Meditation: A simple, fast way to reduce stress

Meditation can wipe away the day's stress, bringing with it inner peace. See how you can easily learn to practice meditation whenever you need it most.

By Mayo Clinic Staff


If stress has you anxious, tense and worried, consider trying meditation. Spending even a few minutes in meditation can restore your calm and inner peace.
Anyone can practice meditation. It's simple and inexpensive, and it doesn't require any special equipment.
And you can practice meditation wherever you are - whether you're out for a walk, riding the bus, waiting at the doctor's office or even in the middle of a difficult business meeting.
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years.Meditation originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.
Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine.Meditation can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.
During meditation, you focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

Benefits of meditation

Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health.
And these benefits don't end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day and may help you manage symptoms of certain medical conditions.

Adapted from: <https://www.mayoclinic.org/testsprocedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858>
According to the text, meditation is:
Read the text to answer question.


Different times, different methods


Current teaching practice is the direct result of the acquisition-versus-learning debate. Also, both abstract theory and practical techniques have been discussed, have gone in and out of fashion, and have influenced what was and is included in classrooms and teaching materials.

In the 1990s, for example, there was considerable discussion about the Lexical Approach. In the 1970s, methods such as the Silent Way were advocated, and although they may not be used much any more – certainly not as they were originally envisaged – still some of the techniques they included have been incorporated into modern teaching practice.

Amongst the plethora of ideas and techniques which have been offered over the years, some trends have had, and continue to have a significant impact on how languages are taught today.


(HARMER, J. 1998. Adaptado.)
In the excerpt from the second paragraph “and although they may not be used much any more”, the part in bold can be substituted with no change in meaning for
“This approach is based on the active involvement of the learner in speaking and listening to the foreign language in realistic everyday situations. No use is made of the learner’s mother tongue; learners are encouraged to think in the foreign language, and not to translate into or out of it. A great deal of emphasis is placed on good pronunciation, often introducing students to phonetic transcription before they see the standard orthography. Formal grammatical rules and terminology are avoided.”


(Adapted from “Teaching Methods”, The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language, 3rd ed. David Crystal. P.394.)
The text excerpt above briefly describes:
TEXT IV


Understanding stereotypes



Stanford linguists and psychologists study how language is interpreted by people. Even the slightest differences in language use can correspond with biased beliefs of the speakers, according to research.


One study showed that a relatively harmless sentence, such as “girls are as good as boys at math,” can subtly perpetuate sexist stereotypes. Because of the statement’s grammatical structure, it implies that being good at math is more common or natural for boys than girls, the researchers said.


Language can play a big role in how we and others perceive the world, and linguists work to discover what words and phrases can influence us, unknowingly.



Source: https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2019/08/the-power-of-language-howwords-shape-people-culture
Analyse the assertions below based on Text IV:

I. Linguists are aware that language may convey prejudice.
II. Speakers may not realize their language choices might conceal implicit biases.
III. Stanford researchers have found out that boys actually outshine girls at math.

Choose the correct answer:

Leia o texto a seguir e avalie as afirmativas apresentadas.

The conceptual and epistemological grounds of literacy are being stretched as the encoded worlds we navigate increasingly interpenetrate multicultural, multilingual, and multimodal contexts. The twenty-first century finds us at a critical juncture for reevaluating English language and literacy teaching agendas. The technological revolution has facilitated and augmented human communication such that everyday interactions now essentially include digital interfaces. Language, text, and discourse norms and practices are being rapidly expanded and reinvented in response to new media and global networks. The language driving the majority of intercultural web traffic is English, which reinforces its position as a global language and adds an insidious dimension of cybercolonialism. Teachers are in crisis: domains for English language socialization now extend from known geographical and social contexts to the global panorama of the virtual world in which we, too, are learners. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have created new literacies that are required by learners of all ages if they are to fairly contend for academic and economic success. Examining the evolution of literacy into multiliteracies and considering how this epistemological shift affects ELT turned out to be a necessity. Digitally responsive, pedagogically strategic, ecologically sensitive English language and literacy teaching and learning practices should, thus, be discussed.

