He = BEC Preliminary practice test 1 READING AND WRITING 1 hour 30 minutes. PART ONE Questions 1-5 Look at questions 1-8 In each question, which sentence is correct? For each question, mark one later (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheot Pounds available 7 days per week. Japanese yen: 24 hours notice essential rayollers to Japan can only exchange their money between Monday and Friday ‘must order their money in advance om> cean exchange their money on the day of departure A discount of 1Y 30 days, and 0.5% for pay ‘A. Customers can save more money if they pay within 30 days. B_Adiscount will not be offered for payment within 45 days. © Customers won't save any money ifthey pay immediately after purchasing The workshop willbe held inthe Conference Hall not Room 413, due to increased attendance. ‘A. There is not enough space in the Conference Hall B_ Room 413 isn't big enough for the workshop. © Fewer people will attend the workshop. 4 | Novices FOR DISPLAY ON BULLETIN BOARD MUST FIRST BE HANDED TO RECEPTION. ‘A Notices must be cisplayed by the receptionist ‘You should notice the bulletin board at reception, Take your notice to Reception if you want it displayed on bulletin board, °To: Miebael From: Jane Please ensure the report asked for is completed ‘within the week and do not circulate copies internally before I check it ‘A. Michael should finish the report by Friday and send it first to Jane for a check. B Jane must check the report within the week before itis circulated, © Michael wants to check the report first before sending to everyone. PART TWO Questions 6-10 + Look atthe list below. It shows different divisions of a manufacturing company. ** For questions 6-10, decide which division (A-H) would be suitable for each person. ‘© For each question, mark one letter (A-H) on your Answer Sheet + Dornot use any letter more than once. ‘Research & Development Despatch Quality contol Warehouse Production line Bathrooms Packing line H Canteen eemuese 6 Susan needs to freshen up after her shit 7. Vince wants to know how products are currently manufactured 8 Kate needs to take sample products for inspection, 9 John needs to check the qual ofthe storage facies, 10 Ian wants to see what happens to products after they have been packed PART THREE Questions 11-15 * Look at the charts below. They show the productivity of a Japanese company and a Chilean company over a nine-year period ‘© Which year does each sentence (11-15) describe? ‘= For each sentence, mark one letter (A-H) on your Answer Sheet. # Do not use any letter more than once. lepanese company Chilean company ABCOEFGH een Year Year B Product B Product NHe ‘11 In this year, the output of Product M exceeded that of Product N in both companies, even though both Companies saw an increase in the production of Product N. 12 While the production of Product N decreased in the Japanese company, the Product N output stayed Unchanged in the Chilean company although there was a drop in the Product M output 13. In the Chilean company the same quantity of units was produced for Products M and N in this year, while in the Japanese company the Product M production continued to rise. 114 In this year, outputs of Products M and N increased in both companies, but the output of Product M was below that of Product N. 15. In this year, although in the Japanese company there was no increase in Product M output, Product M ‘output doubled in the Chilean company. PART FOUR Questions 16-22 ‘* Read the article below about a new kind of service offered by Pacific Arines. ‘+ Are sentences 16-22 "Right" or ‘Wrong’? If there is not enough information to answer "Right" or Wrong’, choose "Doesn't say’ ‘+ For each sentence 16-22, mark one letter A, B of © on your Answer Sheet, Great News for Passengers In & recent survey Pacific Airlines found that when equal to that of business class, the B2 eabin allows wwe fly around the world most of us want increased personal space at an affordable price, In response, the airline ereated a new class of travel, specifically designed for cost-aware business passengers, for which the price is closer to an economy than to a business class fare, H2, as it's called, loses the gap between business and economy by providing extra Jeg room and menu choices, together with individual business facilities such as in-seat laptop points and telephones, With double the hand-uggage allowance of economy, business travellers to work and rest more effectively, so it delivers them to their destination not only fresh Dut up-to-date with their work. Pacific Airlines also expects that once business travellers have experienced the benefits of B2, they will want to move up from economy travel for their holidays too. And if you're short of time, you can avoid airport queues by making use of telephone check-in, and electronic selservice check-in machines and fast loggage-drop al agpors 16 Pacific Airlines did market research into passengers’ requirements. A Right B Wrong 17 B2 costs more than an economy class fare, A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say © Doesn't say 18 B2 customers have the same menu choices as those in business class. A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say 19 B2 customers are allowed more hand luggage than economy class customers, A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say20 Business travellers are delivered to their destination fresh and on time. A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say 21. Pacific Airlines expects travelers to use B2 for both business and leisure purposes. A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say 22. B2 offers a way for passengers to avoid queues A Right B Wrong © Doesn't say PART FIVE Questions 23-28 ‘© Read the article below about the value of money. ‘= For each question 23-28, choose the correct answer. ‘© Mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet. ‘What Makes Money Valuable? ‘What makes money valuable? Why in ancient Greece was measured in People sated using precious metals, is @ piece of