Questões de Concursos Inglês

In the 20th century, we made tremendous advances in discovering fundamental principles in different scientific disciplines that created major breakthroughs in management and technology for agricultural systems, mostly by empirical means. However, as we enter the 21st century, agricultural research has more difficult and complex problems to solve.

The environmental consciousness of the general public is requiring us to modify farm management to protect water, air, and soil quality, while staying economically profitable. At the same time, market-based global competition in agricultural products is challenging economic viability of the traditional agricultural systems, and requires the development of new and dynamic production systems. Fortunately, the new electronic technologies can provide us a vast amount of real-time information about crop conditions and near-term weather via remote sensing by satellites or ground-based instruments and the Internet, that can be utilized to develop a whole new level of management. However, we need the means to capture and make sense of this vast amount of site-specific data.

Our customers, the agricultural producers, are asking for a quicker transfer of research results in an integrated usable form for site-specific management. Such a request can only be met with system models, because system models are indeed the integration and quantification of current knowledge based on fundamental principles and laws. Models enhance understanding of data taken under certain conditions and help extrapolate their applications to other conditions and locations.

Lajpat R. Ahuja; Liwang Ma; Terry A. Howell. Whole System Integration and Modeling — Essential to

Agricultural Science and Technology in the 21st Century. In: Lajpat R. Ahuja; Liwang Ma; Terry A. Howell

(eds.) Agricultural system models in field research and technology transfer.

Boca Raton, CRC Press LLC, 2002 (adapted).

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.

Cancer therapies are getting a makeover

By Vanessa Chalmers, Health Features Editor

Cancer is no longer a death sentence when diagnosed, thanks to the ongoing emergence of treatments that can extend lives as well as better detection methods to find the disease earlier.Scientists have learned a lot about the immune response to cancer and are now harnessing it.When we hear the word vaccine, we typically think of it as preventing disease.But in this case, vaccines are being used as a treatment. Once injected they train the immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells. The body itself is recruited to kill the cancer, rather than relying on medicines.The process leaves healthy cells untouched, unlike chemotherapy, which kills healthy tissue and causes debilitating symptoms. NHS England's national cancer director, Dame Cally Palmer, said cancer vaccines being trialled could mark a huge step in treating the disease.There are also personalised vaccines which are designed specifically for an individuals cancer, based on their genetics.The challenges with personalised vaccines and other hugely advanced cancer therapies is they are very expensive to develop - and the question is whether the NHS will be able to afford such therapies when they come to fruition.

https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/30417145/cancer-vaccine-stops-tumou rs-growing-advanced-disease/

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder à questão.

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.

Pollution

Thick black smoke curling out of smokestacks, horrible-tasting chemicals in your drinking water, pesticides in your food - these are examples of pollution. Pollution is any contamination of the environment which causes harm to the environment or the inhabitants of the environment. There are many kinds of pollution, and there are many pollutants. Some obvious kinds of pollution are pollution of the air, soil, and water. Some less obvious, or less salient kinds of pollution are radioactive, noise, light pollution, and green-house gasses.

Air pollution can be caused by particles, liquids, or gases that make the air harmful to breathe. There are two main types of air pollution: primary and secondary. Primary pollutants enter the air directly, like smoke from factories and car exhaust. Secondary pollutants are chemicals that mix together to pollute the air, like mixtures of emissions, or waste output, from vehicles and factory smoke that change to form more dangerous pollutants in the air and sunlight.

Soil pollution can be caused by pesticides, leakage..........................chemical tanks, oil spills, and other chemicals..........................get into the soil by dumping or accidental contamination. Soil pollution can also cause water pollution.............................underground water becomes contaminated by coming.............................contact with the polluted soil.

Water pollution can be caused by waste products, sewage, oil spills, and litter in streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some scientists believe that water pollution is the largest cause of death and disease in the world, causing about 14,000 deaths in the world each day.

Radioactive pollution can be caused by leaks or spills of radioactive materials. These materials can come from medical sources, nuclear power plants, or laboratories which handle radioactive materials. Air, soil, and water can be polluted by radioactivity. It can cause damage to animals, both internally and externally, by eating, drinking, or touching it. It can cause birth defects and genetic problems. It can cause certain cancers and other deadly diseases.

