Questões de Concursos Interpretação de texto Reading comprehension

INSTRUCTION: Read the following text to answer question.

The Key to Balanced Bilingualism

Bilingual education, especially in an immersion setting, is much more than just learning a second language: it’s a gateway to cultural and cognitive growth. As Vannina Boussouf – Assistant Head of School and Director of Primary at Lycée Français de New York (LFNY) – explains, several factors need to be considered to make sure this type of program succeeds, like the language environment of the country, the quality and amount of exposure to both languages, and the teaching expertise needed to guide students on their language journey.

One of the first things to think about in language immersion is the students’ language environment. In a country where the main language is different from the one taught in school, it’s important to make sure there’s enough exposure to the second language, and that it is high quality. This means more than just spending a lot of time speaking in the minority language (often the language of instruction in an immersion program); it also requires support to help students develop strong skills in both languages.

Language immersion relies on the idea that the more a child is exposed to a language, the better they will learn it. In this sense, combining varied interactions with stimulating learning environments is the key for students to truly grasp a second language.

One challenge teachers face is the “language insecurity” students can feel. When students are immersed in a classroom where the language spoken is different from what they use at home, they might feel uneasy. It is important to create a safe space where making mistakes is part of learning, and where students are encouraged. Thus, a positive learning environment helps not just with language learning but also with building thinking and cultural skills.

Besides, teachers need to be trained to spot when students feel insecure and respond with the rightstrategies, all while keeping the immersion experience engaging. This might include using visual aids, gestures, repetition, and interactive activities that help students participate, even if they’re still mastering the new language.

In reality, bilingual education through immersion is an ambitious goal, but when designed well, it offers great benefits to students. To make it work, it is necessary to consider the language environment, ensure high-quality exposure in both languages, and support students’ learning with care and expertise. Educators are responsible for creating spaces where both languages can thrive, while respecting the unique needs of each student. In addition, they can refine an approach where language immersion is balanced with support and excellence. In this bilingual journey, each student becomes an active participant in their own learning, opening doors to a multilingual, inclusive world.

Source: https://frenchly.us/the-key-to-balancedbilingualism/

Accessed on November 13, 2024. [Adapted]

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“To read these books, in this way, as an exercise in self-knowledge, carries certain risks. Risks that are both personal and political. Risks that every student of Political Philosophy has known. These risks spring from the fact that philosophy teaches us, and unsettles us, by confronting us with what we already know. There is an irony: the difficulty of this course consists in the fact that it teaches what you already know. It works by taking what we know from familiar unquestioned settings, and making it strange. [...] Philosophy estranges us from the familiar, not by supplying new information, but by inviting and provoking a new way of seeing.

But, and here is the risk, once the familiar turns strange, it is never quite the same again. Self-knowledge is like lost innocence; however unsettling you find it, it can never be 'unthought' or 'unknown'. What makes this enterprise difficult, but also riveting, is that Moral and Political Philosophy is a story, and you don't know where the story would lead, but you do know that the story is about You.”

Text taken from: “Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?” Introduction Class ― Michael Sandel

The Benefits of ChatGPT in Educational Settings

Dr. Steve Watson from Cambridge University’s Faculty of Education remarked that “ChatGPT brings both new opportunities and new complexity.” This insight is especially relevant to education, in which ChatGPT can assist both teachers and students, reducing workloads and creating new learning opportunities. Here are key areas where ChatGPT can play a significant role in education according to his studies.

Personalized Learning

Though a digital tool, ChatGPT offers personalized learning experiences. It adapts to students’ unique learning styles through personalized recommendations based on their history. This allows students to receive targeted answers and support in any subject they need help with. ChatGPT also helps students build on topics they’re investigating by creating useful frameworks. Similarly, teachers can use it to craft content specific to their lessons and generate information for classroom discussions.

Virtual Tutoring

ChatGPT functions as a flexible virtual tutor, offering instant support. Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, it adjusts to the students’ needs and provides immediate answers, which helps to reduce frustration and increases confidence. Students working under tight deadlines especially benefit from this on-demand access to help, as it allows them to solve problems quickly and avoid missing important project deadlines. ChatGPT can also identify areas where students struggle, providing targeted assistance in real time.

