Beyond the Headlines 🌍 | PAGS Model 85: Society, Housing, Migration & Environmental Challenges

English for Adults PAGS / Grado Superior · Preparation 2026/2027

PAGS MODEL 85 · SOCIETY, HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT

Your Passport to Higher VET

Critical reading, housing, migration, drought and professional English.

Critical-reading note: Several texts use simplified or hypothetical public-affairs scenarios for language practice. Distinguish reported facts, viewpoints and scenario assumptions; real conditions can vary over time and by region.

Examen Interactivo N.º 85

45 Minutos Recomendados

TEXT 1: Political Corruption

Cases involving the misuse of public funds or bribery can damage public trust in institutions. When public officials are investigated for alleged corruption linked to contracts or public money, citizens may demand greater transparency, stronger oversight and effective anti-corruption measures. The wider issue is how institutions protect accountability and ensure that public resources are used for legitimate public purposes.

Los casos relacionados con el mal uso de fondos públicos o los sobornos pueden dañar la confianza en las instituciones. Cuando se investiga una posible corrupción vinculada a contratos o dinero público, la ciudadanía puede reclamar más transparencia, supervisión y medidas eficaces contra la corrupción.

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

Consider a hypothetical scenario in which a major conflict temporarily disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Because this maritime route carries a significant share of global oil flows, a prolonged disruption could reduce supply, push energy prices higher and contribute to inflation in oil-importing economies. The scenario illustrates why international markets closely monitor security in strategic shipping routes.

Imagina un escenario hipotético en el que un conflicto importante interrumpe temporalmente el tráfico por el Estrecho de Ormuz. Como esta ruta marítima transporta una parte significativa de los flujos mundiales de petróleo, una interrupción prolongada podría reducir la oferta, elevar los precios energéticos y contribuir a la inflación.

2. According to the scenario, why could a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz contribute to 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

Irregular migration by sea can create significant humanitarian and logistical challenges for reception systems. Areas such as the Canary Islands and parts of southern Spain may experience periods of increased arrivals, requiring authorities and humanitarian organisations to coordinate shelter, food, healthcare and legal assistance. Public debate also includes questions about border management, responsibility-sharing and the role of a coordinated European response.

La migración irregular por mar puede plantear importantes retos humanitarios y logísticos para los sistemas de acogida. En periodos de mayor llegada, las autoridades y organizaciones humanitarias deben coordinar alojamiento, alimentación, atención sanitaria y asistencia legal, junto con la gestión fronteriza y la cooperación europea.

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 may face difficulty providing sufficient reception resources such as shelter, food and healthcare. 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

Unauthorised occupation of property, often discussed in Spain under the term 'okupación', is a legally and politically contested issue. Cases differ substantially: the type of property, the circumstances of entry and the applicable legal procedure all matter. Some owners report lengthy or complex proceedings when seeking to recover possession, which has contributed to public debate about procedural efficiency, housing vulnerability and property rights.

La ocupación no autorizada de una propiedad es una cuestión jurídica y política controvertida. Los casos pueden ser muy distintos y dependen del tipo de inmueble, las circunstancias y el procedimiento aplicable. Algunos propietarios describen procesos largos o complejos para recuperar la posesión.

9. According to the text, what can make recovery of possession difficult in some cases?

El texto señala que algunos propietarios describen procedimientos largos o complejos. Busca esa idea, sin generalizarla a todos los casos.

a. Because the police do not care about private property. b. Because the squatters always pay the utility bills on time. c. Because legal procedures can be lengthy or complex in some cases. 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

Housing affordability is a major concern for many young adults and lower-income households in parts of Spain. In large cities, rental pressure can be influenced by several factors, including limited housing supply, household income, financing conditions and the use of some properties for short-term accommodation. As a result, some young adults share housing or remain in the family home for longer than they had planned.

La asequibilidad de la vivienda preocupa a muchos jóvenes y hogares con ingresos bajos en algunas zonas de España. En las grandes ciudades, la presión sobre el alquiler puede depender de la oferta disponible, los ingresos, las condiciones de financiación y el uso de algunas viviendas como alojamiento de corta duración.