paper marked $10 tools or calle. This kind of money such as gold and silver that were ‘worth more than one marked $1? had two purposes. First, it was easier fo cary around than tools or You could say there is no reason, useful in itself: Tools and catle ean stones. And in the eighteenth century, [v's tre that a special kind of paper be used for farming. And second, it paper money was introduced. At is used to make dollar bills, and they was a way to symbolise and measure fist peaple were suspicious of new are prety, but that’s not what makes value. A house, for example, would currency, but they came to accept them valuable, The real reason be valued at a certain number it because the government or bank ‘money is valuable is that everyone of tools or cattle, This greatly issuing it would exchange an equal ‘elioves itis, simplified trade, Other societies used amoutt of gold forthe paper. A S10 ‘money that was totally symbolic, bill really was worth S10 gold. But Ancient cponomies Bed 89 PAPE or ingtance, Native Americans nov, people are used to the idea money or coins. Some used barter trading one ting for another Others ‘used all kinds of objects as money, Any object would do, as long as there was not an unlimited amount of it Animals or metas were popular, In most places these types of money and so were manufactured products died out because more practical like jewellery or weapons, Wealth forms of money were invented, used wampur, which is made from thatthe government docsnt have to seashells. And until recently on the back its money with gold. Everyone Pacific island of Yap, people used believes that a $10 bill is worth $10 large stone discs as money. and that is good enough. But if, for some reason, people ever lost faith in ‘peper money, $10 wouldn't be worth ‘the paper i's printed on 23 According to the article, the real reason money is valuable Is that everyone believes ‘A money is valuable B golds valuabie © money is gold 24 The author mentioned animals, metals and manufactured products like jewellery or weapons because AA they wore valuable B they were used as money in ancient times © people liked them25 Native Americans used A any object as money as long as there was not an unlimited amount of it B large stone discs as money symbolic money 26 People started using precious metals because ‘A former types of money died out B they were more practical and easier to carry around people didn't have trust in paper money 27 Paper money was invented ‘A to take the place of other types of money B to be replaced by other types of money € inthe nineteenth century 28 People came to accept paper money when A the government began to issue it B the bank began to issue it C they could exchange it for the same amount of gold PART SIX Questions 29-40 ‘* Read the article below about using the Internet and social media to search for a job. '* Choose the correct word to fil each gap from A, B or C. ‘+ For each question 2-40, mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet, Using the Internet and Social Media to Search for a Job ‘The job market is more competitive than ever (29) zillions of workers around the world, In ‘America, one reason for ths right now isthe slow (30) {in jab growth ater the recession But other reasons involve changes (31) the needs of the American and global economies. In big developing economies (32) ina and India, high tumaver rates mean workers often move from job 33) job. These days, many jab seekers (34) ‘online to connect with employers. Job candidates want to show they have a lot to (35) ‘ venture, But in many eases they simply (36) for 44 job and list their work experience, (37) they should describe the talents and abilities they 38) bring to an organisation That is the advice of Steve angerud, Director of Professional Opportunites at DePauw University. He advises students (39), career planning (40) ‘often talks about workplace issues in the media 29 Aas B about © for 30 A recover B recovery © recovering 31 Ain Bat con 32. A such B like © s0 He33 Ady Bo cat 34 A go B goes © going 35. A provided B produce © offer 36 Arun B apply © work 37 A Instead B Although © Thus 38 A ought B must © could 39 A with B on © of 40 Aso B and © but PART SEVEN Questions 41-45, © Read the memo and advertisement below. + Complete the booking form. ‘© Write @ word or phrase (in CAPITAL LETTERS) or a number on ines 4145 on your Answer Sheet Memo ‘To: Peter Roge From: Jane Little Date: 2July Subject: Fpcom visit on Friday Could you book some theatre tickets for tomorrow forthe five Epeom visitors and me? We'll be in a meeting all day until about 4:30 pm and then we'll have an early dinner together atthe hotel. Could you phone the ticket agency and find a play or something that stars ater holf past seven? Use the company eredit card 0 pay for the tickets, ‘What's On: Theatre Hanilet a the Barbican, Performances start at 19:15. Tickets £8.50-£.44 West Side Story atthe Playhouse, Show stats a 19:00, Tickets £7-€ 5. Buddy Holly atthe Palace Theatre, Performances at 15:30 and 20:00, Tickets £8- £60, BOOKING FORM Name of show: (an) Venue’ (a) Date 43) Time: 4s) Number of tickets 4s)! PART ONE Question 46 ‘+ You have to change the date of a meeting with a client. ‘© Write an email to your PA: — telling her you have to change the arrangements for the meeting — giving reasons for the change — asking her to make new arrangements with the client ‘* Write 30-40 words on your Answer Sheet PART TWO Question 47 ‘* Read this part of a letter from Ms Kranz Inviting you to give a presentation at her university To: Linda Subject’ Mesting with Joe Paneta rm writing to invite you to give a presentation at our Can ‘conference will be held on the rs Conference for university graduates. The -dand Ath of July, I would be grateful if you could talk for about 20 ‘minutes on how to attend ajo interview: Please inform us as soon as possible if you accept this invitation, '* Write a letter to Ms Kranz: ‘acknowledging her letter saying which date you prefer — giving a brief summary of your presentation — enquiring about parking arrangements ‘+ Write 60-80 words on your Answer Sheet, ‘+ Do not include any postal addresses. Dear Ms Kranz, HeLISTENING Approximately 40 minutes (including 10 minutes’ transfer time) PART ONE Questions 1-8 ‘© For questions 1-8, you will hear eight short recordings. ‘© For each question, mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer. # You will hear the eight recordings twice. 