S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

Dicas de Ingls - Interpretao

INTERPRETAO DE TEXTO
O exerccio de leitura em ingls deve iniciar a partir de textos com vocabulrio
reduzido, de preferncia com uso moderado de expresses idiomticas,
regionalismos, e palavras "difceis" (de rara ocorrncia). Proximidade ao nvel de
conhecimento do aluno , pois uma condio importante. Outro aspecto, tambm.
importante, o grau de atratividade do texto.
O assunto, se possvel, deve ser de alto interesse ao leitor. No recomendvel o
uso constante do dicionrio. A ateno deve concentrar-se na idia central,
mesmo que os detalhes se percam, e o aluno deve evitar a prtica da traduo. O
leitor deve habituar-se a buscar identificar sempre em primeiro lugar os elementos
essenciais da orao, ou seja, sujeito, verbo e complemento.
O grau de dificuldade dos textos deve avanar gradativamente, e o aluno deve.
procurar fazer da leitura um hbito freqente e permanente.
1. Find the main elements of the sentence: subject and verb.
O portugus se caracteriza por uma certa flexibilidade com relao ao sujeito.
Existem as figuras gramaticais do sujeito oculto, indeterminado e inexistente, para.
justificar a ausncia do sujeito. Mesmo quando no ausente, o sujeito.
freqentemente aparece depois do verbo, e s vezes at no fim da frase.
O ingls mais rgido neste aspecto: praticamente no existem frases sem sujeito,
e nas frases afirmativas ele aparece normalmente antes do verbo. Pode-se dizer
que o pensamento em ingls se estrutura a partir de um sujeito; em seguida vm o.
verbo, o complemento, e os adjuntos adverbiais. Para uma boa interpretao de
texto em ingls, no adianta saber o vocabulrio apenas; preciso compreender
a estrutura, e para isso de fundamental importncia a identificao do verbo e do
sujeito.
2. Don't stumble on word strings: read backwards.A ordem normal em portugus
substantivo - adjetivo (Ex: casa grande), enquanto que em ingls o inverso (Ex:
big house). Alm disto, qualquer substantivo em ingls potencialmente tambm
um adjetivo, podendo ser usado como tal. (Ex: brick house = casa de tijolos ;
vocabulary comprehension test = teste de compreenso de vocabulrio). Sempre
que o aluno se defrontar com um aparente conjunto de substantivos enfileirados,
deve l-los de trs para diante intercalando a preposio "de" no meio.
3. Be careful with the suffix ...ing.O aluno principiante tende a interpretar o sufixo
...ing unicamente como gerndio, quando na maioria das vezes ele aparece como
forma substantivada de verbo ou ainda como adjetivo. Se a palavra terminada em
...ing for um substantivo, poder figurar na frase como sujeito, enquanto que se for
um verbo no gerndio, jamais poder ser interpretado como sujeito nem como
complemento. Este um detalhe que muito freqentemente compromete
seriamente o entendimento. gerund - Ex: We are planning to ... What are you
doing? ...ing noun - Ex:
He likes fishing and camping, and hates accounting. This apartment building is
new. adjective - Ex: This is interesting and exciting to me. That was a frightening
explosion.
4. Don't get thrown off by prepositional verbs: look them up in a dictionary.Os
verbos preposicionais, tambm chamados de two-word verbs, confundem porque
a adio da preposio normalmente altera substancialmente o sentido original do
verbo. Ex: go - ir go off - disparar (alarme) go over - rever, verificar novamente turn
- virar, girar turn on - ligar turn off - desligar turn down - desprezar turn into transformar em put - colocar, botar put off - cancelar, postergar put on - vestir,
botar put out - apagar (fogo) put away - guardar put up with - tolerar

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

5. Make sure you understand the words of connection.Words of connection ou

words of transition so conjunes, preposies, advrbios, etc, que servem para
estabelecer uma relao lgica entre frases e idias. Familiaridade com estas
palavras chave para o entendimento e a correta interpretao de textos.
6. Be careful with false cognates.Falsos cognatos, tambm chamados de falsos
amigos, so palavras normalmente derivadas do latim, que tm portanto a mesma
origem e que aparecem em diferentes idiomas com ortografia semelhante, mas
que ao longo dos tempos acabaram adquirindo significados diferentes.
7. Use intuition, don't be afraid of guesswork, and don't rely too much on the
dictionary.Para ns, brasileiros, a interpretao de textos facilitada pela
semelhana a nvel de vocabulrio, uma vez que o portugus uma lngua latina e
o ingls possui cerca de 50% de seu vocabulrio proveniente do latim.
principalmente no vocabulrio tcnico e cientfico que aparecem as maiores
semelhanas entre as duas lnguas, mas tambm no vocabulrio cotidiano
encontramos palavras que nos so familiares.
Excetuando-se os falsos cognatos (veja item anterior), podemos confiar na
semelhana. Por exemplo: important, interesting, necessary, modern, dictionary,
computer, manual, student, pronunciation, vocabulary, exam, supermarket, etc.,
so palavras que brasileiros entendem sem saber nada de ingls.
Portanto o aluno deve procurar por essa semelhana. Se lembrar algo que
conhecemos, provavelmente tem o mesmo significado.Leitura de textos mais
extensos como jornais, revistas e principalmente livros altamente recomendvel
para alunos de nvel intermedirio e avanado, pois desenvolve vocabulrio e
familiaridade com as caractersticas estruturais da gramtica do idioma.
A leitura, entretanto, torna-se invivel se o leitor prender-se ao hbito de consultar
o dicionrio para todas palavras cujo entendimento no totalmente claro. O
hbito salutar a ser desenvolvido exatamente o oposto. Ou seja, concentrar-se
na idia central, ser imaginativo e perseverante, e adivinhar se necessrio. No
deve o leitor desistir na primeira pgina por achar que nada entendeu. Deve, isto
sim, prosseguir com insistncia e curiosidade. A probabilidade de que o
entendimento aumente de forma surpreendente, medida em que o leitor
mergulha no contedo do texto.
Atravs de algumas estratgias de leitura, que propiciem a compreenso do texto
de um modo geral e/ou de um modo mais detalhado, conforme o objetivo do
curso. Poder haver algum enfoque gramatical apenas quando, no texto, isso for
considerado um auxlio rigorosamente indispensvel, jamais, porm, um fim.
Observando as estratgias, voc finalmente concluir que: A compreenso do
texto dispensa a traduo palavra por palavra. O uso excessivo do dicionrio
implica em perda de tempo. necessrio o uso constante de raciocnio para
analisar, deduzir e concluir satisfatoriamente. Sempre que voc for ler um texto
instrumental, no caso um texto em lngua estrangeira, deve:
1. No usar o dicionrio neste primeiro momento.
2. Atentar para a apresentao visual do texto.
3.Atentar para o ttulo do texto ( traduza-o se for preciso, pois h sempre uma
correlao entre ttulo e assunto do texto )
4. Fazer um "brainstorm" do ttulo ( todos os possveis assuntos que podem
aparecer no texto ), utilizando o seu "previous knowledge" ( o que voc sabe sobre
o assunto ).
5. Fazer uma previso dos possveis assuntos a serem tratados no texto (
"prediction" ).
6. Ler o texto do comeo ao fim, partindo do geral para o especfico, atentando
para:
6.1. as palavras transparentes ( "cognate words" ).
6.2. as palavras conhecidas ( palavras que voc j sabe em ingls ).

