The 2026 University Access Test (PAU) commenced in the Canary Islands this Tuesday, presenting students with a Language and Literature exam. Aspirants were required to analyze a text focusing on empathy and the "understanding of others," contrasting it with a more individualistic perspective. This text, published on April 7th in the 'Letters to the Editor' section of El País, metaphorically used NASA's Artemis II mission and its objective to observe the far side of the Moon.
The first prompt posed the reflection: "In the current day, do you believe society truly fosters empathy and understanding of others, or does an individualistic view prevail?" Students were expected to develop their responses based on this question.
In the Literature section, the exam included questions on the Generation of '98, Gloria Fuertes' poem 'Al borde' (from her book 'Antología y poemas del suburbio'), and the most relevant aspects of narrative or theater works written between 1975 and the present day, as per the course syllabus. Students had the option to answer two out of these three prompts.
“"I expected it to be more difficult. The Generation of '98 came up, which is what I wanted. I'm happy."
Upon finishing the test, a student identified as Lisa Otero expressed her satisfaction, stating that the exam was less challenging than anticipated and that it was favorable to her as it included the Generation of '98, a topic she had hoped for. She admitted to being initially startled by the supervisor's expression when distributing the exams but felt reassured upon seeing the content of the questions.
