businessenglish3 / test_place

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Entry Test

You will hear Donna Fisher, a company trainer, giving the introduction to an in-company training seminar. Listen and complete the information below (1–12). For questions 8–11, change the details according to what you hear. You will hear the recording twice.

AChoose a word from list A and a word from list B to make a two-word partnership that fits each definition (13–20).

13An official statement making information publicly available. ...........

14Customer preferences as shown by an analysis of the way they shop.

...........

15An additional advantage that is offered with a job other than salary.

...........

16A system of paying for expensive goods by instalments. ...........

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Entry Test

17A large covered area, prohibited to vehicles, where there are a lot of retail outlets. ...........

18The amount suppliers add to the invoice to cover the cost of transport to the buyer. ...........

19Back-up arrangement prepared in case things go wrong. ...........

20Buying and selling an unusual product or service, often at a high price. ...........

BComplete each of the expressions (21–27) with the name of a colour, then match it to its definition (a–g).

C Choose a verb from the box to complete each of the sentences below (28–37).

any details.

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AIn the short article below, there is one language mistake in each line. Underline each mistake and write the correct word or words on the lines on the right (38–52).

BComplete the expressions in these dialogues (53–60). Write one word in each gap.

53 Introducing someone

A: John, I’d ........... ........... ........... meet Carla Mendez, our new marketing manager.

B: Pleased to meet you, Carla.

54Replying to an invitation

A:Would you like to join us for dinner tonight?

59Summarising

A:I think we should take a break.

60 Ending a conversation

A: Please ........... ........... . I really have to leave. B: OK. Well, it’s been nice meeting you.

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Entry Test

A Read the article and answer the questions (61–66).

Camaraderie over competence

by Lucy Kellaway

*Slang word used, in this article, to mean someone with no social skills

61Which statement best reflects the author’s opinion of the research?

a)The results are rather obvious.

b)The results are unexpected.

c)The results should have a big impact on the way companies are run.

62According to the Harvard Business Review research, which combination of characteristics would most people choose for their colleagues at work?

a)competent, unlikeable

b)nice, unintelligent

c)proficient, unattractive

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63The research suggests that companies should do more to encourage workmates to like each other. How could they do this? (Tick the three methods mentioned in the article.)

a)organise team-building activities outside the office

b)encourage people to socialise outside office hours

c)arrange the workplace so that people meet frequently and talk

d)set coffee breaks at fixed times

e)develop a friendly working environment

f ) recruit staff who are all attractive

64What kind of people does the author like to work with? (Tick three descriptions that reflect what she writes in the article.)

a)close friends

b)amusing, fun to be with

c)respectable

d)have interesting things to tell about other colleagues

e)don’t talk too much

f ) not completely incompetent

65What is the main disadvantage of employing teams of similar people?

a)They talk more and work less.

b)They are more likely to argue.

c)They generate fewer new ideas.

66Does the author believe that companies can succeed in making colleagues like each other? Is she …

a)generally positive?

b)generally negative?

c)neutral?

BMatch these words from the article (67–72) with the word or phrase of the same meaning (a–f).

CAnswer these questions (73–75).

73 Which word means the same as meagre (line 17)?

a)inadequate

b)superior

c)expert

74Which phrase means the same as tolerating a lot of chat (lines 31–32)?

a)encouraging humour

b)relaxing the rules

c)allowing informal conversation

75What does the diversity lobby promote (line 58)?

a)recruiting staff from different cultures and backgrounds

b)extending the company’s product range

c)more variety of working styles and practices

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Entry Test

You are the Communications Manager of a medium-sized firm. You were hoping to launch a company newsletter as part of a drive to improve internal communications within the firm. You advertised the job of newsletter editor and selected Jan Goodman as the ideal person for the job – someone with excellent qualifications and experience. You made a job offer to Jan (conditional on approval from the Board of Directors), but the Board has not given their approval due to budget cutbacks. You now have to write an apologetic letter to Jan to let her know. Tell her that the situation may change in the next few months, but you can’t make any promises. Wish her success with her job search and career.

You should write 100–150 words.

You are going to have a speaking test that will last ten to 15 minutes.

The examiner will ask you to spend five minutes preparing a short presentation. Choose one of the topics below. You may make notes if you wish. After your presentation, the examiner will ask you to elaborate some of your ideas.

Topics

•A project you have worked on

•The value of working abroad

•What companies could do to encourage more women to reach top jobs