Questões de Concursos Professor de Língua Inglesa

FlexSea’s biodegradable plastics attract £3m investment

01 FlexSea, a startup with its roots at Imperial College London, has announced the completion

02 of a seed round worth £3 million in equity and grants. The investment will help the company

03 commercialize a range of sustainable packaging solutions it has developed, based on plastics

04 derived from seaweed. The aim is to address the catastrophic impact of conventional plastics

05 on the environment, in particular the single-use plastic products that persist in the ocean for

06 many hundreds of years after they are discarded. In contrast, the biodegradable plastics

07 devised by FlexSea will break down in the sea or the soil within a matter of weeks.

08 Carlo Fedeli, the co-founder and Chief Executive of FlexSea, first started to think about

09 biodegradable plastics during the COVID pandemic. “I noticed the amount of plastic packaging

10 that was piling up at home, because of the online groceries and other deliveries we relied on

11 at the time, and I just had enough,” he says. He started looking into the biodegradable plastics

12 that were already available, and found that they often had shortcomings. Some didn’t actually

13 break down very rapidly under day-to-day environmental conditions, while others involved

14 unsustainable production methods. For example, plastics derived from seaweed are often made

15 from brown seaweed, which is usually harvested from nature, rather than the commonly

16 cultivated red seaweed. He set out to develop a thin-film plastic from red seaweed. “By the

17 end of lockdown I had the first prototype, a transparent flexi-film, and that is still the backbone

18 technology of our solvent-cast thin films,” he says.

19 FlexSea was set up in 2021 with co-founder Thibaut Monfort-Micheo. Their first home was

20 at Scale Space, on the White City Campus, and they received support from across Imperial's

21 enterprising ecosystem. In 2021 they joined the Centre for Climate Change Innovation’s

22 Greenhouse Accelerator, and in 2022 they took part in Imperial’s Venture Catalyst Challenge,

23 winning the energy and environment track. "FlexSea has the potential to change the pattern

24 of human consumption of plastic and therefore change the sustainability path of our planet,”

25 says Stephan Morais, Managing General Partner of lead investor Indico Capital. "This

26 investment will allow us ___ (make) significant progress and penetrate the market effectively,”

27 says Carlo Fedeli, the co-founder and Chief Executive of FlexSea.

(Available at: www.imperial.ac.uk/news/248154/flexseas-biodegradable-plastics-attract-3m-investment/ – text especially adapted for this test).

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder à questão.

Why is it called the Avenue of Volcanoes?

The "Avenue of Volcanoes" is a term used to describe a geographical feature in South America, specifically in Ecuador. This name is due to a long stretch of the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador, where several volcanoes are located near each other, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle you should visit. The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a geological wonder and significant. It is part of Ecuador's natural beauty and biodiversity. It attracts tourists and mountaineers from all over the world who come to explore the volcanoes, their surrounding landscapes, and the rich ecosystems that thrive in this region.

Predominant Volcanoes

The "Avenue of the Volcanoes" in Ecuador is characterized by numerous volcanoes, some very prominent and easily visible from the road. Discover some of the predominant volcanoes that Ecuador has for you.

Cayambe

Volcan Cayambe is a stratovolcano that is part of the Andes Mountain range. It is situated in the province of Pichincha, in the north-central region of Ecuador. The volcano is famous for its unique double summit, with the main panel located at 5,790 meters above sea level and the secondary summit just slightly lower. The volcanic cone of Cayambe is composed of alternating layers of lava, ash, and volcanic materials. Its last eruption resulted in a lava flow and ash that covered the surrounding area.

Antisana

Volcan Antisana sits at an impressive 18,891 feet above sea level. Located in the Andes mountains, it is surrounded by stunning wilderness and unique ecosystems for a breathtaking view. From the highest points, it is possible to catch glimpses of the surrounding glaciers, lava landscapes, and stunning birds and animals that call this area their home.

Los Illinizas

Los Ilinizas is a composite volcano comprised of layers of lava, ash, and debris built up over time. The mountain is part of the Andes Mountain range and is located between the provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha. The volcano's height is roughly 17,267 ft (5,260 m). The Illinizas are two volcanoes located in the Andes region of Ecuador; the two central volcanoes in this area are Illiniza Norte (also known as Illiniza Falsa) and Illiniza Sur (Illiniza Verdadero).