Language Learning

ChatGPT can also aid language learners. Like grammarly helps with writing, ChatGPT offers real-time translations, grammar corrections, and pronunciation feedback. Students struggling with language can improve their writing skills and gain confidence in their communication. The platform’s language prompts also make it easier to create targeted content, which is especially useful in foreign language classes. Teachers can fine-tune ChatGPT’s outputs to better meet specific class needs, enriching the learning experience.

Exam Preparation

When it comes to preparing for exams, ChatGPT is a powerful tool. It generates practice questions and gives feedback on student responses, helping students pinpoint areas they need to focus on. This makes ChatGPT a personalized study guide. Additionally, it provides grammar and vocabulary exercises, reducing study time while adding value to each session. These exercises can help students prepare for assessments more efficiently and build confidence.

Writing Assistance

Writing essays or assignments can feel daunting, but ChatGPT simplifies the process. It helps students generate topic ideas, corrects grammar and spelling, and suggests improvements to writing style. Acting like an online editor, ChatGPT streamlines content creation. Beyond basic writing help, it also fosters critical thinking and analytical skills. ChatGPT can process data, mirror human thinking, and deliver responses that help students draw logical conclusions and present their arguments clearly.

Internet: <aprendebrasil.com.br> (com adaptações).

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What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Milk Every Day

Milk (and dairy in general) gets the blame for a lot of unwanted health outcomes. We're sure you've heard that dairy causes acne, increases inflammation and can even be the reason you're not losing weight. Spoiler: For those who aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, research doesn't back up those claims. In fact, there are actually some impressive benefits that come with drinking a nutritious glass of milk.

Your Bone Health Might Improve

Not only is milk a great vegetarian protein source, but it's also packed with calcium and vitamin D—two nutrients that are vital for bone health. Calcium is a mineral needed to build and maintain strong bones, and vitamin D helps our body absorb calcium from the foods we eat. Since milk is a great source of both of thesenutrients, it's one of the best things to keep in your diet for bone health throughout life.

You Might Reach Your Weight Loss Goals

There are lots of misconceptions about how drinking milk can affect weight, but research shows regular consumption probably won't hurt your cause if you're trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. This is largely due to the satisfying combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat found in milk. Protein and fat can help make milk super filling, which can help with weight loss. Carbs give you energy and help your body function at its best. When you're more satisfied from the foods you eat, it's easier to honor your hunger and fullness levels and stick to a healthy, balanced eating pattern.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (the gold standard of research) published in the journal Nutrients found that including dairy in a calorie-restricted diet resulted in greater weight loss and fat loss, while reducing loss of lean muscle. This doesn't mean milk is a miracle weight-loss food, though. Another review of studies found that consuming milk or other dairy products didn't result in significant weight loss, but didn't lead to weight gain either. If your goal is to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, drinking a glass of milk each day might help, if it's a food you enjoy. You Might Lower Your Risk of Cognitive Decline

The impressive nutrition profile of milk could be a reason why it can help you stay more mentally sharp as you age. A 2021 review of studies published in Nutrition & Metabolism found that milk intake was connected with a decreased risk of Alzheimer's disease. Another study published in 2020 in the journal Nutrients found that skimmed dairy, fermented dairy and buttermilk were associated with better executive functioning. So adding some milk to your morning oats or as a side to a snack may help boost your brain health.

Researchers hypothesize that one reason milk might support healthy aging is the nutrition that it provides. Milk is a good source of calcium, protein and vitamin B12, all of which are critical nutrients for older adults.

The Bottom Line

If you aren't lactose-intolerant or allergic to dairy, it's totally OK to enjoy a regular glass of milk each day. From improving bone health to helping mitigate cognitive decline, drinking milk and incorporating other dairy items into your diet can come with some health benefits. As with any food, remember that moderation is key (an 8-ounce serving of milk probably wouldn't completely fill many of the glasses in your cupboard). Since there are dairy farmers all across the U.S., try choosing milk that is produced locally. Making a connection with a local farmer can help you get a better-quality product that takes less of a toll on the environment, too.

FONTE: Adapted from: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/7961444/what-happensto-your-body-if-you-drink-milk-every-day/#:~:text=Not%20only%20is% 20milk%20a,from%20the%20foods%20we%20eat.

INSTRUCTION: Read the following text to answer question.

Do Leveled Books Have Any Place in the Classroom?

