
  4. It identifies exactly which families will be affected.

Explanation

The clause 'many of whom...' is a non-defining relative structure that adds descriptive information about the families. It does not identify a specific subset for the purpose of the main claim, nor does it explain the policy's purpose.

Question 35Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a PAU reading text, the writer says: 'It would be naive to assume that technology alone can solve the climate crisis.' What is the writer's attitude towards technological solutions?

  1. Technology may help, but it is not sufficient on its own. Correct answer.
  2. Technology is the only reliable solution to the climate crisis.
  3. Technology has no role to play in addressing the climate crisis.
  4. The writer is uncertain whether technology exists to solve the crisis.

Explanation

The phrase 'naive to assume that technology alone can solve' implies that technology is not enough by itself. The writer does not dismiss technology entirely but warns against relying on it exclusively.

Question 36Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage states: 'The report paints a bleak picture of the region's economy, though it stops short of predicting a full recession.' What does the writer imply about the report?

  1. The report is pessimistic but avoids making the most extreme forecast. Correct answer.
  2. The report predicts an imminent recession.
  3. The report is optimistic about the region's economy.
  4. The report refuses to discuss the economy at all.

Explanation

'Bleak picture' indicates pessimism, while 'stops short of predicting a full recession' means the report does not go as far as forecasting the worst outcome. The implication combines a negative tone with a limit on how far the report goes.

Question 37Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this sentence from a PAU passage: 'Had the warnings been taken seriously, the accident could have been prevented.' What does the sentence suggest?

  1. The warnings were ignored, but the accident was still prevented.
  2. The warnings were taken seriously and the accident was prevented.
  3. The warnings were not taken seriously, and the accident happened. Correct answer.
  4. It is unclear whether the warnings were taken seriously.

Explanation

This is a third conditional with inversion ('Had the warnings been taken seriously' = 'If the warnings had been taken seriously'). It describes an unreal past situation: the warnings were not taken seriously, and the accident was not prevented.

Question 38Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage argues: 'While remote work has reduced commuting time for many employees, it has also blurred the boundaries between work and personal life.' Which statement best summarises the writer's position?

  1. Remote work has eliminated the need for commuting entirely.
  2. Remote work has had no effect on employees' personal lives.
  3. Remote work has had only negative consequences for employees.
  4. Remote work has both benefits and drawbacks for employees. Correct answer.

Explanation

The 'while' clause presents a benefit (reduced commuting) and the main clause presents a drawback (blurred boundaries). A balanced summary must acknowledge both sides rather than choosing one.

Question 39Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a PAU text about food waste, you read: 'Supermarkets are often blamed for throwing away edible food, but consumers are responsible for a substantial share of the waste.' What is the writer doing in this sentence?

  1. Broadening the responsibility for food waste beyond supermarkets. Correct answer.
  2. Denying that any food waste occurs in supermarkets.
  3. Arguing that consumers are not responsible for food waste.
  4. Blaming supermarkets exclusively for food waste.

Explanation

The 'but' clause shifts attention from supermarkets to consumers, showing that responsibility is shared. The writer does not deny supermarket waste but adds another major source.

Question 40Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage contains the phrase: 'The scheme, far from solving the housing crisis, has made affordable homes even scarcer.' What is the writer's view of the scheme?

  1. The scheme was designed to make homes scarcer.
  2. The scheme has had the opposite effect to the one intended. Correct answer.
  3. The scheme has successfully solved the housing crisis.
  4. The scheme has had no effect on affordable housing.

Explanation

'Far from solving' introduces a contrast: instead of solving the problem, the scheme has worsened it. This is a strong negative evaluation suggesting an unintended reverse effect.

Question 41Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this extract: 'The novel's protagonist is hardly a hero in the traditional sense; he is selfish, indecisive and often cruel.' What does the writer suggest about the protagonist?

  1. He possesses the qualities traditionally associated with heroes.
  2. He is a hero despite being selfish and indecisive.
  3. He lacks the noble qualities traditionally expected of a hero. Correct answer.
  4. The writer refuses to judge the protagonist's character.

Explanation

'Hardly a hero in the traditional sense' means he does not fit the conventional idea of a hero. The list of negative traits confirms this lack of traditional heroic qualities.

Question 42Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A PAU passage says: 'The government has pledged to cut emissions, yet its latest budget includes subsidies for fossil fuels.' What is the writer highlighting?