Noise pollution can be caused by vehicle, aircraft, and industrial noise. It can also be caused by military or experimental sonar. Noise has health effects on people and animals. In people, it can cause high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep disturbances, and hearing problems. In animals, it can cause communication, reproductive, and navigation problems – they have difficulty finding their direction. Sonar has even caused whales to beach themselves because they respond to the sonar as if it were another whale.

Light pollution can be caused by advertising signs, stadium and city lighting, and other artificial lighting (like the light caused by night traffic). Artificial lighting has health effects on humans and animals. In people, it can cause high blood pressure and affect sleeping and waking rhythms and immunity. It might be a factor in some cancers, such as breast cancer. In animals, it can affect sleeping and waking rhythms, navigation, and reproduction.

In addition, greenhouse gases have caused a warming effect on the earth’s climate. The greenhouse gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone. They are naturally–occurring gases in the atmosphere, but human activity has increased their concentration in the atmosphere. For example, the levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere have risen due to the burning of fossil fuels. The effect is a rise in global temperatures. The higher temperatures cause the melting of glaciers, a rise in the water level of oceans, and the disruption of both land and marine life, including that of humans. Although carbon dioxide is necessary for plants to survive, it is also considered to be a kind of pollution because high levels of carbon dioxide have caused the oceans to become more acidic.

It is not possible for anyone to predict the exact timing and effects of global pollution and global climate change brought about by pollution. There is general agreement by scientists that the global climate will continue to change, that the intensity of weather effects will continue to increase, and that some species of animals will become extinct. There is also general agreement, or consensus, that humans need to take steps to reduce emissions of waste products and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, make adaptations to the changes that are occurring, and figure out ways of reversing the trends of pollution and global warming.

Text 4

Help students to learn vocabulary in context

The best internalization of vocabulary comes from encounters (comprehension or production) with words within the context of surrounding discourse. Data from linguistic corpora can provide real-world actual language that has been printed or spoken. Rather than isolating words and/or focusing on dictionary definitions, learners can benefit from attending to vocabulary within a communicative framework in which items appear. Students will then associate new words with a meaningful context to which they apply. For example, for a beginning level of students, pictures, realia, and gestures can be used to describe meaning incontext. For a more advanced level of students, encourage them to consult online corpora (e.g., the British National Corpus, or the Corpus of Contemporary American English: COCA) to gain knowledge of patterned sequences, particularly collocations or words that go together (Liu & Jiang, 2009).

Encourage students to develop word-learning strategies

Included in the discussion of teaching reading were such strategies as guessing vocabulary in context. A number of clues are available to learners to develop word-attack strategies.

Considering that only a small fraction of the word list can be covered inside the classroom, it is necessary for students to develop effective strategies for learning vocabulary on their own. Word-learning strategies refer to “the planned approaches that a word-learner takes as an agent of his or her own word learning” (Zimmerman, 2014, p. 297). Once they encounter unknown words, they can try to figure out how the words are used by asking questions such as:

• Is the word countable or uncountable?

• Is there a particular preposition that follows it?

• Is it a formal word?

• Does it have positive or negative connotations? (Zimmerman, 2014, p. 298)

An effective way to encourage word-learning is to urge students to use vocabulary notebooks to enter new words, and to review them daily, once they identify their learning goals. Studies show that in order to understand television shows learners need to know about 3,000 word families and have knowledge of proper nouns (Web & Rodgers, 2009). If they wish to read novels and newspapers comfortably, they need to have a vocabulary size of 8,000–9,000 word families (Nation, 2006). The fact that increasing vocabulary size will influence the degree to which they can understand and use language may motivate them to be determined to expand their vocabulary notebooks.

Unfortunately, professional pendulums have a disturbing way of swinging too far one way or the other, and sometimes the only way we can get enough perspective to see these overly long arcs is through hindsight. Hindsight has now taught us that there was some overreaction to the almost exclusive attention that grammar and vocabulary received in the first two-thirds of the twentieth century. So-called “natural” approaches in which grammar was considered damaging were equally overreactive. Advocating the “absorption” of grammar and vocabulary with no overt attention whatsoever to language forms went too far. We now seem to have a healthy respect for the place of form-focused instruction — attention to those basic “bits and pieces” of a language — in an interactive curriculum. And now we can pursue the business of finding better and better techniques for getting these bits and pieces into the communicative repertoires of our learners.

BROWN, H. D.; LEE, H.. Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy. Fourth Edition. New York: Longman. 2015.