4. When should Harvey Judd call Edward Bono? ‘A When he finishes the presentation, B When he comes back to the office © When he gets off the phone. 2 What's the date today? May 20th May 1th May th A B c 3. Where is the conference room? 4. What's wrong with the printer? A There is a paper jam. B Itneeds more paper. © The ink cartridge needs to be changed 5 Where are the man and woman talking? ‘A Atthe reception area, B In the man's office, In the it 6 Why is Mr Foster late for the meeting? A He can't find the map. B His train is delayed © He forgets about the meeting. 7 What was £1 equal to yesterday? A Yt B ¥1480 eye! 8 Which chart shows the price fluctuation? Ap May fun Ape May tun A 8 PART TWO Questions 9-15 ‘* Look at the notes below. ‘© Some information is missing. ‘© You will hear a man asking for flight information. or letters, ‘+ You will hear the conversation twice, He Ape May um ce For each question 8-15, fill in the missing information in the numbered space using a word, numbers Notes Name of passenger o Flight from: 10) Conference lasts until an Clas of travel: «ay Number of passenger aa Price: an Aiport tax as) $ Airport PART THREE Questions 16-22 Look at the notes. ‘Some information is missing, For each question 16-22, filln the missing information in the numbered space using one or two words. ‘* You will hear a researcher talking about the origin ofthe term — globalisation. You will hear the talk twice. eopleand corporations once bought fromand sold to eachother (16) through the across Central Asia eople and corporations have imeeted in Volume of world trade increased by 20 times: From 1997 to 1999 flows of foreign investment Many governments have adopted Corporations take advantage of new opportunities it Feature of globalisation an inother countries. (18) since (19) neariy. 0) economic systems ay (22) international industrial and financial businessPART FOUR Questions 23-30 + You will hear a personnel manager interviewing a job applicant + For each question 23-80, mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer, # You will hear the conversation twice. 23. What's David's current job? A He's a Progress Chaser at present B He teaches graduates in a university. € He is a sales rep in a corporation 24 Davie’ current job is to A see if various work has been finished B assemble parts of a machine € help people progress in their careers 25. For most of the time, David works in A the Sales Department B the main office block the production area 26 According to David, what improvement has been made by using a computer systom? A Problems are dealt with immediately. B Production staff have less work to do. © More detailed information is available, 27 Do computers make Davie's work easier? ‘A Yes, they always keep David informed of the situation in the factory. B Yes, they keep David well informed if production staff remember to enter data, € No, they make problems go without notice. 28 In Davie's opinion, the most common problem is ‘Acbuman error B machine breakdown € missing parts 29. David thinks he is suitable for the new job because it requires ‘A working with similar products B a knowledge of computers problem-solving skills, 30. David regards himself as a A natural leader B good team member sensitive person ‘You now have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to your Answer SheetHe SPEAKING — 12 minutes PART ONE 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 In this part ofthe test, you are asked to give a short talk on a business topic. You have to choose one of the topics from the two below and then talk for about one minute. You have one minute to prepare your ideas. ‘Task Sheet for Candidate A Task Sheet 1 nportant when ..? sew product Developing Market researc © Name of product + Product positioning Task Sheet for Candidate 8 Task Sheet 2 ‘What is important when Selecting « printing company = Cost ‘© Speed of service ‘© Recommendations from a friend B: What is important when Planning health and s ety training for stall Lecturers Target stat © Topics PART THREE hat is important when . Promoting staf members 1 Attitude to work ‘© Current performance 1 Creativity In this part ofthe test, the examiner reads out a scenario and gives you some prompt material in the form of pictures or words. You have 30 seconds to look at the task prompt, and then about two minutes to discuss the scenario with your partner. After that, the examiner will ask you more questions related tothe topic. For two or three candidates Pm going to describe a situation A company is planning to improve working conditions. Talk together for about ‘tWo minutes* about ways of improving working conditions and decide which ‘three ae the best. Here are some ideas to help you, ‘Three minutes for groups of three candidates uCandidates’ Prompt Sheet cee Safety equipment Bint aid facilities Ventilation Lighting ‘Temperature Individual space Drinking water Washroom facilitiesHe BEC PRELIMINARY PRACTICE TEST 148° 2ROF 30% BEC Preliminary practice test 1 BAEREMTISLAS READING AND WRITIN READING PART ONE Questions 1-5, Th 2A aR 4c 5A PART TWO Questions 610 6r 7E 8c 9D 0B PART THRE Questions 11-15 NG RBA BC ME BD PART FOUR Questions 16-22 GA ITA ISB 198 2 2A BA PART FIVE Questions 2A 20 25C BR WA WC PART SIX Questions 29-40 2c 30B 3A 328 338 340 35 36B 37A 38C 398 408 PART SEVEN Questions 41 41 BUDDY HOLLY 42 PALACE THEATRE 43 3ULY 44.2000. 