Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad
Bachillerato LOGSE, 2007 June

PLANNING A TRIP

Today, millions of travellers are using the Web to learn about destinations, find last-minute bargains, locate hotels, and plan their adventures. Travel agents can still be tremendously helpful, particularly for complex international journeys. However, the Internet puts the tools for trip planning into the hands of average computer users, enabling them to plan their own trips, at any time of the day or night.
     After choosing a destination, travellers can use the Net to find schedules and fares for airlines, hotels, and rental cars. Then, if they so choose, they can book online. The most important booking websites let travellers compare rates among hundreds of airlines, hotel chains, or car rental companies.
     While the Web offers remarkable tools for finding bargains and making bookings, it's much more than a one-way medium. Its inherent beauty is its interactive aspect — in other words, through the Net travellers can find others with similar interests and get advice from them.
     The Net is an efficient tool for trip planning and, under the right circumstances, an excellent way to save money. Yet the benefits extend far beyond finding good deals and some people are finding that planning a trip can be almost as enjoyable as the excursion itself.

QUESTIONS

I. READING COMPREHENSION (2 POINTS) (0.5 points for each correct answer)
Add TRUE or FALSE and copy the evidence from the text to support your answer. NO marks are given for only true or false.
1. People must be expert computer users to plan their trips on the Internet.
2. It is possible to compare hotel prices on the Web before making a reservation.
3. The Internet is an interactive medium which offers more than good deals.
4. Planning a trip on the Net is a boring activity for everybody.

II. CHOOSE TWO OUT OF THE THREE QUESTIONS: (2 POINTS)

A. EXPRESSING THE MAIN IDEAS (1 POINT) (0.5 points for each correct answer)
Answer the following questions according to the information given in the text. Where possible, use your own words.
1. Can you mention some travelling-related activities people can do using the Net?
2. Who on the Internet can give people advice about their trip?

B. LEXICON (1 POINT) (0.25 points for each correct answer)
Find words or phrases in the text that mean the same as these given.
1. The places that someone is going to.
2. Lists that show the times when planes leave or arrive at a particular place.
3. Almost the same.
4. To use less money so that you do not waste any.

C. PHONETICS (1 POINT) (0.25 points for each correct answer)
1. Write two words from the text that include the same diphthong sound as "take". (0.5)
2. Is the "-s" pronounced voiced /z/ or voiceless /s/ in "travellers"? (0.25)
3. Write a word from the text that includes the same consonant sound as "composi–t–ion". (0.25)

III. USE OF ENGLISH (3 POINTS) (0.5 for each correct answer)
Rewrite the following sentences starting with the words given.
1. Her jokes are not as good as his.
His jokes …
2. It is possible that we'll be together soon.
We …
3. People speak English all over the world.
English …
4. I am sorry I didn't tell him everything.
I wish …
5. Fiona is smiling in the picture. She is my boss.
Fiona, …
6. Despite the fact that it was very hot, she was wearing her winter clothes.
Although .…

IV. COMPOSITION (3 POINTS)
Write a composition of between 100 and 125 words on ONE of the following topics. Specify your option.
1. Describe a place where you have been on holiday.
2. Write about a funny incident which happened during your holidays.