Journalistic Articles and Essays

Read the following excerpt from a cultural journalism article about Colombian heritage:

"In Medellín, Colombia, the annual *Desfile de Silleteros* (Silleteros Parade) is not merely a showcase of floral artistry, but a historical tribute to the region's colonial past. Originally, *silleteros* were peasant farmers who carried passengers and goods on wooden chairs (*sillas*) on their backs across the steep Andean mountains, as roads were nonexistent. Over time, as transportation modernized, these carriers transitioned to transporting flowers from their mountain gardens to the city markets. Today, carrying the heavy, elaborate flower displays (*silletas*) is a symbol of ancestral pride and resilience rather than economic servitude. During the parade, the weight of the *silleta*—sometimes exceeding 70 kilograms—is borne by descendants of these historic families, representing a living link to the struggles and endurance of their ancestors."

Based on the passage, what does the weight of the *silleta* carried during the modern parade symbolize?

Read the following excerpt from a journalistic article about cultural traditions in Peru:

"Each year, communities in the Peruvian Andes gather to rebuild the Qeswachaka bridge, a hand-woven rope suspension bridge spanning the Apurímac River. Made entirely of ichu grass, this structure is a rare surviving monument of Incan engineering. While modern metal bridges offer easier crossings, the local population continues this demanding three-day labor of weaving and assembly. Some observers dismiss the annual rebuilding as a mere tourist spectacle, pointing to the government's cultural preservation funding. However, for the participants, the bridge is not an exhibit of the past, but an active, living thread of social cohesion. The collective effort reinforces ancient communal values of reciprocity and mutual aid, known as ayni. The physical bridge may be temporary, but the communal bonds it strengthens are designed to endure."

Which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose in the passage?

Read the following excerpt from an article about urban planning in Latin America:

"In many Latin American metropolises, rapid urbanization has historically sidelined the development of public green spaces, prioritizing concrete infrastructure instead. However, recent urban initiatives in cities like Medellín and Curitiba suggest a paradigm shift. By integrating 'green corridors' and community gardens, these cities have not only reduced urban heat island effects but also fostered social cohesion. To ignore the psychological and environmental benefits of these green spaces is to sentence future generations to an unsustainable and alienated urban existence."

Based on the excerpt, what is the primary rhetorical function of the final sentence ('To ignore... urban existence')?

Read the following passage adapted from a Spanish journalistic essay discussing social dynamics in modern Spain:

"The contemporary decline of the post-meal table talk—the custom of remaining seated to converse long after the food is gone—marks a profound shift in Spain's social fabric. In the decade following the Spanish Civil War, this practice served as a vital survival mechanism, converting meager rations into shared emotional sustenance and reinforcing community bonds in the face of political repression. Later, during the democratic transition of the late twentieth century, these informal gatherings functioned as grassroots forums where citizens practiced the very pluralism and debate essential to a functioning democracy. To view the current encroachment of digital screens on this space as a mere loss of manners is to ignore history; it is, in fact, the quiet dismantling of a historical buffer that historically transformed private domestic solidarity into public civic resilience."

Based on the passage, which of the following best describes the cultural and contextual significance the author attributes to the Spanish custom of remaining at the table after a meal?

Read the following excerpt from an article about urban transit in Bogotá, Colombia:

"Bogotá's new electric bus fleet and the TransMiCable cable car system have transformed daily life in the city's hillside communities. Previously, residents spent up to two hours commuting to the city center via congested roads. Now, the electric cable cars carry thousands of passengers daily in just under twenty minutes, significantly lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Local officials highlight that the project not only connects isolated neighborhoods to economic opportunities but also serves as a model for sustainable urban planning across Latin America."

Which of the following statements best identifies the main idea of this excerpt?

The following passage is an English translation of an editorial from a Peruvian newspaper regarding the restoration of waru waru, a pre-Columbian agricultural technique, in the Puno region:

"For centuries, the indigenous communities of the Andean altiplano successfully cultivated crops under extreme weather conditions using waru waru—raised agricultural platforms surrounded by water channels. Recently, local non-governmental organizations funded the reconstruction of 120 hectares of these fields in Puno, and municipal records show that potato yields in these plots increased by 30 percent compared to standard regional farms during the last drought. Regrettably, modern state agricultural policies continue to favor intensive, chemical-dependent farming models, showing an inexcusable disregard for ancestral wisdom. While some agronomists argue that waru waru is too labor-intensive for widespread commercial use, it remains the only truly sustainable and culturally respectful path forward for Andean agriculture. The state must immediately redirect its rural development budget to scale this ancient technology. Only by embracing our past can we hope to secure a resilient food system for future generations."

Based on the editorial, which of the following statements represents a subjective opinion of the author rather than a verifiable fact?

An investigative journalistic article examines recent technological and infrastructural initiatives in the remote settlements of the Gran Chaco region. Read the excerpted journalistic statements below and match each excerpt to the most logical inference that can be drawn from it.

