Spain Under Pressure 🇪🇸 | PAGS Model 88: Education, Jobs, Healthcare & Public Services

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

PAGS MODEL 88 · EDUCATION, WORK & PUBLIC SERVICES

Your Passport to Higher VET

Education, Erasmus+, employment, healthcare, transport and professional English.

Critical-reading note: The short texts in this mock exam present viewpoints and simplified scenarios for language practice. Distinguish carefully between evidence, opinion and interpretation.

Examen Interactivo N.º 88

45 Minutos Recomendados

TEXT 1: Educational Reform

Recent international reports have highlighted that the Spanish educational system continues to face important challenges. Critics argue that public schools still rely too heavily on outdated memorization techniques rather than fostering critical thinking or practical skills. Despite numerous political reforms over the decades, concerns about school dropout and reading performance have intensified debate about how teaching can better support students. Many education specialists argue that teacher development, effective classroom support and evidence-based teaching methods can contribute to better learning outcomes.

Recientes informes internacionales han destacado que el sistema educativo español continúa afrontando importantes retos. Los críticos argumentan que las escuelas públicas todavía dependen demasiado de técnicas de memorización obsoletas en lugar de fomentar el pensamiento crítico... A pesar de las numerosas reformas, las preocupaciones sobre el abandono escolar y el rendimiento lector han intensificado el debate sobre cómo mejorar el aprendizaje.

1. According to the text, what is one of the main criticisms of the current educational system?

Escanea buscando "Critics argue that...". El texto menciona que se depende de "outdated memorization techniques" (técnicas de memorización obsoletas) en vez de pensamiento crítico.

a. It focuses too much on practical skills and completely ignores theory. b. The classrooms are too large, but the students love memorizing data. c. It relies too heavily on old-fashioned memorization instead of critical thinking. d. Teachers are too modern and refuse to use traditional textbooks.

TEXT 2: The Erasmus+ Debate

The European Erasmus+ program offers students and teachers the opportunity to study and train abroad. Supporters defend the program passionately, claiming it builds invaluable cultural awareness, independence, and foreign language fluency. However, some sceptics question its true academic value. These critics argue that for many participants, the program is sometimes treated more as a subsidised travel experience than as an academic opportunity. They suggest that some public funding could instead be directed towards improving facilities and resources in local schools.

El programa europeo Erasmus+ ofrece a estudiantes y profesores la oportunidad de estudiar y formarse en el extranjero. Sus defensores afirman que fomenta la conciencia cultural y la fluidez en idiomas. Sin embargo, algunos escépticos cuestiona su verdadero valor académico. Estos críticos argumentan que para muchos es en algunos casos se trata más como una experiencia de viaje subvencionada y sostienen que parte de la financiación podría destinarse a mejorar recursos educativos locales.

2. What alternative use for the Erasmus+ funds do the critics suggest?

Busca qué sugieren los críticos ("They suggest that..."). Dicen que el dinero se gastaría mejor en "improving educational facilities" (mejorar las instalaciones educativas) de los colegios locales.

a. They suggest giving the money directly to university professors as a bonus. b. They suggest using the funds to repair and improve basic local school facilities. c. They suggest paying for more expensive and luxurious trips for students. d. They suggest spending the money on creating new foreign languages.

3. Message Interpretation: Read the following email from a company manager to an employee regarding a shift change and decide what it means.

"Due to unexpected absences, I need you to cover the evening shift tomorrow. Unless I hear from you by 5 PM today, I will assume you are available."

"Debido a ausencias inesperadas, necesito que cubras el turno de tarde mañana. A menos que tenga noticias tuyas antes de las 5 PM de hoy, asumiré que estás disponible."

"Unless I hear from you..." significa que si el empleado NO dice nada, el jefe dará por hecho que acepta el turno.

a. If the employee does not reply, the manager will schedule them for the shift. b. The employee is not allowed to work the evening shift under any circumstances. c. The manager will cancel the shift if the employee doesn't call by 5 PM. d. The employee has been fired for unexpected absences.

4. Grammatical Transformation: Choose the option that correctly transforms the following active sentence into the PASSIVE VOICE: "The government should improve the salaries of all public workers."

Transformación gramatical: Elige la voz pasiva correcta de: "El gobierno debería mejorar los salarios de todos los trabajadores públicos."

Cuando hay un verbo modal (should, must, can), la pasiva se forma con "Modal + BE + Participio". Es decir: "should be improved".

a. The salaries of all public workers should improved by the government. b. The government should be improved by the salaries of all public workers. c. The salaries of all public workers have been improved by the government. d. The salaries of all public workers should be improved by the government.

5. Formal Register: Choose the best formal phrase to INTRODUCE a discussion about the shortage of healthcare professionals.