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

7. Inferir as palavras apenas pelos seus contextos, sem a ajuda de um dicionrio.

8. Depois de ter lido todo o texto, voc deve ler cada pargrafo novamente,
atentando para o tpico frasal de cada pargrafo.
9. Voc deve usar o dicionrio apenas para entender as palavras mais importantes
de cada pargrafo.Nveis de CompreensoDependendo do objetivo da leitura,
voc dever distinguir trs nveis de compreenso:* General comprehension *
Main points comprehension * Detailed comprehension - General comprehension:
obtida atravs de uma leitura rpida para se captar as informaes genricas do
texto, ou seja, o que de maior relevncia para o texto. - Main points
comprehension: A leitura dos pontos principais exige que nos detenhamos com
maior ateno na busca das informaes principais do texto, observando cada
pargrafo para identificar os dados especficos que mais interessam ao leitor.
- Detailed comprehension: Este tipo de leitura mais profundo que os anteriores.
Exige a compreenso dos detalhes do texto e demanda, por isso, muito mais
tempo. Deve ser cuidados, especialmente quando aplicada em instrues
operacionais de equipamentos, experincias, etc... de modo que seu
funcionamento seja preciso e seguro.
Estratgias de Leituras Maior sucesso ter o leitor no estudo do texto se fizer uso
de algumas estratgias de leitura, bem como todas as dicas que o prprio texto
proporciona. Conhea a seguir alguns desses elementos.
1. Skimming: Estratgia que consiste em lanar os olhos rapidamente sobre o
texto, numa breve leitura para captar o assunto geral apenas, se esse for o
objetivo da leitura.
2. Scanning: uma estratgia de leitura no-linear em que o leitor busca
objetivamente localizar as informaes em que est interessado. Atravs do
scanning o leitor objetivo e seletivo e nem sempre precisa ler o texto todo.
Exemplo: a procura dos tipos de contgio da AIDS em um texto sobre a doena.
3. Cognates: Muito comuns na lngua inglesa, os cognatos so termos de
procedncia grega ou latina bastante parecidos com o Portugus tanto na forma
escrita como no significado. Seria interessante o aluno notar que os cognatos
podem ser: * Idnticos: radio, piano, hospital, nuclear, social, etc... * Bastante
parecidos: gasoline, inflation, intelligent, population, history, etc... * Vagamente
parecidos: electricity, responsible, infalible, explain, activity, etc...
4. Repeated words: Quando certas palavras se repetem vrias vezes no texto,
mesmo com formas diferentes ( exemplo: socialism, social, socialist, socialize... ),
normalmente so importantes para a compreenso. As palavras repetidas
aparecem especialmente na forma de verbos, substantivos e adjetivos e nem
sempre so cognatas.
5. Typography: As marcas tipogrficas so elementos que, no texto, transmitem
informaes nem sempre representadas por palavras. Reconhec-las um auxlio
bastante til leitura.
6. Key words: As palavras-chave so aquelas que esto mais de perto associadas
especificamente ao assunto do texto, podendo aparecer repetidas e algumas
vezes na forma de sinnimos. A identificao das key words atravs do skimming
leva-nos a Ter uma viso geral do texto.
7. Prediction: a atividade pela qual o aluno levado a predizer, inferir o
contedo de um texto atravs do ttulo ou de outros elementos tipogrficos, como
ilustraes, por exemplo. Sendo uma atividade do tipo pr-leitura, a prediction
contribui para estimular o interesse e a curiosidade do aluno pelo contedo de um
texto que o tpico sugere.
Quanto mais cultura geral ( background knowledge ) tiver o leitor, mais fcil ser a
sua prediction. Tomemos como exemplo o ttulo "ecologia". Um leitor com um
conhecimento razovel poderia ordinariamente predizer sobre o assunto listando
palavras como: Meio-ambiente PoluirDesastroso Poluentes Matar Devastao