45 SIX WRITING PART ONE Question 46 Model answer Tor Linda Subjeeti_Mecting with Joe Panetta Thave to change the date ofthe meeting with Joe Panetta on Friday since I won't get back to the office until next Monday. Please say sorry to him on behalf of mo and try 10 mako a new arrangement PART TWO Question 47 Model answer Dear Ms Kranz, Thank you for inviting me to attend your Carcers Conference for university graduates. I would hike to accept this invitation and the morning of July 5 is OK for me. The speech I'm going to deliver is about “Do's and Don'ts in Job Interviews” [ink the topic should be of some help to the graduates who need to Ond their first jobs, 1 drive to your university that day. Gould you please arrange to park my car? Yours sincerely Susan Dalton LISTENING PART ONE Questions 1-8 1c 2h $A 4A GC 6h 7A 8B PART TWO Questions 915 9 (TIM) MCDOUGALL 10 KENNEDY 11 27TIL 12 HCONOMY 13114 830.15 70, PART THREE Questions 16-22 Ye SILK ROAD —17 ENTERPRISES 18 1950 19 pOURLED 20 FREE MARKET 21 FOREIGN MARKETS 22 STRUCTURE PART FOUR Questions 23-30 2A 2A 25R 20 2B 28 29C 308 This isthe Business English Cetifcae Preliminary Listening Test. Part One. Questions 1 to 8 For questions 1-8, you wil hear eight short recordings For each question, mark one letter (A, B or C) forthe [Now we are ready to start. You will hear the eight recordings twice. ‘One: When should Harvey Judd call Edward Bono? Ws Good afternoon, Hale & Hearty Foods. Kate speaking. M: Ah yes, could I speak to Harvey Judd plense? We May Lask who's calling? M: It's Edward Bono, |W. Oh... Harvey's on another line at the moment, De you mind holding? M: Actually... Could you ask Harvey to call me when 134 hhe gots off the phone? It's quite urgent. W, Of course, could I repeat} ‘Two: What's the date today? We It's much better to wait until the 20th to send these catalogues. Don't you agree?” M: Yes, I couldn't agree more W. So wo still have 9 days, M: That's perfect. We have enough tne to got everything done repeat} ‘Three: Where isthe conference room? W: Morning, Mr Jackson. You're here to see Mr Anderson? Me Yes, that’s right, W: He is watting for you in the conference room. I's fn the second floor, turn left when you come out of the elevator, and thn it’s the last door on your right Ms OK. Thanks a lot repeat} Four: What's wrong withthe printer? ‘M: Well it’s the third time in one day. W. What's wrong with it? M: Tdon't know. I's run out of paper or ink maybe. W. Oh, no, Look, some paper got stuck. reas} Five: Where are the man and woman talking? M: We neod to talk about our budget again, W. OK, but I need to chock the message I ust picked up at the reception first M: Hore wo are, the third floor. W. Then I'll see you in your office in 5 minutes, repeat} Six: Why is Mr Foster late forthe meeting? M; Martin Adams speaking. W: Hello, Mr Adams. This Is Mr Foster's secretary, 1'm afraid Mr Foster's going to be late for the ‘mecting with you at your office. The train is late. M: OK. Thanks for leting me know. Does he know how to find us? W. Yes, we received a map from your secretary Thanks, repeat} Seven: What was £1 equal to yesterday? M: Have you changed any money yet? W. Yes, [got $200 worth of yuan in the bank yesterday. M: How about the rate? Ws Protty good. I got 14 yuan to the pound, though last month it was near 16, M: Oh, I got 14.8 this morning atthe hotel, so it was worth waiting repeat) ght: Which chart shows the price Nuctuation? Wr Mr Granger, petrol prices have fuctuatod recently. Could you please tell me something about that in the past three months? M: Yes. Hmm, the pricas wont down slightly in May Dut unfortunat repeat} ‘That isthe end of Part One, they wont up again in June Part Two. Questions 9 t0 15. Look atthe notes below, Some information i missing. You vill hear a man asking for Might information. For cach question 9-15, fl inthe missing information in the numbered space using a word, numbers or leters ‘You will hear the conversation tice. ‘You have ten seconds to look atthe notes, ‘Now listen, and fl in the mi ing information Wy Tlellot Dolores speaking M: Ah yes, helo. I'd lke to enquire about fights. W. Right Could I just take your name frst? Me Its Tin MeDougall here. That's M-C:D-0-U.G-A- double L, W. Thank you. Now, what exactly do you want to know? M: T'd lke to enquire about lights to Hong Kong from Kennedy Airport in New York, please. I'm off toa conference atthe end ofthe month — Thursday 22nd until Tuesday 27th, Could you tell sme about the fight availability and prices? Wi Certainly. Do you want to go economy, business or first class? M: Well, ' like to go first class, but unfortunately Tilhave to go economy — company rules, you We Yes, sure, understand. How many of you will be swavellng? Ms Ah it's just me, W. Okay, so that's one seat ... economy Kennedy to Hong Kong Airport M: And how much will that be? Ws Let me see .. to qualify for the discount rate, you need to stay over a Saturday night, which you are doing .. Yes that'll be $830, Me Right, and does that include airport tax? W. No, tax is another $70 on top of that M: Okay. Can Ibook that, then? W. Certainly New York: ‘Now you wil hes repeas} ‘That is the end of Part Two. You now have ten seconds to check your answers. the conversation again Part Three. Questions 16 to 22. ‘Look a the notes. Some information missing, You will hear researcher talking about the origin of the term — slobalisation. or each question 16-2, fin the missing information in ‘the aumbered space using one or two words ‘You wil hear the tall tic, ‘You now have tn seconds to look atthe notes,Now tsten, and complete the notes. |W: Globalisation is not new, though. For thousands of yoars, pooplo — and, later, corporations — have been buying from and selling to each other in lands at groat distances, such as through the fiamod Silk Road across Central Asta that connected China and Europe during the Middle Ages. Likewise, for centuries, people and corporations have invested in enterprises in other countries Policy and technological developments of the past few decades have spurred increases in cross- Dordor trade, investment, and migration so large that many observers believe the world has entered a qualitatively new phase in its economic dovelopment. Since 1950, for example, the volume of world