Elige la mejor frase formal para INTRODUCIR una discusión sobre la escasez de profesionales sanitarios.

Evita frases coloquiales ("let's chat", "I want to talk"). El nivel B2/C1 prefiere estructuras impersonales como "There is a growing concern..." (Existe una creciente preocupación...).

a. Look, we really need to talk about where all the doctors went. b. First of all, let me tell you my personal opinion on hospitals. c. There is a growing concern regarding the critical shortage of medical staff. d. I am writing this essay to complain about not having a doctor.

6. Advanced Linking Words: Select the most effective connector to express a CONSEQUENCE or RESULT of an action.

Conectores avanzados: Selecciona el conector más efectivo para expresar una CONSECUENCIA o RESULTADO de una acción.

"Despite" es contraste. "In addition" suma. "Consequently" significa "En consecuencia / Por consiguiente", es decir, el resultado de algo.

a. Despite the fact that... b. Consequently,... c. In addition,... d. Although...

TEXT 3: Low Wages in a Growing Economy

Although Spain's macroeconomic figures show consistent economic growth, the reality for everyday citizens is quite different. The primary issue is that many salaries have struggled to keep pace and have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Periods of high inflation can reduce the purchasing power of the working class. Even professionals with full-time contracts may find it difficult to pay rent, buy basic groceries, and save money for the future, which can contribute to financial pressure and social frustration.

Aunque las cifras macroeconómicas muestran crecimiento, la realidad es diferente. El problema es que muchos salarios han tenido dificultades para seguir el ritmo y no han seguido el ritmo del coste de vida. Los periodos de inflación elevada pueden reducir el poder adquisitivo de la clase trabajadora. Incluso con contratos a tiempo completo es difícil pagar el alquiler y ahorrar.

7. How has inflation affected the working class according to the text?

El texto declara: "inflation has severely reduced the purchasing power" (ha reducido severamente el poder adquisitivo). Significa que pueden comprar menos cosas con el mismo dinero.

a. It has severely reduced their purchasing power and ability to afford basic needs. b. It has allowed workers to save much more money for their retirement. c. It has convinced the government to stop charging rent entirely. d. It has improved their lives by making all groceries completely free.

8. Formal Correspondence: You are writing to your department manager to politely request a meeting to discuss a potential salary raise. Which of these is the most appropriate option?

Correspondencia formal: Escribes a tu gerente para pedir educadamente una reunión sobre un posible aumento de sueldo. ¿Cuál es la mejor opción?

Pedir dinero en el trabajo debe hacerse con tacto. Usar "compensation review" o "salary review" suena mucho más profesional que decir "I want more money" o lanzar un ultimátum.

a. Give me a pay raise right now or I will look for another job tomorrow. b. I want to talk to you because my salary is a complete joke and I am angry. c. I would appreciate the opportunity to schedule a brief meeting to discuss a salary review. d. Let's meet today so you can finally increase my paycheck.

TEXT 4: The Shortage of Doctors

The Spanish public healthcare system, once considered among the best in the world, is facing staffing shortages in several medical specialties and regions. The problem is particularly challenging in rural areas and small towns. Many experienced professionals are approaching retirement age, and there are not enough new recruits to replace them. Furthermore, some newly qualified doctors choose to work in private hospitals or move abroad to countries like France or Ireland, where working conditions and salaries are considerably more attractive.

El sistema sanitario público español afronta problemas de personal en varias especialidades y regiones. El problema es especialmente difícil en las zonas rurales. Muchos profesionales con experiencia se acercan a la edad de jubilación, y no hay suficientes reclutas para reemplazarlos. Además, algunos recién graduados eligen irse al extranjero por mejores salarios y condiciones.

9. Why is it difficult to replace the retiring doctors according to the text?

El texto detalla que los "freshly graduated" (recién graduados) se van a hospitales privados o se mudan al extranjero ("move abroad") por dinero y condiciones.

a. Because universities have stopped teaching medicine entirely in Spain. b. Because rural towns refuse to accept new young doctors. c. Because older doctors are refusing to retire and leave their posts. d. Because many young graduates prefer moving abroad or going to the private sector.

10. Identify the "False Friend": If a British person tells you "I am very constipated", what medical problem are they actually describing?

Identifica el Falso Amigo: Si alguien británico te dice "I am constipated", ¿qué problema médico está describiendo realmente?

¡Atención! En inglés médico, "Constipated" NO es tener un catarro o resfriado. Significa "Estreñido" (problemas intestinales). Si tienes un catarro, dices "I have a cold".

a. They have a bad cold and are coughing. b. They are suffering from intestinal issues (estreñimiento). c. They have a broken leg. d. They are perfectly healthy and happy.

