BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 1

BEC Vantage practice test 1

READING 1 hour

PART ONE
Questions 1–7
z Look at the statements below and the four paragraphs.
z Which section (A, B, C or D) does each statement 1–7 refer to?
z For each statement 1–7, mark one letter (A, B, C or D).
z You will need to use some of these letters more than once.

Example:
0 The organisation is an eye-care company. D

1 This organisation is a public limited company.

2 7KHRUJDQLVDWLRQGRHVQRWVHHPWRKDYHRI¿FHVLQ$XVWUDOLD

3 Glasses are one of the products the company manufactures.

4 This organisation belongs to another business organisation.

5 The organisation is related to information technology.

6 The organisation may also be called an optical equipment company.

7 7KHSUHWD[SUR¿WVRIWKHRUJDQLVDWLRQZHUHÀDW

A
XYZ, the media sales and market research group, yesterday said that it saw tentative signs of
recovery in the US and expected global advertising spending next year to grow by nearly 3
percent. The forecast came as the company announced first-half revenues up by 10 percent to
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The shares edged 2 pounds higher to 71 pounds.

B
AK has developed a unique approach to transforming service delivery in the public sector by
rapidly identifying and delivering substantial service and financial improvements. Backed by
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consistently outperform our targets. Our team of highly motivated, resilient and energetic people
value commitment, integrity, teamwork and a sense of humour. All employees, over 1600, are
shareholders.

1
 C
ZH is a leading marketing and technology agency that helps clients use the Internet to grow their
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e-commerce. We work with market-leading brands to get and keep customers and increase their
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D
This manufacturing centre of excellence, with a workforce of 1,000 people, is of pivotal strategic
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very high volumes of vision care products in a regulated, continuous process driven, clean room
manufacturing environment, the facility which supplies to global markets is poised for sustained
growth in terms of volume and new product innovation in the next 12 months.

PART TWO
Questions 8–12
z Read the article below about the securities exchange.
z &KRRVHWKHEHVWVHQWHQFHWR¿OOHDFKRIWKHJDSV
z For each gap 8–12, mark one letter (A–G).
z Do not use any letter more than once.
z There is an example at the beginning, (0).

The Securities Exchange

When people buy stock, most do so through one of the securities exchanges or marketplaces for
stocks and bonds. These marketplaces are commonly called “stock exchanges” and they provide
a meeting place for both the buyer and seller. To understand why such securities or stock
exchanges are important in the purchase and sale of stocks and bonds, consider what would
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or seller. (0) A 0RUHLPSRUWDQWO\KRZZRXOG\RX¿QGRXWZKRLVLQWHUHVWHGLQVHOOLQJWKDW
stock to you (or buying it from you)?
In order to handle such marketing problems, securities exchanges sprung up. These exchanges
are nothing more than locations where stocks are bought and sold. And since there is a common
meeting place for these transactions, people who are interested in buying and selling go there,
or send their representatives. The result is a very systematic market process, where transactions
are handled in an orderly manner and the operations are both supervised and regulated by
law. (8)
Buying and Selling Securities
The general approach in buying and selling securities, regardless of the exchange where they
are purchased, is basically the same. We provide a general picture of how security transactions
take place; and for a fuller understanding, we will discuss some of the important terminology
and functions of security trading. (9) How would you go about buying stock in a major
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Assuming your broker works for a major stock brokerage, the order would be telephoned
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say it is “70 to a quarter”. (11)

2
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 1

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that the sale is reported and a few minutes later it will come out on the ticker tape.
Bulls and Bears
What does “a bull” mean? It is a term that is used to refer to an investor who expects prices to
rise. (12)
Of course, the market will not always rise. Sometimes stocks drop and remain low for extended
periods of time. Those investors who expect stock prices to decline are known as “bears”.
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long” the bears were “selling short”.

A How would you know what a fair price for the security is?

B This means that someone is currently bidding “ 70 for the stock and another party is willing to
sell at 70.25”.

C How are stocks actually purchased?

D “Bulls” buy in anticipation of the market going up.

E In this way, the buyer or seller is ensured that the best price is secured and they are not short-
changed or cheated in any way.

F Then you would place a call to your stockbroker, who would enter an order to buy the 100
shares at the current market price.

G If the market is going down, the only way to recover your investment is to hang on to the stock
and wait for it to come back.

PART THREE
Questions 13–18
z Read the article below about the US banking system and the questions.
z For each question 13–18, mark one letter (A, B, C or D) for the answer you choose.

The US Banking System

The stability of the US banking system is maintained by means of supervision and regulation,
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have prevented banking panics. However, there have been some close calls. The collapse of
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banking system, but it certainly rattled some windows.
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3
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failed to see how serious its problems were going to be.
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13 In the spring of 1984, Continental experienced a run attributed to .

A short-term borrowing from other banks
B a risky growth strategy
C questionable loans to troubled banks
D all of the above

14 By July, all hope of a private sector rescue was .

A destroyed
B absurd
C desperate
D damaged

15 Which is not the reason that hot money owners began to pull their funds out of Continental?
A Penn Square Bank was closed by regulators.
B 7R¿QGDVRXQGEDQNZDVKDUG
C Loans that Continental had taken over from the smaller banks turned out to be bad.
D Other loans to troubled companies looked questionable.

16 Banking panics may not be prevented by means of .

A deposit insurance
B inspections
C long-term borrowing
D regulation

17 Which of the following was not in trouble?

A International Harvester.
B Chrysler.
C Braniff.
D FDIC.

4
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 1
18 7KHZRUG³VWDUN´LQWKH¿IWKSDUDJUDSKPHDQV .
A bare
B blunt
C extreme
D harsh

PART FOUR
Questions 19–33
z Read the article below about honesty in job interviews.
z &KRRVHWKHEHVWZRUGWR¿OOHDFKJDSIURPA, B, C or D.
z For each question 19–33, mark one letter (A, B, C or D).
z There is an example at the beginning, (0).

Catching out the Dishonest Candidate

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methods. But the advantages of testing are not going to change the (0) A of the interview to
employers. The appeal of the interview has everything to do with the (19) factor.

0RVWSHRSOHEHOLHYHWKH\DUHD20) judge of character and trust their instinctive feelings.

We might use some kind of test to aid the (21) process, but we usually pick a candidate
who interviews well, has good (22) and an impressive work record.

But (23) the candidate lies or is less than completely honest, “This can be a serious
problem for employers”, (24) $ODQ&RQUDG&KLHI([HFXWLYHDW2SWLPXV5HFUXLWPHQW³7KH
PRVWGLI¿FXOWOLDUVWR¿QGRXWDUHWKRVHZKR25) half-truths rather than complete lies.”
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most common practice is (27) .

Interviewers should therefore concentrate on areas of (28) such as gaps between periods of
employment and job (29) WKDWVHHPVWUDQJH³)RFXVLQJRQWKHVHDUHDVZLOOIRUFHFDQGLGDWHV
to tell the truth or become increasingly (30) . This is usually when people signal their
(31) by their body language. Sweat on the upper lip, false smiles and nervous hand
movements all (32) discomfort.”

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inspection of curriculum vitae is absolutely essential. Only by asking the right questions can you
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honest.

0 A attraction B discipline C rules D regulations

19 A emotion B feeling C human D person

20 A reasonable B sensible C substantial D normal

21 A choice B selection CLGHQWL¿FDWLRQ D discovery

22 A examinations B papers C notes DTXDOL¿FDWLRQV

23 A pretend B think C suppose D fantasise

24 A reveals B admits C exaggerates D explains

25 A say B tell C inform D talk

5
 26 A shows B predicts C calculates D reckons

27 A ignorance B forgetfulness C omission D carelessness

28 A error B incorrectness C uncertainty D indecision

29 A descriptions B advertisements C interpretations D routines

30 A untrue B illegal C dishonest D criminal

31 A annoyance B anger C anxiety D disappointment

32 A indicate B prove C present D picture

33 A immediate B tight C near D close

PART FIVE
Questions 34–45
z Read the consumer reaction report below.
z In most of the lines 34–45 there is one extra word. It is either grammatically incorrect or does
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z If a line is correct, write CORRECT.
z If there is an extra word in the line, write the extra wordLQ&$3,7$//(77(56
z The exercise begins with two examples, (0) and (00).