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

Poluio Florestas tropicais Animais em extino Proteger Protestos Chuva cida

Produtos qumicos : Natureza Reflorestar Envenenar Etc... Estas palavras
poderiam at no fazer parte do texto, mas muito provvel que faam. Observe
agora o mesmo ttulo em ingls e avalie o grau de dificuldade comparado com
aquele em portugus.
Nominal groups: Grupos nominais so expresses de carter nominal em que
prevalecem os substantivos e adjetivos, cuja ordem na frase ordinariamente no
corresponde ao portugus. Observe os exemplos a seguir e note que a disposio
das palavras na traduo no correspondente ao ingls: A charismatic leader
Black Africa Um lder carismtico frica negra South American Societies Brazil's
high cost of living Sociedades da Amrica do Sul O alto custo de vida do Brasil
Sempre existe no grupo nominal uma palavra mias importante
( headword ), que normalmente um substantivo, como voc pode ver nos
exemplos acima: leader, Africa, societies, cost.
Voc tambm notou que em torno das headwords orbitam outras palavras, como
adjetivos, advrbios ou mesmo outros substantivos, que so chamados
modificadores ( modifiers ). Vejamos outros exemplos e a posio das headwords
e dos modifiers : The economic crisis.Affixation: Como voc sabe, existem
palavras que so derivadas atravs de afixos ( prefixos e sufixos ) e que esses
afixos podem alteram a classe gramatical das palavras, ou o seu sentido. Por isso,
reconhec-las e saber o seu significado, representa um valioso recurso adicional
da compreenso do texto. Ento vejamos: Inadequate ( inadequado ) Disconnect (
desligar ) Brazilian ( Brasileiro ) Formation ( formao ) Inconstitucional
(inconstitucional) Grande parte dos afixos em Ingls so semelhantes aos
Portugus devido sua origem grega ou latina, conforme os exemplos acima.
Devemos Ter em mente, porm, que muitos outros no possuem a mesma origem
e so, por isso, mais difceis de compreender.
Unhappy (infeliz) Underground (subsolo) Misunderstanding
(desentendimento) Useful (til) Useless (intil) Wisdom (Sabedoria) Unforgetable
(inesquecvel) Quando acrescentamos um sufixo, a palavra geralmente muda sua
classe gramatical, sem alterar o significado. Palavra Classe gramatical Significado
General Adjetivo Geral Generally advrbio geralmente No caso do prefixo, torna-se
uma nova palavra, porm sem alterar a classe gramatical. Palavra Classe
gramatical Significado Function substantivo funo Disfunction substantivo
disfuno Form verbo formar Reform verbo reformar
10. Critical Reading: Ao final de cada leitura, o bom leitor deveria estar atento para
tudo o que lhe foi transmitido atravs do texto, procurando avaliar o contedo do
mesmo mediante perguntas tais como: O texto interessante?...por que? A leitura
do texto acrescentou algo novo aos seus conhecimentos? O texto foi apresentado
de modo objetivo, superficial, profundo, confuso..? Voc discorda ou concorda
com as idias do autor? O autor foi imparcial ou tendencioso? Voc conseguiu
captar alguma Segunda intenso nas entrelinhas do texto? Voc acrescentaria
algo que no foi mencionado?
11. Contextual Reference: Normalmente existem no texto elementos de referncia
que so usados para evitar repeties e para interligas as sentenas, tornando a
leitura mais compreensvel e fluente. Esses elementos aparecem na forma de
pronomes diversos: Pessoais: he, she, it, they, etc.. Demonstrativos: this, that,
those, such Relativos: who, whom, whose, that, which... Adjetivos possessivos:
his, her, our... Veja alguns exemplos abaixo: - I asked my students why they had
chosen the ESP course. - This description is very simple. It follows a diagram in
numbered stages. - Geologists use explosive charges and seismic refraction to find
oil storages. These techniques have proved to be successful in the desert.

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

As provas de ingls dos vestibulares e concursos pblicos mudaram muito nos ltimos anos.
Hoje,todas so baseadas na interpretao de texto e a gramtica pura faz parte apenas de umas
poucas questes. Mas nem por isso as provas esto mais fceis.
preciso ter um vocabulrio bem apurado.
Ateno! A traduo no exigida de forma direta. Porm ela importante para estabelecer a
linha de compreenso das idias contidas no texto. No tentem traduzir literalmente, pois nem
sempre os termos so semelhantes, bem como as situaes. Procure relacionar as palavras de
maneira clara e criativa com as idias
propostas pelo texto. Lembre-se que o tempo fator importante na resoluo das
questes; sendo assim, no perca tempo com concluses e definies precisas de
vocbulos, especialmente quando estes no tm relevncia na compreenso ou
resoluo da questo.
Lngua fundamentalmente um fenmeno oral. portanto, indispensvel desenvolver uma certa
familiaridade com o idioma falado, e mais especificamente, com a sua pronncia, antes de se
procurar dominar o idioma escrito.
A inverso desta seqncia pode causar vcios de pronncia resultantes da interpretao incorreta
das letras. Principalmente no caso do aprendizado de ingls, onde a correlao entre pronncia e
ortografia extremamente irregular e a interpretao oral da ortografia muito diferente do
portugus , e cuja ortografia se caracteriza tambm pela ausncia total de indicadores de slaba
tnica, torna-se necessrio priorizar e antecipar o aprendizado oral.
Satisfeita esta condio ou no, o exerccio de leitura em ingls deve iniciar a partir de textos com
vocabulrio reduzido, de preferncia com uso moderado de expresses idiomticas,
regionalismos, e palavras "difceis" (de rara ocorrncia). Proximidade ao nvel de conhecimento do
aluno , pois uma condio importante. Outro aspecto, tambm importante, o grau de
atratividade do texto. O assunto, se possvel, deve ser de alto interesse para o leitor. No
recomendvel o uso constante do dicionrio, e este, quando usado, deve de preferncia ser ingls
- ingls. A ateno deve concentrar-se na idia central, mesmo que detalhes se percam, e o aluno
deve evitar a prtica da traduo. O leitor deve habituar-se a buscar identificar sempre em
primeiro lugar os elementos essenciais da orao, ou seja, sujeito, verbo e complemento. A maior
dificuldade nem sempre entender o significado das palavras, mas sua funo gramatical e
conseqentemente a estrutura da frase.
O grau de dificuldade dos textos deve avanar gradativamente, e o aluno deve procurar fazer da
leitura um hbito freqente e permanente.

1. Find the main elements of the sentence: subject and verb.

O portugus se caracteriza por uma certa flexibilidade com relao ao sujeito. Existem as figuras
gramaticais do sujeito oculto, indeterminado e inexistente, para justificar a ausncia do sujeito.
Mesmo quando no ausente, o sujeito freqentemente aparece depois do verbo, e s vezes at
no fim da frase (ex: Ontem apareceu um vendedor l no escritrio).
O ingls mais rgido: praticamente no existem frases sem sujeito e ele aparece sempre antes
do verbo em frases afirmativas e negativas. O sujeito sempre um nome prprio (ex: Paul is my
friend), um pronome (ex: He's my friend) ou um substantivo (ex: The house is big).
Pode-se dizer que o pensamento em ingls se estrutura a partir do sujeito; em seguida vm o
verbo, o complemento, e os adjuntos adverbiais. Para uma boa interpretao de textos em ingls,

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

no adianta saber o vocabulrio apenas; preciso compreender a estrutura, e para isso de

fundamental importncia a identificao do verbo e do sujeito.

2. Dont stumble on word strings: read backwards.

A ordem normal em portugus substantivo adjetivo (ex: casa grande), enquanto que em ingls
o inverso (ex: big house). Alm disto, qualquer substantivo em ingls potencialmente tambm
um adjetivo, podendo ser usado como tal. (ex: brick house = casa de tijolos ; vocabulary
comprehension test = teste de compreenso de vocabulrio). Sempre que o aluno se defrontar
com um aparente conjunto de substantivos enfileirados, deve l-los de trs para diante
intercalando a preposio "de" no meio.

