85 PAGS MOCK EXAM: SIMULACRO V.85 - ACTUALIDAD SOCIAL Tu Pasaporte al Grado Superior Versión 85: Textos de actualidad (Corrupción, Crisis, Inmigración y Vivienda).

English for Adults Official Exam Preparation 2025/2026

Simulacro V.85 - Actualidad Social

Tu Pasaporte al Grado Superior

Versión 85: Textos de actualidad (Corrupción, Crisis, Inmigración y Vivienda).

Examen Interactivo N.º 85

45 Minutos Recomendados

TEXT 1: Political Corruption

In recent years, political corruption has become a major concern for citizens in Spain. Numerous scandals involving the misuse of public funds and bribery have severely damaged public trust in institutions. High-profile politicians have been investigated for accepting illegal commissions in exchange for granting profitable government contracts to private companies. Consequently, voters are increasingly demanding greater transparency and stricter anti-corruption laws to ensure that public money is used to improve essential services like healthcare and education, rather than enriching a corrupt few.

En los últimos años, la corrupción política se ha convertido en una gran preocupación para los ciudadanos en España. Numerosos escándalos que involucran la malversación de fondos públicos y sobornos han dañado gravemente la confianza pública en las instituciones. Políticos de alto perfil han sido investigados por aceptar comisiones ilegales a cambio de otorgar contratos gubernamentales rentables a empresas privadas. En consecuencia, los votantes exigen cada vez más mayor transparencia.

1. Based on the text, what is the main consequence of the political scandals mentioned?

Busca la frase "have severely damaged public trust". La consecuencia directa es cómo se siente el pueblo frente al gobierno.

a. Politicians are earning less money than before. b. Private companies are paying more taxes to the government. c. Public trust in government institutions has been seriously harmed. d. The healthcare system has received more funding recently.

TEXT 2: The Global Oil Crisis

The recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East has triggered a severe global oil crisis. The war involving Iran has led to the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route where a significant percentage of the world's oil supply passes daily. As a result, international fuel prices have skyrocketed, causing widespread inflation and threatening the stability of economies worldwide. Experts warn that if the blockade continues, European countries might face severe energy rationing during the upcoming winter months.

La reciente escalada del conflicto en el Medio Oriente ha desencadenado una grave crisis mundial del petróleo. La guerra que involucra a Irán ha provocado el cierre temporal del Estrecho de Ormuz, una ruta marítima crítica por donde pasa diariamente un porcentaje significativo del suministro mundial de petróleo. Como resultado, los precios internacionales del combustible se han disparado...

2. According to the text, why has the closure of the Strait of Hormuz caused global inflation?

Fíjate en lo que pasa por el estrecho: "a significant percentage of the world's oil supply". La inflación viene del bloqueo de ese paso.

a. Because European countries are producing too much energy. b. Because it forced people to stop using their cars completely. c. Because it has stopped the trade of food and medical supplies. d. Because it is a crucial passage for a large portion of the world's oil.

3. Message Interpretation: Read the following message from a landlord to a tenant carefully and decide what the instruction implies about the payment deadline.

"Please make sure that the monthly rent is transferred to my account no later than the 5th of each month to avoid late fees."

"Por favor, asegúrate de que el alquiler mensual sea transferido a mi cuenta a más tardar el día 5 de cada mes para evitar recargos por demora."

"No later than" significa "no más tarde de". Es decir, el día 5 es el tope máximo, pero puedes pagar antes.

a. You must pay exactly on the 5th, neither before nor after. b. The payment must be completed by the 5th at the latest. c. You will get a discount if you pay before the 5th. d. You have until the end of the month to pay without penalties.

4. Grammatical Transformation: Choose the option that correctly transforms the following sentence into the PASSIVE VOICE while maintaining the original tense: "The government built thousands of new affordable houses last year."

Transformación gramatical: Elige la voz pasiva correcta de: "El gobierno construyó miles de casas asequibles el año pasado."

"Built" es pasado simple. La pasiva requiere "was/were + participio". Al ser "houses" (plural), necesitamos "were".

a. Thousands of new affordable houses were built by the government last year. b. Thousands of new affordable houses have been built by the government last year. c. Thousands of new affordable houses are built by the government last year. d. The government was building thousands of new affordable houses last year.

5. Choose the best formal phrase to INTRODUCE the main argument in an academic essay about the housing crisis.

Elige la mejor frase formal para INTRODUCIR el argumento principal en un ensayo académico sobre la crisis de la vivienda.