Examples 0 C O R R E C T

00 W I T H

Consumer Reaction Report

0 We have completed our market research on testing consumer reaction to your
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34 is as the result of that research. This preliminary report is a summary of our
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36 us after you have considered the results.
37 Our survey was based on discussions moderated by a psychological member who has took
38 a number of groups, some who were used and some who did not use your products.
39 On the results of the discussions we constructed a questionnaire which was
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41 distribution of this country. We asked them about their preferences and
42 awareness of your products while compared to others on the market, and from
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44 ZLWKRWKHUFRPSDQLHV¶EUDQGV
45 The lists attached that show the statistical breakdown in answers to our questions.

6
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 1

BEC Vantage practice test 1

Part Three
23 B 24 A 25 C 26 C 27 A 28 B 29 C 30 B

Reading
Part One
1 A 2 C 3 D 4 C 5 C 6 D 7 A
This is the Business English Certificate Vantage Listening Test.
Part Two
 (    &    )    %    '
Part One. Questions 1 to 12.
Part Three
13 B 14 A 15 B 16 A 17 D 18 D You will hear three telephone conversations or messages.
Write one or two words or a number in the numbered spaces on
Part Four
the notes or forms below.
19 C 20 A 21 B 22 D 23 C 24 D 25 B
You will hear each recording twice.
26 A 27 C 28 C 29 A 30 C 31 C 32 A 33 D
Part Five Conversation One. Questions 1 to 4.
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You have 15 seconds to read through the form.

Writing Now listen, and fill in the spaces.

Model answers M: Good morning. Can I help you?
Part One W: Good morning. Could I speak to Frank Larsen, please?
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department. message?
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is suggested.
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W: Thanks. Bye.
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forward to hearing from you.
[repeat]
Yours,
Martha Green Conversation Two. Questions 5 to 8.
Look at the notes below.
Listening You will hear a woman checking the details of a job
Part One advertisement.
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Part Two M: Hello, Cleo.
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M: What do you need to know?

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Conversation Three. Questions 9 to 12.
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we see her.
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Fifteen
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premium on to the fare?
Sixteen
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Seventeen
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Section Two. Questions 18 to 22.
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tomorrow afternoon.
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[repeat] Nineteen
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Part Two. Questions 13 to 22. Twenty
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16
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Thanks. Bye.
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what you think, OK? Bye.
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talking about how Skoda changed public attitudes to the brand.
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Skoda to the motoring press.
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correct answer.
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1995.
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Now you will hear the recording again.
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That is the end of Part Three. You now have ten minutes to
transfer your answers to your Answer Sheet.
That is the end of the listening test.
17
 BEC Vantage practice test 2
READING 1 hour

PART ONE
Questions 1–7
z Look at the statements below and the information about recruitment.
z Which section (A, B, C or D) does each statement 1–7 refer to?
z For each statement 1–7, mark one letter (A, B, C or D).
z You will need to use some of these letters more than once.

Example:
0 <RXFRXOGFRPPXQLFDWHZLWKSHRSOHIURP¿HOGVRWKHUWKDQ\RXUV A

1 You are expected to have a master’s degree in economics, business, etc.

2 ,WUHTXLUHVWKDW\RXVKRXOGNQRZDORWDERXW(XURSHDQHFRQRPLFV

3 It requires that your reports should be easy for users to understand.

4 Your age is expected to be under 30 years old.

5 Your job has a connection with people from the media.

6 You are expected to have some skills to communicate with other organisations.

7 It requires that your analysis be based on data from various sources.

A
Business Economist
You will have excellent analytical skills and an ability to communicate effectively with non-
economists both orally and in writing. You will be expected to use data from a variety of sources
for model-building and other forms of economic analysis. You will also liaise with clients, play
an active role in business development, and present the results of your analysis in an incisive and
accessible form.

18
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 2

B
Economic Policy Manager
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DSSUHFLDWHKRZWKH\¿WLQZLWKWKHELJJHUSLFWXUH7KXV\RXZLOOEHDNH\SOD\HULQWKHWHDP
leading our regulatory agenda both internally and externally, preparing government proposals,
and using your excellent interpersonal communication and influencing skills to build strong
links across our business and with external bodies.

C
Outstanding Young Economists
We are seeking to recruit outstanding young economists to join our team at our Dublin office.
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late twenties and will be focused on applying their exceptional economic skills to commercial and
policy issues.

D
Principle Economist
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role focuses on producing top quality macroeconomic commentary, forecasts and country risk
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\RX ZLOO KDYH DQ H[WHQVLYH NQRZOHGJH RI (XURSHDQ HFRQRPLFV ZLWK SDUWLFXODU UHIHUHQFH WR
structural change and policy.

PART TWO
Questions 8–12
z Read the article below about a risky business.
z &KRRVHWKHEHVWVHQWHQFHWR¿OOHDFKRIWKHJDSV
z For each gap 8–12, mark one letter (A–G).
z Do not use any letter more than once.
z There is an example at the beginning, (0).

A Risky Business
As everyone in business knows, working life can be difficult. At times, it seems impossible
to reach a position where everything is running smoothly. (0) B 0DQ\ GLVDVWHUV DUH
completely unforeseen, and it is becoming increasingly important for managers to learn how to
live with the unexpected.
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IRUPDQRUJDQL]DWLRQFDOOHG6XUYLYH (8) So far they have worked with 600 companies
in the UK and they are rapidly branching out to locations around the world. Survive Singapore,

19
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to be established. (9)
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employees and customers, then you are more likely to discover the risks you may be running
ZKLFK\RXKDGQ¶WWKRXJKWRI10) Wider issues, such as polluting a local river, may be
discovered through the public. If you have systems to keep in touch with what people are saying
about you, then you will have a chance of preventing problems before they arrive.
6HFRQGO\PDQ\FRPSDQLHVGRQ¶WKDYHDGHTXDWHLQVXUDQFH11) $¿UHPD\EUHDNRXW
in the office and bring damage to not only the office furniture but also invaluable customer
records and legal documents. The effect of the damage to the company can often make recovery
impossible. Survive will assist companies in assessing their risk of unexpected events, and point
them in the direction of suitable insurance companies.
(12) :KDW\RXQHHGLVDEXVLQHVVFRQWLQXLW\SODQ3URIHVVLRQDODVVLVWDQFHLQGUDZLQJ
up a plan can be provided by Survive, who will give you access to publications, conferences,
databases and workshops where you can discuss problems with people in similar situations to
yours.

A In fact, many small companies have very little insurance at all and only discover that they are
underinsured when it is too late.

B Computer failure, client indecision and even mistakes by staff can quickly send a company
into crisis.

C The advice they offer can be broken down into three areas.

D Survive can help you to calculate what is unexpected.

E Their objective is to advise companies of the steps they should take in order to maintain
business continuity in the event of disaster.

F 0D\EHVDIHW\SURFHGXUHVKDYHJRWDOLWWOHRXWRIGDWHLWLV\RXUHPSOR\HHVZKRFDQWHOO\RX
which working practices are dangerous or inadequately supervised

G 7KHWKLUGDUHDWRORRNDWLVZKDWWRGRLI\RXURI¿FHGLGEXUQGRZQDQGDOO\RXUUHFRUGVZHUH
lost.

PART THREE
Questions 13–18
z Read the article below and the questions.
z For each question 13–18, mark one letter (A, B, C or D) for the answer you choose.

