EXAM WITH ANSWERS
PAAU Practice Examination (Galiza)
Read the text and the instructions to the questions very carefully. Answer all the questions in
English.
Every summer since 1994, the Big Green Gathering (BGG), now one of the largest and most
significant ecological events in Europe, has taken place at different sites across the UK. Although it
does not advertise, the BGG draws thousands of visitors, who are united by a common desire to
learn what they can do to promote renewable energy sources, halt destructive climate change and
increase general awareness of environmental issues.
All energy at the BGG is sustainable: petrol and diesel-operated generators are banned. Instead,
power is supplied by renewable energy sources. The launderette is pedal-powered, and computers at
the Internet café run on wind-generated energy. The food and drink that is sold must comply with
fair trading standards and participants use recycling bins for rubbish. Transport at the gathering is
also environmentally friendly and visitors are even encouraged to use ecologically responsible
methods of getting there. Most take public transport, share cars or cycle, although one couple
walked over 300 kilometres!
For many visitors, though, the BGG is simply an opportunity to have a good time in an ecologically
responsible venue. Some attend workshops on weaving or woodworking, for example, while others
may prefer Indian head massage or tree reading. Continuous entertainment is supplied by street
theatre, poetry readings, clowns, films and live music. Children have got their own activities and
there is a special area for teenagers.
Most visitors go home feeling inspired to continue their work in helping to save the planet. So, if you
want to contribute to a more ecologically friendly world, and have a good time doing so, you might
consider going along to the Big Green Gathering next summer.
Questions
1. Write a summary of the text in English, including the most important points, using your own
words whenever possible. (maximum 50 words, 1.5 points)
Answers will vary.
2. Explain in English the meaning of the following expressions as used in the text. (1.5 points:
0.75 each)
a) common desire = all wish for the same thing
b) share cars = several people drive in one car, instead of each driving their own car
3. Complete the second sentence of each pair so that it has the same meaning as the first one.
(2 points: 0.5 points each)
a) The food and drink that is sold must meet fair trading standards.
Unless the food and drink meets fair trading standards, it can’t be sold.
b) The BGG draws thousands of visitors every year.
Thousands of visitors are drawn to the BGG every year.
c) “Did you have a good time at the BGG?” she asked Sam.
She wanted to know if / whether Sam had had a good time at the BGG.
d) We arrived late because we cycled the whole way.
If we hadn’t cycled the whole way, we wouldn’t have arrived late.
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EXAM WITH ANSWERS
4. Answer the following questions in your own words. (2 points: 1 point each)
a) What have BGG visitors got in common?
They share a desire to learn what they can do to promote awareness of environmental
issues. / They all want to learn how to protect the environment.
b) What does the BGG aim to achieve?
It aims to achieve increased environmental awareness and a more ecologically friendly
world.
5. Describe an event or gathering that you have attended. (approximately 120 words; 3 points)
Answers will vary.
PAAU Galiza – The Big Green Gathering
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