Evita expresiones coloquiales como "crazy", "talk about" o "first of all let me tell you". Busca estructuras pasivas impersonales como "It is widely acknowledged...".

a. I am going to talk about why houses are so expensive now. b. As everyone knows, buying a house is crazy these days. c. First of all, let me tell you my opinion on flats. d. It is widely acknowledged that the current housing shortage is a pressing issue.

6. Advanced Linking Words: Select the most effective connector to express the CAUSE of a situation in a formal text.

Conectores avanzados: Selecciona el conector más efectivo para expresar la CAUSA de una situación en un texto formal.

"In spite of" y "Nevertheless" expresan contraste/concesión. Busca la expresión que signifique "Debido a que...".

a. In spite of... b. Nevertheless... c. Due to the fact that... d. In contrast...

TEXT 3: Uncontrolled Immigration

Spain has recently experienced an unprecedented surge in uncontrolled immigration, creating significant logistical and social challenges. Coastal regions, particularly the Canary Islands and Andalusia, are overwhelmed by the daily arrival of small boats. Local authorities are struggling to provide adequate shelter, food, and medical assistance to the newcomers. While many NGOs emphasize the humanitarian duty to help those fleeing poverty and conflict, some citizens express concern over the strain on public services and the lack of a coordinated European response to manage the crisis effectively.

España ha experimentado recientemente un aumento sin precedentes de la inmigración descontrolada, creando importantes desafíos logísticos y sociales. Las regiones costeras están abrumadas por la llegada diaria de pequeñas embarcaciones. Las autoridades locales luchan por proporcionar refugio, alimentos y asistencia médica adecuados...

7. According to the text, what is one of the main difficulties faced by local authorities?

El texto dice: "authorities are struggling to provide adequate shelter, food...". Busca la opción que exprese esta falta de recursos básicos.

a. They are unable to provide enough basic resources like shelter and food. b. They cannot find enough boats to send people back. c. NGOs are preventing them from doing their jobs properly. d. European countries are sending too much money to manage the crisis.

8. Business Correspondence: You need to formally apologize to a client for a delay in sending some important documents. Which phrase is the most appropriate for an email?

Correspondencia empresarial: Tienes que disculparte formalmente con un cliente por el retraso en el envío de unos documentos. ¿Qué frase es la más adecuada?

Evita "Sorry" o culparte con exclamaciones. En los negocios se usa el verbo "apologize" (disculparse) y vocabulario formal como "forwarding" en lugar de "sending".

a. Sorry for being so late with the papers. b. Please forgive me for making you wait so long. c. It's my fault that you didn't get the files on time, sorry! d. I apologize for the delay in forwarding the requested documents.

TEXT 4: Illegal Squatting

The phenomenon of illegal squatting, locally known as 'okupación', has become a highly controversial issue in Spain. Taking advantage of slow judicial processes and protective loopholes, some organized groups take over empty properties, and sometimes even second homes, without the owner's permission. For property owners, regaining possession of their homes can take months or even years of expensive legal battles. This situation has generated widespread frustration, leading to demands for urgent legal reforms that protect private property rights.

El fenómeno de la ocupación ilegal se ha convertido en un tema muy controvertido en España. Aprovechando los lentos procesos judiciales y los vacíos legales de protección, algunos grupos organizados se apoderan de propiedades vacías... Para los propietarios, recuperar la posesión puede llevar meses o años de costosas batallas legales.

9. What is the main reason why removing illegal squatters is so difficult for property owners in Spain?

El texto culpa explícitamente a los "slow judicial processes and protective loopholes" (procesos judiciales lentos y vacíos legales).

a. Because the police do not care about private property. b. Because the squatters always pay the utility bills on time. c. Because the legal procedures are extremely slow and complicated. d. Because the owners usually agree to let them stay for free.

10. Identify the "False Friend" that translates to a "success" (éxito) in English, and NOT an "event or happening" (suceso):

Identifica el "Falso Amigo" que significa "éxito" en inglés, y no un "suceso o acontecimiento".

Success = Éxito. Muchos hispanohablantes creen erróneamente que significa "suceso". Un suceso es un "event".

a. Exit b. Success c. Event d. Happened

11. Public Notice Interpretation: Imagine you see the following sign. What does this sign mean for people walking in the area?

"TRESPASSERS WILL BE PROSECUTED. Private property. No unauthorized entry."