  1. A contradiction between the government's promise and its actions. Correct answer.
  2. The writer's support for fossil fuel subsidies.
  3. The government's decision to abandon emissions targets.
  4. A successful policy to reduce fossil fuel subsidies.

Explanation

The connector 'yet' signals a contrast between the pledge to cut emissions and the inclusion of fossil fuel subsidies. The writer is pointing out an inconsistency between words and actions.

Question 43Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a text about education, you read: 'Teachers are increasingly expected to act as counsellors, social workers and mentors, in addition to their teaching duties.' What does this suggest about the role of teachers?

  1. Teachers now focus exclusively on academic instruction.
  2. Teachers have stopped teaching to become counsellors.
  3. Teachers receive extra pay for additional duties.
  4. Teachers are required to take on responsibilities beyond teaching. Correct answer.

Explanation

The phrase 'in addition to their teaching duties' shows that the new roles are added on top of teaching, not instead of it. The list of roles indicates an expansion of responsibilities.

Question 44Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this sentence from a PAU passage: 'The museum's decision to return the artefacts was praised by some and condemned by others.' What does the sentence indicate about public reaction?

  1. The reaction was entirely positive.
  2. The reaction was divided. Correct answer.
  3. There was no public reaction.
  4. The reaction was entirely negative.

Explanation

The contrast between 'praised by some' and 'condemned by others' clearly shows a split reaction. The sentence reports both positive and negative responses without taking sides.

Question 45Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage states: 'The company's claim that its product is environmentally friendly has been called into question by recent studies.' What does 'called into question' mean here?

  1. The claim has been repeated by researchers.
  2. The claim has been completely ignored.
  3. The claim has been challenged or doubted. Correct answer.
  4. The claim has been officially approved.

Explanation

The idiom 'call into question' means to raise doubts about something or challenge its validity. Recent studies have provided reasons to doubt the company's environmental claim.

Question 46Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a PAU passage, the writer notes: 'The film's director is known for his meticulous attention to detail, and this latest work is no exception.' What does the writer imply about the film?

  1. The film continues the director's characteristic attention to detail. Correct answer.
  2. The film is less detailed than the director's previous works.
  3. The director has abandoned his usual style in this film.
  4. The film is an exception to the director's usual approach.

Explanation

'This latest work is no exception' means the film follows the same pattern as the director's other works. The writer implies that the meticulous attention to detail is present again.

Question 47Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage argues: 'It is not enough to recycle more; we must also consume less.' What is the writer's main point?

  1. Consuming less is unnecessary if recycling increases.
  2. Reducing consumption is necessary in addition to recycling. Correct answer.
  3. Recycling should be abandoned in favour of consuming less.
  4. Recycling alone is sufficient to solve environmental problems.

Explanation

The structure 'not enough... also' shows that recycling is necessary but insufficient. The writer adds reduced consumption as an additional requirement, not as a replacement.

Question 48Reading comprehension of an English-language text

Read this sentence from a PAU text: 'The findings, albeit preliminary, suggest a link between sleep and memory.' What does 'albeit preliminary' tell us about the findings?

  1. The findings are early-stage but still indicative. Correct answer.
  2. The findings are unrelated to sleep and memory.
  3. The findings are final and conclusive.
  4. The findings have been rejected by researchers.

Explanation

'Albeit' means 'although' and introduces a concession. The findings are described as preliminary (early-stage) but still suggest a link, so they are indicative rather than conclusive.

Question 49Reading comprehension of an English-language text

A passage says: 'The author's critique of social media is trenchant, but it occasionally oversimplifies the evidence.' What is the writer's evaluation of the critique?

  1. It is entirely accurate and never oversimplifies.
  2. It avoids discussing evidence altogether.
  3. It is sharp and insightful but sometimes lacks nuance. Correct answer.
  4. It is weak and poorly argued throughout.

Explanation

'Trenchant' means incisive or sharply expressed, which is positive. The 'but' clause adds a limitation: occasional oversimplification. The evaluation is therefore mixed, combining praise with criticism.

Question 50Reading comprehension of an English-language text

In a PAU passage: 'The proposal was rejected out of hand by the committee, who refused even to discuss it.' What does 'out of hand' mean in this context?

  1. With reluctant agreement.
  2. By a narrow majority.
  3. After long and careful discussion.
  4. Immediately and without consideration. Correct answer.

Explanation

The idiom 'out of hand' means without hesitation or discussion. The following clause, 'refused even to discuss it', confirms that the rejection was immediate and unconsidered.