trade has increased by 20 times, and from just 1997 to 1999 flows of foreign investment nearly doubled, fom $468 billion to '$827 billion, It is obvious that today globalisation is “farther, faster, cheaper, and deeper” ‘This current wave of globalisation has been riven by polices that have oponed economies domestically and internationally. In the years singe the Second World War, and especially uring the past two decades, many governments have adopted free market economic syste vastly increasing their own productive potential and creating myriad new opportunities for international wade and investment. Governments also have negotiated dramatic reductions in barriers to commerce and have established international agreements to promote trade in foods, services, and investment, Taking Advantage of new opportunities in foreign markets, corporations have built foreign factories and established production and marketing arrangements with foreign partners. A defining feature of globalisation, therefore, is an International industrial and financial business [Now you wil hear the alk agaln repeat} ‘That isthe end of Pat Three. You now have twenty seconds to check your answers Part Four. Questions 23 to 30. You ill hear personnel manager interviewing job applicant. For each question 28-30, mark one letter (A, B oF C) for the correct answer You will hear the conversation twice ‘You have forty-five seconds to read through the questions. Now listen, and mark A, Bor C. M: se se Ke M: M: M: He BEC PRELIMINARY PRACTICE TEST 185 322561130 \Woll, David, porhaps we could begin by diseussing ‘your current job? Yes, of cours. 'm working as a Progross Chaser al Hawkin's Diesels at the moment, while two ‘years ago after my graduation I was a sales rep at Fagen Corp, What exactly does tat involve? Basically, it means I have to check on the progross of various jobs as they move throu the factory — soe which parts have beon made, ‘where they are in the assembly process and whether there are any problems, ‘And you're based inthe factory itso” Not on the factory floor, no. Tm in the main fice block. | work right next door to the Sales Department, But | have to visit the production area to tlk to staff fom sime to sine. So tho progress of work is checked directly by you Not exactly. When | took the job it was ke that, but now we have @ computer system which holds all the production information. That's updated by slall at each stage of the process ‘That must make the job easier Im some ways, yes. can monitor the movement of products quickly and it eops me better informed about the situation in the factory as a ‘whole. On the other hand, if production staf forgot to enter data into computer, things ean go ‘wrong without me knowing and problems aren't dealt with immediately ‘What's the most common problem you have to deal with? The thing that annoys me most is when people ‘make stupid mistakes — mistakes which could be avoided. But, thankfully, tha's quite rare. The ‘most frequent difficulty we ave is when wo have a lot of parts ready for procossing, and one of ‘the machines goes wrong Bight, OK. Now the job you're applying for, Customor Relations Manager. is quite @ shift from ‘what you're doing now — why does it interest you? Essentially, because i's primarily about dealing ‘with people, In some ways I's very different as {you're not a production company and many of ‘your customer problems are going to be new to me, Similarly, the technical skills Ive acquired will be ss important. However, ina customer service role like this, I unink the skis I've aequired in dealing with a whole range of difficulties and complaints will be vory valuable. Does that moan you see yourself primarily as a caring type of person’? ‘Woll, I've always tried to be aware of other people's probloms but, as an employee, 1 actually see myself as more of a co-operator — the sort of person who works well with others. I fee! ned to develop my leadership skills more, but that's 15something I can work om in the futur. "Tat i the end of Part Four. You now have ten minutes to W. So moving on to transfer your answers to your Answer Sheet. [Now your will hear the conversation again. That i the end ofthe listening test. repeat]= BEC Preliminary practice test 2 READING AND WRITING 1 hour 30 minutes. PART ONE Questions 1-5 Look at questions 1-8 In each question, which sentence is correct? For each question, mark one later (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet Ring 963458 to place an advertisement inthis magazine, You can put an advertisement in this magazine. I you want to advertise, please ring this number. You can make telephone calls from here, HR Department Annual Dinner Tickets onsale from next Monday ‘Advance purchase essential You must have tickets for this event. The tickets for this event are sold out Tickets cannot be bought in advance. called — she's cancelled Friday's ‘meeting since her progress report isn't ready. Please retum her all Jack What should May do? A B c retum the progress report to Cissy getiin touch with Cissy put off the meeting with Cissy Stationery will be dispatched os receipt of full payment, You don't have to pay in full until you receive your stationery. You must pay in full before stationery is delivered, Stationery will be delivered once you have put down a deposit. 7 He5 | sates were ‘good but distribution problems led to a slight drop in profits. ‘The company had problems with A. producing goods B delivering goods © selling goods PART TWO Questions 6-10 + Look atthe lst below. It shows a lst of workshops arranged for this month, * For questions 6-10, decide which workshop (A-H) would be suitable for each person to attend, ‘© For each question, mark one letter (A-H) on your Answer Sheet *# Do not use any letter more than once. Workshops of This Month Promoting products Funding business startups Reducing overhead costs “Managing information electronically — understanding government regulations Informing staff of company news sm oa Encouraging personnel to develop their skils through training G Picking the best Internet Service Provider o Choosing a sceure computer software 6 Ada Baker wil explain to staff how the recent acquisition will affect thelr work. Donna Hall needs to know how to borrow money and establish a software company. 