3. Be careful with the suffix ...ing.

O aluno principiante tende a interpretar o sufixo ...ing unicamente como gerndio, quando na
maioria das vezes ele aparece como forma substantivada de verbo ou ainda como adjetivo. Se a
palavra terminada em ...ing for um substantivo, poder figurar na frase como sujeito, enquanto
que se for um verbo no gerndio, jamais poder ser interpretado como sujeito nem como
complemento. Este um detalhe que muito freqentemente compromete seriamente o
entendimento.

...ing

gerund

Ex: We are planning to ...

What are you doing?

noun

Ex: He likes fishing and camping, and hates accounting.

This apartment building is new.

adjective

Ex: This is interesting and exciting to me.

That was a frightening explosion.

4. Dont get thrown off by prepositional verbs: look them up in a dictionary.

Os verbos preposicionais, tambm chamados de phrasal verbs ou two-word verbs, confundem
porque a adio da preposio normalmente altera substancialmente o sentido original do verbo.
Ex:

go - ir

go off - disparar (alarme)

go over - rever, verificar novamente

turn - virar, girar

turn on - ligar
turn off - desligar
turn down - desprezar
turn into - transformar em

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

put - colocar, botar

put off - cancelar, postergar

put on - vestir, botar
put out - apagar (fogo)
put away - guardar
put up with - tolerar

5. Make sure you understand the words of connection.

Words of connection ou words of transition so conjunes, preposies, advrbios, etc, que
servem para estabelecer uma relao lgica entre frases e idias. Familiaridade com estas
palavras chave para o entendimento e a correta interpretao de textos.

6. Be careful with false friends.

Falsos conhecidos, tambm chamados de falsos amigos, so palavras normalmente derivadas do
latim, que tm portanto a mesma origem e que aparecem em diferentes idiomas com ortografia
semelhante, mas que ao longo dos tempos acabaram adquirindo significados diferentes.

7. Use intuition, dont be afraid of guesswork, and dont rely too much on the dictionary.
Para ns, brasileiros, a interpretao de textos facilitada pela semelhana no plano do
vocabulrio, uma vez que o portugus uma lngua latina e o ingls possui cerca de 50% de seu
vocabulrio proveniente do latim. principalmente no vocabulrio tcnico e cientfico que
aparecem as maiores semelhanas entre as duas lnguas, mas tambm no vocabulrio cotidiano
encontramos palavras que nos so familiares. certo que devemos cuidar com os falsos
cognatos (veja item anterior). Estes, entretanto, no chegam a representar 0,1% do vocabulrio de
origem latina. Podemos portanto confiar na semelhana. Por exemplo: bicycle, calendar,
computer, dictionary, exam, important, intelligent, interesting, manual, modern, necessary,
pronunciation, student, supermarket, test, vocabulary, etc., so palavras que brasileiros entendem
sem saber nada de ingls. Assim sendo, o aluno deve sempre estar atento para quaisquer
semelhanas. Se a palavra em ingls lembrar algo que conhecemos do portugus, provavelmente
tem o mesmo significado.
Leitura de textos mais extensos como jornais, revistas e principalmente livros altamente
recomendvel para alunos de nvel intermedirio e avanado, pois desenvolve vocabulrio e
familiaridade com as caractersticas estruturais da gramtica do idioma. A leitura, entretanto,
torna-se invivel se o leitor prender-se ao hbito de consultar o dicionrio para todas palavras cujo
entendimento no totalmente claro. O hbito salutar a ser desenvolvido exatamente o oposto.
Ou seja, concentrar-se na idia central, ser imaginativo e perseverante, e adivinhar se necessrio.
No deve o leitor desistir na primeira pgina por achar que nada entendeu. Deve, isto sim,
prosseguir com insistncia e curiosidade. A probabilidade de que o entendimento aumente de
forma surpreendente, medida em que o leitor mergulha no contedo do texto.

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

Coletnea de Exerccios

Assunto:

INGLS
SIMULADO COM 58 QUESTES

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

COLETNEA DE QUESTES DE CONCURSOS

INGLS
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Physical Fitness
Physical fitness can help you live longer, feel healthier
and cope with life's problems. Various activities can
help you keep fit: from running marathons to climbing
mountains to lifting heavy weights. For the average
non-sporting person without much time to spare,
activities like these are not very practical and, to be
frank, they are a waste of time. It is much better in my
view to devote no more than a half an hour every other
day to doing exercises. The important thing is to stick
to a routine so that you don't say to yourself, "I won't
bother today!" or "I'll do it later!". If you haven't got
the willpower to establish a routine like this, a sport
like tennis or golf might suit you better. Your partner
will help you remember to play regularly and you'll be
able to get your exercise outdoors, too.

useless
not worthwhile
a waste of time
worthwile
too consuming

-----------------------------------------------------------------04 (ESAF/AFTN/96): Which of the following

sentences does NOT express what is in the text?

a) Keeping in shape should be part of our weekly

routine
b) Physical exercise should be avoided by those who
do not enjoy it
c) Physical exercises improve our quality of life
d) Exercising can relieve many of our daily tensions
e) Regular exercise may be time-consuming

Taking exercises can be time-consuming but the

feeling of being fit and healthy makes up for the few
minutes a day it takes.

------------------------------------------------------------------

01 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to paragraph 1,

physical fitness:

The microchip revolution

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

The microship revolution is based on size and cost.

Microchips give us cheap computing power in a tiny
space. As the cost of microchips continues to fall, it
becomes economically worthwile to use them in more
and more ways.

is not important
should not be taken into consideration
may result in an increase in longevity
does not make any difference in terms of health
is irrelevant in our every day routine

We have to accept the microchip, or face the

alternative of opting out of the free world market.

-----------------------------------------------------------------Accepting the microchip brings benefits and problems.

The benefits include greater efficiency in finding and
using information; the possibility of higher living
standards through increased productivity; greater
control over pollution and the use of natural resources;
help for the sick and the disabled; and a whole range of
"smart" machines to inform, entertain and serve us.

