1. PAU TEXT 1
A DOG’S BEST FRIEND
Some of the most difficult moments I spend as a veterinarian are those spent with my
clients assisting the transition of my animal patients from this world to the next. When
living becomes oppressive, I can help a family by ensuring that their dear pet has an
easy passing. Making this final decision is painful, and I have often felt powerless to
comfort the sad owners.
That was before I met Shane.
I had been called to attend a ten-year-old cocker spaniel named Belker who had
developed a serious health problem. The dog’s owners, Ron, Lisa, and their little boy
Shane were all very attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined
Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there were no miracles left
for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their
home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good
for the four-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt Shane could learn
something from the experience. The next day Shane seemed so calm petting the old dog
for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on.
Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept
Belker’s transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while
wondering aloud why animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been
listening quietly, interrupted, “I know why”. Startled, we all turned to him. I’d never
heard a more comforting explanation.
He said, “Everybody is born so that they can learn to live a good life, like loving
everybody and being nice, right?” He continued, “Well, animals already know how to
do that, so they don’t have to stay as long.”
1. - Say whether the following sentences are TRUE or FALSE according to the
text. Copy the evidence from the text. No marks will be given without evidence.
(1.5 point)
a) The writer has found it difficult at times to reduce the pain of dog owners.
b) It was Shane’s decision to be present at Belker’s final moment.
c) At the end, the child couldn’t accept his pet’s death easily.
2. - Choose ONLY THREE of the following words and write a synonym (=), an
opposite (≠), a definition or a sentence (only one of these four) to show that you
understand their meaning in the text. Use your own words. (1.5 points)
a) passing (line 4): d) going on (line 15)
b) euthanasia (line 11): e) peacefully (line 16)
c) arrangements (line 12): f) startled (line 19)

2. 3.- A woman wants to book a hotel room for her holidays. This is the conversation
she has with the hotel receptionist. Some sentences have been left incomplete.
Complete the blanks suitably. (2 points)
Receptionist: Good afternoon, San Felice Hotel. May I help you?
Mrs Ryefield: Yes. ....................................................................................., please.
Receptionist: Certainly. When ...............................................................................?
Mrs Ryefield: March the 23rd.
Receptionist: How .........................................................................................?
Mrs Ryefield: Three nights.
Receptionist: What ........................................................................................?
Mrs Ryefield: Er... double with bath. I´d appreciate it if you could give me a room with
a view over the lake.
Receptionist: Certainly, madam. ...................................................................... . . Yes,
we have a room on the 4th floor with a really splendid view.
Mrs Ryefield: Fine. How much is the charge per night?
Receptionist: ................................................................. breakfast?
Mrs Ryefield: No, thanks.
Receptionist: It´s eighty four euro per night excluding VAT.
Mrs Ryefield: That´s fine.
Receptionist: Who´s the booking for, please, madam?
Mrs Ryefield: Mr and Mrs Ryefield, that´s R-Y-E-F-I-E-L-D.
Receptionist: Okay, let me make sure I got that: Mr and Mrs Ryefield. Double with
bath for March the 23rd, 24th and 25th. ............................................................... ?
Mrs Ryefield: Yes it is. Thank you.
Receptionist: Let me give you your confirmation number. It´s: 7576385. I´ll repeat
that: 7576385. Thank you for choosing San Felice Hotel and have a nice day. Goodbye.
Mrs Ryefield: Goodbye.
4.- What would you say in or about these situations? Choose ONLY FOUR of the
situations. (2 points)
a) You come across a friend who has lost his brother in a car accident.
b) Your best friend has just passed her driving test after trying many times.
c) You are eating at a restaurant where smoking is forbidden. A man sitting
at the table next to you begins to smoke.
d) You have to study for an exam and your girl/boyfriend invites you out.
e) When you get home you find your brother teasing your little sister.
f) Your daughter has been eating too much junk food lately.
5. - Write a composition of about 100 words on ONE of the following topics. (3
points)
a) Advantages and/or disadvantages of having a pet at home.
b) Write a letter to a friend telling him/her your opinion about euthanasia
legalization.