Questões de Língua Inglesa do ano 2014

In relation to the information the text offers, mark the statements below as TRUE (T) or FALSE (F):

( ) The Chinese have been holding exports back.

( ) Replacing rare-earth metals is quite an easy task.

( ) Demand for rare earths depends on MIT findings.

The statements are, respectively:

• A. F –T – T
• B. F – T – F
• C. F – F – T
• D. T –T – F
• E. T– F – F

The phrase “petrol-guzzling vehicles” implies that the major drawback of these vehicles is:

• A. using up too much fuel;
• B. offering long warrantees;
• C. running at high speed levels;
• D. counting only on petrol as fuel;
• E. presenting very competitive prices.

The word “figures” in “the three researchers' figures suggest that the…” means:

• A. graphs;
• B. designs;
• C. numbers;
• D. sketches;
• E. drawings.

The action implied in “If they do not” is:

• A. prove their research to be quite valid;
• B. import more rare-earths from China;
• C. increase the level of gas emissions;
• D. invest in the search for rare-earths;
• E. avoid the manufacture of magnets.

The main purpose of Text I is to

• A. warn professionals in the oil business about the frequent instability in oilfields.
• B. criticize the strenuous working conditions oilfield operating teams are always submitted to.
• C. provide useful advice to prospective workers intending to start a career in the oil industry.
• D. inform the exact amount of experience a worker must have before looking for a job in an oil company.
• E. encourage employees to look for a position in catering before applying for a job in offshore and overseas rigs.

According to Text I, workers in the oil industry can be expected to bear all of the following working conditions, EXCEPT

• A. working hard for long hours in order to keep up oil production.
• B. having to perform risky jobs in exchange for guaranteed promotions.
• C. spending weekends and holidays on the job, sometimes for long periods.
• D. facing adverse weather conditions for long stretches of time to ensure productivity.
• E. being on duty away from home and resorting to individual transportation to the job post.

According to Text I, employers in the oil industry usually

• A. provide family housing for the factory floor staff.
• B. assign addicted employees or candidates to administrative tasks.
• C. select only older experienced workers for the entry level positions.
• D. require employees to have their own suitable clothing and safety footwear.
• E. supply medical evaluations for retired staff members who complain of back aches.

In Text I, the idea stated in italics corresponds to the meaning expressed by the boldfaced verb phrase in

• A. “First, you should realize that the oil industry isn’t just drilling rigs, pumpjacks, and gas stations.” (lines 10- 11) – probability
• B. “For most positions, you must have a valid driver’s license.” (lines 35-36) – ability
• C. “You should not have any medical condition which would make it unsafe for you to operate machinery.” (lines 40-41) – obligation
• D. “You don’t need to live in the city where your employer is located,” (lines 42-43) – remote possibility
• E. “A recent hearing test and/or medical evaluation may be required.” (lines 75-76) – concrete possibility

Based on the meanings in Text I, the two items that express synonymous ideas are

• A. vast (line 3) – broad
• B. tough (line 8) – uncomplicated
• C. suitable (line 37) – inadequate
• D. random (line 54) – systematic
• E. demanding (line 68) – unchallenging

The fragment “frostbite isn’t fun, neither is heat stroke” (line 66) refers to the fact that the

• A. oil industry offers many stressful challenges but also several moments of leisure.
• B. different outside temperatures force professionals in the oil industry to work long hours.
• C. different seasons during the year affect the free hours of workers in the oil industry.
• D. workers in the oil industry need to be prepared to survive all kinds of weather conditions.
• E. appropriate clothing for severe working conditions must also be comfortable for the warm climate.