(Available: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/226802846_From_Literacy_to_Multiliteracies_in_ELT. Adapted.)


I. As línguas são fenômenos (geo)político, histórico, social, variável, heterogêneo e sensível aos contextos de uso, sendo eles essenciais para o reconhecimento e a vivência da língua como forma de expressão identitária.

II. Ressalta-se a tendência hegemônica da língua inglesa em ambientes virtuais como aspecto estritamente benéfico.

III. O ensino de língua inglesa sofreu mudanças resultantes das novas concepções acerca de como os conhecimentos sobre a língua são adquiridos pelas pessoas a partir dos princípios da crença, verdade e justificativa.

Está correto o que se afirma apenas em

O emprego da forma verbal destacada na letra da canção “Somewhere only we know” da banda inglesa Keane, cantada nos shows pelo Brasil em 2024, justifica-se por:

I walked across an empty land

I knew the pathway like the back of my hand

I felt the earth beneath my feet

Sat by the river and it made me complete

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on

So, tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

I came across a fallen tree

I felt the branches of it looking at me

Is this the place we used to love?

Is this the place that I've been dreaming of?

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on

So, tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute, why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know?

This could be the end of everything

So, why don't we go somewhere only we know?

Somewhere only we know

Oh, simple thing, where have you gone?

I'm getting old, and I need something to rely on

So, tell me when you're gonna let me in

I'm getting tired, and I need somewhere to begin

And if you have a minute, why don't we go

Talk about it somewhere only we know?

This could be the end of everything

So, why don't we go?

So, why don't we go?

Ooh, oh-oh

Ah, oh

This could be the end of everything

So, why don't we go somewhere only we know?

Somewhere only we know

Somewhere only we know


(Disponível em: https://www.letras.mus.br/keane. Acesso em: outubro de 2024.)

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder a questão.


HVAC Contractors Need to Adapt to Repair Market


Repair or replace is a question homeowners often need to answer, and it greatly impacts an HVAC contractor's business. During COVID, the residential HVAC industry saw a replacement market boom. But in 2023 and now the beginning of 2024, there has been a shift to a repair market that HVAC contractors need to be aware of as they run their businesses.


According to numbers from the Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI), shipments of unitary air conditioners and heat pumps were down 16.7% in 2023, compared to 2022. Gas furnaces were down 23%.


"The replacement market is performing worse when you strip out new construction," said industry leader Matt Michel. "Housing starts were down around 5%, according to the St. Louis Federal Reserve, so the replacement market for unitary air conditioners and heat pumps was down in the low 20s."


Distributors are seeing similar numbers, according to the Heating, Air-conditioning, & Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI).


"We definitely are seeing a shift here. And that shift has actually been visible for some time," said Tim Fisher, HARDI director of market intelligence.


HARDI receives data from FieldEdge on the invoice and quote trends exhibited by their users. Invoices reflect work that has been completed, whereas quotes reflect potential future work and are most often provided for new system installations. HARDI has found that, over time, the ratio of new invoices to new quotes is a useful indicator of whether a market is trending more toward repair than replace and vice versa.


The numbers show the annual growth rate bottomed out in the spring of 2022 but remained negative through most of the year, indicating that replacement trends were broadly higher in 2022 than in 2021. That figure increased through 2023, peaking in May but generally remaining positive for most of the year. While the three-month growth rate has slowed in recent months — an encouraging sign — they don't expect much of a negative drift in 2024, meaning that repair versus replace trends will broadly remain similar to where they were in 2023.


So why is this change happening? It can't be attributed to any single factor but rather a combination of items. Certainly, higher costs of both HVAC systems and housing in general play a role.


"Adapting to the economy is something contractors need to do. We can't just assume people are going to reach into their pocket and replace," said ACCA CEO Bart James. "Contractors need to help customers get through the current need. People are slowing down on theirspending. People are worried about what is coming and how they are preparing for it. Wages and other things are not keeping up with how fast prices are going up."


James said reading the numbers shows there is a shift in the home improvement market.


"Just look at the Walmart and Home Depot quarterly projections. Walmart did well with more visits but had smaller purchases, while Home Depot did not hit their numbers. That tells you that people are handling investments into housing differently. That will catch up with HVAC, too. "Contractors need to prepare by making investments in their team to meet the needs of the customer. And that need is not always a replacement option but also can be a repair option," James continued.