11. Public Notice Interpretation: You see this sign at the entrance of a hospital. What are the consequences of ignoring it?

"EMERGENCY VEHICLES ONLY. Unauthorized parking will result in immediate towing at the owner's expense."

Aviso público: "SÓLO VEHÍCULOS DE EMERGENCIA. El estacionamiento no autorizado resultará en el remolque (grúa) inmediato a expensas del propietario."

"Towing" significa que se lo lleva la grúa. "At the owner's expense" significa que el dueño del coche tiene que pagar la factura.

a. Your car will be removed by a tow truck, and you will have to pay the fee. b. You can park there for 5 minutes if you have an emergency. c. The hospital will wash your car for free if you park it there. d. The police will give you a warning but won't move the car.

12. Identify the sentence that uses a CLEFT structure to emphasize exactly WHO needs better salaries:

¿Qué frase usa una estructura hendida (Cleft Sentence) para enfatizar QUIÉN necesita mejores sueldos?

Para destacar a las personas se usa la estructura: "It is [Personas] who/that...". Ejemplo: "It is the doctors who...".

a. Doctors and nurses really need much better salaries. b. The government needs to give better salaries to doctors. c. It is the medical staff who urgently need better salaries. d. Who needs better salaries? The medical staff, obviously.

TEXT 5: The Collapse of Primary Care

Primary care centers, which are the first point of contact for patients, are under considerable pressure. Family doctors frequently complain about high daily patient loads, which can reduce the time available for each consultation. Limited consultation time can contribute to delays, professional fatigue and concerns about quality of care. As a result, patients facing long waiting lists often decide to bypass the local clinic entirely and turn to hospital emergency departments of major hospitals for minor issues.

Los centros de atención primaria están sometidos a una presión considerable. Los médicos de familia se quejan de atender una elevada carga diaria de pacientes, reduciendo el tiempo disponible por consulta. Esto puede contribuir a retrasos y fatiga profesional. Como resultado, los pacientes cansados de esperar acuden a los servicios de urgencias de los grandes hospitales por problemas menores.

13. What is a direct consequence of the long waiting lists at local clinics?

Mira el final del texto: "patients facing long waiting lists often decide to... turn to hospital emergency departments" (inundan las salas de emergencia).

a. Patients decide to treat themselves using information from the internet. b. Patients go directly to hospital emergency rooms for minor health issues. c. Doctors are forced to work entirely for free during the weekends. d. The government closes the local clinics to save money on electricity.

14. Language Interference (Spanglish): When speaking about money, Spanish uses "ganar dinero". In English, "win" is for contests and lotteries. Which sentence contains a GRAMMATICAL ERROR based on this confusion?

Identificación de errores: En español "ganar dinero" se usa para todo. En inglés, "win" es para la lotería o concursos, y "earn" o "make" para el trabajo. ¿Qué frase es INCORRECTA?

Nunca digas "I win money at my job". El trabajo se gana con esfuerzo: "I earn money". Solo se "win" (gana) un premio, un partido o la lotería.

a. He earns a very low salary working at the restaurant. b. She won the lottery last weekend and bought a car. c. They make a lot of money with their new business. d. I want to be a doctor because I will win a lot of money every month.

15. Professional Communication: You received an email notifying you that your shift has been changed to the weekend without your consent. Select the most professional way to complain and ask for a correction.

Comunicación profesional: Te han cambiado el turno al fin de semana sin tu permiso. Selecciona la forma más profesional de quejarte y pedir que lo corrijan.

La clave es ser firme pero educado, mencionando un "error" (misunderstanding) en lugar de acusar directamente ("you changed it illegally").

a. I believe there has been a misunderstanding regarding my schedule, as I am not available this weekend. b. I am not coming this weekend. Change it back right now or I quit. c. You can't just change my shift! This is completely illegal and unfair. d. It's not my problem you need people, I already made plans for Saturday.

16. Listening Comprehension Tasks

The Deterioration of Roads (Audio Simulation - 1:30 min)

Full Audio Script:

Welcome to Traffic & Transport. Today, we're discussing the condition and maintenance needs of Spain's road network. According to the Spanish Road Association, the country faces significant maintenance needs across parts of its road network. Road users and transport organisations have raised concerns about potholes, worn road markings and lighting on some routes. This lack of investment doesn't just damage vehicles; it can increase safety risks. Transport companies are also suffering, as bad roads cause delays and increase fuel consumption, affecting operating costs. While public debate continues over funding priorities and maintenance budgets, some economists argue that introducing a road-use charging or toll system on currently free highways could contribute to funding the necessary repairs. However, this proposal is highly unpopular among everyday citizens who argue that motorists already contribute through vehicle- and fuel-related taxation. Long-term maintenance therefore remains an important transport-policy challenge.

