Banco de questões: Leitura e Compreensão de Texto

Read the following excerpt from 'The Theory of the Leisure Class' by Thorstein Veblen, a study in the economics of how the nature of consumer demand shapes economic and social structures. 'The indicative character of expenditure, as regards the place and quality of the consumption on which it is undertaken, is a fact of primary importance. The application of this characteristic of expenditure to the consumption of goods is made in the everyday distinctions between necessaries, comforts, and luxuries.' Consider the context of Veblen's work, which seeks to understand the societal implications of consumer behavior and the consumption of goods. Now, analyze how the concepts of 'conspicuous consumption' and 'conspicuous leisure' can be applied to a contemporary scenario, such as the influence of social media in shaping individuals' public personas and the resulting effects on personal finances and societal perceptions. In your analysis, discuss the relationship between the pursuit of status through consumerism and the potential consequences for personal economic well-being and societal structures.

Imagine you are a language detective, and your task is to analyze a complex English text. The following excerpt is from a mystery novel, and it contains various idiomatic expressions and subtle clues that are crucial for understanding the plot. Read the passage carefully and answer the following questions. 'As the clock struck midnight, the detective's intuition kicked in. He turned to his partner and said, 'Something doesn't add up here. We need to dig deeper.' With that, they began their investigation, determined to unravel the web of deceit that had been spun in the small town.' 1. Identify and explain the idiomatic expressions used by the detective in the given text. 2. Based on the context provided, discuss the implications of the detective's statement on the direction of the investigation and the potential challenges they might face in uncovering the truth. Consider the impact of the idiomatic expressions on the overall understanding of the passage and the detective's mindset.

In a new community project, a group of international students from different cultural backgrounds are planning to create a special cookbook that not only compiles recipes from around the world but also shares personal stories related to each dish. The goal is to celebrate the diversity of flavors and traditions while promoting understanding and communication between cultures. As part of the introductory section of the cookbook, a passage has been selected to underline the importance of communication and respect in the culinary exchange: 'Food is a universal language; it has the power to unite people from far-reaching corners of the globe. When we share our traditional dishes, we are not just passing on recipes, but also histories, memories, and the essence of who we are. Respect for each other's culinary heritage is essential in the exchange, for it symbolizes recognition of the intrinsic value of each culture.' Based on the provided text, which fundamental aspect should the international students primarily focus on to ensure the success of their project?

Leitura e Compreensão de Texto: Read the following excerpt from a classic English novel and answer the questions that follow. 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair...' (A Tale of Two Cities, Charles Dickens). Based on the given excerpt, discuss how the author uses parallel structure to convey contrasting ideas. In your analysis, explain the impact of this literary device on the reader's understanding of the text and its central themes. Additionally, evaluate how the historical context of the French Revolution, which is the backdrop of the novel, influences the author's use of language and the relevance of the parallel structure to the societal conditions depicted.'