20
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 2

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were paid, part of their earnings went into a fund on their behalf. If they were in battle then this
money was given to their families. Or, if they were retired from the army, they were given this
money to help them start a new career.
In the days when pirates used to attack ships at sea, many sea captains used to club together
by putting money into a fund. Then when one of these captains was unlucky enough to get
captured, money from the fund was used to pay his ransom and so get him released as soon as
SRVVLEOH*UDGXDOO\RYHUWKHFHQWXULHVWKHEDVLFSULQFLSOHVRIOLIHDVVXUDQFHZHUHJURZLQJ
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,QWKLVZD\WKHIXQGZRXOGJUDGXDOO\JURZDQGLIRQHRIWKHVRFLHW\¶VPHPEHUVGLGGLHWKHUH
should be enough in the fund to be able to pay out the amount assured. The problem that
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into the fund rested on the principle of probability. That is how probable or likely it was that the
person might die.
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how long the person can expect or hope to live.
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he or she should be expected to pay into the fund and, therefore, the more he or she should
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amount that the person should pay each year, in order to be assured that an agreed sum of
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up the policy.
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Dodson himself died before his scheme started working properly.

13 Life assurance has existed for thousands of years. The statement is supported by two
examples given in the passage, they are .
A Roman soldiers’ fund and James Dodson’s scheme
B Pirates’ attack and sea captains’ fund
C Level premium and James Dodson’s scheme
D Roman soldiers’ fund and sea captains’ fund

14 The problem of how much each person should put into the fund was solved by James
Dodson based on the principle of .
A probability
B health
C level premium
D club fund

21
 15 $SHUVRQ¶VOLIHH[SHFWDQF\KDVPXFKWRGRZLWKWKHIROORZLQJIDFWRUVH[FHSW .
A age
B health
C hobby
D job

16 What does “premium” mean?

A extra fund
B EHQH¿W
C compensation
D an amount of money that you pay regularly for an insurance policy

17 If a person wants to have assurance, he has to pay money regularly into the club’s or
society’s fund each year. What the person does is generally referred to as .
A “paying a premium”
B “raising the fund”
C “collecting money”
D “getting the ransom”

18 Which of the following is the most proper title for this passage?
A /LIH$VVXUDQFH
B +LVWRU\RI/LIH$VVXUDQFH
C %DVLF3ULQFLSOHVRI/LIH$VVXUDQFH
D $3HUVRQ¶V/LIH([SHFWDQF\

PART FOUR
Questions 19–33
z 5HDGWKHLQWURGXFWLRQEHORZDERXWWKH*HQHUDO$JUHHPHQWRQ7DULIIVDQG7UDGH
z &KRRVHWKHEHVWZRUGWR¿OOHDFKJDSIURPA, B, C or D.
z For each question 19–33, mark one letter (A, B, C or D).
z There is an example at the beginning, (0).

The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

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(0) A LQVWLWXWLRQV²WKHRWKHUVZHUHWKH:RUOG%DQNDQGWKH,QWHUQDWLRQDO0RQHWDU\)XQG²
(19) to help regulate the international economy and prevent any drift back to the disastrous
SURWHFWLRQLVWSROLFLHVRIWKHV7KH*$77ZDV20) envisaged as part of an ambitious
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cover not just trade, but also employment, commodity arrangements, restrictive business practices,
international investments and services. Ambition was not (22) into reality and the idea
RIWKH,72ZDVILQDOO\VKHOYHGVRWKDWWKH*$77ZDVWKH23) multilateral instrument
JRYHUQLQJLQWHUQDWLRQDOWUDGHXQWLOWKH:72ZDVHVWDEOLVKHGLQ-DQXDU\

22
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 2

0XOWLODWHUDOWUDGH24) ZLWKLQWKH*$77WDNHSODFHWKURXJKDVXFFHVVLRQRI5RXQGV²

dealing with a (25) of measures rather than single issues. The very first opened among
WKHIRXQGLQJPHPEHUVLQ26) to eat into the many protectionist measures which
remained in (27) IURPWKHVLWOHGWRWDULIIFRQFHVVLRQVFRYHULQJELOOLRQ²
DERXWRQH¿IWK²RIZRUOGWUDGH
Successive rounds became more complex, (28) more members and issues and taking
longer to complete. Tariff cuts helped to contribute (29) high rates of world growth
DYHUDJLQJD\HDUGXULQJWKHVDQGV%XW30) WKHHDUO\VWKHGHWHULRUDWLRQ
in the trade environment from a series of economic recessions, the increasing globalisation of
the world economy and loopholes, (31) KDGDSSHDUHGLQWKH*$77V\VWHPFRQYLQFHGLWV
members of the need to (32) DQGH[WHQGWKHPXOWLODWHUDOV\VWHP²DGHFLVLRQZKLFKOHGWR
WKH8UXJXD\5RXQG7KHFRQFHSWRIORQJDUGXRXV5RXQGVLVQRZ33) to be replaced by a
rolling program of trade liberalisation initiatives.

0 A multilateral B bilateral C international D national

19 A organised B directed C devised D produced

20 A lately B originally C primarily D normally

21 A authorized B specialised C VSHFL¿HG D generalised

22 A turned B changed C returned D developed

23 A one B¿UVW C sole D solo

24 A discussions B arguments C talks D negotiations

25 A list B package C lot D series

26 A Desired B Supposed C Designed D ([SHFWHG

27 A place B position C location D area

28 A bracing B embarrassing C accepting D embracing

29 A for B with C to D of

30 A by B at C in D during

31 A that B which C when D what

32 A enlarge B improve C increase D strengthen

33 A possible B likely C unlikely D necessary

23
 PART FIVE
Questions 34–45
z Read the extract of an article below about internet commerce.
z In most of the lines 34–45 there is one extra word. It is either grammatically incorrect or does
QRW¿WLQZLWKWKHPHDQLQJRIWKHWH[W6RPHOLQHVKRZHYHUDUHFRUUHFW
z If a line is correct, write CORRECT.
z If there is an extra word in the line, write the extra wordLQ&$3,7$//(77(56
z The exercise begins with two examples, (0) and (00).

Examples 0 T H R O U G H

00 C O R R E C T

Internet Commerce

0 The ability to order and pay for products over through the Internet can revolutionise
international trade.
00 It can provide purchasers in one country with access to goods and services from another of
which they might otherwise not even be aware.
34 Since then many governments restrict imports of certain products and regulate advertising
35 and the other marketing tools within their national borders,
36 SXUFKDVHUVDUHRIWHQIRUFHGWRFKRRVHSURGXFWVIURPDOLPLWHG²RUHYHQPRQRSROLVWLF²
supply of a desired product.
37 With Internet access, purchasers can search the world
38 LQPLQXWHVDVWR¿QGWKHULJKWSURGXFWDWDUHDVRQDEOHSULFH
39 Until recently, however, suppliers used the Internet primarily for advertising purposes.
40 All orders were taken either over the telephone or by sending mail.
41 While this certainly opened the door and paved the way for the internet commerce,
42 it is still required that business be conducted through traditional methods.
43 Shopping at these days is easy and convenient with home shopping networks and mail
order catalogues.
44 What has been added to is internet shopping. As you surf the Internet and
45 FRPHDFURVVVRPHYHQGRUV¶KRPHSDJHV\RX¶OOEHDEOHWRSXUFKDVHFRPPRGLWLHV

24
 BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 2

BEC Vantage practice test 2

 (;3(5,(1&('    ()),&,(17    ,03$7,(17

Part Two
13 C 14 H 15 D 16 F 17 A
Reading 18 H 19 A 20 F 21 B 22 D
Part One Part Three
1 B 2 D 3 A 4 C 5 D 6 B 7 A 23 A 24 B 25 A 26 B 27 C 28 C 29 C 30 A
Part Two
 (    &    )    $    *
Part Three
13 D 14 A 15 C 16 D 17 A 18 A
This is the Business English Certificate Vantage Listening Test.
Part Four
19 C 20 B 21 B 22 A 23 C 24 D 25 B
Part One. Questions 1 to 12.
26 C 27 A 28 B 29 C 30 A 31 B 32 D 33 B
Part Five You will hear three telephone conversations or messages.
 7+(1    7+(    352'8&76    &255(&7    $6 Write one or two words or a number in the numbered spaces on
 &255(&7    6(1',1*    7+(    ,6    $7   the notes or forms below.
 72    &255(&7 You will hear each recording twice.