Audio Summary (Español): El podcast trata sobre el estado y las necesidades de mantenimiento de las carreteras en España. Usuarios y organizaciones de transporte expresan preocupación por baches, marcas viales desgastadas e iluminación en algunas rutas. El mantenimiento afecta a la seguridad y a los costes del transporte. Se debate si los sistemas de peaje o pago por uso podrían contribuir a financiar las mejoras.

16.1 According to the audio, what is a direct consequence of the poor condition of the roads?

a. People are walking more instead of driving. b. More tourists are visiting the rural areas. c. It can increase safety risks and damages vehicles. d. Car insurance companies are lowering their prices.

16.2 How does this situation impact transport companies?

a. It causes delays and increases their fuel consumption. b. It allows them to deliver packages much faster. c. It helps them save money on truck maintenance. d. It forces them to transport goods by train instead.

16.3 What controversial solution do some economists suggest in the audio?

a. Closing all the damaged highways permanently. b. Forcing citizens to fix the potholes themselves on weekends. c. Selling the public roads to foreign private companies. d. Introducing a small toll system on currently free highways.

16.4 Why is this proposed solution unpopular among everyday citizens?

a. Because they hate stopping their cars to talk to toll workers. b. Because they argue that motorists already contribute through vehicle- and fuel-related taxation. c. Because they believe the government has plenty of free money. d. Because they prefer the roads to remain broken to avoid speeding.

Welcome to Traffic & Transport. Today, we're discussing the condition and maintenance needs of Spain's road network. According to the Spanish Road Association, the country faces significant maintenance needs across parts of its road network. Road users and transport organisations have raised concerns about potholes, worn road markings and lighting on some routes. This lack of investment doesn't just damage vehicles; it can increase safety risks. Transport companies are also suffering, as bad roads cause delays and increase fuel consumption, affecting operating costs. While public debate continues over funding priorities and maintenance budgets, some economists argue that introducing a road-use charging or toll system on currently free highways could contribute to funding the necessary repairs. However, this proposal is highly unpopular among everyday citizens who argue that motorists already contribute through vehicle- and fuel-related taxation. Long-term maintenance therefore remains an important transport-policy challenge.

Preguntas de Reserva (Ampliadas)

TEXT 6: Public Train Infrastructure

While the high-speed AVE trains are globally renowned, the conventional commuter train networks (Cercanías) in Spain suffer from investment and maintenance challenges. Millions of workers rely on these local trains every morning. However, passengers may experience delays, service disruptions and overcrowding. Although the transport ministry announced investment plans to renew the aging train fleet, major infrastructure and fleet improvements can take time to produce visible changes for passengers.

Si bien los trenes de alta velocidad son reconocidos mundialmente, las redes de trenes de cercanías en España sufren de retos de inversión y mantenimiento. Los pasajeros pueden sufrir retrasos, incidencias y saturación en determinados servicios. Aunque el ministerio anunció planes de inversión, las grandes mejoras de infraestructura y flota pueden tardar en producir cambios visibles.

17. What is the contrast mentioned in the text regarding Spain's trains?

El texto contrasta el "globally renowned" AVE (famoso en el mundo) con el "investment and maintenance challenges" (retos de inversión y mantenimiento) de los trenes de cercanías locales.

a. Local trains are very fast, but high-speed trains are always broken. b. All trains in Spain are perfect, but the stations are completely abandoned. c. High-speed trains are famous and modern, while local commuter trains are can face investment, reliability and capacity challenges. d. Commuter trains are free, while high-speed trains are too expensive to use.

18. Grammatical function: What does the linking word "Although" indicate in the last sentence of the previous text?

Gramática aplicada: ¿Qué indica la palabra de enlace "Although" (Aunque) en la última frase del texto sobre trenes?

"Although" significa "Aunque". Siempre introduce un contraste o una concesión entre dos ideas (ej: "Aunque hay dinero prometido, tardará mucho").

a. It introduces a contrast or concession to the main idea. b. It adds exactly the same information as before. c. It tells the reader the specific time a train will arrive. d. It expresses the direct result or consequence of a problem.

Glosario V.88

Term	Meaning
Outdated	Obsoleto / Anticuado
Dropout rates	Tasas de abandono (escolar)
Subsidized	Subvencionado
Purchasing power	Poder adquisitivo
Shortage	Escasez / Falta (de algo)
Potholes	Baches (en la carretera)
Toll	Peaje
Commuter trains	Trenes de cercanías

CLAVE DE RESPUESTAS V.88

01. C

02. B

03. A

04. D

05. C

06. B

07. A

08. C

09. D

10. B

11. A

12. C

13. B

14. D

15. A

16.1 C

16.2 A

16.3 D

16.4 B

17. C

18. A

© 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.

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