“The little turtle can see the grass. The little turtle can see the trees. The little turtle can see the flowers”. These are the opening lines to one popular reading program’s leveled books: short, predictable texts designed for beginning readers. The patterned sentence structure – centered on the phrase “the little turtle can see" – invites students to rely on repetition and context clues to identify words they can’t sound out.

Leveled books have been a staple in early elementary reading instruction for more than two decades. But as the “science of reading” movement has spread, leveled books have come under fire. Initially, they encourage students to guess at words rather than use their phonics skills, researchers say, which can prevent children from mapping the letter-sound connections that allow them to become fluent readers.

A second problem is how they sort students into levels. Studies have shown that leveling systems are frequently inaccurate. These systems are usually created by the books’ publishers, which purport to match students with books that have a just-right alignment with their reading comprehension abilities.

In classrooms that are switching to a science of reading approach, educators are now wary of leveled books, because of the damage that they did, said Wiley Blevins, an educational consultant. In his opinion, when children are still learning the code of written language, it is required a “tight connection” between the letter-sound correspondences they’re learning and the text they’re reading, so that they have opportunities to practice. But leveled texts can’t do this job. Blevins said that the textdifficulty levels also don’t offer much practical use because they don’t tell educators what skills students still need to master – which doesn’t necessarily mean kids can’t ever pick up these books.

But what are leveled texts anyway? In many of the most popular reading programs of the last decade, leveled readers were some of the main texts that children worked with. Teachers used books for instruction, grouping students by their level and assigning them reading strategies to practice in the text. They have also been used for assessment since teachers listened to students read these books aloud, keeping a running record of their errors.

Publishers claimed that the text-leveling system could match students with books that were just right for their abilities – challenging enough to help them practice new skills, but not so challenging as to be frustrating or inaccessible. This idea is based on outdated theories about how children learn. Studies show that students can read books that are above their level with teacher and peer-provided support. They also indicate that restricting students to text at lower reading levels can actually widen achievement gaps.

However, other research has found that the leveling system isn’t even that accurate. A 2014 study showed that data from leveling assessments correctly predicted students’ reading ability only about 50 percent of the time.

The big problem with these books, though, is that they don’t help students develop their decoding skills, that is, their ability to sound out words by connecting letters tospoken sounds, said Kari Kurto, the National Science of Reading Project director at The Reading League – a group that advocates for evidence-based reading policy and classroom practice. Kurto complemented by saying that many of the words in these books aren’t written with constrained sound-spelling patterns, so “there’s no other strategy that a kid can use other than guessing,” Kurto said.

With all of this being said, one question pops up: how teachers can repurpose leveled readers?

As some districts have shifted their reading instructional practice, they have moved from leveled to decodable text – books written to give students practice with the letter-sound correspondences that they are learning in phonics lessons. However, decodable books shouldn’t be the only books that students ever see because at some point they will have to move on to more complex literature, said Blevins. In his point of view, teachers shouldn’t worry about matching students with a particular level, but rather see if they can find books that include some phonics patterns children know.

But can leveled texts build background knowledge? Some educators have repurposed leveled texts in a different way, using them to help students develop content knowledge about a subject. Research shows that students’ background knowledge is a key component of their reading comprehension ability.

According to Kurto, having more books available that might tap into kids’ different interests is valuable. Still, she draws the attention to the fact that many leveled books are written with simple themes and basic vocabulary and syntax. She said, “a lot of the leveled texts are just a little fluffy. If all [students are] getting beyond decodable text is leveled text, then it’s likely that they’re not being exposed to high-quality language and language structures.”

Although the debate about this matter is extensive and opinions are diverse, one thing is worth keeping in mind: what students read in class really matters.

Source: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/doleveled-books-have-any-place-in-the-classroom/2024/10 Accessed on November 13, 2024. [Adapted]

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Companies know how we think

Companies can now find out exactly how you think through the science of neuromarketing. Advertisers are currently collaborating with scientists to test their products directly on our brains. Some experts believe that one in ten TV commercials have already been designed using neuromarketing.

The reasons are obvious. The technique allows companies to discover exactly what people like about their products. For example, when we eat a type of potato chip, it may be the color, the flavor, or the pleasant noise it makes when you crunch it in your mouth that we like most.

In order ............ tap into what’s going ............ in consumers’ brains, it all begins ............ laboratories and office buildings.