The sluggish home resale market is another reason for the shift towards a repair market. "Home improvement spending, in aggregate, tends to follow existing home sales totals nationally," Fisher said. "People invest more in their homes prior to selling to boost its value, and new homeowners spend more in their first year of moving than homeowners who stay put. This has major implications for HVAC replacement demand, which, historically, peaks when existing home sales are at their highest and falls off when existing home sales decline.


"Both the 3-month and 12-month growth rates bottomed out earlier in 2023, and while still negative, have slowed significantly," he continued. "We believe that home sale totals are at or nearing their trough, and over the duration of 2024 should steadily improve and finish at or ahead of 2023 totals."


The final reason is the cyclical nature of HVAC. It reflects the shipment cliff from 15 years ago, when the industry contracted 40% after peak shipments in 2005. Contractors cannot replace what was never installed.


How do HVAC contractors deal with this shift? Michel believes they should embrace the repair market.


"The money is better in replacements," he said. "It always has been and always will be. However, margins are better in service. For the next couple of years, anyway, contractors should focus on building up their service business and making money on it."


Since service involves more labor, and labor carries more overhead than equipment and material, keeping a close watch on overhead expenses is a must.


"Contractors need to build the service base, watch your marketing expenses drop, and down the road, the replacement margins and close rates to a satisfied service base will rise," Michel said. "Once we get past the shipment cliff, the replacement market will begin a decade-long run with every year being better than the year before it. We know this because it's what happened in the past, and when it comes to replacements, the past truly is a prologue."


Contractors in most parts of the country are already feeling the pinch of a slower market, and their experiences in 2024 are unlikely to be much different from their experiences in 2023 though rebounds from themilder temperatures we saw during peak months last year would go a long way in improving demand in 2024.


HARDI advises contractors should consider the following six tactics in '24:


  • •Offer financing options: Any homeowner considering a new system is likely going to feel some sticker shock if it's been a few years since they
  • last bought a system. Financing a new system helps to alleviate that shock, making the big sticker prices much more palatable monthly payments.
  • Protect margins: Work to ensure that your pricing for jobs is consistent with market trends, and attempt to pass through as much of the higher system costs as possible. Likewise, now is a critical time to manage operating expenses closely. Together, good cost  management and smart pricing can help protect business margins in 2024.
  • Educate homeowners: Many homeowners may not fully understand the long-term benefits of replacing their HVAC system versus frequent repairs. Offer educational materials, such as blog posts, videos, or pamphlets, explaining the advantages of a new system 
  • in terms of energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and improved IAQ. Also, be sure to make clear to your customers which incentives they may qualify for through IRA or other state-level rebate/incentive programs. 
  • Focus on value proposition: Emphasize the value proposition of a new HVAC system, highlighting its reliability, longevity, and performance. Help homeowners understand that investing in a replacement now can save  them money and hassle in the long run.
  • Offer maintenance packages: Create maintenance packages that bundle regular servicing with discounts on repairs or replacements. This can encourage homeowners to invest in preventive maintenance and build a long-term relationship with your company. 
  • Diversify services: Explore diversifying your services beyond just HVAC installations and repairs. For example, you could offer IAQ assessments, smart thermostat installations, or energy audits to provide additional value to homeowners and generate new revenue streams.


https://www.achrnews.com/articles/154324-hvac-contractors-need-to-ad apt-to-repair-market

According to the text, how does the annual growth rate of HVAC market trends in 2023 compare to 2022?

Reading skill will help you to improve your understanding of the language and build your vocabulary.

Social Media Across Generations

Today’s grandparents are joining their grandchildren on social media, but the different generations’ online habits couldn’t be more different. In the UK the over-55s are joining Facebook in increasing numbers, meaning that they will soon be the site’s second biggest user group, with 3.5 million users aged 55-64and 2.9 million over-65s.