Aviso público: "LOS INFRACTORES/INTRUSOS SERÁN PROCESADOS. Propiedad privada. Prohibida la entrada sin autorización."

Trespasser es quien entra ilegalmente. Prosecuted significa enfrentarse a acciones legales/juicio.

a. You will face legal action if you enter without permission. b. You can enter if you ask the owner nicely. c. It is a public park where anyone can walk. d. The property is currently for sale.

12. Identify the sentence that uses a CLEFT structure to emphasize the time an event happened:

¿Qué frase usa una estructura hendida (Cleft Sentence) para enfatizar cuándo sucedió un evento?

Las "Cleft Sentences" suelen empezar con It was... who/that para destacar un elemento. Si queremos destacar el tiempo (2023), empezará por "It was in 2023 that...".

a. The law which the government changed in 2023 was controversial. b. The government finally changed the law in 2023. c. In 2023, the law was changed by the government. d. It was in 2023 that the government finally changed the law.

TEXT 5: The Housing Crisis

Spain is currently facing a severe housing crisis that disproportionately affects young adults and low-income families. In major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, rental prices have skyrocketed due to a combination of inflation, lack of social housing, and the proliferation of short-term tourist apartments. Consequently, many young professionals are forced to share overcrowded flats or live with their parents well into their thirties. Experts suggest that without significant government intervention to regulate prices, the situation will only deteriorate further.

España se enfrenta actualmente a una grave crisis de vivienda que afecta desproporcionadamente a los adultos jóvenes y a las familias de bajos ingresos. En las principales ciudades, los precios de alquiler se han disparado debido a la inflación, la falta de vivienda social y la proliferación de apartamentos turísticos a corto plazo.

13. What is one of the main factors contributing to the high rental prices mentioned in the text?

Busca después de "due to" (debido a). Se menciona la proliferación de "short-term tourist apartments" (apartamentos turísticos).

a. The decrease in the population of major cities. b. The increase in flats rented exclusively to tourists. c. The high number of social housing units being built. d. The fact that young people prefer living with their parents.

14. Language Interference: Which sentence contains a typical grammatical error caused by translating directly from Spanish to English (Spanglish)?

Identificación de interferencias lingüísticas: ¿Qué frase contiene un error gramatical típico causado por traducir directamente del español?

En español decimos "Yo ESTOY de acuerdo" (usando el verbo ser/estar). En inglés, "agree" ya es el verbo. Decir "I am agree" es un error grave de interferencia. Lo correcto es "I agree".

a. I agree with your proposal completely. b. She agreed to sign the contract yesterday. c. I am agree with the new regulations. d. I do not agree with this policy.

15. Professional Communication: Select the most polite and professional way to decline a job offer in an email.

Comunicación profesional: Selecciona la forma más educada y profesional de rechazar una oferta de trabajo en un email.

Nunca cierres puertas enfadándote ni siendo demasiado brusco. Agradecer primero y luego dar una razón profesional ("I have decided to accept another position") es el estándar corporativo.

a. Thank you for the offer, but I have decided to accept another position. b. I don't want the job because the salary is too low. c. No thanks, I found something better. d. I am rejecting this offer. Don't contact me again.

16. Listening Comprehension Tasks

Illegal Immigration in Spain (Audio Simulation - 1:30 min)

Full Audio Script:

Good morning and welcome to Global Perspectives. Today we are examining the complex issue of illegal immigration in Spain. In 2023, the country saw a dramatic increase in arrivals, particularly along the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. Thousands of individuals, fleeing extreme poverty, political instability, and climate change in West Africa, risk their lives in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels known as cayucos. The Spanish government and local authorities are under immense pressure. Reception centers on the islands are operating far beyond their capacity. While the Coast Guard works tirelessly to rescue people at sea, the political debate in Madrid is intensifying. Some political parties advocate for stricter border controls and immediate deportations, arguing that the welfare system cannot sustain this influx. Conversely, human rights organizations emphasize the moral and legal obligations to provide asylum to those in need. They argue that Europe needs a unified, solidarity-based approach, rather than leaving frontline countries like Spain to manage the crisis alone. The situation remains a deeply polarizing topic, with no simple solutions in sight.

Audio Summary (Español): El reportaje de "Global Perspectives" habla sobre el aumento dramático de la inmigración irregular en España por la ruta atlántica hacia Canarias. Personas huyen de la pobreza y el cambio climático en pateras ("cayucos"). Los centros de recepción están saturados. Políticos debaten entre deportaciones y el deber moral de asilo. Las ONGs piden un enfoque solidario de toda Europa para no dejar a España sola frente a la crisis.

