Reading and Writing Modelo 21

ISE III – Task 1 – Long reading
Read the following text about TV and answer the 15 questions on the next page.

Diet and how it has changed over the last half-century

Paragraph 1

The decline in a nutrient-rich diet, exacerbated by an increasingly unhealthy lifestyle, is to blame for the recent and rapid rise in degenerative diseases amongst Westerners. In fact, our present day diet bears little relation to that of our predecessors, which was nutritionally rich due to personal, social and environmental factors. Most increases the incidence of chronic disease patterns occurring later in life. It seems that the older we get, as a species, the less wise we are becoming, in eating habits, at least. 

Paragraph 2

One major environmental factor that has drastically affected the quality of the Western diet is a change in farming methods. The favouring of monoculture farming in direct opposition to nature. Monocultures drain the soil of specific nutrients that would have been otherwise replaced by growing different crops. This has a knock-on effect, creating crops that are less nutritious, being deficient in vital minerals. As proof of this, recent government figures published show that fresh vegetables in the 1950s contained 50% more minerals than fresh produce half a century later. So we may think we are eating healthily by having our “five a day”portions of fresh fruit and vegetables but what we are putting into our mouths, in fact, has little nutritional value. 

Paragraph 3

The addition of certain minerals to the soil to stimulate uptake of micronutrients from the earth further depletes minerals in grown vegetables. One mineral particularly affected is selenium (Se) which, once removed from the soil, needs to be replaced. However in the interests of crop yield and maximum productivity, this is not happening, leading to the appearance of chronic diseases in the population that are related to selenium deficiency.

Replenishing the soil with the depleted minerals may prove costly in the short-term but in the long-term, it would reduce the medical costs of treating those with illnesses resulting from mineral-deficient diets. 

Paragraph 4 

We too are to blame, however, for our poor diet. It is all too easy to scapegoat modern farming methods as the cause of all our dietary woes when we should be paying more attention instead to what we eat. The huge popularity of fast food outlets bears testimony to our woeful eating habits. Children are especially liable to eat nutritionally of fast food outlets bears testimony to our woeful eating habits children are especially liable to eat nutritionally poor diets. Over the last 50 years there has been a reduction in calorie intake (19% for boys  and 29% for girls) whilst conversely sugar consumption has increased dramatically. Fewer calories means a lower nutrient intake in the body resulting in lower immune strength and therefore increased susceptibility to disease. 

Paragraph 5 

Neither are schools blame-free for the nutritionally deficient diets of schoolchildren. School diets over the last half century show major deficiencies in all minerals and key vitamins. 86% of girls, for example, are getting below the recommended daily amount of iron, which is critical for good health. This is creating potential major problems for our young as they grow older in terms of chronic disease patterns related to a breaking down of the immune system such a fear is collaborated by evidence that shows that childhood leukaemia is increasing in incidence. It is time, therefore, that schools made children more aware of the need to have nutritious diet. Children should be given information, in the form of leaflets and talks, on what they should eat and what foods they ought to avoid. One made even more nutritionally deficient by the increasing consumption of processed foods, like meat and cheese. A staggering 70-80% of the food we eat in the West is processed in some way, thereby reducing the mineral and vitamin content of food. In addition, children should be weaned off a high fat diet that in adulthood can lead to high levels of (blood) cholesterol and, in worst case scenarios, to high fat diet that in adulthood can lead to high blood pressure, strokes and heart attacks. If the basic of healthy eating are instilled in children from an early age, then they are more likely to eat sensibly, as adults.

Questions 1-5 (one mark per question)
The text on the previous page has five paragraphs (1-5). Choose the best title for each paragraph from A-F below and write the letter (A-F) on the lines below. There is one title you don’t need.

A. Proof that diet affects health.

B. A need for variety.

C. Schools set good examples.

D. The need for an exchange process.

E. Better role models in the past.

F. Time to take personal responsibility.

Paragraph 1:

Paragraph 2:

Paragraph 3:

Paragraph 4:

Paragraph 5:

Questions 6-10 (one mark per question)
Choose the five statements from A-H below that are true according to the information given in the text on the previous page. Write the letters of the TRUE statements on the lines below.

A. Children today consume fewer calories than in the past.

B. Food quality has improved greatly over recent years.

C. Only individuals are to blame, for having a poor diet.

D. Eating a poor diet has a long-term effects on health.

E. Quality of crops has decreased as yield has increased.

F. Girls are at very high risk from iron deficiency.

G. The effects of eating a poor diet only become evident in later life.

H. Children today are increasingly consuming more sugar in their diet.

6)

7)

8)

9)

10)

Questions 11-15 (one mark per question)
Complete sentences 11-15 with a word, phrase or number from the text (maximum three words). Write the word, phrase or number in the space provided.

ISE III – Task 2 – Multi-task reading
In this part there are four short texts for you to read and 15 questions for you to answer.

The Jerry Springer Show

Text A

The Jerry Springer Show is an American syndicated tabloid talk show hosted by Jerry Springer, a former politician. Since its inauguration in 1991, the show has run to a total of 3,891 episodes. Originally, it was very different from today’s version of the show. Having started  off as an issues-oriented and political talñk show, the Jerry Springer Show is regarded now as pure entertainment of often dubious content highly controversial in nature, the show encourages conflict between studio guests and the audience.