Sheila, aged 59, says, I joined to see what my grandchildren are doing, as my daughter posts videos and photos of them. It’s a much better way to see what they’re doing than waiting for letters and photos in the post. That’s how we did it when I was a child, but I think I’m lucky I get to see so much more of their lives than my grandparents did.

Ironically, Sheila’s grandchildren are less likely to use Facebook themselves. Children under 17 in the UK are leaving the site – only 2.2 million users are under 17 – but they’re not going far from their smartphones. Chloe, aged 15, even sleeps with her phone. It’s my alarm clock so I have to she says. I look at it before I go to sleep and as soon as I wake up.

Unlike her grandmother’s generation, Chloe’s age group is spending so much time.......... their phones.......... home that they are missing out on spending time with their friends in real life. Sheila, on the other hand, has made contact with old friends from school she hasn’t heard...................40years. We use Facebook to arrange to meet all over the country, she says. It’s changed my social lifecompletely.

Teenagers might have their parents to thank for their smartphone and social media addiction as their parents were the early adopters of the smartphone.Peter, 38 and father of two teenagers, reports that he used to be on his phone or laptop constantly. I was always connected and I felt like I was always working, he says. How could I tell my kids to get off their phones if I was always in front of a screen myself? So, in the evenings and at weekends, he takes his SIM card out of his smartphone and puts it into an old-style mobile phone that can only make calls and send text messages. I’m not completely cut off from the world in case of emergencies, but the important thing is I’m setting a better example to my kids and spending more quality time with them.

Read the text again and match the numbers in column 1 to what they refer to in column 2.

Column 1 Numbers from the text

1. 59
2. 15
3. 40
4. 3.5
5. 38

Column 2 Refer to

( ) Facebook’s users.
( ) Peter’s age.
( ) Chloe’s age.
( ) Grandmother’s age.
( ) the number of years Sheila hasn’t been in contact with her friends.

Select the option that presents the correct sequence from top to bottom.
TEXT:


How students can make rapid progress by reading
independently


By Stephanie Hirshman
January 2, 2024



Let me start with a true story. When I was seven years old, my family spent a year in France, and I had to go to school there. The only thing was, I didn’t speak French. Luckily my mother was fluent in that language, and she set out to prepare me a few months before we left. Armed only with a second-hand copy of a little picture book called Totor et Tristan, she sat me down on the sofa with her a few times a week for around 10 minutes. Sometimes she read the book to me while I followed the text silently and sometimes I had to read a page myself. She asked me questions in French and I answered in French, or she corrected my pronunciation. That was it.


My first day at school in France was memorable for many reasons, but one of these was that I was the only child in a class of native French speakers to score 100% on our first spelling test! Everyone was amazed, me most of all because I didn’t even know what most of the words meant.


So, what made this possible? I think it was reading with my mother – I guess had read more in French than my classmates and thus was able to recognize the tricky relationship between sound and spelling. My confidence was sky high and I was fluent within four months.


Exploring a written text for fun, on your own terms, is called extensive reading, and teachers can support their students to realize its many benefits.


Graded readers


Graded readers are books which have been adapted to be suitable for specific levels of language learners to enjoy. They can be classics (The Phantom of the Opera), film adaptations (Rain Man) or original works of fiction or non-fiction. They can be purchased online or at bookshops, or you can obtain them from libraries or even find some on websites.


There are many reasons for making them available to students. First, reading is fun. It’s also magic learning. Students who have a sustained habit of extensive reading see improvements in a range of areas: lexical, grammatical and spelling as well as reading speed, which is vital for success in academic and work contexts. Being able to select their own reading material gives students a sense of ownership.


Choosing a book


It’s helpful if a teacher initially introduces students to graded readers and explains how to choose and use them. Students should examine both covers carefully, using the picture and the blurb to determine the genre and read a basic description of the story. Additional information can be found inside the book, in the Introduction.


While it’s not necessary to have 100% comprehension of the text, choosing a book which is too difficult or too easy will not lead to an enjoyable experience. Most books are labelled with a level, but no two intermediate readers will have the same needs. Therefore, a simple test can be performed: the student should choose one page at random and read it to see how many unknown words they encounter. If the answer is seven or fewer, this book will be suitable. More than seven, and it’ll be too hard to get a good flow going when reading.



