Questões para Concursos

Instruction: answer questions 31 to 40 based on the following text. The highlights throughout the text are cited in the questions. Carnival ______ Carnival is ____ festival celebrated in _____countries of Catholic tradition, often with public parades of playful, imaginative wagons typically called "floats, masking, jokes and feasts”. Etymology The word carnival comes from the Latin "carnem levare" (=eliminate meat) and originally indicated the banquet that was held on the last day of Carnival (Mardi Gras), immediately before Lent , the period of fasting and abstinence when Christians would abstain _____ meat. The first evidence of the use of the word "carnevale" (or "carnevalo") are the texts of minstrel Matazone da Caligano of the late 13th century and writer Giovanni Sercambi around 1400. Carnival period In Catholic countries, traditionally Carnival begins on the Septuagesima Sunday (70 days to Easter, it was the first of the nine Sundays before the Holy Week in the Gregorian calendar), and in the Roman rite ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. The climax is usually from Thursday until Tuesday, the last day of Carnival. Being connected with Easter which is a moveable feast, the final dates of Carnival vary each year, though in some places it may begin already on 17 th January. Since Catholic Easter is on the Sunday after the 17first full moon of spring, therefore from 22 March to 25 April, and since there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, then in non-leap years the last day of Carnival, Mardi Gras, can fall any time within February 3 to March 9. In the Ambrosian rite, which is followed in the Archdiocese of Milan and in some neighboring dioceses, Lent begins with the first Sunday of Lent, therefore the last day of Carnival is on Saturday, four days later than the Mardi Gras in other areas of Italy. Carnival in antiquity Although present in the Catholic tradition, Carnival has its origins in much older celebrations, such as the Greek Dionysian festivals ("Anthesteria") or the Roman "Saturnalia". During these ancient rites a temporary dissolution of the social obligations and hierarchies took place in favor of chaos, jokes and even debauchery. From a historical and religious point of view Carnival represented, therefore, a period of renewal, when chaos replaced the established order, but once festive period was over, a new or the old order re-emerged for another cycle until the next carnival. In Babylon , shortly after the vernal equinox the process of the foundation of the cosmos was re-enacted, described with the myth of the struggle of Marduk, the savior-god with Tiamat the dragon, which ended with the victory of the former. During these ceremonies a procession was held in which the forces of chaos were allegorically represented fighting the recreation of the universe, that is the myth of the death and resurrection of Marduk, the savior. In the parade there was a ship on wheels where the deities Moon and Sun were carried along a large avenue - a symbol of the Zodiac - to the sanctuary of Babylon, symbol of the earth. This period was accompanied by an unbridled freedom and a reversal of social order and morality. In the Roman world the feast in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis involved the presence of masked groups, as told by Lucius Apuleius in the Metamorphoses (Book XI). Among the Romans the end of the old year was represented by a man covered with goat skins, carried in procession, hit with sticks and called Mamurius Veturius. Carnival is therefore a moment in a mythic cycle, it is the movement of spirits between heaven, earth and the underworld. In the spring, when the earth begins to show its power, Carnival opens a passage between the earth and the underworld, whose souls must be honored and for a short period the living lend them their bodies wearing masks. Masks therefore have often an apotropaic meaning, as the wearer takes on the features of the spirit represented. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Medici in Florence organized large masked carts called "Trionfi" accompanied by carnival songs and dances one, the "Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna" also written by Lorenzo the Magnificent. In Rome under the Popes horse races took place and a called the "race of moccoletti" where runners bearing lit candles tried to blow out each other's candles. (Available at: http://www.italyheritage.com/traditions/carnival/2023/04/14/ – text especially adapted for this test).