8 Steven Young wants to know about legal requirements relevant to storing clients’ personal data on his computer. 9. Rose Bruce needs to know which reliable computer software she can use to protect confidential information, 10. Alex Clinton would ike to know the reasons wity he needs to attend training programmes. PART THREE Questions 11-15 ‘© Look atthe chart below. It shows the market share (‘4 of three furiture companies over a nine-year petiod. ‘© Which year does each sentence (11-18) describe? ‘= For each sentence, mark one letter (A-H) on your Answer Shect # Do not use any letter more than once,He BEC PRELIMINARY PRACTICE TEST 2 Market Share of ‘Three Furniture Companies =Grant Co HLC Corp Lindel Group 11 The market share of Grant Co saw a slight drop on the previous year, while the shares of HLC Corp ‘and Lindel Group rose continuously. 12 The market share of HLC Corp remained greater than those of the other two companies, which ‘experienced an increase on the previous year though, 13 Both HLC Corp and Lindel Group saw a rise in their market shares although Grant Co's share decreased dramatically 14 There was a slight decrease in Grant Co's share and the share of Lindel Group also dropped. 15. Lindel Group doubled its market share, while HLC Corp's share declined slightly, PART FOUR Questions 16-22 ‘+ Read the article below about a search engine — Google, ‘* Are sentences 16-22 ‘Right’ or ‘Wrong’? If here is not enough information to answer *Right" or Wron choose “Doesn't say’, ‘+ For each sentence 16-22, mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet HAVE YOU GOOGLED TODAY? Google is a powerful tool for users of the electronic Google was not the first Internet search engine. But ‘communications system called the Intemet. Computer users connecting to the Intemet cas use Google to search for any word, name or idea. Google finds electronic documents, or wed pages, with news, information — almost anything, More than eighty rilion people use Google each month, Two young men, Sergey Brin and Lany Page, started Google in 1998, At the time, they were students at Stanford University, California. They engine, a way to look for words on the Intemet. The technology they developed chooses web pages with the links closest to the word or words the user is created a search searching for people found it easy to use. Today, Google performs ‘swo-hunded:-milion searches everyday, Itcan search more than 4000,000,000 web pages atone time. Yet cach search takes less than one second, Google has even become an action word: 19 "google” means to search for information on she Internet The search service that Google offers is free But Google also provides links to web pages of ‘companies that sll goous and services ‘Companies pey Google every time someone uses it connect with their web page. The amount a ‘company pays depends on it size 1920 18 Most computer users connecting tothe Intemet use Google to search for an idea © Doosn't say © Doesn't say © Doosn't say © Doesn't say A Right B Wrong 47 Every month eighty million people use Google, A Right B Wrong 418 Two students at Stanford University set up Google in the 1990s. A Right B Wrong 19 Google is one of the frst Internet search engines, A Right B Wrong 20 A Right B Wrong 21 Google offers free search service, A Right B Wrong 2 pages. A Right B Wrong PART FIVE Questions 23-28 Google has already become an action word which means to search for information on the Intemet, © Doosn't say © Doesn't say Companies are charged according to the times Google is used to connect with companies’ web © Doesn't say ‘Read the article below about the person who founded a company, which manufactures equipment for finess centres. ** For each question 23-28, choose the correct answer. ‘© Mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet When Valeria Georgievska set up UFit, producer of gym equipment, she ook a huge risk by opposing the current idea that exercise machines should be designed only to build up physical strength. Ske created her business around the belief that it was less important for people to be strong than to be fit. At fist, she was not taken seriously by her competitors, who thought her {ideas could not work In the early days, Velerija Georgievska made some stakes. She invented equipment that was atthe time highly innovative — it exercised the body in a way that was very comfortable for the user, ut this was stil @ time when people believed they could only benefit from exercise if t was painful, Gone UR oon Despite that, she continued to advocate the theory that ‘gyms should promote general health, and it paid off ‘Consumers gradually accepted her ideas and she began ‘Ten yeas late, Valeria Georgievska is stil experimenting and researching. Her most recent activities are designed to improve life for people with sports injuries and for the old who have difficulty walking, She is also developing a centre in Paris for the promotion of ‘althylitestles R & Dis always atthe top of Valeria Georgievska’s agenda and this means looking for ways to help people ‘enjoy exercise, She believes that customers today ‘expect gyms to be pleasent for the senses as well asgood forthe body. Her company has now sel up several fitness mtr, These are attractive to look at and operate smoothly. The equipment is made of top quality materials that are pleasant to touch, and the air inthe centres is kept Sesh T'Il always remain committed to the health of the buy.” says Valeria Georgievska, “and I don’t regret T've dared tobe different in my approach to the fitness business. A lot of companies are now copying what we do, and this shows the hard work was worthwhile 23 Why did the fitness industry fal to take Valerija Georgievska seriously? A She was starting a business in a competitive market. B She had no experience of manufacturing fitness equipment. © She did not conform to the current attitude towards fitness. 