Read the following excerpt from a journalistic article about renewable energy in Chile:

"In Chile's Atacama Desert, the transition to solar energy has turned vast arid expanses into fields of photovoltaic panels, positioning the country as a leader in renewable energy. However, this green boom hides a growing tension with the region's indigenous communities. Although solar energy requires far less water than traditional mining, the installation of these massive plants has disrupted local ecosystems and altered the delicate hydrological balance of the basins. Indigenous leaders argue that the state’s green transition policy has overlooked the historical water rights of local populations, who depend on subterranean aquifers for subsistence farming. Furthermore, critics point out that while the clean energy generated is fed directly into the national grid to power urban centers and industrial mining projects, the rural communities hosting these projects continue to experience high electricity rates and frequent power outages. Consequently, what is framed as a triumph of sustainability at the national level is perceived locally as a continuation of territorial exploitation under a new, ecological guise."

Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the relationship between Chile's national green transition and its rural indigenous communities?

Read the following passage adapted from a cultural chronicle about the Río de la Plata region:

'At the end of the nineteenth century, the port of Buenos Aires was a chaotic crucible of European immigration. Out of this linguistic collision arose *lunfardo*, a street slang initially confined to the criminal underworld and tenements (*conventillos*). For decades, the intellectual elite viewed this argot with disdain, branding it a threat to linguistic purity. However, through its adoption by tango lyricists, *lunfardo* permeated all social strata. Today, terms like *laburo* (work) and *mina* (woman) are no longer marginal codes but core elements of Argentine colloquial identity. This linguistic shift highlights how vernacular speech can transition from a marginalized dialect to a symbol of shared urban heritage.'

Based on the author's description of *lunfardo*, which of the following best explains the cultural significance of this linguistic phenomenon in Argentine society?

The following is an excerpt from a Spanish journalistic editorial concerning tourism in the Balearic Islands:

"While the economic benefits of international tourism in the Balearic Islands are undeniable, the social fabric of local neighborhoods is fraying under the weight of uncontrolled visitor growth. Historical districts, once vibrant centers of community life, have transitioned into seasonal hotel zones, displacing long-term residents and local businesses. Proponents of tourism-led development argue that this represents progress, yet they overlook the cultural erosion that occurs when a city loses its residents. We must ask ourselves if a robust GDP is worth the loss of our collective identity. It is time to enact regulations that prioritize the community over profit."

Based on the passage, what is the author's primary purpose?

Read the following passage:

The weekly transformation of Bogotá’s bustling avenues into the Ciclovía—a car-free haven for cyclists and pedestrians—is more than a municipal recreation program; it is a profound reclamation of public space. While skeptics initially argued that closing major thoroughfares would paralyze the city's commerce and traffic, the initiative has instead fostered an unprecedented sense of social cohesion across historically divided neighborhoods. By prioritizing people over automobiles, even if only for a few hours each Sunday, the city offers a silent but powerful critique of the modern, car-centric urban landscape, proving that cities can indeed breathe and connect.

Based on the passage, which of the following best describes the author's primary purpose?

In the semi-arid mountain ranges of Andalusia, Spain, community-led coalitions are actively restoring the 'acequias'—ancient gravity-fed irrigation channels originally designed during the Moorish period. For centuries, these unlined clay channels allowed seasonal meltwater from the Sierra Nevada peaks to slowly trickle down the hillsides, filtering into the subsoil, recharging local aquifers, and feeding natural springs. In the mid-20th century, these traditional networks were largely abandoned in favor of modern concrete pipes and centralized reservoirs, which promised direct, efficient delivery of water. However, recent prolonged droughts and dropping groundwater tables have exposed the limits of these modern, sealed systems, which prevent water from absorbing into the earth. Today, local volunteers are manually clearing silt and vegetation from the historic channels. While some industrial agricultural experts argue that manual canal maintenance is too labor-intensive and economically unviable in the modern era, local farmers report that the revived acequias have successfully replenished dry wells and sustained traditional orchards through recent record heat waves, all without relying on state-managed water grids.

Based on the passage, what is the most logical conclusion regarding the restoration of the 'acequias'?

Read the following excerpt adapted from a Venezuelan journalistic essay on social development:

'In Venezuela, *El Sistema* has transcended its musical origins to become a vital social project. Founded by José Antonio Abreu, this national network of youth and children's orchestras operates on the premise that an orchestra is, above all, a community. By providing instruments and instruction to children in impoverished neighborhoods, it rescues them from marginalization. The collective discipline of rehearsal and the shared pursuit of beauty foster solidarity and civic virtue, proving that art can be an effective instrument for social equity and community integration.'

Which of the following best describes the cultural significance of *El Sistema* as presented in the passage?