Writing Conversation One. Questions 1 to 4.

Look at the form below.
Model answers You will hear a woman calling to check the schedule.
Part One You have 15 seconds to read through the form.
To: All staff
From: Training Manager Now listen, and fill in the spaces.
Date: August 1, 2xxx
Karen: Hello, Karen Williams speaking.
6XEMHFW6HPLQDURQ&URVV&XOWXUDO&RPPXQLFDWLRQ
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,ªYHEHHQDVNHGWRRUJDQLVHDVHPLQDURQFURVVFXOWXUDOFRPPXQLFDWLRQ .DUHQ 2KKHOOR0UV(YHUHWW+RZDUH\RX"
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SDUWQHU,WZLOOVWDUWDWDPWK$XJXVW$OOVWDIIH[FHSWWKRVHRI DUUDQJHPHQWVIRUP\YLVLWWR/LYHUSRROQH[WPRQWK
WKHSURGXFWLRQGHSDUWPHQWVKRXOGDWWHQGWKHVHPLQDU .DUHQ $OOULJKW,WKLQN,ªYHJRWDOOWKHGHWDLOVDVZHOODVWKHWUDYHO
Part Two arrangements.
Proposal on Improving the Situation of Female Employees $OLFH 2.WKHQZHFDQVWDUWZLWKWKHWK:KDWWLPHVKDOO,
Introduction DUULYHDW/LYHUSRRO"
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FRXOGEHWDNHQWRLPSURYHWKHVLWXDWLRQRIIHPDOHHPSOR\HHVLQRXU $OLFH 7KDWªVJRRG:KHQDP,VXSSRVHGWRPHHW0U3HWHUVRQ
FRPSDQ\ from Sunrise?
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Findings WR,WKLQN7KHQ\RXKDYHDOXQFKDSSRLQWPHQWZLWK
7KHWDEOHDQGJUDSKVFOHDUO\VKRZWKDWWKHFXUUHQWQXPEHUVRI 0UV5HEHFFDIURP1DWLRQDO%DQNDW
females in the four departments are lower than what the standard $OLFH 2K,DOPRVWIRUJRWDERXWWKLV,VLWFRUUHFWWKDW,RQO\KDYH
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IHPDOHPDQDJHUVKDVFRQWLQXHGWRIDOOVLQFH)HPDOHGLUHFWRUV 0F'RQDOGIURP)RUGDWRªFORFN7KHQ\RXªOOEHIUHHLQWKH
GHFUHDVHGE\DERXWLQ\HDUV$OVRZRPHQKDYHUHFHLYHGORZHU HYHQLQJ%XW\RXªOOKDYHWRYLVLWWZRIDFWRULHVRQWKHWK
salaries than men. EHIRUH\RXUUHWXUQIOLJKWDWLQWKHDIWHUQRRQ
Recommendations $OLFH 2.WKDQN\RX.DUHQ,ªOOUHPHPEHUWKDW:HOOLWVRXQGV
,WLVUHFRPPHQGHGWKDWPRUHIHPDOHVVKRXOGEHUHFUXLWHGWR OLNHDKHFWLFWULS
EDODQFHWKHQXPEHUVRIWKHWZRVH[HV$OVRPRUHZRPHQVKRXOG .DUHQ <HVLWFHUWDLQO\GRHV0UV(YHUHWW
EHFRQVLGHUHGIRUSURPRWLRQ([FHOOHQWZRPHQVKRXOGEHJLYHQWKH
FKDQFHWRFRPSHWHZLWKWKHLUPDOHFRXQWHUSDUWV$QGWKHIHPDOH Now you will hear the conversation again.
HPSOR\HHVVKRXOGEHRIIHUHGDSD\ULVH [repeat]

Listening Conversation Two. Questions 5 to 8.

Part One Look at the form below.
 /,9(5322/    3(7(5621    1$7,21$/%$1. You will hear a woman placing an order for office supplies.
 $*5((0(17    ,1'8675,$/    2)),&(0$1$*(5 You have 15 seconds to read through the form.
 3+272&23<3$3(5    7+856'$<    0$1$*,1*',5(&725