Instruction: answer questions 31 to 40 based on the following text. The highlights throughout the text are cited in the questions. Carnival ______ Carnival is ____ festival celebrated in _____countries of Catholic tradition, often with public parades of playful, imaginative wagons typically called "floats, masking, jokes and feasts”. Etymology The word carnival comes from the Latin "carnem levare" (=eliminate meat) and originally indicated the banquet that was held on the last day of Carnival (Mardi Gras), immediately before Lent , the period of fasting and abstinence when Christians would abstain _____ meat. The first evidence of the use of the word "carnevale" (or "carnevalo") are the texts of minstrel Matazone da Caligano of the late 13th century and writer Giovanni Sercambi around 1400. Carnival period In Catholic countries, traditionally Carnival begins on the Septuagesima Sunday (70 days to Easter, it was the first of the nine Sundays before the Holy Week in the Gregorian calendar), and in the Roman rite ends on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent. The climax is usually from Thursday until Tuesday, the last day of Carnival. Being connected with Easter which is a moveable feast, the final dates of Carnival vary each year, though in some places it may begin already on 17 th January. Since Catholic Easter is on the Sunday after the 17first full moon of spring, therefore from 22 March to 25 April, and since there are 46 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter, then in non-leap years the last day of Carnival, Mardi Gras, can fall any time within February 3 to March 9. In the Ambrosian rite, which is followed in the Archdiocese of Milan and in some neighboring dioceses, Lent begins with the first Sunday of Lent, therefore the last day of Carnival is on Saturday, four days later than the Mardi Gras in other areas of Italy. Carnival in antiquity Although present in the Catholic tradition, Carnival has its origins in much older celebrations, such as the Greek Dionysian festivals ("Anthesteria") or the Roman "Saturnalia". During these ancient rites a temporary dissolution of the social obligations and hierarchies took place in favor of chaos, jokes and even debauchery. From a historical and religious point of view Carnival represented, therefore, a period of renewal, when chaos replaced the established order, but once festive period was over, a new or the old order re-emerged for another cycle until the next carnival. In Babylon , shortly after the vernal equinox the process of the foundation of the cosmos was re-enacted, described with the myth of the struggle of Marduk, the savior-god with Tiamat the dragon, which ended with the victory of the former. During these ceremonies a procession was held in which the forces of chaos were allegorically represented fighting the recreation of the universe, that is the myth of the death and resurrection of Marduk, the savior. In the parade there was a ship on wheels where the deities Moon and Sun were carried along a large avenue - a symbol of the Zodiac - to the sanctuary of Babylon, symbol of the earth. This period was accompanied by an unbridled freedom and a reversal of social order and morality. In the Roman world the feast in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis involved the presence of masked groups, as told by Lucius Apuleius in the Metamorphoses (Book XI). Among the Romans the end of the old year was represented by a man covered with goat skins, carried in procession, hit with sticks and called Mamurius Veturius. Carnival is therefore a moment in a mythic cycle, it is the movement of spirits between heaven, earth and the underworld. In the spring, when the earth begins to show its power, Carnival opens a passage between the earth and the underworld, whose souls must be honored and for a short period the living lend them their bodies wearing masks. Masks therefore have often an apotropaic meaning, as the wearer takes on the features of the spirit represented. In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Medici in Florence organized large masked carts called "Trionfi" accompanied by carnival songs and dances one, the "Trionfo di Bacco e Arianna" also written by Lorenzo the Magnificent. In Rome under the Popes horse races took place and a called the "race of moccoletti" where runners bearing lit candles tried to blow out each other's candles. (Available at: http://www.italyheritage.com/traditions/carnival/2023/04/14/ – text especially adapted for this test).

Scientists study the world’s oldest person After being bewildered by the “super grandmother’s” great health at 116 years old, scientists are studying Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person, in an attempt to unearth the secret to a long life. Mr. Branyas was born __ San Francisco __ 1907, and __ the age of eight, she moved __ Catalonia, Spain, where her family was originally from. Ms. Branyas, known to her X followers as the “Super Catalan Grandma”, has lived in the region ever since and has resided in the same nursing home, Residència Santa María del Tura, for the last 22 years. She has agreed to undergo scientific testing, which researchers hope will further their understanding of certain illnesses associated with old age, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases. Despite her age, Ms. Branyas has no health complications other than mobility issues and hearing (she suffered permanent hearing loss when she was a child). She also still has a great memory: “She has a completely lucid head,” scientist Manel Esteller told ABC, a Spanish outlet. “She remembers with impressive clarity episodes of her when she was only four years old, and she does not present any cardiovascular disease, common in elderly people.” Esteller, who studies genetics and how it applies to health conditions, became curious about how Ms. Branyas’ genetic makeup might affect her aging. After a long talk with Ms. Branyas, Mr. Esteller believes there must be more to her longevity than meets the eye. The remarkable woman has not had an easy life; she survived an earthquake while she was in the US, a major fire, both world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and more recently, COVID-19 in 2020. Despite the various pandemics, wars, and family losses she has endured, her longevity has made scientists question what her secret could be. “We know Maria’s chronological age, 116 years, but we must determine her biological age,” Esteller said to ABC, believing that “she is much younger” physically. The scientist has taken biological samples of saliva, blood, and urine from Ms. Branyas, which are thought to be the “longest-lived” biological samples and have great scientific value, Josep Carreras, the head of a leukemia research institute, said to ABC. The samples will be compared with the 116-year-old’s middle daughter, who is 79 years old. Ms. Branyas often has been asked what her secret is to her long life, and she uses her X account to post her advice for others. She attributed her longevity to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people”. However, she also credits a great amount of luck. “It is clear that there is a genetic component because there are several members of her family who are over 90 years old,” said Esteller. The rare biological samples will assess her genes, which will hopefully advance the research of drugs that could help diseases associated with age and cancer. As for Ms. Branyas, she said on her X account that she is “very happy she can be useful for research and progress”. (Available in: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/lifestyle/maria-branyas-oldest-person-alive-spain-b2436228.html – text especially adapted for this test).