Groups of volunteers submit themselves to a simple process. Wearing a special headset called an electrode cap, they watch commercials or test products. The caps allow researchers to monitor brain activity. When something attracts the attention of the volunteers, this is highlighted on a computer. They literally use this device to read the minds of their volunteers. This may sound a little scary, but advertisers are just tap-ping into our existing thoughts and desires. And that’s what advertisers have always tried to do.

Previously, companies would give people a survey or questionnaire to complete in order to research their customers. The problem was that people didn’t always tell the truth. They may not want to be critical of a product or advertisement because they don’t want to upset the interviewer. The electrode cap overcomes this problem. It shows when someone really is interested in something.

Neuromarketing is also used to develop packaging for the world’s most famous brands. The aim is to make their products stand out in a busy marketplace. This will become standard as more companies capitalize on the technology. With millions invested in advertising, companies simply cannot afford to hope that their ads and products will be a success. If they can find out what we think first, and change their products to make them more successful, they will quickly pay off the high cost of neuromarketing and dominate their market.

INSTRUCTION: Read the following text to answer question.

Communicative Language Teaching

By Judson Wright

Introduction

The teacher as model

In some approaches to teaching English, the teacher’s main role is to pass on knowledge to students through explanations. In Communicative Language Teaching, the role of the teacher is rather different, although providing clear explanations of language points is still an important part of it. First of all, the teacher acts as a model of good communication skills. This involves asking clear questions, providing clear answers, and giving clear instructions to students. The teacher also models active listening skills, which include making eye contact, listening carefully to what people are saying, checking that listeners understand what’s being said, and responding appropriately. It is the teacher who sets the expectation that these and other communication skills, such as taking turns appropriately in a conversation, are the classroom norm.

Classroom interaction

As in many other classrooms, some of the interaction in the CLT classroom consists of the teacher talking to the whole class while the students listen or respond to the teacher’s questions, particularly when the teacher is explaining a language point. However, CLT is based on the idea that in order to improve students’ communication skills, most of the interaction that teachers need to provide for their students should be classroom tasks that require and develop communication skills. In particular, CLT makes use of roleplays, pair work and group work tasks. These forms of interaction provide some important benefits.

One benefit is that students usually find these forms of interaction motivating and engaging. Pair and group work provide opportunities to focus more on fluency and on content than on accuracy, which often means that students are able to speak more freely than when they are asked to respond to direct questions from the teacher in front of the whole class. These interactions provide a safer space to practise communication skills. The teacher has an important part to play here, ensuring that students avoid focusing on form too much during tasks as well as bringing their students’ focus back onto the content of the interaction rather than correcting each other’s English while carrying out the task

Another benefit is a better use of time. When students are divided into pairs or groups and given a task that each pair or group carries out at the same time, it is a far more efficient and effective use of classroom time than other forms of classroom interaction. It means that all students can be engaged and active at the same time, rather than merely listening to other students respond to the teacher’s questions or prompts, which is a typical interaction in some classrooms. Through pair and group work, each individual student spends far more time using English and practising their communication skills.

Meaningful communication

In order for the interactions to be effective, we need to ensure that successfully completing a task depends on meaningful communication. In other words, each pair and group work task are designed so that there is a real purpose for the interaction, mirroring communicative interactions in the real world. This real purpose might involve a student communicating something about their own life which another student doesn’t know, such as information about their family, or their own opinions on a subject. It might also involve creating an information gap between the students which requires the use of different communication skills. Let’s consider a couple of examples at different levels of English ability that illustrate the idea of meaningful communication.

Imagine a teacher is working with students at an elementary level of English who are learning or practising the names of colours. The teacher produces sheets of paper with perhaps four or five coloured circles on them. Most sheets are different from each other, but each sheet has at least one other that matches it exactly. Each student receives a sheet and is asked not to let other people see their sheet. The task is for each student to find another student whose sheet exactly matches their own. Armed with a simple structure, such as Do you have a … circle?, students mingle around the classroom, asking and answering each other’s questions, until they have each found a matching partner. This type of task can be easily adapted to focus on shapes, body parts, and a range of other lexical sets. Contrast this with a situation where a teacher indicates different objects that the whole class can see and asks questions such as What colour is this? and expects students to respond with the correct colour. In that case, no meaningful communication takes place since all students already know the answer.