33
Now listen, and fill in the spaces.
M: Initial Business Supplies. Good morning.
: *RRGPRUQLQJ7KLVLV/DFH\*UDSKLFV,ªGOLNHWRSODFHDQRUGHU
please.
0 $OOULJKW,ªOOMXVWJHWDQRUGHUIRUP5LJKW1RZLWªV/DFH\
*UDSKLFV"
: 7KDWªVULJKW:HKDYHDQDFFRXQWZLWK\RX
0 2KUHDOO\",ªPVRUU\,ªPQHZKHUH
: 2.WKDWªVILQH
0 &RXOG\RXJLYHPH\RXUDGGUHVVSOHDVH"
: <HVRIFRXUVH,WªV8QLW+DLOVKDP,QGXVWULDO(VWDWH+DLOVKDP
0 +DLOVKDPž,QGXVWULDOž(VWDWHULJKW"
W: Yes.
0 $QGFRXOG,KDYH\RXUQDPHSOHDVH"
: :HOO,ªP/L]3ULFHEXW,ªGOLNH\RXWRDGGUHVVLWWRWKH§2IILFH
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0 2.)LQH1RZZKDWªVWKHRUGHUIRU"
: :HªGOLNHER[HVRISULQWHUSDSHU
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M: And when would you like it?
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0 ,FDQJHWLWWR\RXRQ7KXUVGD\LILWªVRND\
: 7KDWªVJUHDW7KDQNV
0 $QGKRZZLOO\RXEHSD\LQJ"
: :HOO\RXXVXDOO\VHQGXVDQLQYRLFH
0 2.$QGWKDWªVWRWKHVDPHDGGUHVV"
: 7KDWªVULJKW
Now you will hear the conversation again.
[repeat]
Conversation Three. Questions 9 to 12.
Look at the notes below.
You will hear a man talking about the boss.
You have 15 seconds to read through the notes.
Now listen, and fill in the spaces.
: *RRGPRUQLQJ,KRSH,ªPRQWLPH
M: Good morning. Miss Tanner. Come on in and take a seat for a
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do.
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0 :HOOILUVWRIDOO,ªOOWDNH\RXWR\RXUIXWXUHERVVWKHPDQDJLQJ
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W: Is it a he or she?
0 ,WªV0U$OODQ9LUJHDYHU\H[SHULHQFHGJHQWOHPDQZLWKWZR
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0 7KDWªOOGHSHQGRQ\RX+HªVYHU\H[DFWLQJSXQFWXDODQG
Do not use any letter more than once.
You will hear the five recordings twice.
<RXKDYHVHFRQGVWRUHDGWKHOLVW$à+
Now listen, and decide what each speaker is booking.
Thirteen
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EHHQRXJKVHDWVLQFOXGLQJWKUHHIRUNLGVDQGWZRWDEOHV&RXOG\RX
SOHDVHDUUDQJHWKHPQHDUWKHZLQGRZVVRWKDWZHªOOKDYHDJRRG
YLHZRIWKHRXWVLGH",ZRQGHULIZHFRXOGKDYHVRPHKRWDSSHWLVHUV
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forks? Thank you.
Fourteen
:HªOOEHLQDODUJHJURXSRIHLJKWSHRSOHLQFOXGLQJWKUHHNLGV
:HªGOLNHWROHDYHHDUO\)ULGD\PRUQLQJDQGFRPHEDFNRQ6XQGD\
DIWHUQRRQ&DQ\RXKDYHRXUVHDWVDUUDQJHGLQWKHVDPHDUHDZLWK
WKUHHZLQGRZVHDWV"2XUNLGVUHDOO\HQMR\ZDWFKLQJWKHFORXGV%\
WKHZD\,ªGDOVROLNHWRNQRZLILWªVSRVVLEOHWRKDYHDFDUWRSLFNXV
up on Friday morning.
Fifteen
:HªUHWZRFRXSOHVZLWKQRFKLOGUHQ:HMXVWZDQWWRVSHQGWKH
ZHHNHQGLQDTXLHWSODFHZLWKIUHVKDLUWRUHOD[:HªGOLNHWROHDYH
HDUO\6DWXUGD\PRUQLQJDQGFRPHEDFNRQ6XQGD\HYHQLQJž:KDW
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VSRUWVOLNHWDEOHWHQQLVRUERZOLQJDQG,ªGOLNHWRZDWFKD%HLMLQJ
Opera. Thank you.
Sixteen
+HOORFDQ,KDYHWZRDGXOWWLFNHWVDQGDNLGRQHIRUWRPRUURZ
HYHQLQJSOHDVH",KHDULWªVPDUYHOORXV+RSH\RXZLOOKDYHVRPHOHIW
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DQG,ZDQWWRVLWRQWKHVHFRQGIORRUQHDUWKHIURQWURZ6LWWLQJLQWKH
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ZDQWWRSD\WRRPXFKIRULW
Seventeen
+HOORZHDUHLQDJURXSRIIRXUDQGMXVWZDQWWRILQGDTXLHWSODFH
with fresh air to play for two or three hours. We really need to relax
DIWHUDKDUGZHHN:HªOOEULQJRXURZQUDFNHWV+RZPXFKZLOOWKDW
EH":HZDQWDSODFHRIIWKHPDLQURDGEXWZLWKVRPHWUHHV&DQ,
DOVRDVNLI\RXUSULFHLQFOXGHVVRIWGULQNVDQGVQDFNV":HZDQWVRPH
Now you will hear the five recordings again.
[repeat]
Section Two. Questions 18 to 22.
You will hear another five recordings.
For each recording, decide who the speaker is.
DFFXUDWH,I\RXWXUQRXWWREHDQHIILFLHQWZRUNHUKHªOOEHYHU\
JRRGWR\RX%XWLI\RXªUHIRUJHWIXODQGFDUHOHVVKHPD\EHYHU\
LPSDWLHQW+LVIRUPHUVHFUHWDU\ORVWKHUMREZLWKXVEHFDXVHRI
WKDWDQGDOVRGXHWRKHUSULYDWHWDONVRYHUWKHWHOHSKRQH
: 2KGHDUKRZ\RXVFDUHPH
0 'RQªWEHDIUDLG,QJHQHUDOKHªVDYHU\QLFHSHUVRQ7KLVZD\
please. Now the third door on the right.
Now you will hear the conversation again.
[repeat]
7KDWLVWKHHQGRI3DUW2QH<RXQRZKDYHVHFRQGVWRFKHFN
your answers.
Part Two. Questions 13 to 22.
Section One. Questions 13 to 17.
You will hear five short recordings.
For each recording, decide what each speaker is booking.
:ULWHRQHOHWWHU$à+QH[WWRWKHQXPEHURIWKHUHFRUGLQJ
Do not use any letter more than once.
You will hear the five recordings twice.
<RXKDYHVHFRQGVWRUHDGWKHOLVW$à+
Now listen, and decide who the speaker is.
Eighteen
<RXVHH0U6LPSVRQZHDOOKHOSHDFKRWKHUDQGKDYHDUHDOO\
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LVHVVHQWLDOLQRXUFRPSDQ\2QO\ZRUNLQJWRJHWKHUPDNHVRXU
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WKHP:HMXVWZDQW\RXWRNQRZZKDWZHDUHORRNLQJIRUVR\RXFDQ
GHFLGHZKHWKHUWKLVLVZKDW\RXUHDOO\ZDQW
Nineteen
:HKDYHDJRRGUDQJHRIIROGHUV7KH\DUHRIJRRGTXDOLW\ZLWKD
YDULHW\RIVL]HVDQGFRORXUV:KDWHYHU\RXOLNHZHªOOVHQGWKHPWR
\RXDVVRRQDVSRVVLEOH<RXªGEHWWHUSD\E\FUHGLWFDUG$QGZH
KDYHDVSHFLDORIIHUDWWKHPRPHQWZKLFKPDNHVLWUDWKHUDWWUDFWLYH
:ULWHRQHOHWWHU$à+QH[WWRWKHQXPEHURIWKHUHFRUGLQJ ,I\RXEX\PRUHWKDQDWDWLPH,ªOOJLYH\RXDGLVFRXQW

34

Twenty
:HKDYHUHVHUYHGDVXLWHIRU0V%ODFNDQGDGHOX[HURRPIRU0U
5HLGQHDUE\RQWKHVDPHIORRU%RWKDUHGHFRUDWHGILUVWFODVVZLWK
EDWKURRP+RSH\RXHQMR\\RXUVWD\KHUH%\WKHZD\,ZRXOGOLNH
WRNQRZKRZORQJ\RXZLOOEHVWD\LQJDQGKRZ\RXZRXOGVHWWOH\RXU
DFFRXQW
Twenty-one
$FDULVDUUDQJHGWRSLFN\RXXSDW\RXUKRWHODWIRU\RXWRJHW
RªFORFNIOLJKW%XW,WKLQN\RXªOOKDYHWRFKDQJHIOLJKWLQ&KLFDJR
IRUWKHFRQQHFWLRQWR'HQYHUEHFDXVHWKHUHLVQRGLUHFWIOLJKWDWWKDW
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GRZQKHUHIRU\RX$Q\TXHVWLRQVSOHDVHFRQWDFW
Twenty-two
Good morning, Mrs. Nelson, Mr. Clark from Springfield Housewares
LVH[SHFWLQJ\RXLQWKHPHHWLQJURRPDWWKHPRPHQW<RXDOVRKDYH
WRJRWR\RXULQVXUDQFHDJHQWDWWKLVPRUQLQJ7KHQDWSPD
FDUZLOOSLFN\RXXSWRWDNH\RXWRWKHDLUSRUW7KHIOLJKWWR'HQYHULV
DW<RXªOODUULYHLQ'HQYHUDWWKHQDFDUZLOOSLFN\RXXSDQG
take you to the hotel.
Now you will hear the five recordings again.
[repeat]
That is the end of Part Two.
3DUW7KUHH4XHVWLRQVWR
<RXZLOOKHDUDFRQYHUVDWLRQZLWK0LFKDHO'HOOWKHIRXQGHURI
Dell Computer Corporation.
BEC VANTAGE PRACTICE TEST 2
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: 'R\RXWKLQN\RXVKRXOGDVNRWKHUSHRSOHªVRSLQLRQV"
0 ,ªPQRWVXUHDERXWWKDW6RPHWLPHVLWªVEHWWHUQRWWRDVNRUWR
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DVNIRUSHUPLVVLRQRUDSSURYDO,MXVWZHQWDKHDGDQGGLGLW
: :KHQGLG\RXEHJLQ\RXUFRPSDQ\"
0 2Q-DQXDU\,ZHQWEDFNWR$XVWLQHDUOLHUWKDQ,ZRXOG
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0 7KURXJKP\SUHYLRXVFRQWDFWZLWKFXVWRPHUVDQGWKHVPDOODGV,
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correct answer.
You will hear the recording twice.
You have 45 seconds to read through the questions.
Now listen, and mark A, B or C.
: * RRGHYHQLQJHYHU\RQH7KLVLV)DFHWR)DFHSURJUDPPH7RGD\
LWLVRXUJUHDWKRQRXUWRKDYH0LFKDHO'HOOWKHIRXQGHURI'HOO
&RPSXWHU&RUSRUDWLRQKHUH:HOFRPHWRRXUSURJUDPPH0U
'HOO&RXOG\RXSOHDVHVD\KHOORWRRXUDXGLHQFH"
0 *RRGHYHQLQJ
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FDUHHU"
0 <HDKžDFWXDOO\,VWDUWHGWKHEXVLQHVVZLWKDYHU\VLPSOH
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PDUNXSZLOOEHHOLPLQDWHGDQGWKHVDYLQJVZLOOEHSDVVHGRQWR
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: :KDWDERXW\RXUSDUHQWVªRSLQLRQRQ\RXUFDUHHUDQGVWXG\"
0 :KHUH,FDPHIURPQRWJRLQJWRFROOHJHLVQRWDQDFFHSWDEOH
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KDYHEHHQLPSRVVLEOH6R,MXVWZHQWDKHDGDQGGLGLWZKDWHYHU
WKHFRQVHTXHQFHV,ILQLVKHGP\IUHVKPDQ\HDUDQGOHIW$IWHU
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IRUJDYHWKHPWRR
: :HUH\RXVFDUHGEDFNWKHQ"
0 2KVXUH%XWLWWXUQHGRXWWKHWLPLQJIRU§3&ªV/LPLWHG¨FRXOGQªW
KDYHEHHQEHWWHU
Now you will hear the recording again.
[repeat]
That is the end of Part Three. You now have ten minutes to
transfer your answers to your Answer Sheet.
That is the end of the listening test.
35
Cambridge
BEC Vantage
2
WITH ANSWERS