02 (ESAF/AFTN/96): In the author's opinion:

a) We do not need to exercise every day

b) We should devote an hour every day to doing
exercises
c) We should devote thirty minutes every day to
physical exercises
d) We need to exercise from Monday to Friday
e) We should exercise at least two hours a day

We can guard against some of the problems. We can,

for example, be alive to the danger of the misuse of
information held on computer files.
There is the problem of alienation: people who cannot
find a place in the technological world of the future. To
guard against this problem, we need education and
training schemes, and machines which are easy to use.
Finally, there's the problem of people whose skills are
made redundant by machines. Again, there's a need for
education and retraining. The wealth needed to pay for

-----------------------------------------------------------------03 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to the author's

conclusion, the time you spend exercising is:

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

Edoardo Boncinelli: No one knows what intelligence

is. In all likelihood, about 50 percent of it will be
determined by genetics, and the other portion
determined by environment and experience. Genes by
themselves cannot determine intelligence. But they can
determine stupidity. When certain human genes go bad,
it is inevitable that the person will suffer a mental
deficiency.

schemes like these is more likely to appear if we use

the microchip.
05 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to paragraph 1, the
economic aspect of the microchip revolution:

a) is one of its two main advantages

b) is not relevant at all
c) shows the constant increase in the cost of
microchips
d) is a disadvantage in financial terms
e) reflects its inconsistency

Interviewer: Wouldn't a man who had a large part of

his brain regenerated lose most of his
knowledge and memory?
Edoardo Boncinelli: Memory is distributed throughout
the brain. If I destroy a piece of gray matter in a
human, he probably won't lose all of his memory. What
he loses is a part of the velocity with which he can
retrieve his information. Of course he won't reacquire
his memories when I put new cells in. But the new
implant will assist in the recovery of his memory and
in all his other brain functions. What we are really
talking about is to be able to reverse brain death. At
present, when these cells die, there is no way to replace
them. An idea I find even more intriguing is the
possibility to regenerate the spinal cord in cases of
injury and paralysis.

------------------------------------------------------------------

06 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to paragraph 2, those

who do NOT accept the microchip revolution will:

a) be able to participate in the free world market in a

more advantageous way
b) certainly guarantee their presence in the free world
market
c) be naturally excluded from the free world market
d) be naturally incorporated into the free world market
e) face a wider and more effective participation in the
free world market

08 (ESAF/AFTN/96): When asked about "what

intelligence is", Edoardo Boncinelli states that:

-----------------------------------------------------------------a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

07 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to paragraph 4, we

might have to face:

a) the lack of consistency in the information stored on

computer files
b) the periodical updating of data on files
c) the incorrect manipulation of microchips
d) the improper use of data contained on computer
files
e) the meticulous manipulation of data held on
computer files

genetics probably determines half of it

the place where we live does not influence it
neither environment nor experience influence it
genetics determines it all
genetics has absolutely no influence on it

------------------------------------------------------------------

09 (ESAF/AFTN/96): In his second answer, Edoardo

Boncinelli states that memory:

-----------------------------------------------------------------Breeding Superbrains
Edoardo Boncinelli directs the molecular biology of
development laboratory at San Raffaele Hospital in
Milan. He is being interviewed about his latest
discovery:

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Interviewer: It's hard to think of intelligence as the

direct result of brain mass. What about the role of
experience?

can only be found in one specific area of the brain

is concentrated in two areas of the brain
memory is spread over many areas of the brain
has already been found and measured by specialists
is located on the left-hand side of the brain

------------------------------------------------------------------

10

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

d) may trigger higher levels of unemployment.

e) requires remarkable technological support.

10 (ESAF/AFTN/96): According to Edoardo

Boncinelli, if new cells are inserted in the brain in
order to replace damaged ones, the brain's:

-----------------------------------------------------------------a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

13 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - "For years, Europe has been an

economic backwater", means that Europe

previous capacity is immediately recovered

memory is lost
storage capacity is transformed
memories will remain the same
functions will be helped

a)
b)
c)
d)

has been an economic and financial paradise.

used to be competitive and innovative.
has been both economically and financially viable.
has not imposed enough taxes and regulations for
many years.
e) has been isolated from modern economic ideas and
influences.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Read the text below in order to answer questions 11 to

14.

-----------------------------------------------------------------The European Monetary Union

14 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - The EMU coins and notes
On Jan. 1, 1999 the European Monetary Union
(EMU) will come into full-blown existence with
11 countries adopting a continentwide currency
called the euro. Coins and notes will not be
available until Jan. 1, 2002. Until that time, one
can either use the old currencies or conduct euro
transactions electronically, or with checks or
plastic cards. In 2002, EMU countries will use
only the euro as their legal tender, and the
Deutsche mark, French franc, Italian lira et al. will
cease to exist.
This new money may finally trigger a Western
European economic renaissance. For years Europe
has been an economic backwater because of
excessive taxes and regulations, onerous labour
laws and ludicrously lavish welfare benefits. No
wonder there is little high technology in lands so
inhospitable to freewheeling, American-style
entrepreneurship, or that unemployment there is
more than twice ours.

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

will be available on Jan. 1, 1999.

are called euro.
will cease to exist on Jan. 1, 2002.
are already available.
will not be available until Jan. 1, 2001.

Read the text below in order to answer questions 15 to

17.
11 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - Which of the items below are
positively referred to in the text?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Tax-free interest
Congress is finally making a move toward school
choice. The Senate approved a bill in April that
would allow family members, charitable groups
and employers to put up to $2,000 per child
annually into education savings accounts that
would earn tax-free interest. Parents could use the
funds for expenses related to elementary and
secondary schooling, regardless of whether their
children were in public, private, religious or home
schools. The unused money and interest could later
be rolled over and used for college-related
expenses.
We should not squander this opportunity!

the European taxes.

labour laws.
welfare benefits.
the new legal tender.
regulations.

-----------------------------------------------------------------12 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - According to the author, a

Western European economic renaissance
a) may be at last set off.
b) is inhospitable to American-style companies.
c) has been achieved over the last years.

11

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

15 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - According to the author,

Congress is at last contributing to
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

does not necessarily mean you will incur any

additional tax liability.
If you do not agree with the examiners report, you
can meet with the examiners supervisor to discuss
your case further. If you still do not agree, you
have the right to appeal the findings through a
separate Appeals Office. You can also appeal to
the U.S. Tax Court.

the supremacy of public schools.

tax increases on education.
the revival of family values.
a free choice of school.
profits derived from savings accounts.

18 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - The author states that the

examiners report might be

------------------------------------------------------------------

16 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - When the author claims that

"we should not squander this opportunity", he means
we
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

must not conceal its effects on tax payers.

should not advertise it.
should not waste it.
might not alter any of its items.
should not welcome it.

questioned.
unofficial.
ambiguous.
irrevocable.
dishonest.

-----------------------------------------------------------------19 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - According to the text, when you

meet the examiners supervisor,

-----------------------------------------------------------------a) the two of you must reach a final agreement.

b) you have already accepted the examiners report.
c) you intend to discuss the examiners report in more
detail.
d) additional taxes are charged.
e) you wish to discuss the examiners liability.

