Bits and bobs

He preparado un texto para un examen de 2º de bachillerato similar a los textos de Selectividad.
Voy a publicarlo por si a alguien le fuera de ayuda, a los estudiantes para practicar y a los profesores para sus alumnos.
El tema me parece muy actual y está adaptado a los requerimientos de las pruebas de Selectividad de Galicia.



ENGLISH EXAM 2º Bach.

The spread of bird flu which has led to human deaths is causing concern. Like humans and other species, birds are susceptible to flu. There are 15 types of bird flu but the type currently causing concern is the deadly strain H5N1.
Outbreaks of this strain among birds were first spotted in Vietnam and Thailand. It spread to several other countries in the region and has now established a foothold in Western Turkey and Romania. The fear, after these findings, is that avian flu will spread across Europe, since viruses are carried by migrating birds, there is no way of preventing its spread.
Bird flu was thought only to infect birds until the first human cases were seen, the World Health Organization now put the number of human deaths at more than 60. Humans catch the disease through close contact with live infected birds that excrete the virus in their faeces, which dry become pulverised, and are inhaled.
The disease still does not transmit easily to humans but the latest outbreaks have raised fears of a pandemic. Experts believe the virus could exchange genes with a human flu virus if a person was simultaneously infected with both. Once the virus gained the ability to pass easily between humans the results could be catastrophic. Worldwide, experts predict anything between two million and 50 million deaths.
In addition, there is not yet a vaccine, but prototypes which offer protection are being produced. Antiviral drugs, such as Tamiflu which are already available and being stockpiled by countries may help limit symptoms and reduce the chances the disease will spread.
But, are we at risk of being infected? Scientists say avian flu is not a food-borne virus, so eating chicken is safe. The only people thought to be at risk are those involved in the slaughter and preparation of meat. However the WHO recommends, to be absolutely safe all meat should be cooked to a temperature of at least 70 C. Eggs should also be thoroughly cooked.


1. Write a title in English which best summarises the text and justify your answer in order to demonstrate that you have understood the global meaning of the text. ( 25-40 words ) ( 1.5 points )

2. Explain in English the meaning of the following expressions as used in the text. ( 1.5 points: 0,75 each )

a) Migrating birds
b) concern

3. Complete the second sentence of each pair so that it has the same meaning as the first one. ( 2 points: 1 point each )

a) Humans catch the disease through close contact with live infected birds
The disease…
b) The World Health Organization said: “Don’t eat underdone chicken or eggs"

The World Health Organization recommended …

4. Answer the following questions in your own words. The information must be taken from the text. ( 2 points: 1 point each)

a) What would be the consequence if avian flu passed from person to person?

b) Can we continue eating chicken?

5. There is a high possibility of a bird flu pandemic but we don’t have the certainty of this to happen. What do you think authorities should do to prevent it? ( about 100 words) (3 points)