Tài liệu ELSA Listening and Reading Practice Test 1 potx

ELSA
Listening and Reading
Practice Test 1

Contents :

Answer Sheet
Practice Listening Test 1
Practice Reading Test 1
Listening Tapescript
Answer Key: Listening Test
Answer Key: Reading Test

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2


3


4


Practice Test 1 (British English)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS ASSESSMENT
LISTENING PRACTICE TEST 1
__________
Instructions to Candidates

(a) DO NOT OPEN YOUR TEST BOOK UNTIL THE SUPERVISOR TELLS YOU TO START.
(b) This is a multiple–choice test. The test has 4 parts with a total of 60 questions, and takes about
30 minutes.
(c) You will listen to a series of short recordings. You will only hear each listening passage once, so
you must listen carefully. After hearing each recording, choose the correct answer (A, B, C or D)
to each question and mark your choice in pencil on your answer sheet.
(d) Do not mark your answers in this test book – only answers marked on the answer sheet can be
scored. There is no time allowed at the end of the test to go back and check your answers or
make any changes.
(e) During the test use a rubber eraser to erase any mistakes on the answer sheet.
(f)

Do not cross out answers, as this means the question will automatically be scored as wrong.

(g) Mark only one answer per question – if you mark more than one answer for a question (for
example, both A and C) it will automatically be scored as wrong.
(h) Do not make any other marks on the answer sheet as this could accidentally affect your score.
(i)

You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test.
NOW WAIT UNTIL THE SUPERVISOR TELLS YOU TO OPEN YOUR BOOK.
__________

5


Part 1
Instructions
In Part 1, you will hear someone ask a question or make a statement. You will then hear another
person give 3 alternative responses (identified as A, B, and C) to the question or statement.

NOTE: These responses are NOT printed in your test book.
Choose the correct response, and mark your choice on the answer sheet next to the question number.
Now listen to the following example.
(recorded example)
Choice ‘C’ (‘I’m from Singapore’) is the correct answer to the question ‘Where are you from?’, so you
would fill in ‘C’ on the answer sheet.
Now look at the answer sheet and find where you should start filling in the answers for Part 1. There
are 20 questions in this part, questions 1 − 20.
Now listen for question number 1.

(NO PRINTED QUESTIONS FOR PART 1)

6


Part 2
Instructions
In Part 2, you will hear a series of short conversations between 2 people. You will also read a
question about each conversation, with 4 alternative answers, A, B, C and D. Choose the correct
answer, and mark your choice on your answer sheet.
Now listen to an example conversation, and read the question about the conversation:
Q:

What should Bill do?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Call a client

Contact the man
Leave work early
Go to the meeting

Option (B) is the correct answer, so you would fill in 'B' on the answer sheet.
Now look at the answer sheet and find where you should start filling in the answers for Part 2. There
are 12 questions in this part, numbers 21 − 32.
Now listen for the first conversation and choose the correct answer.
21

What is learned about the woman?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

22

What does the man say he will do?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

23

Call Alan
Arrive late for a meeting
Practice his presentation
Give the woman more time to finish a project

What is learned about the company?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

24

She has been promoted.
She is leaving Hong Kong.
She is looking for a new job.
She will not be able to attend a meeting.

It makes washers and dryers.
It publishes a monthly magazine.
It plans to release a new line of products.
It has increased spending on advertisements.

What does the man ask how to do?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Access his online bank account
Forward calls from his phone
Retrieve messages
Enter a password

7


25

What is learned about the man?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

26

Why has Tom called the IT department?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

27

The woman's ability to bring in new clients
The woman's willingness to travel
The woman's family business
The woman's language ability

Which of the following does the man NOT say he requires?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

32

Buying a house
Renting property
Finding employment
Rates of pay for student jobs

What has the man commented on?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

31

Each training session lasts 50 minutes.
Attendance at the training will be higher than expected.
Very few replies have been received to the questionnaire.
The training will be more expensive than in previous years.

What are the speakers discussing?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

30

Contact a client
Attend a conference
Summarise what he learned
Give a presentation on quality control

What have the speakers discovered?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

29

He is unable to print.
His computer keeps crashing.
His computer will not turn on.
His accounting software is not working.

What does the woman suggest that the man should do?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

28

His figures are not correct.
His office is on the 14th floor.
He will introduce a new product.
He has not met Peter Okondo.