17 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - The funds deposited in the

education savings accounts may not be used for
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

secondary education.
non-educational expenses.
college expenses.
elementary education.
educational expenses.

-----------------------------------------------------------------20 (ESAF/AFTN/98) - The text implies that

-----------------------------------------------------------------a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

audits rarely result in additional charges.

audits are an unnecessary practice.
additional taxes must not be adopted.
audits will soon be abolished.
additional taxes may be charged.

Read the text below in order to answer questions 18 to

20.
-----------------------------------------------------------------Tax Audits
Although only about one out of every 100
individual tax returns will be audited in 1998, the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is very good at
selecting returns for audit that will yield additional
taxes. Nevertheless, if your return is selected, it
Read the text below in order to answer questions 21 to
24.

were not in good shape. Exports were falling,

exacerbated by low commodity prices that severely hit
terms of trade. Interest payments were an increasingly
unsustainable burden on public-sector accounts. To top
it off, U.S. interest rates were high and rising. The
International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Wall Street
bankers trembled.
I am talking about August 1982, but the
parallels with today are striking. Ecuador, not Mexico,
teeters on bankruptcy; Alan Greenspan, not Paul

EMERGING COUNTRIES
August was coming to a close. The situation in
emerging countries looked bleak. For most
governments, financing during the previous decade had
been cheap. But a lethal cocktail of internal and
external factors was being prepared. Fiscal accounts

12

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

Read the text below in order to answer questions 25 to

28.

Volcker, fights inflation; Colombia and Venezuela are

in chaos; Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Peru face
difficult times.

LATIN AMERICAN CURRENCIES

21 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - According to the author, the
situation in emerging countries
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Like a countrys flag or anthem, money is

a powerful emblem of nationhood that is instantly
recognized, understood and even cherished by all
citizens. But where economies are feeble, a
handsome bank note can be a hollow, and
expensive, symbol. We still confuse currency with
the national banner, says the Argentine
economist Aldo Abram. In fact, money is just an
instrument of economics. A badly managed
instrument, at that. Despite a decade of bold freemarket reforms and handsome money, Latin
America is in the midst of its worst recession since
the 1980s, the lost decade. According to the
International Monetary Fund, foreign-capital flows
to the region were down 55 percent last year.
Poverty is deepening. There are plenty of reasons
for these travails. But wherever there is economic
emergency in Latin America, a crumbling currency
is not far away.

will certainly remain bleak

has been favourable and prosperous
had been bleak in the 1970s
was not gloomy in 1982
seemed gloomy in August 1982

-----------------------------------------------------------------22 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - The author states that fiscal

accounts were not
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

controlled by the IMF

part of the lethal cocktail
in good condition
taken into consideration
relevant factors

25 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - According to the text,

money

------------------------------------------------------------------

a) is merely an instrument of economics

b) must be seen as the most powerful symbol of
a nation
c) might be an economic mechanism
d) is instantly cherished by developed nations
e) should replace the countrys flag or anthem
-----------------------------------------------------------------26 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - According to the text, Latin
America
a) openly favours dollarization
b) has been facing its worst recession since the
1980s
c) considers bank notes as a mere instrument of
economics
d) successfully overcame its worst recession in
1980
e) benefits from expensive bank notes

23 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - Which of the statements

below reflects the content of the text?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Ecuador has just gone bankrupt

In 1982, the external debt was forgiven
Colombia and Venezuela have run surpluses
August 1982 resembles todays reality
Brazil has serviced its debt punctually

24

(ESAF/AFCE/99) - During
decade, financing had been

the

previous

a) subject to high interest rates

b) a burden on public accounts
c) inexpensive for most governments
d) provided by the IMF
e) denied to emerging countries
------------------------------------------------------------------

27 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - The text refers to the 1980s

as "the lost decade" because it was a period
of
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

-----------------------------------------------------------------28 (ESAF/AFCE/99) - A crumbling currency

refers to a currency which is

fiscal surpluses
rapid economic growth
forgotten structural reform
virtually no progress
missing foreign debt

a)
b)
c)
d)

13

powerful
illegal
solid
healthy

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

e) battered

-----------------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

Read the text below in order to answer questions

32 and 33.

Read the text below in order to answer questions

29 to 31.

NEW POLICIES TO FIT THE NEW ECONOMY

THE BUDGET FOR THE YEAR 2000

Growing Prosperity: The battle for Growth with Equity

in the 21st Century, written by two liberal economists,
represents a breakthrough in the political debate over
the New Economy. This is the first book that lays out a
progressive economic policy designed to encourage
technology-driven growth, while ameliorating bad
consequences such as widening income disparity and
excessive dependence on a volatile stock market.
According to the authors, Barry Bluestone
and Bennett Harrison, Washington policymakers
have been excessively fixated on low inflation and
a balanced budget. Bluestone and Harrison term
this the Wall Street model of growth. This model,
if carried into the future, will make it difficult to
sustain prosperity over the long run. For one
thing, the drive to cut the budget deficit has
constrained
spending
on
research
and
development, education, and infrastructure. Over
time, they say, this will slow the rate of
technological innovation the equivalent of eating
the seed corn.

Most analysts believe that the budget for the

year 2000 presented by the government is
feasible, but many points used to design the
budget depend on negotiations with Congress. If
first impressions are confirmed, the budget
corresponds to reality, says former Central Bank
President Affonso Celso Pastore. According to the
Chief Economist for Citibank, the budget is
feasible but not easy to accomplish.
Specialists say that the government would
have to reduce monthly expenses immediately
until the end of the year from R$ 3.5 billion to R$
2.87 billion, which would correspond to a 20%
reduction. Its quite a tight budget, said former
Minister Malson da Nbrega. The main problem
is that state employees salaries have been raised
and an extra R$ 3.1 billion will have to be paid
next year.
29 (ESAF/AFCE/00) - Analysts predict
a)
b)
c)
d)

a necessary cut in the public expenditure

a further increase in state employees salaries
a considerable surplus for the public sector
a substantial change in the fiscal responsibility
law
e) a huge technological investment
30 (ESAF/AFCE/00) - According to the text, the
state employeessalaries
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

must have been reduced

have not been negotiated
must be taken into account
represent a 20% cut in the budget
have undoubtedly been neglected

reduce research on technology

have stronger trade unions
offer higher minimum wages
keep continuous technological innovation
maintain low consumer spending

----------------------------------------------------------------33 (ESAF/AFCE/00) - One aspect which is not

approached by Bluestone and Harrison is the

-----------------------------------------------------------------

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

31 (ESAF/AFCE/00) - In connection to the

budget for year 2000, analysts believe that it
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

32 (ESAF/AFCE/00) - The authors of the present

book emphasize the need to

ought to be designed by the Congress

might be achieved
is hardly attainable
will be increased by 20%
has been endorsed by the Congress

volatile stock market

income disparity
balanced budget
spending on research
tributary reform

------------------------------------------------------14

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

e) proves that physical exercise increases our blood

pressure.