13. What is one factor mentioned as contributing to rental pressure?

Busca uno de los factores citados expresamente: el uso de algunas viviendas como alojamiento de corta duración.

a. The decrease in the population of major cities. b. The use of some properties for short-term accommodation. 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 irregular migration to Spain through the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. People who attempt this journey may be escaping poverty, instability or other difficult circumstances, and the sea crossing can be extremely dangerous. Periods of high arrivals can place reception services under significant pressure. The political debate includes different approaches: some groups emphasise stronger border controls and faster return procedures, while human rights organisations stress legal safeguards, access to asylum procedures and humanitarian protection. They also call for a more coordinated European approach so that responsibility does not fall disproportionately on frontline regions. The issue combines border management, human rights and international cooperation, and there are no simple solutions.

Audio Summary (Español): El reportaje analiza la migración irregular hacia Canarias por la ruta atlántica. El viaje puede ser extremadamente peligroso y los periodos de muchas llegadas pueden presionar los servicios de acogida. El debate incluye control fronterizo, procedimientos de retorno, garantías legales, asilo, protección humanitaria y cooperación europea.

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, what is one reason people may undertake this dangerous journey?

a. To escape poverty, instability or other difficult circumstances. 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 can happen to reception services during periods of high arrivals?

a. They are completely empty and closed. b. They can come under significant pressure. c. They have plenty of space for new arrivals. d. They are being managed exclusively by tourists.

16.4 What approach do human rights organisations support in the report?

a. Immediate deportations to the countries of origin. b. Stricter border controls and higher walls. c. A coordinated European approach with legal safeguards and shared responsibility. d. Ignoring the problem until it disappears.

Good morning and welcome to Global Perspectives. Today we are examining irregular migration to Spain through the Atlantic route to the Canary Islands. People who attempt this journey may be escaping poverty, instability or other difficult circumstances, and the sea crossing can be extremely dangerous. Periods of high arrivals can place reception services under significant pressure. The political debate includes different approaches: some groups emphasise stronger border controls and faster return procedures, while human rights organisations stress legal safeguards, access to asylum procedures and humanitarian protection. They also call for a more coordinated European approach so that responsibility does not fall disproportionately on frontline regions. The issue combines border management, human rights and international cooperation, and there are no simple solutions.

Preguntas de Reserva (Ampliadas)

TEXT 6: Severe Drought in Spain

Periods of low rainfall and high temperatures can create serious drought conditions in parts of Spain. When reservoir levels fall, authorities may introduce restrictions affecting agricultural or domestic water use. Farmers can experience substantial crop losses, while long-term water planning may include measures such as efficiency improvements, water reuse, reservoir management and desalination where appropriate.

Los periodos de pocas lluvias y altas temperaturas pueden provocar condiciones graves de sequía en algunas zonas de España. Cuando bajan los embalses, pueden imponerse restricciones y la agricultura puede sufrir pérdidas importantes. La planificación a largo plazo puede combinar eficiencia, reutilización del agua, gestión de embalses y desalación.

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 can experience substantial 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". Introduce la razón o causa de una situación; aquí conecta las condiciones de sequía con la escasez de lluvia y las altas temperaturas.

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
Disruption	Interrupción / Alteración
Accountability	Rendición de cuentas / Responsabilidad
Reception services	Servicios de acogida
Squatting	Okupación (ilegal)
Legal safeguards	Garantías 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

© 2026 Manuel Molina Porlán. All rights reserved. Part of the NEUROEDUCATION Educational Publishing Project. Original articles, educational materials, activities, illustrations and multimedia content are protected by intellectual property legislation.

Keep your English moving

Four more challenges for you 🌱✈️

From forests and circular fashion to food culture and advanced FP Dual practice.

SEEDS, SHOTGUNS & STORMS · C1Discover how reforestation, engineering and resilience transformed a Spanish landscape.

FROM BANANA WASTE TO YOUR WARDROBE · C1Explore circular fashion, innovation and the surprising second life of agricultural waste.

FROM FARM TO JAMONEOSlice into food-industry English, sustainability and professional vocabulary with a Spanish flavour.

FP DUAL MOCK EXAM 116Push your exam skills further with science, technology and advanced entrance-exam English.