16.1 What is the main route mentioned in the audio for migrants arriving in Spain?

a. Commercial flights landing in Madrid. b. Crossing the Pyrenees mountains by foot. c. Trains coming from Eastern Europe. d. The Atlantic route to the Canary Islands.

16.2 According to the report, why do people undertake this dangerous journey?

a. To flee extreme poverty, instability, and climate change. b. To study in Spanish universities. c. To take a vacation on the beaches. d. To visit their relatives living in Europe.

16.3 What is the current situation of the reception centers on the islands?

a. They are completely empty and closed. b. They are operating far beyond their capacity. c. They have plenty of space for new arrivals. d. They are being managed exclusively by tourists.

16.4 What solution do human rights organizations propose?

a. Immediate deportations to the countries of origin. b. Stricter border controls and higher walls. c. A unified, solidarity-based approach across Europe. d. Ignoring the problem until it disappears.

Good morning and welcome to Global Perspectives. Today we are examining the complex issue of illegal immigration in Spain. In 2023, the country saw a dramatic increase in arrivals, particularly along the perilous Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. Thousands of individuals, fleeing extreme poverty, political instability, and climate change in West Africa, risk their lives in overcrowded, unseaworthy vessels known as cayucos. The Spanish government and local authorities are under immense pressure. Reception centers on the islands are operating far beyond their capacity. While the Coast Guard works tirelessly to rescue people at sea, the political debate in Madrid is intensifying. Some political parties advocate for stricter border controls and immediate deportations, arguing that the welfare system cannot sustain this influx. Conversely, human rights organizations emphasize the moral and legal obligations to provide asylum to those in need. They argue that Europe needs a unified, solidarity-based approach, rather than leaving frontline countries like Spain to manage the crisis alone. The situation remains a deeply polarizing topic, with no simple solutions in sight.

Preguntas de Reserva (Ampliadas)

TEXT 6: Severe Drought in Spain

Due to prolonged periods of low rainfall and extreme summer temperatures, Spain is currently facing one of the most severe droughts in its history. Reservoirs in regions like Catalonia and Andalusia are at critically low levels, forcing local authorities to implement strict water restrictions for both agricultural and domestic use. Farmers are losing entire harvests, and experts warn that long-term strategies, such as investing in desalination plants, are necessary to guarantee future water security.

Debido a prolongados períodos de escasez de lluvias y temperaturas extremas en verano, España se enfrenta actualmente a una de las sequías más graves de su historia. Los embalses están a niveles críticamente bajos... Los agricultores están perdiendo cosechas enteras, y los expertos advierten que se necesitan estrategias a largo plazo, como invertir en plantas desalinizadoras.

17. What is a major consequence of the drought mentioned in the text?

Busca el impacto directo en la agricultura: "Farmers are losing entire harvests". Las otras opciones dicen lo contrario a la realidad del texto.

a. Farmers are experiencing massive crop losses. b. Reservoirs are overflowing with too much water. c. Local authorities are encouraging more domestic water use. d. Desalination plants have already solved the problem completely.

18. Grammatical function: Select the option that best describes the grammatical purpose and meaning of the phrase "Due to" at the beginning of the previous text about the drought.

Gramática aplicada: ¿Cuál es el significado o función de "Due to" (Debido a) en el último texto sobre la sequía?

"Due to" significa "debido a". Por lo tanto, introduce la razón (reason) o la causa de que haya sequía (escasez de lluvia).

a. It indicates the exact time an event happened. b. It adds an exception to a general rule. c. It expresses a contrast with the previous sentence. d. It introduces the reason or cause of a situation.

Glosario V.85

Term	Meaning
Bribery	Soborno / Corrupción
Misuse	Malversación / Mal uso
Skyrocketed	Disparado / Subido por las nubes
Unprecedented	Sin precedentes
Surge / Influx	Aumento / Oleada (de llegadas)
Squatting	Okupación (ilegal)
Loopholes	Vacíos legales
Drought	Sequía

CLAVE DE RESPUESTAS V.85

01. C

02. D

03. B

04. A

05. D

06. C

07. A

08. D

09. C

10. B

11. A

12. D

13. B

14. C

15. A

16.1 D

16.2 A

16.3 B

16.4 C

17. A

18. D