Examination papers from

University of Cambridge
ESOL Examinations:
English for Speakers of
Other Languages
published by the press syndicate of the university of cambridge
The Pitt Building, Trumpington Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom

cambridge university press

The Edinburgh Building, Cambridge CB2 2RU, UK
40 West 20th Street, New York, NY 10011–4211, USA
477 Williamstown Road, Port Melbourne, VIC 3207, Australia
Ruiz de Alarcón 13, 28014 Madrid, Spain
Dock House, The Waterfront, Cape Town 8001, South Africa

http://www.cambridge.org

© Cambridge University Press 2004

It is normally necessary for written permission for copying to be obtained in advance

from a publisher. The normal requirements are waived here and it is not necessary to
write to Cambridge University Press for permission for an individual teacher to
make copies for use within his or her own classroom. Only those pages which carry the
wording © UCLES/K&J Photocopiable may be copied.

First published 2004

Typeset in Sabon 10.5/12pt and Univers 10/13pt System QuarkXPress™ [s e]

Printed in the United Kingdom at the University Press, Cambridge

ISBN 0 521 544548 Book

ISBN 0 521 544572 Cassette
ISBN 0 521 544564 Set of 2 Audio CDs
ISBN 0 521 544556 Self-study Pack
 Contents

Introduction 4

Test 1 Reading 18
Writing 27
Listening 29
Speaking 35

Test 2 Reading 38
Writing 47
Listening 49
Speaking 55

Test 3 Reading 58
Writing 67
Listening 69
Speaking 75

Test 4 Reading 78
Writing 87
Listening 89
Speaking 95

Key (including tapescripts and sample answers)

Test 1 98
Test 2 103
Test 3 109
Test 4 115

Speaking test interlocutor frames 121

Sample Answer Sheets 122

Thanks and acknowledgements 126

Test 1
READING 1 hour

PART ONE
Questions 1–7
● Look at the statements below and the text on the opposite page about the use of
coaching in staff development.
● Which section (A, B, C or D) does each statement (1–7) refer to?
● For each statement (1–7), mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.
● You will need to use some of these letters more than once.

Example:
0 the best coaches being committed to their work and feeling pleased with what
they achieve

0 A B C D

1 the contact between coach and employee not solving all difficulties at work

2 the discussion of how certain situations could be better handled if they occur again

3 a coach encouraging an employee to apply what has been taught to routine work
situations

4 coaching providing new interest to individuals who are unhappy in their current positions

5 coaching providing a supportive environment to discuss performance

6 employees being asked to analyse themselves and practise greater self-awareness

7 coaching enabling a company to respond rapidly to a lack of expertise in a certain area

18
 Reading

Coaching

Coaching involves two or more people sitting down together to talk through issues
that have come up recently at work, and analysing how they were managed and how
they might be dealt with more effectively on subsequent occasions. Coaching thus
transfers skills and information from one person to another in an on-the-job situation
so that the work experience of the coach is used to advise and guide the individual
being coached. It also allows successes and failures to be evaluated in a non-
threatening atmosphere.

Coaching means influencing the learner’s personal development, for example his or her
confidence and ambition. It can take place any time during an individual’s career.
Coaching is intended to assist individuals to function more effectively, and it is a powerful
learning model. It begins where skills-based training ends, and helps individuals to use
formally learnt knowledge in day-to-day work and management situations. Individuals
being coached are in a demanding situation with their coach, which requires them to
consider their own behaviour and question their reasons for doing things.

The coach professionally assists the career development of another individual, outside
the normal manager/subordinate relationship. In theory, the coaching relationship
should provide answers to every problem, but in practice it falls short of this. However,
it can provide a space for discussion and feedback on topics such as people management
and skills, behaviour patterns, confidence-building and time management. Through
coaching, an organisation can meet skills shortages, discuss targets and indicate how
employees should deal with challenging situations, all at short notice.

Effective coaches are usually those who get satisfaction from the success of others and
who give time to the coaching role. Giving people coaching responsibilities can support
their development, either by encouraging management potential through small-scale
one-to-one assignments, or by providing added job satisfaction to managers who feel
they are stuck in their present jobs. A coach is also a confidential adviser, accustomed
to developing positive and effective approaches to complex management,
organisational and change problems.

19
Test 1
PART TWO
Questions 8–12
● Read the article below about a catering company.
● Choose the best sentence from the opposite page to fill each of the gaps.
● For each gap (8–12), mark one letter (A–G) on your Answer Sheet.
● Do not use any letter more than once.
● There is an example at the beginning, (0).
BUFFET ZONE
Lucy Robertson started working at a take-
away food business to supplement her
income during her student days at Edinburgh
University. Several years later she had bought
the business and now, 17 years on, she owns
Grapevine Caterers, probably Scotland’s
leading independent caterers, with a turnover
of almost £6m.
She had never planned to own a business,and
had certainly never considered a career in
catering. (0) . . . G . . . . . . However, her unplanned
career began in 1985, when she returned to
Edinburgh and discovered that the takeaway
she had worked in was up for sale. On impulse,
she bought it, but admits that at the time she
knew nothing about catering. (8) . . . . . . . . . It
was a difficult time, but essential in terms of
gaining the experience she needed. The late
1980s boom was good for business, with large
numbers of office workers wanting takeaway
food for their lunches. (9) . . . . . . . .‘At one point
there were 26 food outlets within a 5-kilometre
radius,’ Robertson recalls. As the economy
changed and the once packed office blocks
started to become vacant, it became clear
that Robertson would need to diversify.
(10) . . . . . . . . It changed the direction of the
company for good.
As Robertson began to win catering con-
tracts, she decided that the company would
20
have to move to larger premises. In 1994, the
move was made when she bought another
catering business that already had a number
of profitable contracts for boardroom
lunches.
Meanwhile, Robertson’s main competitor, the
oldest catering company in Edinburgh, was
causing her some anxiety.‘Customer loyalty is
not to be underestimated,’ she warns. But
Robertson is not someone who is easily put off.
(11) . . . . . . . . Partly as a result of this, turnover
doubled, and having outgrown another site,
Robertson bought a city-centre location for
the group’s headquarters.
By now, Grapevine’s main competitor was a
new catering company called Towngates.
Although Robertson tried to raise enough
money to buy Towngates, she did not
succeed.Then luck intervened and Towngates
went bankrupt. (12) . . . . . . . . Many accepted
and the company’s turnover went from
£700,000 to £1.5 million almost overnight.
However, the company’s growth was not as
smooth as it sounds in retrospect. Robertson
admits,‘We were close to the edge during the
growth period. Like many under-capitalised
companies trying to grow, it might easily have
collapsed.’ But that, she feels, is the challenge
of developing your own business.
 Reading

Example: 0 A B C D E F G

A But there are plenty of similar contracts to be won in the east of Scotland before
Robertson turns her attention elsewhere.