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's best-known and most prominent volcanoes and is part of the "Avenue of theVolcanoes," a chain of volcanoes in the Andean region of the country. It has an altitude of approximately 5,897 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered with snow and ice for much of the year. Cotopaxi has significant cultural and mythological importance for the indigenous peoples of the Andean region of Ecuador. In Andean cosmology, the Cotopaxi volcano is associated with divinities and legends.

Quilotoa

The Volcan Quilotoa is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular destinations for tourists from all around the world. Quilotoa is a caldera that sits at an altitude of 3,914 meters above sea level, and visitors can find a small, emerald-green lake inside the crater, surrounded by the most stunning scenery you can imagine. However, its caldera and the lagoon are evidence of its volcanic past and past activities.

Tungurahua

The Tungurahua volcano in the Cordillera Central of the Ecuadorian Andes is notable for its imposing altitude of approximately 5,023 meters above sea level. The Tungurahua volcano has been significant in local mythology and culture. Its name translates as "Throat of Fire" in the Quechua language, and nearby communities have developed a cultural and spiritual connection with the volcano over the years.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, with an altitude of approximately 6,310 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered with snow and ice all year round, making it a popular destination for mountaineers and climbers.

Altar

El Altar is a volcanic complex composed of several peaks and craters, which gives it an impressive and unique appearance. Some of the most prominent peaks include El Obispo, El Fraile, El Monja, La Virgen, and others. The volcanic complex resembles a considerable fortress or altar, hence its name.

Sangay

It is in the Andes region, specifically in the province of Morona Santiago, in the south-central part of the country. Sangay is approximately 5,230 meters above sea level and is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador and the world. It has had frequent eruptions throughout history, with almost constant eruptive activity during the 20th and early 21st century.

https://www.casagangotena.com/blog/activities/avenue-of-the-volcanoe s-in-Ecuador/

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder às questões de 1 a 4.

A doll to place your dreams on...

(1º§) "Someday I'm gonna be, exactly like you... till then... I'll make believe I'm you." So went the dulcet tones of Barbie's first ever TV advert in 1959. That year, what would come to be toy company Mattel's most significant and long-lasting creation, Barbie, arrived.

(2º§) She was the brainchild of Ruth Handler; the co-founder, along with her husband Eliot, of Mattel in 1945. According to one of two origin stories (the other involving an adult novelty doll called Bild Lilli, handed out at bachelor parties), Handler noticed her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls and decided she wanted to give her a doll that was not a baby, but a woman she could aspire to. Barbie, named after her daughter, was born and she premiered at the annual Toy Fair in New York in March 1959. In the first year, 300,000 Barbie dolls were sold.

(3º§) She was 'petite' as the advert chimes, with all the latest clothes and accessories. Among these was, of course, a wedding dress. Her immediate MO was clearly as a stylish and sophisticated style maven, the kind of svelte, pretty woman young girls wanted to be − at least in 1959. Her first ever outfit − as exemplified in Gerwig's initial teaser trailer for the Barbie movie − was a black and white swimsuit, with white heels and white-rimmed sunglasses. Unsurprisingly, by 1961, she was 'going steady' with Ken (oddly named after the Handlers' son).

Courting controversy

(4º§) By the 1960s, Barbie was already attracting criticism for being a 'sex symbol'. To counteract this, the Handlers gave her a little sister, Skipper (originally a child and now sold as a teenager), and a best friend, Midge − who would go to have her own chequered history. Fashioned as a 'homelier' friend for Barbie (with red hair and freckles) Midge would disappear after 1967, returning in the 1980s along with a husband, kids and a 'Happy Family Line' of toys, which even included Pregnant Midge (with a detachable womb!). The line courted scandal from every angle − among which was outrage that Midge was pregnant without a wedding ring. Cannily, Gerwig has lined up Emerald Fennell to play Midge. Yes, Pregnant Midge.