A large car
Unlimited mileage
A child’s safety seat
The option to return the car on Sunday evening

What concern does the man have?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

His supplier has run out of acid.
The woman may cancel her order.
His order must be delivered on time.
The woman is not available on Wednesday.

8


Part 3
Instructions
In Part 3 you will hear a series of longer conversations between 2 people. There are then 2 questions
about each conversation.
There are 9 conversations, giving a total of 18 questions, numbers 33 − 50.
Now listen for the first conversation.
33

What has happened to the men?
(A)

They have run out of petrol.
(B)
They have a flat tyre.
(C)
They have got lost.
(D)
They have missed their bus.

34

What have the men decided to do?
(A)
Take a taxi
(B)
Return to the office
(C)
Cancel their meeting
(D)
Make a telephone call

35

What is the problem with the jacket?
(A)
It has a hole.
(B)
It is the wrong style.
(C)
It is not the correct size.
(D)

It was not labelled correctly.

36

What does the woman offer to do?
(A)
Order the correct item
(B)
Talk to her supervisor
(C)
Refund the customer's money
(D)
Exchange the jacket for another one

37

What is the problem?
(A)
A delivery has gone out late.
(B)
A printer is not working correctly.
(C)
An order is missing some items.
(D)
The computers were damaged in shipping.

38

What concern does the man have?
(A)

It is too late to change an order.
(B)
The order has already been paid for.
(C)
The printer may have to be replaced.
(D)
The computers might not arrive on time.

39

What is true of the presentation?
(A)
It will last over an hour.
(B)
It will take place in the large conference room.
(C)
It will be similar to one that has already been given.
(D)
It will require more time to prepare for than was expected.

40

What does the man say he will do?
(A)
Send the woman a set of charts
(B)
Prepare the presentation materials
(C)
Make a presentation to the Drayer Group
(D)

Look for the original Drayer Group report

9


41

What is said about the flat?
(A)
It is very cheap.
(B)
It has a nice view.
(C)
It has three bedrooms.
(D)
It is in an older building.

42

What is said about the location of the flat?
(A)
It is across from a park.
(B)
It is on the first floor.
(C)
It is near the train station.
(D)
It is close to a school.

43

What has the man done?
(A)
Taken the wrong report
(B)
Deleted an important file
(C)
Got lost on his way to a meeting
(D)
Forgotten to charge the battery in his laptop computer

44

What does the man say he will do?
(A)
Print a document
(B)
Go back to the office
(C)
Use the woman’s computer
(D)
Make a copy of the woman’s report

45

What does the woman find out about Trident Industries?
(A)
They are building a new manufacturing plant.
(B)
They plan to lay off 1700 workers.

(C)
They have had a profitable year.
(D)
They are going out of business.

46

What does the man say about a business deal with Trident Industries?
(A)
He is glad it was not completed.
(B)
It will cost £11,000 more than expected.
(C)
He needs to discuss it with a colleague.
(D)
It will be delayed until the end of the year.

47

What does the woman want to discuss?
(A)
Reducing costs
(B)
Training new engineers
(C)
Replacing a broken machine
(D)
Increasing production speed

48

What is said about the sorting machine?
(A)
It runs 24 hours a day.
(B)
It uses a lot of electricity.
(C)
It needs engineers to run it.
(D)
Spare parts for it are expensive.

49

What does the man suggest that the woman should do?
(A)
Arrive early
(B)
Order an appetiser
(C)
Make reservations
(D)
Rent a private room

50

What is learned about the buffet?
(A)
It costs £15 per person.
(B)
It is available all day long.

(C)
It does not include drinks.
(D)
It is held only in the main dining room.

10


Part 4
Instructions
In Part 4 of the test you will hear a series of recordings. In your test book there are 2 questions for
each recording.
There are 5 recordings, giving a total of 10 questions (numbers 51 − 60).
Now listen for the first recording.
51

What number should a person press to discuss a bill?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

52

What type of business has been contacted?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

53

A writer
A stockbroker
A business executive
A former government official

What is learned about Alpha Bank?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

56

Being interviewed
Introducing a speaker
Hosting a radio programme
Promoting an investment company

Who is Yoshi Tanaka?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

55

A hotel
A moving company

An express mail service
A mail–order clothing company

What is the speaker doing?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

54

2
3
4
5

It is strong in Europe.
Its headquarters are in the US.
Its share price has fallen to £11.00
It will open an office in Latin America.

What is said about the pipeline project?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

It is the largest project of its type in Uzbekistan.
It will require millions of additional pounds to complete.
It is the first project the newly formed bank will finance.

