Questões de Concursos Interpretação de texto Reading comprehension

Text: “Why do people collect?”

Petra Engels owns 19,571 erasers, Carol Vaughn has 1,221 bars of soap, and Ralf Shrőder has a collection of 14,502 packets of sugar. Many people love to collect things, but why? Psychologists and collectors have different opinions.

The psychologist Carl Jung believed that collecting is part of our ancient human history. Thousands of years ago, humans collected nuts and berries. They kept them carefully and ate them when there was no food. The best collectors survived long cold winters or seasons without rain. Their genes passed to future generations. Nowadays, we still have a collecting instinct.

Historian Philipp Bloom has a different opinion. He thinks collectors want to make something that will remain after their death. By bringing many similar items together, the collector gains historical importance. Sometimes their collections become museums or libraries, for example, Henry Huntington, who founded a library in Los Angeles to house his collection of books.

Author Steve Roach thinks that people collect things to remember their childhood. Many children collect things, but few have enough money to buy the things they really want, and they lose interest. In later life, they remember their collections fondly. Now, they have enough money and opportunity to find special items, and they start collecting again. This way, they can re-live and enjoy their childhood years.

Art collector, Werner Muensterberger, agrees that collecting is linked to childhood. But he believes we collect in order to feel safe and secure. While babies hold blankets or toys to feel safe when their mother isn’t there, adults collect things to stop feeling lonely or anxious.

Autograph collector Mark Baker agrees that collecting is emotional, but he doesn’t collect to reduce anxiety. “For me, it’s the excitement,” he says. “I love trying to get a famous person’s autograph. Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail. Also, by collecting autographs, I feel connected to famous people. I don’t just watch them on television. I actually meet them.”

These are just a few reasons for collecting. Do you know any people with collections? Why do they collect?

Questions related to the text above

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]

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).

Text 1

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.

Text 1

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.

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder às questões de 21 a 25.

PUCKER UP I'm a dermatologist - you've been using lip balm all wrong - here's why your pout is still chapped

(1º§)YOU might be reaching for your lip balm more and more through these winter months. But are your lips still sore and chapped, no matter how much of the stuff you slather on? According to dermatology experts, the type of balm you put on your pout might be more important than the amount.

(2º§)Dr. Mona Gohara, an associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, and Dr. Brendan Camp, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York, told TODAY why some lip balms could do more harm than good.

(3º§)To start with, they discussed why your lips might be chapped in the first place. The cold weather can wreak havoc on them as the skin is very thin, so they're more likely to dry out, Dr Gohara said. Meanwhile, Dr Camp noted that the delicate skin of your pout can easily be irritated by ingredients in skincare or food, yeast or bacteria, and even enzymes in saliva.

(4º§)You might also not be giving them enough love: lot's of people forget about their lips when they're moisturising their face. But if your lips are dry and chapped not long after you apply your balm, you just might be using the wrong kind.

(5º§)Four things to avoid in a lip balm:

1.Tingly balms

2. Fragrances

3. Flavouring agents

4. Dyes

(6º§)Dr Camp said these might cause allergic contact dermatitis, a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance. And if your lips are dry, cracked, red, scaly and itchy, you might have developed a sensitivity to an ingredient in your lip balm, he added. Moral of the story, check your lip balm ingredients.

(7º§)Since you're doing that, there are a few ingredients that will help hydrate your pout. Dr Camp said you want to look for ingredients that will help trap water in the skin while keeping it moisturized for a long period of time. "Ingredients like beeswax, olive oil, castor oil, coconut oil, and shea butter are often used for this purpose," he said.

(8º§)You should also be wearing a salve with SPF to protect your lips from the sun. Meanwhile, Dr Gohara said that your ideal balm will have a combination of humectants (like hyaluronic acid and glycerin), which draw moisture into the skin, and occlusives (such as shea butter and mineral oil), which lock moisture in.

(9º§)The NHS recommended you use one containing petroleum jelly or beeswax. It said: "Try a few different lip balms if one is not working for you - some people may be sensitive to some fragrances, dyes or cosmetic ingredients."

(10º§)As long as you're using the right type of balm, Dr Gohara said you can apply it multiple times a day. According to Dr Camp, it's best to put on lip balm once in the morning and once before bed. There are other ways of preventing dry lips too.

(11º§)Lisa Borg, skin specialist and nutritionist at the Pulse Light Clinc, said the best thing you can do is drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Preferably quality water as opposed to dehydrating coffee and fizzy drinks, she noted.

(12º§)Lisa also recommended eating foods that simulate saliva production, such as apples, cucumbers, tomatoes, courgettes, watermelon, lemons, and crunchy fibrous vegetables like carrots and celery. Meanwhile, the NHS said you should wash your hands before applying lip balm and cover your lips with a scarf when you're outside in cold weather. If you're outdoors, use a balm with SPF 15 or more every two hours, it added.

(13º§)Common causes of dry lips: cold weather, dry air or wind; damage from the sun; dehydration; a lip injury; allergies; and lack of vitamins and minerals. If you have sore or dry lips, you should avoid: picking or biting any flaky skin on your lips - this can slow down healing; licking dry or cracked lips - this can make them sore; and sharing lip balms with other people - this can spread germs.

(adapted) -wwrongg-pu--chappeed .uk/health/21661055/dermatologist-using-lip-balm-wrong-pout-chapped/

Sociologists have, until recently, tended to avoid technology. This began to change significantly in the late 1980s with the growth and development of both (physical) IT and the (social) debate surrounding it. In a broad sense, sociologists of technology are concerned with explaining how social processes, actions and structures relate to technology; and in this are concerned with developing critiques of notions of technological determinism. The theories and concepts which have been developed are increasingly recognised as of value to technologists, notably in the area of information system design.

Technological determinism is the notion that technological development is autonomous of society; it shapes society, but is not reciprocally influenced. Rather, it exists outside society, but at the same time influences social change. In more extreme varieties of technological determinism, the technology is seen as the most significant determinant of the nature of a society. What is remarkable about the notion of technological determinism is neither its theoretical sophistication nor its explanatory utility. It is important because it is “the single most influential theory of the relationship between technology and society”, according to MacKenzie and Wajcman (1985).

The reality, of course, is that technologies do not, in practice, follow some pre-determined course of development. Research and development decisions, for example, are significant determinants of the sorts of technologies which are developed. Also, although technologies clearly have impacts, the nature of these is not built into the technology, but varies from one culture to another, depending on a broad range of social, political and economic factors.

Hughie Mackay. Theorising the IT/Society Relationship. In: HEAP, N. et al. (eds) Information technology and society: a reader. London: Sage Publications, 1996 (adapted)