(5º§) Though to many Barbie was too conventional − with her improbable proportions and origins as a doll who aspires to, essentially, marry Ken − to many she was too progressive. Indeed, as early as 1968, nine years after Barbie's invention, Mattel introduced their first Black doll, Christie, a friend of Barbie. Christie arrived at a fecund point in American politics, just as the Civil Rights Act of 1968 − enshrining the illegality of racial discrimination − was passed.

(6º§) It would not be until 1980, however, that Mattel would produce its first Black Barbie. She was designed by Kitty Black Perkins, who was then chief designer for Barbie. She bought her first Barbie doll aged 28, when interviewing for the position, when she was asked to create a whole new wardrobe for the doll. She was chief designer for more than 30 years and, in 1979, she was asked to design the first ever Black Barbie. When she arrived, she was wearing a red disco jumpsuit and came with the tagline: "She's Black! She's beautiful! She's dynamite!"

(adapted) https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a44129282/

READ TEXT I AND ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS IT:

TEXT I

Decolonizing English Language Teaching for Brazilian Indigenous Peoples

In an era of increasing contact between citizens of the diverse nations of the world, the far-reaching impacts of globalization are often linked to the propagation of English as a language for international communication in a variety of settings, including international trade, academic and scientific discourses, and diplomacy, among others. Given its status as an international language, English is also a highly-valued foreign language in Brazil, and its influence represents, at least symbolically, greater access to both national and global markets. As such, federal curricular standards require all students in Brazilian public schools to study English as a foreign language from middle to high school.

These standards also apply to the indigenous populations of Brazil. However, additional federal legislation regulates the ways that English and other subjects must be taught in indigenous communities. The Brazilian Constitution, ratified in 1988, represents a significant landmark in this respect, providing for the inclusion of 'specific, bilingual, differentiated, and intercultural' educational practices within indigenous school settings, thus guaranteeing each indigenous group the right to integrate their traditional knowledge, cultures, and languages into primary and secondary education curricula (Brazil, 1988).

As such, the question of how to teach English in indigenous settings in a way that values traditional cultures and knowledge in accordance with the specific, differentiated, and intercultural approach mandated by federal legislation must be addressed. The status of English as the language of globalization, along with its long history as an instrument of colonial imperialism, poses an ethical dilemma in the Brazilian indigenous educational context, given that its inclusion in indigenous school curricula presents an implicit risk of recreating and reinforcing neocolonial hierarchies of knowledge production that favor Western perspectives over traditional indigenous systems of knowledge.

In an effort to adapt English language teaching to the needs and demands of indigenous communities, contributions from the fields of postcolonial theory, English language teaching, and sociocultural approaches to language teaching will be connected to current Brazilian laws governing indigenous education. The aim is to investigate the possibilities for the teaching of a decolonized, local English that values traditional indigenous knowledge systems over neocolonial global influences which are often associated with English.

Adapted from: https://www.scielo.br/j/edreal/a/43bj8bSQDpQYPjQTX9jK9jb/

READ TEXT I AND ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS IT:

TEXT I

Decolonizing English Language Teaching for Brazilian Indigenous Peoples

In an era of increasing contact between citizens of the diverse nations of the world, the far-reaching impacts of globalization are often linked to the propagation of English as a language for international communication in a variety of settings, including international trade, academic and scientific discourses, and diplomacy, among others. Given its status as an international language, English is also a highly-valued foreign language in Brazil, and its influence represents, at least symbolically, greater access to both national and global markets. As such, federal curricular standards require all students in Brazilian public schools to study English as a foreign language from middle to high school.

These standards also apply to the indigenous populations of Brazil. However, additional federal legislation regulates the ways that English and other subjects must be taught in indigenous communities. The Brazilian Constitution, ratified in 1988, represents a significant landmark in this respect, providing for the inclusion of 'specific, bilingual, differentiated, and intercultural' educational practices within indigenous school settings, thus guaranteeing each indigenous group the right to integrate their traditional knowledge, cultures, and languages into primary and secondary education curricula (Brazil, 1988).

As such, the question of how to teach English in indigenous settings in a way that values traditional cultures and knowledge in accordance with the specific, differentiated, and intercultural approach mandated by federal legislation must be addressed. The status of English as the language of globalization, along with its long history as an instrument of colonial imperialism, poses an ethical dilemma in the Brazilian indigenous educational context, given that its inclusion in indigenous school curricula presents an implicit risk of recreating and reinforcing neocolonial hierarchies of knowledge production that favor Western perspectives over traditional indigenous systems of knowledge.

