Text 1

Smatphones are banned in Brazilian Schools

Brazil’s president has signed a law to limit smartphone use in schools, starting in February. This rule will apply to elementary and high schools across the country. Phones will only be allowed in emergencies, for educational activities, or for students with disabilities. The goal is to help students focus better and reduce distractions caused by phones.

Officials explained that children are using the internet at younger ages, which makes it harder for parents to monitor them. Limiting smartphones at school can help students concentrate on studying. A recent survey found that nearly two-thirds of Brazilians support banning smartphones in schools, and over threequarters believe these devices are harmful for kids.

Some families and students agree with the move, saying it will encourage more interaction and help classmates focus better. However, others believe it won’t solve all school issues, like bullying and harassment.

As of 2023, about two-thirds of Brazilian schools already limit smartphone use, while 28% ban them completely. Some states, such as Rio de Janeiro and Goias, have passed local laws restricting phones in schools, but enforcement has been challenging. In Sao Paulo, discussions are ongoing about banning phones in both public and private schools.

Globally, concerns ______________ smartphone use ______________ children have led to similar measures. Countries ______________ China, France, and parts of the U.S. have introduced restrictions to reduce distractions and protect children’s mental health. A report ______________ UNESCO found that one in four countries has already limited smartphone use in schools.

Adapted from: https://en.islcollective.com

Read the passage and answer question.

Palestinians in Gaza Reflect on One Year of Israel’s War With Hamas Oct. 7, 2024

The war has killed tens of thousands and devastated entire cities, leaving many in Gaza without a home and fueling a humanitarian catastrophe.

By Bilal Shbair and Hiba Yazbek Reporting from the Gaza Strip and Jerusalem.

Last October, Fadi Abu Kheir of southern Gaza had big plans. He was going to be engaged to the woman he loved. After they got married, he said, they would move in together, into an apartment that he spent years building.

“Now,” Mr. Abu Kheir, 24, said, “I am clueless about my future. I cannot even think how I can adapt to life postwar.”

It has been a year since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks impelled Israel to launch a retaliatory offensive in Gaza. For Mr. Abu Kheir — and, indeed, for Palestinians across the enclave — every day since, he said, has teemed with “sadness, depression and fury.”

The war has killed over 41,000 people, according to Gazan health officials, and devastated entire neighborhoods and cities, leaving hundreds of thousands without a home and fueling a humanitarian catastrophe.

More than 2 million people lived in the strip before the conflict. No one has been unaffected.

“We were so happy before this war,” said Maisaa al-Naffar, 20, of Khan Younis, breaking into tears as she recalled her first few weeks as a newlywed before the war began. She added: “I am not the person I used to be.”

Nine months pregnant, she is sheltering in a tent in southern Gaza.

“I miss my old life. I miss the days when we used to have fun or laugh at even the smallest things.

I miss my life when we had enough healthy food and snacks,”

Ms. al-Naffar said. “Today, everything has become a hell, full of dust and darkness.” 

Throughout the enclave, similar stories abound. For Mr. Abu Kheir, the image from the war that lingers is that of a naked, lifeless woman lying in the street, blown out of a house that had been bombarded, he said. The conflict has killed two of his best friends, and displaced him and his family, he said. It also destroyed the apartment he was building, in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The war, he said, has “destroyed my dreams.”

O texto seguinte servirá de base para responder à questão.

Inside the charming city named 'Europe's highest capital' - with no trains or airports

Most of Europe's capital cities are full of tourists wanting to come and see the beautiful scenery and architecture.

But only one can say it's the highest in the continent.

High up in the Pyrenees mountains, 1,023m (3,356ft) above sea level, is Andorra la Vella, in Andorra.

The capital city - also one of the smallest in Europe - spans just five square miles, making London more than 120 times bigger than it.

And it's very hard to get to - due to the fact that no airport or train station can be found throughout the entire country of Andorra.

But that hasn't stopped 8 to 10 million people visiting the tiny place every year.

The best way of getting to Andorra is by flying to Barcelona, Girona or Lleida, in Spain, or Toulouse, France, and driving from any of them.

And while there, you can take advantage of Avinguda Meritxell, the Shopping Mile, filled with huge department stores and duty-free shopping, as Andorra has one of the lowest VATs in Europe.

One person on Tripadvisor described: 'It is a giant duty free shopping haven.

'Selling cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes and, more cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, perfumes, and even more clothes, shoes and the likes.

'Very good for local economy, very boring.'

Another draw for tourists to Andorra is the Caldea spa, the largest thermal spa in southern Europe - designed in 1987, using the hot springs that naturally flow in the region.

Here, you'll find indoor saunas, hammams and various types of baths, as well as an outdoor lagoon, surrounded by awe-inspiring mountain views.

The basic package for three hours access starts from ?30.50.

One person on Tripadvisor said: 'Fantastic spa with hydro massage pools and overlapping pools with futuristic design.'

Another visitor, who booked the basic entry, added: 'Very clean, very nicely designed and enjoyable. Absolutely worth it, 3 hours is more than enough.'

For the historians, Andorra's Old Town has a pre-Roman church, called Sant Esteve, dating back to the 9th century.

And Andorra La Vella is also an excellent place to stay if you want to head into the Pyrenees mountains.

When it comes to the weather, don't expect too much sun in Andorra.

In the mountains, the highs are as little as 8C in January and February, with the country having an average annual snowfall of 228cm.

Meanwhile, temperatures peak at 24C in July and August.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-15003409/Inside-charming-city -named-Europes-highest-capital-no-trains-airports.html (Adapted)