It was financed jointly by Alpha Bank and Union Bank.

11


57

What does the Department of Agriculture predict?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

58

What problem are Chinese cotton producers facing?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

59

The weather has been too wet.
Over–production has reduced prices.
Cheap imports have flooded the market.
The harvest has been affected by disease.

What does the speaker say the company has decided to do?
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

60

There will be an above average cotton harvest for most areas.
The cotton harvest will be much smaller than last year.
Farmers will plant less cotton next year due to falling prices.
Rising prices will encourage farmers to increase cotton production.

Introduce a new line of products
Combine two existing divisions
Expand its manufacturing capability
Reduce costs by closing one of its plants

What promise does the speaker make?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Salaries will not be cut.
Workers will not lose their jobs.
Planned expansion will go ahead.
Employees will receive more training.

This is the end of the ELSA Listening Test. Put down your pencil and wait for instructions from the
supervisor.

12


Practice Test 1 (British English)

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS ASSESSMENT
READING PRACTICE TEST 1
Time allowed: 45 minutes
__________
Instructions to Candidates
(a) DO NOT OPEN THIS TEST BOOK UNTIL THE SUPERVISOR TELLS YOU TO START.
(b) This is a multiple-choice test. The test has 4 parts with a total of 60 questions. You will have
45 minutes to complete the test.
(c) Each question has 4 answer choices, A, B, C or D. You must mark your choice in pencil on your
answer sheet. Although you may make notes on this test book, only answers marked on the
answer sheet can be scored.
(d) During the test use a rubber eraser to erase any mistakes on the answer sheet. Do not cross out
answers, as this means the question will automatically be scored as wrong.
(e) Mark only one answer per question – if you mark more than one answer for a question (for
example both A and C) it will automatically be scored as wrong.
(f)

Do not make any other marks on the answer sheet, as this could accidentally affect your score.

(g) You are not allowed to use a dictionary during the test.

NOW WAIT UNTIL THE SUPERVISOR TELLS YOU TO OPEN YOUR BOOK.
__________

13

Part 1
(Suggested maximum time: 8 minutes)
Instructions
In Part 1, you will read 12 sentences. Each sentence contains a blank space, with a choice of 4 words
or phrases (A, B, C, or D) to fill the space.
Choose the correct word or phrase, and mark your choice on the answer sheet.
1

According to our records, our ______ number XPT 1035 of 16th August remains unpaid.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

2

Sales have ______ dramatically since the introduction of our new product line.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

3

cancel
refuse
delay
meet

Under the new rules, millions of taxpayers can ______ to be paying more than £100 a
month extra by next year.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

6

sailed
flown
organised
dispatched

Patients who ______ appointments less than 24 hours in advance will be charged a £25.00
rescheduling fee.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

5

gone
risen
made
received

Orders received by 4pm Friday will be ______ on Monday.

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

4

note
receipt
invoice
delivery

expect
charge
result
demand

Your home is at ______ if you do not keep up loan repayments.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

danger
risk
loss
sale

14

7

A ______ of the functions of the new photocopier on the second floor will be held
tomorrow afternoon at 2.00.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

8

Analysts predict that nuclear power plants will account for 23% of the nation’s total
generating ______ by the end of the decade.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

9

size
amount
capacity
production

In order to ______ the local economy a new employment creation plan will be introduced
later this year.
(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)

10

show
training
conference
demonstration

add
prepare
stimulate
complete

On-line sales have had a dramatic ______ on the bottom line of several publishing
companies this year.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

rise
result
impact
increase

11 The financial director of communications company Globalcom is being questioned by
fraud investigators because of suspected business ______.
(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

details
issues
dealings
irregularities

12 Friday’s Jenifer Merino benefit concert at Central Arena ______ an estimated 24,000 fans
and raised over £300,000 for the National Cancer Fund.
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

drew
played
enjoyed
attended

15


Part 2
(Suggested maximum time: 10 minutes)
Instructions
In Part 2, you will read 3 passages. Each passage has 5 numbered blank spaces, with 4 choices
(A, B, C, or D) for each space printed below the passage.
Choose the correct word or phrase, and mark your choices on the answer sheet.

Questions 13 to 17 refer to the following passage:
A good way of reducing long-term stress is to take ___ (13) ___ a relaxing sport or hobby in your
own time. If you ___ (14) ___ all your working day competing or stressed, ___ (15) ___ it is very
pleasant to be non-competitive for part of your free time. Slow physical activities such as sailing or
walking can be very pleasant, ___ (16) ___ can others where there is little or no pressure for
performance. Similarly you can reduce stress by making a routine period of time for yourself every
day for undirected ___ (17) ___ such as: reading a novel, watching television or listening to music,
meditating, having a long bath or having a massage.

