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Free Practice Questions for La Rioja PAU English (UR)

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Key Facts: La Rioja PAU English (UR) Exam

90 Min

Exam duration for the PAU Foreign Language II paper

UR PAU 2026 Guidelines

0–10

Grading scale for PAU subject examinations

Universidad de La Rioja Access Guidelines

Min 4.0

Minimum mark required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA

Universidad de La Rioja / PAU Commission

60 / 40

Weighting ratio between Bachillerato GPA (60%) and PAU Access Phase (40%)

Spanish University Entrance Regulations

B1–B2

Target CEFR English language proficiency level for 2º Bachillerato

La Rioja LOMLOE Curriculum

100

Original practice questions in this OpenExamPrep study bank

OpenExamPrep

Prepare for the 2026 La Rioja PAU English exam (UR) with 100 practice questions covering reading comprehension, grammar, reported speech, passive voice, conditionals, connectors, and writing cohesion.

Sample La Rioja PAU English (UR) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the La Rioja PAU English (UR) exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Read the excerpt: 'Sustainable viticulture in La Rioja has gained momentum as local winemakers adopt organic farming methods to mitigate soil erosion and protect native biodiversity. By reducing synthetic pesticide usage, vineyards not only safeguard ecosystems but also enhance the distinct character of regional wines.' What is the primary purpose of adopting organic farming methods in La Rioja vineyards according to the passage?
A.To replace traditional grape varieties with non-native species.
B.To mitigate soil erosion and protect native biodiversity while reducing synthetic pesticides.
C.To eliminate all manual labor in wine production.
D.To lower wine production costs by exporting unprocessed grapes.
Explanation: The text explicitly states that local winemakers adopt organic farming methods 'to mitigate soil erosion and protect native biodiversity' through reduced pesticide use.
2Read the excerpt: 'The Monastery of San Millán de Yuso in La Rioja is celebrated as the cradle of the Spanish language, housing the famous Glosas Emilianenses. These 10th-century marginal notes represent some of the earliest written phrases in both Romance Spanish and Basque.' What makes the Glosas Emilianenses historically significant according to the text?
A.They contain the first printed map of the Iberian Peninsula.
B.They are among the earliest recorded written phrases in Romance Spanish and Basque.
C.They document the construction blueprint of the Yuso Monastery.
D.They served as the official financial ledger of medieval Spanish monarchs.
Explanation: The excerpt explicitly notes that the Glosas Emilianenses represent 'some of the earliest written phrases in both Romance Spanish and Basque.'
3Read the text: 'Although digital tools offer instant access to vast educational resources, secondary school teachers in Logroño emphasize that critical thinking skills remain essential. Students must learn to evaluate source credibility rather than accepting online information passively.' What is the main concern expressed by teachers regarding digital tools?
A.Digital tools slow down the speed of classroom instruction.
B.Students may accept online information passively without critically evaluating sources.
C.Schools cannot afford modern computer equipment.
D.Online resources have completely replaced printed textbooks in La Rioja.
Explanation: Teachers emphasize that critical thinking is essential so that students do not accept online information passively without evaluating sources.
4Read the excerpt: 'Ecotourism in the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range provides vital economic support to rural villages in La Rioja. However, park rangers warn that unmanaged hiking traffic could degrade fragile alpine trails.' What challenge does the passage associate with ecotourism in Sierra de la Demanda?
A.A lack of interest among foreign tourists.
B.Potential degradation of alpine trails caused by unmanaged hiking traffic.
C.Complete closure of rural mountain villages during winter.
D.Excessive noise pollution from commercial aviation.
Explanation: Park rangers warn that 'unmanaged hiking traffic could degrade fragile alpine trails', identifying this as the main environmental challenge.
5Read the passage: 'Recent psychological studies show that regular physical exercise significantly alleviates anxiety and boosts cognitive performance in teenagers. Health experts recommend integrating at least 60 minutes of daily activity into school routines.' What benefit of physical exercise is highlighted in the text?
A.It eliminates the need for academic study.
B.It reduces anxiety and enhances cognitive performance in teenagers.
C.It guarantees immediate proficiency in competitive sports.
D.It replaces proper nutrition in adolescent healthcare.
Explanation: The text highlights that regular physical exercise 'significantly alleviates anxiety and boosts cognitive performance in teenagers.'
6Read the sentence: 'The municipal government in Calahorra has introduced incentives for residents who install solar panels on residential buildings, aiming to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.' What is the goal of the municipal incentives?
A.To increase municipal taxes on renewable energy equipment.
B.To encourage solar panel installation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
C.To restrict electricity usage during peak daytime hours.
D.To fund the construction of coal-fired power stations.
Explanation: The passage specifies that incentives aim to encourage solar panel installation to 'reduce dependence on fossil fuels.'
7Read the excerpt: 'Food waste in European households accounts for millions of tons of discarded produce annually. Consumer awareness campaigns urge families to plan meals efficiently and understand expiration date labels.' What action do campaigns encourage consumers to take?
A.Avoid purchasing fresh agricultural produce altogether.
B.Plan meals efficiently and understand expiration labels to diminish food waste.
C.Store all food items at room temperature.
D.Rely exclusively on processed frozen meals.
Explanation: The text states that awareness campaigns urge families to 'plan meals efficiently and understand expiration date labels' to reduce waste.
8Read the passage: 'Urban green spaces, such as public parks and tree-lined avenues, act as natural air filters and mitigate the heat island effect in densely populated cities.' What does the word 'mitigate' mean in this context?
A.To amplify or increase
B.To reduce or lessen the severity of
C.To investigate scientifically
D.To ignore completely
Explanation: 'Mitigate' means to make something less severe, intense, or painful; here, reducing urban heat.
9Read the passage: 'Fast fashion manufacturers produce large volumes of inexpensive garments, encouraging rapid consumer turnover. Consequently, textile accumulation in landfills has skyrocketed.' What is identified as the direct consequence of rapid fashion turnover?
A.A decrease in global retail sales.
B.A dramatic rise in textile waste accumulated in landfills.
C.The immediate prohibition of synthetic fibers.
D.An increase in hand-woven traditional clothing.
Explanation: The passage uses 'Consequently' to connect consumer turnover directly to skyrocketed textile accumulation in landfills.
10Read the excerpt: 'The restoration of medieval bridges along the Camino de Santiago in La Rioja requires meticulous architectural craftsmanship. Experts analyze structural integrity to ensure preservation without altering historical aesthetics.' What is the goal of the restoration experts?
A.To modernize medieval bridges using reinforced concrete facades.
B.To preserve structural integrity while maintaining historical aesthetics.
C.To demolish ancient bridges and construct highway overpasses.
D.To convert historic stone bridges into pedestrian shopping malls.
Explanation: The text specifies that experts work 'to ensure preservation without altering historical aesthetics' while maintaining structural integrity.