CAN EXERCISE HELP YOU COPE WITH STRESS?

People most often exercise for purely physical reasons,
yet many who exercise report that they feel goodafter
vigorous exercise. Indeed, regular exercise seems to be
a powerful antistress activity. Exercise has been shown
in a number of studies to reduce anxiety levels and
feelings of helplessness, depression and hostility. At
the same time, regular exercise seems to stabilize
personality and to increase self-confidence and
optimism.
Even when exercise is not making you feel more
relaxed, it may still be helping you to cope with stress.
A recent study at the Human Performance Laboratory
in San Francisco compared the effect of stress on two
groups of students. One group had participated in a 14week aerobic exercise program; the other had not. Each
group was asked to solve a set of problems, and,
because most of the problems were unsolvable, both
groups became frustrated and showed increased
muscular tension and anxiety levels. However, the
exercisers displayed fewer of these effects than the
nonexercisers did, and they showed no increase in
blood pressure, which is a key measure of stress
response.

------------------------------------------------------UNITED STATES MINT

The United States Mint was created by Act of April 2,
1792, which established the national coinage system.
Initially, operations were conducted in Philadelphia,
then the nations capital. Supervision of the Mint was a
function of the secretary of state, but in 1799, it
became an independent agency reporting directly to the
president. The Mint was made a statutory bureau of the
Treasury Department in 1873, with a director
appointed by the president to oversee its operations
from headquarters offices in the Treasury Department
in Washington DC.
The Mint manufactures all U.S. coins and distributes
them through the Federal Reserve banks and branches.
The Mint also maintains physical custody of the
treasurys monetary stocks of gold and silver, moving,
storing and releasing from custody as authorized.

37 (ESAF/TTN/98) - According to the text, the U. S.

Mint
34 (ESAF/TTN/98) - The author claims that regular
exercise
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

should be prevented.
reduces stress.
must not be vigorous.
is unhealthy.
might be harmful.

has already been created by an Act.

has recently been created by an Act.
should be created by an Act.
will soon be created by an Act.
was created by an American president.

-------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

38 (ESAF/TTN/98) - The text does not mention the

35 (ESAF/TTN/98) - According to the text, selfconfidence and optimism are

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

reduced by regular exercise.

negatively influenced by exercise.
not al all affected by exercise.
illogical feelings.
positively affected by exercise.

------------------------------------------------------MERCOSUR

-------------------------------------------------------

The four Mercosur countries may be steadily stitching

their economies together but their putative common
market is fraying round the edges. For all the warm
talk, that was the evidence from their latest presidential
meeting, in Montevideo, Uruguays capital, on
December 14th and 15th.

36 (ESAF/TTN/98) - The extract

a)
b)
c)
d)

U.S. Mint.
Treasury Department.
storage of gold and silver.
Energy Department.
treasurys monetary stocks.

also includes the results of a study.

discourages the practice of physical exercise.
states that our problems are unsolvable.
persuades readers to lead a sedentary life.

15

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

In opting to go beyond mere free trade towards a

customs union, Mercosurs founders intended the
group to have a common foreign-trade policy, as the
European Union does. That is proving hard to achieve.
In 1995, when the Mercosur four began to put in place
a common external tariff (ranging from zero to 20%,
with an average of 12%), several hundred products
were exempted. Now even more will be. Last month,
for reasons of their own, Brazil and Argentina agreed
to increase external tariffs by 3%. Paraguay and
Uruguay, more dependent on imports, were unhappy.
In Montevideo, they reluctantly agreed to the rise - but
each will be allowed to exempt up to 600 further items
from it.

-------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

41 (ESAF/TTN/98) - According to the text,

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

------------------------------------------------------42 (ESAF/TTN/98) - Which of the options below

summarize the content of the text?

39 (ESAF/TTN/98) - According to the text, the four

Mercosur countries aimed at
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

all moving expenses are deductible.

some moving expenses are deductible.
no moving expense is deductible.
just travel expenses are deductible.
only moving household goods is deductible.

weakening their foreign-trade strategies.

adopting distinguishable foreign-trade policies.
following a mutual foreign-trade policy.
putting into practice an external tariff of 3%.
immediately adopting a common currency.

The importance of starting a new job.

The high cost of meals.
Travelling for business reasons.
Illegal transfers.
Deduction of moving expenses.

------------------------------------------------------43 (ESAF/TTN/98) - The text states that distance and

time tests
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

40 (ESAF/TTN/98) - The text states that Brazil and

Argentina decided to raise external tariffs by 3%

can be required.
will not be requested.
shall be postponed.
have to be fulfilled.
have to be put off.

a) to strengthen the economies of Paraguay and

Uruguay.
b) a year ago.
c) because the two are more dependent on imports.
d) based on their own needs.
e) to answer requests made by Paraguay and Uruguay.

Read the text below in order to answer

questions 44 to 48:

-------------------------------------------------------

DEFICIT SPELLS TROUBLE

-------------------------------------------------------

MOVING EXPENSES

The US economic expansion, which

has already achieved an unprecedented period
of unbroken growth, continues to stride
ahead. But there could be trouble on the way.
Robert Siddles, head of the US
equities at Gartmore, says: There has only
been one recession in the last 16 years in the
US, where there has been strong growth and
unexpectedly low inflation.
He explains the economic picture has
been almost perfect: Murphys law is
working in reverse, Siddles says about the
US economy. He explains: If it can go right,
it will go right.
But he is concerned about the level of
the current account deficit, which is running

Taxpayers who change jobs or are transferred to

another job location during the year can deduct part of
their moving expenses. These expenses include travel
and the cost of moving household goods to their new
home. The cost of meals while moving is no longer
deductible.
To qualify, the move must be a result of changing job
locations or starting a new job and must meet distance
and time tests. The new job must be at least 50 miles
farther from the former home than was the old job.
Employees also must work full time for at least 39
weeks during the first 12 months after they arrive in the
general area of their new job.
Taxpayers no longer have to itemize on Schedule A to
deduct moving expenses. These expenses are now an
adjustment to income and should instead be reported
on page 1 , Form 1040.