13

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

in
up
off
over

16

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

so
as

and
since

14

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

sit
stand
think
spend

17

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

plans
sports
activities
freedoms

15

(A)

(B)
(C)
(D)

then
even
which
because

16


Questions 18 to 22 refer to the following passage:
The Brazilian beverage giant Cola de las Americas, or CoAm, increased its profits more
___ (18) ___ 1,000 per cent last year. The massive increase was ___ (19) ___ strong beverage sales
supplemented by cost savings from the merger of the country’s two largest soft drinks makers. Only a
year ___ (20) ___ a merger between Bravo and Hola Cola ___ (21) ___ CoAm, now the world’s eighth
largest beverage maker, this year the company announced a net profit of $88.2 million, compared with
last year’s $4,36 million. Among plans for the future is an aggressive attempt to ___ (22) ___ a share of
the lucrative North American market.
18

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

to
by
than

less

21

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

created
entered
supplied
combined

19

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

given to
based on
believed to
improved on

22

(A)
(B)

(C)
(D)

buy
sell
gain
profit

20

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

ago
after
before
behind

Questions 23 to 27 refer to the following passage:
Macau is a great place to find ___ (23) ___ with different types of cuisine: Portuguese, Macanese,
Chinese, Shanghainese, European, Japanese and more. Traditional dishes from Portugal include
bacalhau, the country’s beloved cod, ___ (24) ___ baked, grilled, stewed or boiled; rabbit prepared
in various delicious ways; and soups ___ (25) ___ as caldo verde and sopa á alentejana both rich
with vegetables, meat and olive oil. In Africa and India the Portuguese ___ (26) ___ how to use the
local spices with the ___ (27) ___ that Macau’s most popular dishes include African and Goanese
chicken and spicy prawns, all baked or grilled with peppers and chillies.
23

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

meals
dishes
eating
restaurants

26

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

learn
learned
to learn
were learning

24

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

made

served
cooked
offered

27

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

idea
food
result
meaning

25

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

so
such
that
those

17

Part 3
(Suggested maximum time: 10 minutes)
Instructions
In Part 3 there are 15 sentences. Each sentence has 4 words or phrases printed like this and marked
as (A), (B), (C), and (D). One of these 4 words or phrases contains an error, a mistake in either the
grammar or the vocabulary.
Decide where the error is, and mark your choice on the answer sheet.

28

Netgate has recently made a number of changes to its browser software, made access to the
(A)
(B)
Internet easier than ever before.
(C)
(D)

29

Insurance firms are anticipating a substantial increase in the number of claims following the
(A)
(B)
recent series of storms that has caused so many damages on the West coast.
(C)
(D)

30

If you’re travelling on a budget in New York, you should take the Staten Island Ferry and see

(A)
(B)
the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the famous skyline – ferries leave every half hours and for
(C)
foot passengers they’re absolutely free.
(D)

31

A presentation for investors, analysts and other interesting parties will begin at 1.00 pm and
(A)
(B)
(C)
will be led by the company chairman Mark Ryan.
(D)

32

To provide high quality services, we need high motivated professional staff and we
(A)
(B)
are seeking a first-class individual to lead the development of a strong, proactive and
(C)
(D)
coherent Human Resources strategy.

33

Please read the section of the contract dealing about rent payments, and note that these are
(A)

(B)
to be made by credit transfer on a monthly basis.
(C)
(D)

34

Many researchers question whether the health benefits of drinking black tea outweigh the
(A)
(B)
dangers of consuming caffeine, tannin, and other compounds find abundantly in the popular
(C)
(D)
drink.

