Examen Resuelto Prueba de Acceso UCM Inglés 2023

1. Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE. (Puntuación máxima: 2 puntos.)

**a) English etiquette is well known internationally.**

*   **Answer:** TRUE.
*   **Evidence:** "English socially appropriate behaviour is renowned across the world."
*   **Reasoning:** The statement claims English etiquette is well known internationally. The first sentence of the text states that English socially appropriate behaviour (which is synonymous with etiquette in this context) is "renowned across the world". "Renowned" means famous or well-known, and "across the world" means internationally. Therefore, the statement is true, and this sentence provides direct evidence.

**b) In Britain, unexpected visits are usually considered appropriate.**

*   **Answer:** FALSE.
*   **Evidence:** "For the same reason an unannounced house call is often frowned upon."
*   **Reasoning:** The statement suggests that unexpected visits ("unannounced house calls") are generally acceptable in Britain. However, the text explicitly states in the second paragraph that such visits are "often frowned upon". "Frowned upon" indicates disapproval, meaning they are *not* considered appropriate. Therefore, the statement is false, and the provided evidence directly contradicts it.

2. Find a synonym in the text for the following words or phrases. (Puntuación máxima: 1 punto.)

**a) impolite (paragraph 2).**

*   **Answer:** rude
*   **Reasoning:** The question asks for a synonym of "impolite" found in paragraph 2. Paragraph 2 discusses rules of British etiquette, including punctuality. It states, "...it is considered **rude** to arrive late...". In this context, "rude" means lacking politeness or good manners, making it a direct synonym for "impolite".

**b) spoil (paragraph 2).**

*   **Answer:** ruin
*   **Reasoning:** The question asks for a synonym of "spoil" found in paragraph 2. The paragraph discusses arriving too early for a dinner party, stating, "...should you arrive too early to a dinner party this could **ruin** the atmosphere for the evening." In this context, "ruin" means to spoil or destroy the quality or enjoyment of something (the atmosphere), making it the correct synonym for "spoil".

3. In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer this question. (Puntuación máxima: 1 punto.)

**Why is Britain adopting a more relaxing attitude to etiquette?**

*   **Answer:** Britain is adopting a more relaxed attitude towards etiquette primarily due to societal changes mentioned in the text. Increased multiculturalism has introduced diverse customs, while the implementation of equality laws focusing on social and gender aspects has challenged traditional hierarchies. Furthermore, the country is moving away from its historically rigid class system. These factors combined have led to a more informal approach to social conventions.
*   **Reasoning:** The question asks for the reasons behind the relaxation of etiquette in Britain, based on the text but expressed in my own words. The third paragraph explicitly links a "more informal attitude to social etiquette" to three key developments: "a rise in multiculturalism", "the introduction of social and gender specific equality laws", and "Britain moving away from its rigid class system of old". My answer synthesizes these three distinct points provided in the text, rephrasing them to avoid direct copying while accurately reflecting the text's explanation for the shift towards informality.

4. Follow the instructions for each part of this question. (Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos.)

**a) Rewrite this sentence using reported speech:**
**“Could you pass me the salt?”, she asked him.**

*   **Answer:** She asked him to pass her the salt.
*   **Reasoning:** This is a request disguised as a question ("Could you...?"). In reported speech, such requests are typically reported using the structure "ask someone to do something". The reporting verb is "asked". The person addressed is "him". The requested action is "pass the salt". The pronoun "me" changes to "her" to reflect the speaker ("she"). Therefore, the correct reported speech sentence is "She asked him to pass her the salt." An alternative using 'if' ("She asked him if he could pass her the salt") is also grammatically possible, but "asked to" is a very standard way to report polite requests like this one.

**b) Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in brackets:**
**The norms of English etiquette ______ (be) a set of unwritten rules since Victoria ______ (become) Queen in 1937.**

*   **Answer:** have been, became
*   **Reasoning:**
    *   For the first blank, the subject is "The norms of English etiquette" (plural). The sentence uses "since Victoria became Queen", indicating an action or state that started in the past and continues up to the present. This requires the Present Perfect tense. The plural form is "have been".
    *   For the second blank, the event "Victoria ______ (become) Queen" happened at a specific point in the past ("in 1937", according to the question). This requires the Past Simple tense. The Past Simple of "become" is "became".
    *   *Note:* While Queen Victoria actually became Queen in 1837, the question specifies 1937, and the grammatical structure must be answered based on the time markers provided *in the question*.

**c) Fill in the blanks with the correct word:**
**If you want your children _______ be successful in life, remember that manners are as important _______ their education.**

*   **Answer:** to, as
*   **Reasoning:**
    *   For the first blank, the structure "want someone [verb]" requires the infinitive form of the verb, which is typically preceded by "to". So, "want your children **to** be successful".
    *   For the second blank, the sentence is making a comparison of equality using the structure "as [adjective] as". Here, "important" is the adjective. The structure is "as important **as** their education".

5. Write about 80 to 100 words on the following topic. (Puntuación máxima: 3 puntos).

**Teaching children good manners is a valuable investment for their future professional career. Discuss.**

*   **Answer:** Instilling good manners in children is undeniably a significant investment towards their future professional lives. Beyond academic qualifications, etiquette plays a crucial role in workplace success. Politeness, respect for others, and appropriate communication are fundamental for building positive relationships with colleagues, superiors, and clients. Skills such as punctuality, active listening, and knowing how to interact courteously in meetings or correspondence demonstrate professionalism and social intelligence. These qualities often distinguish candidates in job interviews and contribute significantly to teamwork, collaboration, and navigating the professional environment effectively, ultimately enhancing career progression and opportunities. Good manners reflect positively on an individual's character and capability.
*   **Reasoning:** The prompt asks for a discussion on the value of good manners for a future professional career, within an 80-100 word limit. My response directly addresses this by first agreeing with the premise ("undeniably a significant investment"). It then elaborates on *why* manners are valuable in a professional context, highlighting aspects like building relationships, demonstrating professionalism, aiding teamwork, and improving career prospects. I've used specific examples like punctuality and active listening implicitly mentioned or related to the reading text's themes. The language is formal and academic, suitable for the exam context. The word count is approximately 98 words, fitting the requirement. The structure includes an introductory statement, supporting points, and a concluding thought, ensuring coherence and addressing the prompt comprehensively.