24 What mistake id Valerija make in the early days? A She launched a product that did not work efficiently, B She introduced a product before the market was ready. She used the technology that was out of date, 25 Eventually Valeria was successful because she A persisted in promoting her belief B adapted her designs to the changing needs of the public C created a new market by using innovative sales methods 26 Recently Valerija was involved in ‘A purchasing a company that owns a fitness centre in Paris, B doing research into healthy lifestyles practised by different nationalities developing a programme fer the old who have problems walking 27 How does Valeria attract customers? A She creates a nice environment in the fitness centres. B She frequently upgrades the equipment in her centres. She locates the fitness centres in pleasant surroundings. 28 What can be inferred from the last paragraph? A She is concemed that competitors are copying UFi’s products, B She intends to work less hard in the future. € She fools satisfied that her ideas have been accepted. PART SIX Questions 29-40 ‘* Read the article below about the “gold standard. '* Choose the correct word to fil each gap from A, B or C. ‘* For each question 28-40, mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet a He22 The best example of something is often ealled the “gold standard”. I sets the standard against (29) other things are measured. In economies, the term describes (30) major trading nations once used gold 31) set currency values and exchange rates. Many nations continued to use the gold standard (an) the last century. In the United States, people (33) exchange paper money for gold from (34) 1870s to 1933. President Richard Nixon finally disconnected the dollar (35) ‘the value of gold in 1971. Some politicians ftom time (36) time eall 37) 1 retum tothe gold standard (38) in 1978 the Intemational Monetary Fund ended an official gold price, The IMF (39) ceded the required use of godin transactions (40) its member countries, 29 A what B that © which 30 A who B how © when 31 A with Bio cin 32 A until B up © from 33. A shall B will © could 34 Aan B the ca 35. A from B by © for 36 Aon Bio © and 37 A forth Bin © for 38 A Although B since © But 39 A also B too © both 40 A by B with © down PART SEVEN Questions 41-45 # Read the memo and letter below. ‘© Complete the applicant information form ‘© Write a word or phrase (in CAPITAL LETTERS) or a number on lines 41~45 on your Answer Sheot MEMO Another applicant forthe sales manager past, Please complete the form and file the CV for me, Thank you, Dear Mr Hadavas, | would like to apply forthe vacancy advertised in The Times yesterday have been working as a sales rep for J & C company for three years. Now I am looking responsibility, [have an MA degree in economics and now altend MS course, Although I come from Japan, my English is very good as Ihave lived here since 2005He [Looking forward to heating from you. Yours sincerely, Mark Jekins Postion applied for [Name of applicant: ‘Nationality Current employer: Present qualification: Applicant Information Form ay «a2 3) “ as) PART ONE Question 46 ‘* You are unable to attend a scheduled meeting with a client because you have to fly to Patis. '* Write a note to your colleague Susan’ — saying who is coming to the office explaining why you cannot meet h asking her to take your place at the meeting by Using the information you have collected, 30-40 words on your Answer Sheet. . wri PART TWO Question 47 ‘+ Read this part of a complaint letter from two of your important customers, who suffered food poisoning In your restaurant recently ‘We ordered fish soup, which was tasteless and terbly hot. The main courses were aot very good il thing about the meal was the top quality fresh cream dessert and perfect coffe. Aer the terble service and faod, we ‘were happy to leave und forget all about the experience. Bu later that evening, things went from bad to worse =. The only good ‘+ Write a letter of apology to your customers: — apologising fer the poor service and the food poisoning incident — explaining the result ofthe police's investigation — accepting full responsibilty — offering a free dinner for two. ‘* Write 60-80 words on your Answer Sheet. ‘* Do not include any postal address 2324 LISTENING Approximately 40 minutes (including 10 minutes’ transfer time) PART ONE Questions 1-8 You will hear the eight recordings twice. 1 What do we need for the new reception? A 2. What was the final decision about the meeting? A twill be cancelled, B [twill be held next weak. © Itwil be held as scheduled. For questions 1-8, you will hear eight short recordings. For each question, mark one letter (A, B of C) for the correct answer. 3. Which telephone number did the lady dial? 5568790) 5558790 5558070 A B c 4. Why does the woman want to change her job? A to save time B to learn computer skills © to eam more money ‘5 Which char is correct? A B ce (in every chart, Ist columa — Digital Watches, 2nd column — Quartz Analogue Watches, 3rd columa — Mechanical Watches)6 How does the woman prefer the goods despatched? A by rallway B bysea © She's stil thinking about it 7 Which is the fight to Tokyo? Twa795 Tw3T69 A 8 c 8 When is the Tokyo conference? ‘A 18th-17th B 5th-7th © 14th17th PART TWO Questions 9-15 ‘© Look at the notes below. ‘+ Some information is missing. ‘+ You will hear a woman phoning a hotel to book a room, ‘* For each question 8-15, fil n the missing information in the numbered space using a word, numbers or letters, You will hear the conversation twice. Booking a Room Room typi ° Date from: (10) ee: Rate: ays per night Caller’s name: «ay Post code: (13) Missicsppi Phone number: ay Action: (15) mata PART THREE Questions 16-22 ‘* Look at the notes. ‘Some information is missing, You will hear the tak twice. ‘You will hear a man reviewing recent conferences of SIG, a business organisation For each question 16-22, iln the missing information in the numbered space using one or two words. 