In an effort to adapt English language teaching to the needs and demands of indigenous communities, contributions from the fields of postcolonial theory, English language teaching, and sociocultural approaches to language teaching will be connected to current Brazilian laws governing indigenous education. The aim is to investigate the possibilities for the teaching of a decolonized, local English that values traditional indigenous knowledge systems over neocolonial global influences which are often associated with English.

Adapted from: https://www.scielo.br/j/edreal/a/43bj8bSQDpQYPjQTX9jK9jb/

Read Text | and answer questions 05 to 13.

Netflix is trying to prove to the world that it's all grown up

Netflix is trying to persuade Wall Street that it is now all grown up. After squeezing out millions of additional subscribers via its password sharing crackdown and through the introduction of cheaper advertiser-supported plans, the streamer knows that its growth spurts are coming to an end — and now it wants investors to stop obsessing over those pesky membership numbers and instead focus on other metrics.

"In our early days, when we had little revenue or profit, membership growth was a strong indicator of our future potential. But now we're generating very substantial profit and free cash flow. We are also developing new revenue streams like advertising and our extra member feature, so memberships are just one component of our growth", Netflix told shareholders as it reported quarterly earnings.

To that end, Netflix said that it will no longer report quarterly subscriber numbers, starting in 2025. Alas, the metric that Wall Street has forever judged Netflix on — the metric that prompted legacy media companies to burn endless piles of cash in their bids to compete with the streamer — will be retired. The decision to shut off transparency on the metric represents a significant turning point in the streaming revolution. For years, Netflix has prided itself on being extraordinarily transparent. Now it is aiming to hold its cards closer to its chest. And given that streaming giant is the trendsetter in the space, one could expect that other media companies will be inspired by the company's move and also opt to cease reporting such data.

To be fair, what Netflix is saying isn't necessarily off base either. As the company shifts its business model away from subscriptions and toward advertising and other revenue streams, it makes sense to consider how much time users are spending on the service. The more content a user consumes on Netflix, the more likely they are to continue paying for the service, and the more money Netflix then makes from that single subscriber. "We're focused on revenue and operating margin as our primary financial metrics — and engagement (i.e. time spent) as our best proxy for customer satisfaction,” Netflix underscored in its letter to shareholders.

Regardless, less transparency in an already opaque industry is not ideal. The walled garden of streaming already lacks the same detailed viewership data that Nielsen collects on linear television broadcasters. Now, visibility into the streaming world will get even dimmer.

The announcement from Netflix managed to overshadow its otherwise stellar quarter. The company handily beat expectations and added a staggering 9.3 million subscribers, meaning it now boasts nearly 270 million in total. Netflix also beat analyst expectations on both earnings and revenue. However, it wasn't all good news. Netflix forecasted its subscriber growth to be lower in quarter two, chalking it up to “typical seasonality.” That led the stock to slide nearly 5% in after-hours trading.

Whether "typical seasonality” is solely to blame, or whether the streamer is simply starting to hit a ceiling, is hard to tell. Perhaps it is a mix of both. Whatever the cause, the stock sliding on the less-than-ideal outlook is a prime example of why Netflix wants Wall Street to stop focusing on its subscriber numbers. And, in one year's time, investors won't have a choice.

Adapted from: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/04/19/media/netflix-subscription-numbers/index.html

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder à questão.

Why is it called the Avenue of Volcanoes?

The "Avenue of Volcanoes" is a term used to describe a geographical feature in South America, specifically in Ecuador. This name is due to a long stretch of the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador, where several volcanoes are located near each other, creating a breathtaking natural spectacle you should visit. The Avenue of the Volcanoes is a geological wonder and significant. It is part of Ecuador's natural beauty and biodiversity. It attracts tourists and mountaineers from all over the world who come to explore the volcanoes, their surrounding landscapes, and the rich ecosystems that thrive in this region.

Predominant Volcanoes

The "Avenue of the Volcanoes" in Ecuador is characterized by numerous volcanoes, some very prominent and easily visible from the road. Discover some of the predominant volcanoes that Ecuador has for you.