Activities


While students are reading, they should try to work out the meaning of unfamiliar items from context. They should also be made aware of the Glossary at the back of some books and, of course, they can use a dictionary if they really need to. However, some items do notreally need further exploration - making decisions about what’s important and what’s not is an important skill for language learners. Some books also have comprehension questions at the back.


However, the main aim is to get into and enjoy the story without lots of interruptions and checks. Encourage students to read ten minutes a day on a regular basis (perhaps in bed or while commuting). Results will not be immediate, but within a few weeks, students should recognize the improvements.


Conclusion


A collection of readers is well worth investing in. Be creative when looking for material – why not try a graphic novel? Even authentic texts not intended for language learners can be worthwhile for advanced students or those with a special interest in or knowledge of a topic.


Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/blog/post/how-students-can-make-rapid-progress-by-reading-independently
Acesso em 04/11/2024

De acordo com a autora do texto, o estudante terá uma experiência mais agradável se escolher um livro cujo texto:
“He always thought of the sea as 'la mar' which is what people call her in Spanish when they love her. Sometimes those who love her say bad things about her but they are always said as though she were a woman. Some of the younger fishermen, those who used buoys as floats for their lines and had motorboats, bought when the shark livers had brought much money, spoke of her as 'el mar' which is masculine.They spoke of her as a contestant or a place or even an enemy. But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favours, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought.”


— Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea
According to the passage from "The Old Man and the Sea," why does the old man believe the sea does wild or wicked things?
Leia o texto para responder à questão.


If styles are general characteristics that differentiate one individual from another, then strategies are those specific “attacks” that we make on a given problem, and that vary considerably within each individual. They are the momentby-moment techniques that we employ to solve “problems” posed by second language input and output. Chamot (2005, p. 112) defines strategies quite broadly as “procedures that facilitate a learning task. Strategies are most often conscious and goal driven.”

As our knowledge of second language acquisition increased markedly during the 1970s, teachers and researchers came to realize that no single research finding and no single method of language teaching would usher in an era of universal success in teaching a second language. We saw that certain learners seemed to be successful regardless of methods or techniques of teaching. We began to see the importance of individual variation in language learning. Certain people appeared to be endowed with abilities to succeed; others lacked those abilities. This observation led Rubin (1975) and Stern (1975) to describe “good” language learners in terms of personal traits, styles, and strategies. Rubin (Rubin & Thompson, 1982) later summarized fourteen such characteristics. Among other abilities, good language learners tend to:

1. Find their own way, taking charge of their learning

2. Be creative and develop a “feel” for the language by experimenting with its grammar and words

3. Make their own opportunities for practice in using the language inside and outside the classroom

4. Learn to live with uncertainty by continuing to talk or listen without understanding every word

5. Use linguistic knowledge, including knowledge of their first language, in learning a second language

6. Use contextual cues to help them in comprehension

7. Learn to make intelligent guesses

8. Learn chunks of language as wholes and formalized routines to help them perform “beyond their competence”

9. Learn different styles of speech and writing and learn to vary their language according to the formality of the situation.


(, H.Douglas Brown. Principles of language learning and teaching. 5th ed. Longman, 2000. Adaptado)
Confidencial até o momento da aplicação.
Um professor do Ensino Fundamental preocupado em desenvolver no aluno a habilidade n.7 citada no texto de Brown, “Learn to make intelligent guesses”, deverá
Climate change poses significant challenges to cattle farming, a sector vital to global food security. Among the most pressing concerns is the increasing frequency and intensity of droughts. Reduced rainfall diminishes pasture quality and availability, limiting feed for livestock and increasing water scarcity. This can lead to decreased animal growth rates, reduced milk production, and increased mortality rates. Moreover, prolonged droughts can contribute to desertification, shrinking available grazing land and forcing farmers to adopt costly alternative feeding strategies.

Beyond drought, other climate-related impacts include heat stress, which can significantly impact animal health and productivity. Rising temperatures can exacerbate heat stress, leading to decreased feed intake, reduced fertility, and increased mortality in livestock. Furthermore, extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and flooding, can cause infrastructure damage, contaminate water sources, and lead to the loss of livestock.