B Her way round this particular problem was to recruit the catering manager of the
rival company.

C But this demand was short-lived, and before long, increasing competition made
it harder to make a profit.

D ‘It was a dramatic learning curve and very small amounts of money were earned
at first,’ says Robertson.

E She decided that the solution, since many companies required working lunches
for meetings with clients, was to prepare and deliver meals to business
premises.

F On hearing this, Robertson immediately contacted all of their clients and offered
the services of Grapevine Caterers.

G Instead, she studied accountancy after leaving university, and a steady if

unspectacular professional path seemed set.

21
Test 1
PART THREE
Questions 13–18
● Read the article below about an image consultant who advises people on how to
present themselves in the world of work, and the questions on the opposite page.
● For each question (13–18), mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.
HOW TO MARKET YOURSELF
We manage our own careers now. So knowing
how to brand and position yourself in the
market as ‘Me plc’ at different stages of your
working life is becoming an increasingly vital
skill. At least that is what image expert Mary
Spillane believes. ‘Employment as we know it is
decreasing. Jobs don’t exist, work exists. In the
next decade most of us will be suppliers, not
staff. We will have clients not bosses. If you are
under 30, you probably know that there is only
one firm to join for life: Me plc. It promotes you
and your potential to others.’
‘We’re working in multi-national, multi-
cultural, multi-corporate teams and it’s impor-
tant to understand the implications of this. We
need to create a personal brand that is unique,
but complements the brand of the corporation
we are working for. You have to find a way to do
it so that you are not just a typical employee,’
advises Spillane. ‘You have to decide what
central values you want to project, and also
what may need to alter from situation to situa-
tion.’
Many people only remember Mary Spillane
for the years she spent running a cosmetics
company, but she actually has masters degrees
in information science and politics. She used to
hide that hard-hitting side, but is now eager to
show it and forget about cosmetics. ‘Now that
I’m working in the boardrooms of major plcs
and global companies, I’m playing up my
degrees and management background so that
the image side is seen only as an addition to the
value side,’ says Spillane.
Some contracts take longer than others. ‘The
City law firms I’m currently working for are
really difficult because they don’t have any idea
of what their brand should be, and are still very
22
traditional even when talking about becoming
modern. I’m showing them how to do every-
thing from changing their reception areas –
which tend to be very off-putting with their
high-fronted reception desks – to how to make
small talk that is less formal and rigid.
Companies rebrand themselves all the time,
spending millions on new office interiors and so
on. But without an underlying change of atti-
tudes, it can prove an empty exercise.’
She argues that for individuals too, there
must be more than a surface change, as
rebranding goes deeper than a mere change of
wardrobe. Beyond advice on appearance, she
tells clients, ‘Remind yourself of what you are
selling: the personal values that comprise your
brand. Learn to present yourself in a way that
will project what you want to deliver. Lifelong
learning is essential, together with the sort of
discovery and adventure that promote per-
sonal growth. Always have an up-to-the-minute
CV ready to print out, refreshing it every few
months with your most recent achievements,
just to remind others of your brand value.’
She believes it is essential that you under-
stand both your public self and your private
self, as well as your blind spots and your poten-
tial, in order to create an effective brand. ‘The
public self is the image you project to the world,
the private self is what you know about yourself
but others don’t, and blind spots are those
things that others see about you but you can’t
see for yourself. By deciding what image you
want other people to see, emphasising more of
your private self and sorting out a few blind
spots, you will increase not only your potential
to influence others, but also your self-esteem
and self-confidence.’
 Reading

13 In the first paragraph, Mary Spillane says people should learn how to market
themselves because
A it encourages companies to give them a job for life.
B in the future it will be a company requirement.
C in many careers it is becoming difficult to succeed.
D it will help them adapt to developments in the job market.

14 Spillane says that, when creating a personal brand, it is important to

A change things depending on the circumstances.
B decide what image people would like you to present.
C make sure that colleagues feel at ease with your image.
D follow the example of someone in the company you work for.

15 What do we learn about Spillane in the third paragraph?

A She is embarrassed about her career with a cosmetics company.
B She doesn’t like talking about her academic background.
C She has qualifications many people are unaware of.
D She worries about how other people see her.

16 Which problem does Spillane refer to when talking about the companies she is
presently working with?
A They find it difficult to accept her ideas.
B They are unaware of how to rebrand themselves.
C They don’t want to spend large amounts of money.
D They are unwilling to modernise their work environment.

17 When advising people on rebranding themselves, Spillane tells them to

A attend courses to gain specialist skills.
B update regularly their written proof of what they can do.
C try out different ways of presenting themselves to others.
D remember that what they look like is the most important point.

18 Spillane says that, in order to rebrand yourself successfully, it is important to

A ask for other people’s opinions about your image.
B feel confident about what you are trying to achieve.
C learn how to make use of all aspects of your character.
D model yourself on people with a certain amount of influence.

23
Test 1

PART FOUR
Questions 19–33
● Read the text below about planning.
● Choose the best word or phrase to fill each gap from A, B, C or D on the opposite
page.
● For each question (19–33), mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.
● There is an example at the beginning, (0).

Planning
In any planning system, from the simplest budgeting to the most complex corpo-
rate planning, there is an annual (0) . . . .C. . . . This is partly due to the fact that firms
(19) . . . . . . . their accounting on a yearly (20) . . . . . . . , but also because similar (21) . . . . . . .
often occur in the market.

Usually, the larger the firm, the longer the planning takes. But typically, planning
for next year may start nine months or more in advance, with various stages of
evaluation leading to (22) . . . . . . . of the complete plan three months before the start
of the year.

Planning continues, however, throughout the year, since managers (23) . . . . . . .

progress against targets, while looking forward to the next year. What is happen-
ing now will (24) . . . . . . . the objectives and plans for the future.

In today’s business climate, as markets constantly change and become more diffi-
cult to (25) . . . . . . . , some analysts believe that long-term planning is pointless. In
some markets they may be right, as long as companies can build the sort of flexi-
bility into their (26) . . . . . . . which allows them to (27) . . . . . . . to any sudden changes.

Most firms, however, need to plan more than one year ahead in order to (28) . . . . . . .
their long-term goals. This may reflect the time it takes to commission and build
a new production plant, or, in marketing (29) . . . . . . . , it may be a question of how
long it takes to research and launch a range of new products, and reach a certain
(30) . . . . . . . in the market. If, for example, it is going to take five years for a particu-
lar airline to become the (31) . . . . . . . choice amongst business travellers on certain
routes, the airline must plan for the various (32) . . . . . . . involved.

Every one-year plan, therefore, must be (33) . . . . . . . in relation to longer-term plans,

and it should contain the stages that are necessary to achieve the final goals.

24
 Reading

Example:

A performance B transaction C process D action

0 A B C D

19 A make up B carry out C bring about D put down

20 A basis B grounds C foundation D structure

21 A distributions B guides C designs D patterns

22 A approval B permission C consent D decision

23 A value B inspect C review D survey

24 A command B prompt C influence D persuade

25 A guess B speculate C reckon D predict

26 A operations B techniques C measures D exercises

27 A answer B respond C counter D reply

28 A move B lead C develop D benefit

29 A expressions B descriptions C words D terms

30 A reputation B position C situation D influence

31 A desired B selected C preferred D supposed

32 A acts B steps C means D points

33 A handed over B drawn up C made out D written off

25
Test 1

PART FIVE
Questions 34–45
● Read the job advertisement below.
● In most of the lines (34–45) there is one extra word. It is either grammatically incorrect
or does not fit in with the meaning of the text. Some lines, however, are correct.
● If a line is correct, write CORRECT on your Answer Sheet.
● If there is an extra word in the line, write the extra word in CAPITAL LETTERS on
your Answer Sheet.
● The exercise begins with two examples, (0) and (00).