Cayambe

Volcan Cayambe is a stratovolcano that is part of the Andes Mountain range. It is situated in the province of Pichincha, in the north-central region of Ecuador. The volcano is famous for its unique double summit, with the main panel located at 5,790 meters above sea level and the secondary summit just slightly lower. The volcanic cone of Cayambe is composed of alternating layers of lava, ash, and volcanic materials. Its last eruption resulted in a lava flow and ash that covered the surrounding area.

Antisana

Volcan Antisana sits at an impressive 18,891 feet above sea level. Located in the Andes mountains, it is surrounded by stunning wilderness and unique ecosystems for a breathtaking view. From the highest points, it is possible to catch glimpses of the surrounding glaciers, lava landscapes, and stunning birds and animals that call this area their home.

Los Illinizas

Los Ilinizas is a composite volcano comprised of layers of lava, ash, and debris built up over time. The mountain is part of the Andes Mountain range and is located between the provinces of Cotopaxi and Pichincha. The volcano's height is roughly 17,267 ft (5,260 m). The Illinizas are two volcanoes located in the Andes region of Ecuador; the two central volcanoes in this area are Illiniza Norte (also known as Illiniza Falsa) and Illiniza Sur (Illiniza Verdadero).

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is one of Ecuador's best-known and most prominent volcanoes and is part of the "Avenue of theVolcanoes," a chain of volcanoes in the Andean region of the country. It has an altitude of approximately 5,897 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered with snow and ice for much of the year. Cotopaxi has significant cultural and mythological importance for the indigenous peoples of the Andean region of Ecuador. In Andean cosmology, the Cotopaxi volcano is associated with divinities and legends.

Quilotoa

The Volcan Quilotoa is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular destinations for tourists from all around the world. Quilotoa is a caldera that sits at an altitude of 3,914 meters above sea level, and visitors can find a small, emerald-green lake inside the crater, surrounded by the most stunning scenery you can imagine. However, its caldera and the lagoon are evidence of its volcanic past and past activities.

Tungurahua

The Tungurahua volcano in the Cordillera Central of the Ecuadorian Andes is notable for its imposing altitude of approximately 5,023 meters above sea level. The Tungurahua volcano has been significant in local mythology and culture. Its name translates as "Throat of Fire" in the Quechua language, and nearby communities have developed a cultural and spiritual connection with the volcano over the years.

Chimborazo

Chimborazo is the highest mountain in Ecuador and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, with an altitude of approximately 6,310 meters above sea level. Its summit is covered with snow and ice all year round, making it a popular destination for mountaineers and climbers.

Altar

El Altar is a volcanic complex composed of several peaks and craters, which gives it an impressive and unique appearance. Some of the most prominent peaks include El Obispo, El Fraile, El Monja, La Virgen, and others. The volcanic complex resembles a considerable fortress or altar, hence its name.

Sangay

It is in the Andes region, specifically in the province of Morona Santiago, in the south-central part of the country. Sangay is approximately 5,230 meters above sea level and is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador and the world. It has had frequent eruptions throughout history, with almost constant eruptive activity during the 20th and early 21st century.

https://www.casagangotena.com/blog/activities/avenue-of-the-volcanoe s-in-Ecuador/

Read text I to answer the question.

TEXT I

Teachers in the Movement: Pedagogy, Activism, and Freedom

In this year's Presidential Address, historian Derrick P. Alridge __________ his current research project, Teachers in the Movement: Pedagogy, Activism, and Freedom. The project builds on recent literature about teachers as activists be tween 1950 and 1980 and explores how and what secondary and postsecondary teachers taught. Focusing on teachers in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the project investigates teachers' roles as agents of social change through teaching the ideals of freedom during the most significant social movement in the United States in the twentieth century. Drawing on oral history and archival research, the project plans to produce five hundred videotaped interviews that will generate extensive firsthand knowledge and fresh perspectives about teachers in the civil rights move ment. By examining teachers' pedagogical activism during this period of rapid social change, Alridge hopes to inspire and inform educators teaching in the midst of today's freedom and social justice movements.

(Disponível em: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1255911)