The cattle farming sector itself contributes to climate change through greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane produced during animal digestion and nitrous oxide from manure management. Deforestation for pasture expansion also releases significant amounts of carbon dioxide.

To address these challenges, a multi-pronged approach is crucial.

• Genetic selection: Breeding programs focused on developing drought-resistant and heat-tolerant livestock breeds are vital.

• Sustainable feeding strategies: Implementing precision feeding techniques, improving feed efficiency, and exploring alternative feed sources, such as drought-resistant forage varieties, can enhance livestock resilience.

• Integrated farming systems: Integrating crop and livestock production, such as through agroforestry systems, can improve soil health, enhance water retention, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Technological innovations: Utilizing technologies such as precision livestock farming, remote sensing for pasture monitoring, and renewable energy sources can improve resource efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of cattle production.

Furthermore, strong policy support, including incentives for sustainable farming practices, investments in research and development, and improved access to climate information services, are essential for the long-term sustainability of the cattle farming sector.

Addressing the challenges posed by climate change requires a collaborative effort involving farmers, researchers, policymakers, and consumers. By embracing innovative solutions, prioritizing sustainable practices, and fostering a collective understanding of the importance of climate-resilient livestock production, we can ensure a future when this vital sector continues to thrive while minimizing its environmental impact.



Internet:<conafer.org.br> (adapted).

Judge the following items based on the text above.

The text reiterates that the choices of consumers do not affect the methods of cattle raising significantly.

Read the excerpt from a contemporary article and choose the correct interpretation of the phrase:
'The rapid development of technology has significantly altered how people access information.'
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate. Covering approximately 5.5 million square kilometers, it is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. The forest produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen and absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. However, deforestation poses a significant threat to this vital ecosystem. Efforts to protect and restore the Amazon are essential for maintaining global ecological balance.
What does the phrase “lungs of the Earth” refer to in the text?

READ TEXT III AND ANSWER THE QUESTION THAT FOLLOWS IT:

Plastic Dreams


by Sarah Thompson

Plastic dreams, oh plastic dreams, a vision turned nightmare,


Once a symbol of progress, now a burden we must bear.


Our landfills overflow with your synthetic remains,


A haunting testament to our unsustainable chains.


Plastic dreams, oh plastic dreams, a promise unfulfilled,


Your convenience a facade, your consequences concealed.


Let us wake from this slumber, this toxic desire,


To create a world where nature's essence can inspire.


In our hands lies the power, to choose a different fate,


To abandon plastic dreams and embrace a sustainable state.


For only through conscious choices, can we break this vicious spell,


And ensure a future where our planet and poetry can dwell.



From: https://poemverse.org/poems-about-plasticwaste/#2_the_sea_s_lament_by_michael_anderson

The second line of the poem presents a

Read text IV to answer question.

TEXT IV

Generation Z News - Latest Characteristics, Research, and Facts

Generation Z (aka Gen Z, iGen, or centennials}, refers to the generation that was born between 1996-2010, following millennials. This generation has been raised on the internet and social media, with some the oldest finishing college by 2020 and entering the workforce. Generation Z is the youngest, most ethnically-diverse, and largest generation in American history, comprising 27% of the US population. Pew Research recently defined Gen Z as anyone born after 1997. Gen Z 1______ up with technology, the internet, and social media, which sometimes causes them to be stereotyped as techaddicted, anti-social, or "social justice warriors." The average Gen Z got their first smart phone just before their twelfth birthday. They communicate primarily through social media and texts, and spend as much time on their phones as older generations do watching television. The majority of Gen Zs prefer streaming services to traditional cable, as well as getting snackable content they can get on their phones and computers. Gen Z is the most ethnically diverse and largest generation in American history, and eclipses all other generations before it in embracing diversity and inclusion.


Adapted from https:/twww.businessinsider.com/generation-z

ln relation to generation Z, it is correct to say that they

Based on the text below, answer the question.


Why Join the Navy?

In the Navy, you' 11 find there' s much more to be gained than a regular paycheck. In fact, the Navy experience can shape your future through outstanding financial benefits, unparalleled career potential, and the lifestyle of freedom and personal growth that you've been waiting for.