Read the following excerpt adapted from a cultural essay on Uruguayan traditions:

'In Montevideo, the arrival of Carnival is synonymous with the *murga*. Far from being a simple parade, this musical theater group functions as a collective megaphone for the working-class neighborhoods of the capital. Originating from the Spanish *chirigota*, the Uruguayan *murga* has developed a unique local syntax that merges choral polyphony with political satire. By lampooning the events of the past year, the performers do not merely entertain; they construct a shared critical consciousness that democratizes public discourse.'

Based on the passage, what is the primary significance of the *murga* in Uruguayan cultural identity?

Read the following excerpt from a journalistic article about water management in Spain:

"In the arid slopes of Spain’s Sierra Nevada, a network of medieval irrigation channels known as *acequias careadoras* is being restored by local farmers and environmental scientists. Originally engineered by the Moors over a thousand years ago, these unlined clay channels redirect spring meltwater from high-altitude streams, allowing it to slowly filter into the mountain's subsoil and recharge the aquifers that sustain the valleys below during the dry summer months. For decades, regional planners dismissed this ancient network as an inefficient relic, advocating instead for modern concrete and plastic pipes that deliver water directly to agricultural plots without 'wasting' a drop to seepage. However, ecological researchers have demonstrated that this seepage is precisely what maintains the local mountain wetlands and buffers the region against desertification. The efforts to rebuild these channels show that traditional water management is not a step backward, but a sophisticated, nature-based solution to the climate crisis."

Based on the excerpt, which of the following best describes the author's tone toward the restoration of the *acequias careadoras*?

In a journalistic article discussing urban development and historic preservation, the author writes:

"As city planners push for rapid modernization in historic centers, the structural integrity of ancient landmarks is frequently put at risk. The constant, low-frequency vibrations generated by underground transit expansion, combined with increased atmospheric pollution from nearby traffic, threaten to compromise the very foundations of these centuries-old stone cathedrals. While proponents of economic growth argue that urban progress cannot be halted for the sake of the past, preservationists warn that losing these irreplaceable cultural symbols would permanently diminish the city's unique identity. Finding a sustainable balance is essential, but it must not come at the cost of our shared architectural heritage, which has weathered centuries of change."

In the context of this passage, what is the meaning of the word "compromise"?

An urban planning essay examining municipal revitalization initiatives in Zaragoza includes the following observation:

«A pesar de la profusa cobertura mediática y los compromisos presupuestarios iniciales del consistorio, los colectivos vecinales temían que el ambicioso plan de corredores verdes quedara en agua de borrajas tras la reestructuración del gobierno local.»

Based on the context of the excerpt, which of the following best conveys the meaning of the idiomatic phrase «quedara en agua de borrajas»?

Passage:

In the southern canals of Mexico City, the ancient agricultural system of *chinampas*—artificial islands created by the Aztecs—is experiencing a modern renaissance. Once the primary source of food for the pre-Hispanic valley, these 'floating gardens' have faced decades of degradation due to urban sprawl, water pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. However, a collaborative initiative involving local farmers, biologists, and urban planning institutions is working to revitalize this ecological heritage. By integrating traditional farming techniques with modern water filtration systems, project organizers have successfully restored soil quality and re-established native crop production in select canals. Beyond preserving cultural heritage, the project aims to establish a self-sustaining local food supply, reducing the city's reliance on long-distance agricultural imports. Critics argue that the scale of the restoration is too small to make a significant impact on Mexico City's vast food demands. Nonetheless, proponents emphasize that the *chinampas* serve as an invaluable, scalable model for climate-resilient urban agriculture, demonstrating that ancestral knowledge can offer practical solutions to contemporary resource crises.

Based on the passage, which statement best expresses the main idea of the text?

Read the following passage from a journalistic article concerning energy initiatives in Chile:

"In the heart of Chile’s Atacama Desert, the Cerro Dominador solar thermal plant stands as a milestone, utilizing 10,600 mirrors to direct solar radiation toward a central tower. According to energy ministry records, the facility generates 110 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power over 380,000 homes annually. Proponents argue that this project represents the only viable path forward for Chile's transition to green energy, claiming it is the most beautiful engineering feat in South America. While the plant has successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 640,000 tons per year, local environmental groups express concern that the intensive cleaning of the mirrors could strain the region’s scarce water resources. Nevertheless, the government planning commission insists that the long-term ecological benefits far outweigh any temporary localized water disruptions."

Based on the passage, which of the following statements represents a subjective opinion rather than a verifiable fact?

In a journalistic article about a global summit on education, the reporter writes:

"Key leaders from various non-governmental organizations gathered in Geneva last week to address the growing disparities in primary education. Despite the significant logistical challenges posed by recent international travel restrictions, representatives from over fifty countries managed to assist the opening ceremony and participate in the round-table discussions. The summit organizers emphasized that active participation from these delegates is crucial for developing sustainable literacy programs in developing nations, making their presence at the event a vital step toward global cooperation."

Based on the journalistic article excerpt, what does the word "assist" mean in this context?