18


35

We are an establish Internet consultancy with a proven track record of developing
(A)
(B)
(C)
cost-effective, user-friendly websites, in a wide range of market areas.
(D)

36

The sooner you start a pension, the better your prospects are on retirement – but you must

(A)
(B)
be still prepared to pay in a sizeable proportion of your income.
(C)
(D)

37

Aberdeen Lodge offers a relaxing and luxurious atmosphere convenient in the city centre and
(A)
(B)
a five-minute walk from a range of excellent shops and fine restaurants.
(C)
(D)

38

Planning is based on the advice of the Marketing department, who draws up a target for the
(A)
(B)
year, setting monthly production targets in accordance with the annual production plan.
(C)
(D)

39

This machine must be secured using the bolts provided; failure to do could result in injury.
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

40

Although similar it seems on paper, your new job will be very different from your existing one;
(A)
(B)
(C)
there will be new people and different clients as well as different working methods.
(D)

41

Employees are reminded that tomorrow’s meeting to discuss the move to our new offices will
(A)
(B)
be held at 8.30 am sharp in conference room six, but attendance is compulsory.
(C)
(D)

42

Visitors are encouraged to join one of the guided tours, which take place from Monday to
(A)
(B)
Saturday every hour on the hour and leave from the outside of visitor’s centre.
(C)
(D)

19

Part 4
(Suggested maximum time: 15 minutes)
Instructions
In Part 4 of the test you will read a series of passages (for example letters, advertisements,
information, etc). Each passage is followed by 2 to 5 comprehension questions, each with 4 answer
choices (A, B, C or D).
For each question choose the correct answer and mark your choice on the answer sheet.
Questions 43 to 45 refer to the following invoice:
Mr George T Soemo
Account No: 412-909-9898-6
Invoice period: 08/02/2002 – 07/03/2002
Balance due: £37.75
Date due: 29/03/2002
Payments:
19/02
Payment – Thank you

37.75 cr

Monthly services:
08/02-07/03 Basic Service
08/02-07/03 Movie Channel
08/02-07/03 History Channel
08/02-07/03 Equipment charge

15.16
9.95
2.95

4.07

Taxes and Fees:
Value Added Tax @ 17.5%

5.62

Balance Due

37.75
CABLELAND
For billing information and questions call (0412) 887-9009

43 By when does Mr Soemo have to pay the invoice?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

8 February
19 February
7 March
29 March

44 What is NOT classified as part of Mr Soemo’s monthly services?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Value Added Tax
The Movie Channel
The History Channel
The equipment charge

45 How much has Mr Soemo been billed for use of equipment?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

£2.95
£4.07
£5.62
£37.75
20


Questions 46 to 48 refer to the following email:

Email
From:
Subject:
Date sent:

“Dante Pires”
Administration Assistant job interviews
Tues, 10 Sept, 2002 2.19 pm

Dave – can we meet up some time this week to draw up a structure and a list of questions for the

interviews we’ll be doing together next Monday? I’ll ask Eva to join us too as she will be doing the
interviews with you in the afternoon (I’ll have to leave around lunch time as I’ve got a meeting up
in Milan at 2.00).
I’m free tomorrow in the morning until 11, Thursday after 3.30, or any time Friday afternoon.
When would suit you best?
Regards
Dante Pires
Personnel Manager

46 What does Dante wish to discuss with Dave?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

When to have the interviews
Where to hold the interviews
Who to invite to the interviews
What to include in the interviews

47 Which of these times would NOT be a suitable time for a meeting?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Tuesday at 9.00 am
Wednesday at 10.00 am
Thursday at 4.00 pm
Friday at 2.30 pm

48 Who will conduct the interviews in the morning?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Dante and Dave
Dave and Eva
Dante and Eva
Dave by himself

21


Questions 49 to 51 refer to the following article:
Central Library Home Page – General Reference Information
Brief Guide to Internet Search Engines
This is a list of search engines that Central Library has found particularly useful.
Zappower www.zappower.com
This site indexes about 140 million web pages. It provides a rough translation from English into
about twenty languages. It can also translate into approximate English.
Whatswhat www.whatswhat.com
This is a consumer information website. It searches about 40,000 current discussion forums for
information on specific products. Archives go back to March 1995.
Whizbang www.whizbang.com
Marketed as “the world’s biggest search engine”, whizbang.com scans 200 million web pages. The
entire index is updated every fifteen days. Search results appear extremely quickly.
Tunein www.tunein.com
This site has a fee-based collection of about 5,400 journals and magazines. Students may wish to

check if Central Library already has an article before purchasing it over the internet.