Examples: 0 C O R R E C T

00 S U C H

Customer Services Director

0 Our client is well known as a producer of branded products in the home

00 improvement sector. The business is experiencing a period of such significant

34 volume and profit growth and as a result is now looking to appoint itself a

35 Customer Services Director. This position involves in reporting directly to the

36 Managing Director and key responsibilities include the control and development

37 of the process for ordering goods. While through the management and

38 motivation of twenty staff, you will be seen the focal point of managing

39 customers’ expectations, from keeping them up to date at all times with the

40 progress of their orders. This role is a challenging one and calls for an individual

41 with those top-level interpersonal and communication skills and a good

42 understanding of process management. In return for the company offers the

43 right candidate with a highly competitive salary and benefits package. Assistance

44 with relocation expenses, if appropriate, that is also available. If you feel you have

45 the qualifications for this exciting role and are looking for a challenge, please write

in confidence to:

26
 Writing

WRITING 45 minutes

PART ONE
● You are a manager in a large company. You have been informed that a member
of your staff often arrives late for work.
● Write him a memo about the problem:
● saying how often the member of staff arrives late

● describing the effect on other staff

● suggesting what the member of staff should do about the situation.

● Write 40–50 words.

MEMO

To: P. Jones

From:

Date: 21 November 2002

Subject: Lateness

27
Test 1

PART TWO
● You work in the Customer Services Department of a mail-order company. You
have been asked to prepare a short report for your line manager about
complaints.
● Look at the information below, on which you have already made some
handwritten notes.
● Then, using all your handwritten notes, write your report.
● Write 120–140 words.

computer
system
breakdown
Customer complaints (2002)

600
Number received

500
400
300
540

200
300

230
100
improved
0
Jan Feb Mar order system
fewer in March introduced

Reasons for complaints (Jan – March)

❖ Incorrect order delivered – 16%

❖ Time taken to deliver – 56%
❖ Product quality unsatisfactory – 28%

say what
is being done
explain plans about this
to improve
delivery

28
 Listening

LISTENING 40 minutes (including

10 minutes’ transfer time)

PART ONE
Questions 1–12
● You will hear three telephone conversations or messages.
● Write one or two words or a number in the numbered spaces on the notes or
forms below.
● After you have listened once, replay each recording.

Conversation One
(Questions 1–4)
● Look at the form below.
● You will hear a man asking a colleague for information about a former employee.

Personnel Record

NAME: Stephen (1) ..........................................................

ADDRESS: 183 School Road,

Barnfield, BF2 8TP

DEPARTMENT: (2) .................................................................................

POST HELD: (3) ............................................... (temporary)

MONTHLY SALARY: (4) £ ............................................................................

29
Test 1

Conversation Two
(Questions 5–8)
● Look at the note below.
● You will hear a man describing a problem with an order.

WHILE YOU WERE OUT

Message for: Steven Kirby
From: Mark Jones
Company: (5) ........................................................................

Message

Re: Stationery order

Problem with the (6) ............................................................. ordered.
The (7) ......................................... need 500 and he needs 750.
Also (8) ............................................... needs to be repositioned.

30
 Listening

Conversation Three
(Questions 9–12)
● Look at the notes below.
● You will hear a woman making the arrangements for a delegation who are going
to visit her company.

Delegation visit – things to do

Prepare an (9) ......................................... for each delegate.

Book 1pm lunch at (10) ..........................................

Meet delegates when they arrive

at the (11) ..........................................
Show them the (12) ......................................... first.

31
Test 1

PART TWO
Questions 13–22
Section One
(Questions 13–17)
● You will hear five short recordings.
● For each recording, decide which type of document the speaker is talking about.
● Write one letter (A–H) next to the number of the recording.
● Do not use any letter more than once.
● After you have listened once, replay the recordings.

13 ..............................
A an invoice
14 .............................. B a price-list
C a bank statement
15 .............................. D a receipt
E a company cheque
16 .............................. F a balance sheet
G a contract
17 .............................. H an expenses claim form

Section Two
(Questions 18–22)
● You will hear another five recordings.
● For each recording, decide what the speaker’s purpose is.
● Write one letter (A–H) next to the number of the recording.
● Do not use any letter more than once.
● After you have listened once, replay the recordings.

18 ..............................
A to make a complaint
19 .............................. B to deny something
C to offer assistance
20 .............................. D to ask for advice
E to express doubt
21 .............................. F to ask for permission
G to explain an action
22 .............................. H to recommend a new policy

32
 Listening

PART THREE
Questions 23–30
● You will hear the chairman of a business institute making a speech about new
business awards that his institute has sponsored.
● For each question (23–30), mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer.
● After you have listened once, replay the recording.

23 The aim of the ‘Business Today’ competition was to reward

A good product design.
B skilful project management.
C rapid financial success.

24 How many companies were chosen to compete in the final of the competition?
A four
B fourteen
C forty

25 The types of products which the finalists were developing

A caused considerable problems for the judges.
B were all connected with the food industry.
C involved a common set of development aspects.

26 According to the speaker, what are small firms good at?

A fitting new products in with current production
B recording methods used in developing new products
C developing new management structures for new products

27 The speaker believes big companies document innovation well because of

A the number of staff available.
B the involvement of senior management.
C the insistence on regular procedures.

28 The panel was impressed by Natura because they had

A invested considerable time inventing a new product.
B researched new ways of manufacturing their product.
C investigated new overseas markets for their product.

33
Test 1

29 The judges praised the links between development teams in smaller companies
and
A senior management.
B suppliers.
C the market.

30 The companies sometimes had problems because the suppliers

A could not understand the specifications.
B could not meet the deadlines.
C could not rely on their subcontractors.

You now have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to your Answer Sheet.

34
 Speaking

SPEAKING 14 minutes

XSAMPLE SPEAKING TASKSX

PART ONE
The interview – about 3 minutes

In this part the interlocutor asks questions to each of the candidates in turn. You
have to give information about yourself and express personal opinions.

PART TWO
‘Mini presentation’ – about 6 minutes

In this part of the test you are asked to give a short talk on a business topic. You
have to choose one of the topics from the three below and then talk for about one
minute. You have one minute to prepare your ideas.

A WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN …?

Entertaining clients
● Types of activities
● Cost
●
●

B WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN …?

Choosing retail premises to rent
● Location
● Length of contract
●
●

C WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN …?

Deciding on packaging for products
● Image
● Production process
●
●

35
Test 1

PART THREE
Discussion – about 5 minutes

In this part of the test you are given a discussion topic. You have 30 seconds to look
at the prompt card, an example of which is below, and then about three minutes to
discuss the topic with your partner. After that the examiner will ask you more
questions related to the topic.

For two candidates

Work Experience Programme

The manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a two-
week work experience programme for a small group of students from a
local business college.
You have been asked to help with the preparations for this programme.
Discuss the situation together, and decide:
● what kinds of work experience the company might offer
● how the participants should be selected.

For three candidates

Work Experience Programme

The manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a two-
week work experience programme for a small group of students from a
local business college.
You have been asked to help with the preparations for this programme.
Discuss the situation together, and decide:
● what kinds of work experience the company might offer
● how the participants should be selected
● what feedback and evaluation should take place after the programme
has finished.

36
 Speaking

Follow-on questions

● What other preparations would the company need to make before receiving work
experience students? (Why?)
● What are the advantages to a company of offering a work experience programme
to business students? (Why?)
● What do you think is the most useful kind of work experience for business
students? (Why?)
● What help would you give a student on their first day of work experience? (Why?)
● Which areas of business would you like to have more experience of? (Why?)
● In what ways can businesses develop close links with the community?

37