16

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

48 (ESAF/TRF/00) - The overall picture the

text gives of the US economy is one of

out at about 5% of the gross domestic

product. But Siddles adds: The problem
with the current account deficit may not be
quite as bad as it appears. The government is
borrowing less and the health of the economy
is supporting the deficit.

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

----------------------------------------------------------------44 (ESAF/TRF/00) - Which aspect of the US

economy is seen as worrying?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

absolute euphoria
dark pessimism
galloping inflation
qualified optimism
impending recession

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Its foreign policy

Its present account deficit
Its tax regulations
Its stockmarket
Its present elections

45 (ESAF/TRF/00) - The author says that the US

economic expansion continues to stride
ahead, which means it continues to

Read the text below in order to answer questions

49 to 53:
TAXING DEVELOPMENTS

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Up until 5 April 1999, investors

received dividends from stocks and shares net
of a tax credit of 20%. This 20% tax is paid
by the company declaring the dividend to the
Inland Revenue as Advance Corporation Tax.
Until the July 1997 Budget, all those
who did not pay tax, such as individuals with
low incomes, pension shemes and Pep
investors, could reclaim this tax credit from
the Inland Revenue. The 1997 measures
immediately ended the right of pension funds
to reclaim this tax, and in April 1999 non-tax
payers were no longer able to reclaim this
credit either.
Furthermore, from 6 April 1999, the
tax credit on dividends was reduced to 10%
and Pep and Isa investors are only allowed to
reclaim this 10% tax credit, not the previous
level of 20%.

grow
shrink
be analysed
affect the world
dominate

-----------------------------------------------------46 (ESAF/TRF/00) - Paragraph 2 suggests that

an expanding economy might be expected
to bring
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

recession
unemployment
inflation
surplus workers
a trade deficit

-----------------------------------------------------47

(ESAF/TRF/00) - According
Siddles, the government

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

must borrow less money

has increased interest rates
should lend more money
is lending much less
is bearing the deficit

to

Robert

49 (ESAF/TRF/00) - According to the text,

changes to Inland Revenue rules on the
taxation
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

17

have been made

have not been made
had to be postponed
will soon be implemented
might soon take place

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

THE INTERNETS DAYS AS A TAXFREE ZONE ARE NUMBERED

----------------------------------------------------------------50 (ESAF/TRF/00) - Which alternative below is

not mentioned as having once been eligible
for a credit rebate?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Pension schemes
Pep investors
Pension funds
Individuals with low incomes
Individuals with high incomes

51 (ESAF/TRF/00) - The tax credit on dividends

has been
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

below 10%
decreased to 10%
increased by 10%
higher than 10%
above 10%

----------------------------------------------------------------52 (ESAF/TRF/00) - According to the author, the

Inland Revenue
a) receives dividends from stocks and shares
b) might reclaim tax credit from the Federal
Revenue
c) used to pay tax credits up to 5 April 1999
d) must declare its dividends
e) collects taxes from non-taxpayers
----------------------------------------------------------------53 (ESAF/TRF/00) - The tax credit referred to in
the first sentence of the text is a
a) tax deducted at source before dividends are
paid to investors
b) welfare benefit given by the government to
poor people
c) quantity charged by Corporate investors for
their services
d) special allowance given to rural old age
pensioners
e) discount tax rate for investors who declare
their assets

The sales tax, also known as the excise

tax, is one of the oldest, and therefore one of the
most reviled, of all levies. Revolutions and
rebellions have been fought over it. But the battle
today over whether to tax Internet sales, while not
violent, is as heated as any. Even Republicans,
who almost never disagree about taxes, are at
each others throats on the issue.
Virginia governor Jim Gilmore opposes new
taxes on e-commerce as a way to spur the Net,
while Utah governor Michael Leavitt thinks online
sales must be taxed to keep state and local
governments
solvent.
A
congressional
commission that was supposed to settle the issue
ended in deadlock earlier this year.
Citizens have every right to grouse about the ill
effects of sales taxes on Net growth, but the right of
governments to impose them isnt in dispute. Whats
more, lawmakers dont have much of a policy reason
not to apply a sales tax to commerce over the Internet.
Thus the surprise of the Internet debate: Despite all the
hyperbole pouring out of the mouths of politicians
lately, cyberspace almost certainly wont remain a
(nearly) tax-free zone forever. For now, the federal
government has imposed a moratorium on new Internet
taxes through October 2001.
54 (ESAF/TRF/00) - In connection with taxation
of e-commerce, the text does not mention
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

Republicans
unions
legislators
citizens
a congressional commission

----------------------------------------------------------------55 (ESAF/TRF/00) - In the present context,

levies are
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

issues
regulations
technologies
policies
taxes

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------56 (ESAF/TRF/00) - According to the headline of

the text, a tax-free zone

Read the text below in order to answer questions

54 to 58:

a) will surely remain untouched

18

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

b)
c)
d)
e)

may remain forever

is going to be implemented
will not survive for much longer
might soon be devised

-----------------------------------------------------------------

57 (ESAF/TRF/00) - Concerning the issue of

taxing
e.commerce,
a
congressional
commission
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

was finally able to reach an agreement

will soon be settled
was not able to reach an agreement
may at last come to an agreement
is now coming to an agreement

----------------------------------------------------------------58 (ESAF/TRF/00) - When the author states that

the sales tax is one of the most reviled of all
levies, he means that it
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)

is well-accepted by tax-payers
has not been legally enforced
is one of the highest of all tariffs
is one of the most unpopular taxes
is one of the heaviest interest rates

19

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

20

S APOSTILAS MATERIAL PARA ESTUDO DE CONCURSOS PBLICOS

GABARITO
01-C

11-D

21-E

31-B

41-B

51-B

02-A

12-A

22-C

32-D

42-E

52-C

03-D

13-E

23-D

33-E

43-D

53-A

04-B

14-B

24-C

34-B

44-B

54-B

05-A

15-D

25-A

35-E

45-A

55-E

06-C

16-C

26-B

36-A

46-C

56-D

07-D

17-B

27-D

37-A

47-E

57-C

08-A

18-A

28-E

38-D

48-D

58-D

09-C

19-C

29-A

39-C

49-A

10-E

20-E

30-C

40-D

50-E

21