(I) _______

Launch your future in any of dozens of dynamic career and j ob areas - each with excellent opportunities to earn promotions by advancing through the ranks.

(II) ________

Report to work in a dif f erent time zone or a dif f erent hemisphere. Take on lif e as a world traveler. Experience people and places that most others simply canft . And see firsthand the positive impact you'11 make - for yourseif, your country and the world at large.

(III) _______

Do it all while earning competitive pay, generous vacation time and other special bonuses that make the difference between getting ahead and just getting by.

(IV) _______

The Navy has a strong interest in the long-term health of its Sailors and their families, which means that outstanding benefits are standard - for both you and your family, including full coverage from some of the nation's most talented professionals.

(V) _______

Think about it . As long as you have the drive to make a difference in the world - and in your own life - there will be a place for you in America's Navy. Enlist now!

(Adapted from http://www.navy.com/joining/why-join.html

Considering the text, what do the expressions "getting ahead" and "getting by" mean in this extract?

" [...] and other special bonuses that make the difference between "getting ahead" and just getting by".

Regarding the use of reading strategies, judge the statement below:

Prediction as a reading strategy involves making educated guesses about the content and direction of a text based on its title, headings, and any accompanying visuals before engaging in the actual reading.

The Future Of Accounting:
How Will Digital Transformation Impact Accountants?


In business, as in life, change is the only true constant. From mitigating unprecedented business disruptors to adapting to new operational paradigms, professionals in all industries find themselves dealing with major changes — many of them driven by emerging technologies.

Accounting is no exception. The profession has moved far beyond mere bookkeeping and payroll, and like its partner procurement, it’s taking an increasingly strategic role for forward-thinking businesses. While some pundits say accounting has a dim future in the digital world of tomorrow, technologies such as cloud-based data management, process automation and advanced analytics are actually poised to further elevate accountants in new and empowering ways.

As far back as 2015, industry leaders were sounding the death knell for accountants, convinced emerging technologies — particularly automation — would end in death by digital for accountancy as we know it. And as recently as 2019, accountants surveyed by Robert Half on the impact of automation on their profession expressed concerns about being replaced, having fewer opportunities for creative problem-solving and an overdependence on tech in completing daily tasks.

Yet, the events between then and now, including the Covid-19 pandemic, have instead shown that accountants, like other professionals, need to worry much more about adaptation than replacement.

There's no question that digital transformation has radically changed the playing field. Big data has become a rich resource that needs to be tapped to compete effectively. But for businesses ready to leverage the potential of digital tools, this shift is an opportunity, not a threat.

[…]

Both the skill set and the job description for tomorrow's accountant will be greatly expanded, while still hewing to the core competencies of the profession. Supported by technology in a collaborative setting, accounting teams will be populated with both dedicated accounting professionals and subject matter experts from other areas of the business.

Tomorrow's accountants may play an advisory role, welcoming business intelligence and procurement professionals and working to chart a strategic sourcing plan. They could leverage data management tools, including augmented reality, to humanize and contextualize spend data for the C-suite to make better decisions based on long-term value rather than return on investment alone.

With more diverse skill sets and greater technical acumen, accountants can bring their own expertise to teams in other business units, providing crucial financial intelligence, refining budgets or ensuring compliance. […]

As a function, accounting may become less about refining one's skill set through certifications and more about core competencies that grow over time, with a focus on lifelong education and skill development required to take on a complex, ever-changing business environment.

Automation and other data-driven technologies are poised to free accountants, not constrain them. Organizations thatunderstand the potential and importance of these technologies — and invest in the tools and training required to help their accountants take full advantage — will be ahead of the curve. Tomorrow's accountants will play a more creative and strategic role in their companies. As a result, their businesses will not only enjoy more efficient workflows and reap more useful insights from their accounting processes, but help strengthen their own resiliency, agility and competitive footing.


Adapted from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/05/19/thefuture-of-accounting-how-will-digital-transformation-impactaccountants/?sh=343b437853fb
Accountants with “greater technical acumen” (7th paragraph) are considered to be
Página 26