[…]

Assessment and correction

During the task, the students’ focus should be on achieving the communicative aim, whether that’s finding someone in the class with matching information, reconstructing a text, or successfully completing a roleplay. The teacher’s role is to employ ongoing informal assessment by monitoring the interactions and making sure that each pair and group stays on task and does not get distracted by trying to correct each other’s use of language. It’s worth making the importance of completing the task explicit at the start of any communicative task. As teachers monitor the students, they should make a note of any errors that they want to focus on after the activity. This is usually most effective when the teacher selects errors that more than one student makes since focusing on these is likely to be of use to more students. While the teacher may choose to ignore most other errors, it is sometimes worth using ‘hot correction’ with individual students. With hot correction, the teacher quickly makes a note of the correct form on a slip of paper and simply places it on the table in front of the student, without interrupting the interaction.

Conclusion

Communicative Language Teaching prepares students for communicative demands outside the classroom using techniques that develop communication skills. In its pure form, some teachers may feel that there is not enough focus on accuracy and language structure to meet their needs and the needs of their students. However, introducing elements of the approach into your classroom and reconsidering your role as a teacher and the types of tasks you ask your students to take part in will motivate and engage your students while developing their communication skills.

Available at: https://www.onestopenglish.com/methodology-theworld-of-elt/communicative-language-teaching/1000116.article. Accessed on: Jan 23rd, 2024.

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The Future of Global Economy and Society

Characters:

Emma: A professor of International Relations.

John: A journalist specializing in global economics.

Sophia: An environmental activist and policy advisor.

Emma: Good afternoon, everyone. Today, I'd like to delve into the intricacies of the global economy and its impact on society. As we navigate through these unprecedented times, what do you think are the key drivers reshaping our world?

John: From my perspective, the most significant factor is the acceleration of technological innovation. The digital economy is not just expanding; it's revolutionizing traditional sectors. Artificial Intelligence, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things are all converging, creating a paradigm shift in how we understand and conduct business.

Sophia: I agree, John. However, I would argue that while technological advancement is transformative, it also presents ethical dilemmas. The digital divide is growing, and the disparity between those who have access to these technologies and those who don't is becoming a critical issue. Moreover, the implications for data privacy and surveillance are profound and cannot be overlooked.

Emma: That's an excellent point, Sophia. The ethical implications are vast. But moving beyond technology, how do you see geopolitical tensions influencing global economic stability?

John: Geopolitical tensions have always played a pivotal role. However, with the recent rise of protectionist policies and trade wars, we are witnessing a fragmentation of the global economic order. Countries are increasingly prioritizing national interests, which could lead to a significant realignment of global alliances and trade networks.

Sophia: And this realignment is not without consequences. We must consider the environmental impact as well. The current economic model, heavily reliant on fossil fuels, is unsustainable. We need a radical transition towards a green economy, and that requires international cooperation—something that's hard to achieve amid rising nationalism.

Emma: Absolutely. The concept of a green economy is gaining traction, but there's a lot of skepticism about its feasibility, especially in developing countries where economic growth is still heavily dependent on traditional industries. What are your thoughts on this?

John: It's indeed a delicate balancing act. Developing nations argue that stringent environmental regulations could stifle their economic growth and exacerbatepoverty. On the other hand, the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic, not just for these countries, but globally. Perhaps the solution lies in creating financial incentives for sustainable development.

Sophia: That's where policy-making becomes crucial. We need to implement more robust frameworks for international cooperation that include financial support, technology transfer, and capacity building. The global north has a historical responsibility to assist the global south in this transition.

Emma: These are compelling insights. It's clear that the path forward is complex and requires a multifaceted approach. Balancing technological, economic, environmental, and ethical considerations is a formidable challenge. However, it's also an opportunity for us to redefine the future of global society.

John: I couldn't agree more, Emma. The question is not whether we will face these challenges, but how we will respond to them collectively.

Sophia: Exactly. It's not just about adapting to change but about proactively shaping it. We must engage in more dialogue, foster innovation, and, above all, uphold our shared values of equity, justice, and sustainability.

Emma: Well said, Sophia. I believe our discussion today has highlighted the interconnectedness of these issues and the importance of global solidarity. Thank you both for this enlightening conversation.

John and Sophia: Thank you, Emma.