Scientists study the world’s oldest person After being bewildered by the “super grandmother’s” great health at 116 years old, scientists are studying Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person, in an attempt to unearth the secret to a long life. Mr. Branyas was born __ San Francisco __ 1907, and __ the age of eight, she moved __ Catalonia, Spain, where her family was originally from. Ms. Branyas, known to her X followers as the “Super Catalan Grandma”, has lived in the region ever since and has resided in the same nursing home, Residència Santa María del Tura, for the last 22 years. She has agreed to undergo scientific testing, which researchers hope will further their understanding of certain illnesses associated with old age, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases. Despite her age, Ms. Branyas has no health complications other than mobility issues and hearing (she suffered permanent hearing loss when she was a child). She also still has a great memory: “She has a completely lucid head,” scientist Manel Esteller told ABC, a Spanish outlet. “She remembers with impressive clarity episodes of her when she was only four years old, and she does not present any cardiovascular disease, common in elderly people.” Esteller, who studies genetics and how it applies to health conditions, became curious about how Ms. Branyas’ genetic makeup might affect her aging. After a long talk with Ms. Branyas, Mr. Esteller believes there must be more to her longevity than meets the eye. The remarkable woman has not had an easy life; she survived an earthquake while she was in the US, a major fire, both world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and more recently, COVID-19 in 2020. Despite the various pandemics, wars, and family losses she has endured, her longevity has made scientists question what her secret could be. “We know Maria’s chronological age, 116 years, but we must determine her biological age,” Esteller said to ABC, believing that “she is much younger” physically. The scientist has taken biological samples of saliva, blood, and urine from Ms. Branyas, which are thought to be the “longest-lived” biological samples and have great scientific value, Josep Carreras, the head of a leukemia research institute, said to ABC. The samples will be compared with the 116-year-old’s middle daughter, who is 79 years old. Ms. Branyas often has been asked what her secret is to her long life, and she uses her X account to post her advice for others. She attributed her longevity to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people”. However, she also credits a great amount of luck. “It is clear that there is a genetic component because there are several members of her family who are over 90 years old,” said Esteller. The rare biological samples will assess her genes, which will hopefully advance the research of drugs that could help diseases associated with age and cancer. As for Ms. Branyas, she said on her X account that she is “very happy she can be useful for research and progress”. (Available in: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/lifestyle/maria-branyas-oldest-person-alive-spain-b2436228.html – text especially adapted for this test).

Scientists study the world’s oldest person After being bewildered by the “super grandmother’s” great health at 116 years old, scientists are studying Maria Branyas, the world’s oldest person, in an attempt to unearth the secret to a long life. Mr. Branyas was born __ San Francisco __ 1907, and __ the age of eight, she moved __ Catalonia, Spain, where her family was originally from. Ms. Branyas, known to her X followers as the “Super Catalan Grandma”, has lived in the region ever since and has resided in the same nursing home, Residència Santa María del Tura, for the last 22 years. She has agreed to undergo scientific testing, which researchers hope will further their understanding of certain illnesses associated with old age, such as neurodegenerative or cardiovascular diseases. Despite her age, Ms. Branyas has no health complications other than mobility issues and hearing (she suffered permanent hearing loss when she was a child). She also still has a great memory: “She has a completely lucid head,” scientist Manel Esteller told ABC, a Spanish outlet. “She remembers with impressive clarity episodes of her when she was only four years old, and she does not present any cardiovascular disease, common in elderly people.” Esteller, who studies genetics and how it applies to health conditions, became curious about how Ms. Branyas’ genetic makeup might affect her aging. After a long talk with Ms. Branyas, Mr. Esteller believes there must be more to her longevity than meets the eye. The remarkable woman has not had an easy life; she survived an earthquake while she was in the US, a major fire, both world wars, the Spanish Civil War, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and more recently, COVID-19 in 2020. Despite the various pandemics, wars, and family losses she has endured, her longevity has made scientists question what her secret could be. “We know Maria’s chronological age, 116 years, but we must determine her biological age,” Esteller said to ABC, believing that “she is much younger” physically. The scientist has taken biological samples of saliva, blood, and urine from Ms. Branyas, which are thought to be the “longest-lived” biological samples and have great scientific value, Josep Carreras, the head of a leukemia research institute, said to ABC. The samples will be compared with the 116-year-old’s middle daughter, who is 79 years old. Ms. Branyas often has been asked what her secret is to her long life, and she uses her X account to post her advice for others. She attributed her longevity to “order, tranquillity, good connection with family and friends, contact with nature, emotional stability, no worries, no regrets, lots of positivity, and staying away from toxic people”. However, she also credits a great amount of luck. “It is clear that there is a genetic component because there are several members of her family who are over 90 years old,” said Esteller. The rare biological samples will assess her genes, which will hopefully advance the research of drugs that could help diseases associated with age and cancer. As for Ms. Branyas, she said on her X account that she is “very happy she can be useful for research and progress”. (Available in: https://www.independent.co.uk/extras/lifestyle/maria-branyas-oldest-person-alive-spain-b2436228.html – text especially adapted for this test).