The format has become highly stylised and has seen little variation over recent years. After a dramatic entrance, descending down a fireman’s pole, centre stage, Springer introduces the first guest. Designed to be highly invariably, as accusations are aimed at other guests, the confrontations changes from the verbal to the physical usually offered a glass of water to “calm down”. This is then invariably  thrown at the other guest who is perceived as having given offence. This then causes the level of aggression to escalate until nearly reaching a full scale punch-up. At this point the security officials interpose and try to resume order.

Despite its predictable format the Springer Show has proven so successful that for a while ir was the top-rated daytime talk show in the US. Springer is less enamoured with his own show, however, and stated: “I would never watch my own show. I’m not interested in it. It’s not aimed towards me. This is just a silly show.”

Text B

Reality TV

Simon: I think Reality TV programmes have great entertainment value! I love Big Brother. I’ve watched every series so far!

Jules: Yes, you never know what’s going to happen on such shows- they’re so unpredictable!

Annette: I think they’re appalling. They humiliate the participants.

Lucy: Also they can have a negative impact on participants’ self-esteem.

Mark: Come off it! Most people would kill to be on reality show! Winners of Big Brother earn big money.

Belinda: Yes, also think of the fame and celebrity status you could enjoy!

Lorna: But such shows just create bad role models for society.

Jack: I agree. That’s why society’s in such a mess, today.

Text C

Application Information

Applications are being welcomed for the next episode of reality show ‘Jungle Survival’ which be filmed on location in Australia this coming spring. interested candidates should be over 18 years of age and physically fit, with high levels of stamina. Ability to cooperate as part of a team is essential, given the isolated and demanding location. All candidates should submit a written resume of skills, abilities and reasons for wanting to participate in the show. 

Selected candidates will be invited to an initial screening interview. If passed, the successful candidates will then face an interviewing panel of six judges who will assess the candidates’ suitability for the show. Following the successful completion of psychological assessment and training exercise, candidates will be invited to take part in next season’s show that will be aired on screens next autumn. Applicants should refer to the BBC website page to download a resume. Completed forms need to be received by January 27th at the latest. There is a high level of interest dor places in the show, so only successful candidates will be notified. If you pass the initial selection stage, you will be sent an e-mail or letter within a month of application. Previous candidates need not apply.

Text D

• Frequency of watching TV reality shows is not strongly correlated to socio-economic status.

• Regarding socio-economic status, reality TV shows are least popular amongst those in the lowest socio-economic bracket (bottom 40%).

• Regarding socio-economic status, reality TV shows are most popular with those in the second lowest socio-economic bracket (next 30%). 

• Popularity of reality TV shows is more strongly correlated with education than socio-economic status. 

• Reality TV shows are least popular amongst those who have completed the highest level of education e.g. post-graduate (14.3%). 

• Reality TV shows are most popular amongst those who have one of the lowest levels of education e.g. primary school graduate (22.6%).

Questions 16-20 (one mark per question)
Read questions 16-20 first and then read texts A, B, C and D below the questions.
As you read each text, decide which text each question refers to. Choose one letter – A, B, C or D – and write it on the lines below. You can use any letter more than once.

Which text…

16) sets out guidelines?

17) gives a descriptive account?

18) refers to the influential effect of Reality TV?

19) links to the popularity of Reality TV to social factors?

20) discusses the psychological impact of Reality TV?

Questions 21-25 (one mark per question)
Choose the five statements from A-H below that are true according to the information given in the texts on the previous pages. Write the letters of the TRUE statements on the lines below.

A. The Jerry Springer show manipulates both the audience and participants.

B. Although disputes arise in the Springer show, rarely do the become physical.

C. Reality TV shows often fail to respect the participants.

D. Reality TV shows have no difficulty in finding participants.

E. Applicants for ‘Jungle Survival’ are initially selected on the basis of a resume.

F. Educational level better predicts a preference for reality TV shows than socio-economic status.

G. No relationship exists between a preference for reality TV and educational level.

H. Socio-economic status clearly predicts a preference for reality TV.

21)

22)

23)

24) 

25)

Questions 26-30 (one mark per question)
The summary notes below contain information from the texts on the previous pages. Find a suitable word or phrase in the texts A-D to complete the missing information in gaps 26-30. Write your answers in the spaces provided and you can use up to three words.

Summary notes

Reality TV shows

The appeal of Reality TV

Being unpredictable

ISE III – Task 3 – Reading into writing

Use the information from the four texts you have read to write an article (200-230) for a local newspaper. The topic of your article is the appeal of Reality TV and why people both participate in such shows and watch them.

You should plan your article before you start writing.

Now write your article of 200-230 words. Try to use your own words as far as possible-don’t just copy sentences from the reading texts. 

(The writings in the demo versions cannot be uploaded and/or corrected)

ISE III – Task 4 – Extended writing

You have been discussing the role of social media networks in society today, at school. You have been asked to write an email (200-230 words) to your teacher giving your opinion on whether social media networks cause more harm than good.

You should plan your formal email before you start writing.

(The writings in the demo versions cannot be uploaded and/or corrected)