49 Which search engine provides particularly current information?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Zappower
Whatswhat
Whizbang
Tunein

50 Which search engine is useful for people who do not speak English?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Zappower
Whatswhat
Whizbang
Tunein

51 Which search engine might give useful information to someone buying a new car?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Zappower
Whatswhat
Whizbang
Tunein

22


Questions 52 to 54 refer to the following article:

One-Day Course in Self-Assertiveness
Are you reluctant to give your opinions to senior management for fear that they might not agree with
them and then think less of you? Do you find it difficult to strike a balance between friendly relations
with staff you supervise and being firm enough to obtain their best performance?
The Institute of Management is holding a one-day course in self-assertiveness for junior and middle
management at the Royal Parks Hotel, to take place on Monday 14th July. The day will consist of:
•
•
•
•

talks by successful senior managers from the Institute of Management
question-and-answer sessions
role-play sessions
group discussions

Participation in the course will be free of charge, but places are limited and must be reserved in
advance, all bookings to be made by 5 pm Monday 7th July.

52 Who is this course designed for?

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

People who are regularly taking difficult decisions at senior management level
People who want to be more friendly with the staff working under them
People who would like to be more confident and sure of themselves
People who often disagree with their managers

53 Which of the following is NOT part of the course programme?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Taking part in simulated conflict situations
Practising giving a talk to important customers
Talking with other participants about common problems
Asking experts about problems that have been encountered

54 What is stated about places on the course?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Payment may be made by cheque or credit card.
Companies are limited to sending two participants.
Bookings must be made at least a week ahead of time.

Reservations may be made between 9 am and 5 pm Monday to Thursday.

23


Questions 55 to 57 refer to the following article:
Farmers Relieved by Recent Rainfall
The first heavy rainfall this spring has given hope to corn and soya bean farmers in the Western
region. The extremely dry and cold winter season left farmers fearful that growing conditions this
year would be poor. Steven Lim, an agriculture expert from National University, said that the recent
rain should be enough to get a good start to the crop, but more rain will be needed. The crops are
normally planted in May, and to reach maximum growth these plants require a very deep reserve of
moisture in the ground during the hot months of July and August. Mr Lim said that 900 millimetres of
rain before summer is generally required so that crop production is not limited. Corn and soya
beans are the region's two largest crops, and speculation over a possible drought caused prices for
these commodities to rise recently. Although the rain was good news, traders are cautious and will
be keeping a close eye on the weather in the area over the next two months.

55

Why are farmers in the Western region concerned?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Demand for corn and soya beans has declined.
Heavy rainfall has damaged crop production.
Dry winter conditions have threatened plant growth.
It has been too cold to plant crops at the normal time.

56 According to the article, what is true of corn and soya beans?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)
57

They are easily damaged by frost.
They are planted at the end of winter.
They need a lot of rainfall in the summer.
They are the most important crops in the Western region.

What is the present state of affairs?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Prices have gone down now that a drought is no longer likely.
Farmers are hoping that the government will help them.
Traders are still not sure that it will be a good harvest.
Weather forecasters are predicting more rain soon.

24


Questions 58 to 60 refer to the following article:

Who Buys the Toys?

Japanese toy manufacturers are becoming concerned about a contracting market due to the declining
birth rate and the decreasing number of children in the country.
According to government statistics, 14.6 per cent of the population in 2000 comprised children aged
14 and younger. The age group is expected to fall to 12 per cent of the population by 2021. While
some analysts believe expenditure per child will increase with the declining number of children, many
toy manufacturers believe it will be impossible to compensate entirely for the reduced demand caused
by the falling birth rate.
Many companies are therefore now putting their efforts into creating demand for toys among adults.
One manufacturer said the increasing adult demand for toys was a consequence of the economic
slump, which had made many adults seek to escape reality by revisiting the nostalgic toys of their
childhood. This wish to return to childhood when life was full of dreams has reportedly contributed to
the phenomenon in which adults buy large amounts of snacks that include figurines of fictional
characters popular with children. According to some forward-thinking companies, the adult market for
toys holds great potential, with the elderly likely to become valued customers in the future. Having won
the hearts of children, the toy manufacturers’ next challenge appears to be to open the wallets of their
parents.
58

Why are toy manufacturers worries according to the article?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

59

What does the article say about demand for toys among adults?
(A)
(B)
(C)

(D)

60

Toys may be much less affordable in 20 years’ time.
Today’s children are not so interested in toys.
There will be fewer children in the future.
Adults are buying children’s toys.

Demand for realistic toys is growing.
There is no significant demand as yet.
It is healthier than buying snacks containing free gifts.
Buying them makes older people feel young and carefree.

According to the article, what market are toy manufacturers likely to focus on in the
future?
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Toys for teenagers
Toys for the elderly
Toys using new technology
Popular fictional characters

THIS IS THE END OF THE TEST

Remember to fill in all your answers on the answer sheet.

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© LCCI CET 2002