About the La Rioja PAU English (UR) Exam

The La Rioja PAU Foreign Language II — English exam (Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés) is organized and administered by Universidad de La Rioja (UR) and the Comisión Organizadora de la PAU de La Rioja. Based on the 2026 LOMLOE 2º Bachillerato curriculum, it evaluates upper secondary students on CEFR B1-B2 English competencies including reading comprehension, grammatical transformations (passive, reported speech, conditionals), discourse markers, phrasal verbs, and text organization.

Exam sponsor: Universidad de La Rioja (UR) / Comisión Organizadora de la PAU de La Rioja. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Written 90-minute examination assessing reading comprehension of contemporary English texts, textual analysis, morphological-syntactic mastery (passive, reported speech, conditionals, relative clauses), lexical competency, and argumentative essay cohesion.

Time Limit

90 minutes (1.5 hours)

Passing Score

Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).

Exam / Certification Fees

EUR 55.43 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (set by Gobierno de La Rioja / UR).

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

30%

English Reading Comprehension & Textual Analysis

Textual analysis of authentic contemporary prose, identification of main arguments, implicit meaning, reference words, and contextual vocabulary.

35%

English Grammar, Syntax & Transformations

Mastery of verb tenses, passive voice, reported speech, conditionals (1st, 2nd, 3rd, mixed), relative clauses, modal verbs, and inversion.

15%

Discourse Connectors & Writing Cohesion

Logical transition markers (contrast, cause, result, addition, purpose), formal register, and essay structuring.

20%

Phrasal Verbs, Prepositions & Vocabulary

Phrasal verbs, prepositional complements, false friends, prefix/suffix word formation, and essay composition skills.

Preparing for the La Rioja PAU English (UR) Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Marked on a 0–10 scale. Minimum 4.0 required in Access Phase to combine with Bachillerato GPA (60% Bachillerato + 40% PAU >= 5.0 to pass).
  • Assessment: Written 90-minute examination assessing reading comprehension of contemporary English texts, textual analysis, morphological-syntactic mastery (passive, reported speech, conditionals, relative clauses), lexical competency, and argumentative essay cohesion.
  • Time limit: 90 minutes (1.5 hours)
  • Exam / certification fees: EUR 55.43 base registration fee for PAU Access Phase (set by Gobierno de La Rioja / UR). Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

La Rioja PAU English (UR): Suggested Study Strategy

1Master reporting verbs and tense backshifting rules for reported speech (e.g. Present Simple to Past Simple, Present Perfect to Past Perfect, will to would).
2Practice passive voice transformations, including two-object passives and impersonal passive structures (e.g., 'It is said that...').
3Review conditional structures: 1st (real future), 2nd (hypothetical present), 3rd (unreal past), and mixed conditionals.
4Learn formal discourse markers (however, nevertheless, moreover, furthermore, as a result, in order to) to improve essay cohesion.
5Build a strong command of common phrasal verbs (carry out, bring about, call off, set up) and prepositional collocations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this practice bank in the same format as the real La Rioja PAU exam?

No, and it is important to know the difference. The official La Rioja PAU paper is a 90-minute examination sat in Spanish and built around reading comprehension of an English text plus open and semi-constructed written production in English. Under the 2026 PAU design rules agreed by UR and CRUE, open and semi-constructed responses must account for at least 70% of every paper, so the real exam contains no multiple-choice section. This bank is an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation of the same official 2º Bachillerato syllabus — not an official translation, not a past paper, and not a simulation of the exam format. Use it to drill the underlying knowledge and reasoning quickly, then practise writing the composition and open comprehension answers in English under timed conditions separately, because that is what the examiners actually mark.

What is the format of the La Rioja PAU English exam?

The exam is a 90-minute written assessment consisting of text comprehension (main idea, true/false with justification, contextual vocabulary), language manipulation (syntax, grammar transformations, verb tenses), and guided written expression.

What passing score is required for university admission?

The exam is marked on a 0–10 scale. A minimum grade of 4.0 is required in the Access Phase to calculate the overall university entrance mark (60% Bachillerato GPA + 40% PAU Access Phase >= 5.0).

What registration fees apply for PAU in La Rioja?

The base registration fee for the PAU Access Phase set by Universidad de La Rioja / Gobierno de La Rioja is EUR 55.43.

What level of English proficiency is expected?

The examination targets CEFR B1-B2 level competencies expected of 2º Bachillerato students, emphasizing complex grammar usage, clear comprehension, and structured argument formulation.

What topics are commonly featured in reading passages?

Passages feature contemporary themes such as environmental sustainability, digital technology, social media, education, culture, youth issues, and mobility in Europe.