25 He26 Name of speaker: 6) Wallace Membershi (17) Showed, from 2007 to 2008 Number of members in 2008: (as) Venue of SIG 2006: a9) Stable base of professional members 20) Reason for loss on SIG 2008 conference: (21) and higher catering Biggest expens 22) PART FOUR ‘Questions 23-30 + You will hear part of a radio interview with Paul Stephens from a management consultancy, ‘= For each question 23-30, mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer. # You will hear the conversation twice. 23 Paul Stephens has. A helped to design a sales system B travelled around the world been working for 18 months 24. Where does Paul Stephens work now? A the client's London office B their headquarters in France © anoffice in Asia 25. What does Paul Stephens say about the traning provided by his fim? A There is an introductory course for all new graduate recruits. B New graduate recruits choose which courses they are interested in € All the introductory courses are attended over three days. 26 What did Paul Stephens expect to do when he joined the company? ‘A work with teams providing technical services B work on a wide range of projects work more on the business side 27 What does Paul Stephens think of personal preferences? ‘A They should be considered by the fim when assigning work. B They shouldn't be taken into account by the fim: They have no effect on employees’ work.He 28 In Paul Stephens fim, for their fist two years new employees go up on the pay scale A after a six-monthly review B according to their annual performance one level higher every November 29 What does Paul Stephens say about his working hours? ‘A He has to work over the weekend if deadiines are drawing near. B He is prepared to work long hours when there are things to do, He finishes at 7 o'clock every evening, 30, What does Paul Stephens think of his company? ‘A There is litle ime to learn things you previously knew nothing about B New recruits are always assigned work that they know well € There are inflexible structures. ‘You new have 10 minutes to transfer your answers fo your Answer Sheet, a728 SPEAKING 12 minutes PART ONE In this part, the interlocutor asks questions to each of the candidates in tun. You have to give information about yourself and express personal opinions, PART TWO. In this part ofthe test, you are asked to give a short talk on a business topic, You have to choose one of the topics from the two below and then talk for about one minute. You have one minute to prepare your ideas, ‘Task Shoet for Candidate A, sk Sheet for Candidate B Task Sheet 1 Task Sheet 2 A: What is important when ‘A: What is important when . Choosing a new office location Arranging one’s work time effectively ‘© Car parking Planning © Transport ‘© Flexible schedule © Cost © Prioritisation B: What is important when B: What is important when CChairing a business meeting Working ina team ‘¢ Time management © Ateam leader © Introducing the agenda ‘© Common goals ‘© Summarising the meeting 4 Individual roles PART THREE In this part ofthe test, the examiner reads out a scenario and gives you some prompt material inthe form of pictures or words. You have 30 seconds to look at the task prompt, and then about two minutes to discuss the scenario with your partner. After that, the examiner will ask you more questions related to the topic. For two or three candidates Examiner Frame Candidates’ Prompt Sheet nario Een Tm going o describe a situation. Personal qualities A company is planning to promote some Experience employees to managers. Talk together for about two minutes* about how to choose who to promote and decide which three are the ‘most important Education background Work performance Length of service Team spiri Here are some ideas to help you. Cureent position tree inate for groupe of has cana Communication skillsHe BEC PRELIMINARY PRACTICE TEST 298° ROF 230% BEC Preliminary practice test 2 BA ERE ALA [NEADING AND WRARING PART ONE Questions 1-5 TB 2A 3B 4B 5B PART TWO Questions 610 6E 7B 8D 9H 10F PART THRE PART FOUR Questions 16-22 WC ITB IA 19C 2A 2A pan PART FIVE Questions 23-28 2 24B 253A 266 AA aC PART SIX Questions 29-40 29C 308 31B S2A 330 348 354 368 37C 38C 39A 408 41 SALES MANAGER 42 MARK JEKINS 43. JAPAN 44.) CCOMPANY 45 MAINE WRITING PART ONE Question 46 Model answer Hi Susan, have & meeting with our client Ms Smith st 1:30 in Room 515, but have to leave before noon to catch the flight to Paris. Can you take my place to meet her? You may use the information I've collected. Thanks, John PART TWO Question 47 Model answer Dear Sirs {'m writing to apologise for the poor service you received in our restaurant recently, and for the food: poisoning you suffered. We would like to point out that an investigation by the police confirmed that our kitchen hygiene standards are vory high, and that all our food is delivered fresh and is of the bost quay However, we'd lke to accept fll responsibilty forthe Incident and ofr you two a complimontary dinner. Yours sincerely, The Manager LISTENING PART ONE Questions 1-8 1c 2C 3B 4A 5C 6B 7B 8A PART TWO Questions 9-15 9 SINGLE 104 11 50 13 39401 14 264-9916, PART THREE Questions 16-22 1G HENRY 17 A DECREASE 19 SEATTLE 20 850 21 LOWER REGISTRATIONS PART FOUR Questions 23-30 ZC MA 2A BC WA 2 29H HOA 12 MooRE, 15 RESERVATION as 1138 22 BUSINESS TRAVE [ras Thisis the Business English Cetifcate Preliminary Listening Test. Part One. Questions 1 to 8. For questions 1-8, you will hea ight short recordings, For «ach question, mark one leter (A,B or C) forthe correct Now we are ready to start, You will hear the eight recordings twice. (One: What do we need forthe new reception? |W. What do we need for the new reception? M: Well, wo don't really want a new laptop, do we? W: No, but I think we need a new phone, IM: Tagree, At frst thought about a small photocopier, 2930 ‘but the lady atthe new reception can always use the one in the next office. frpeas} ‘Two: What was the final decision about the meeting? M: Did you read the email about this woek’s mooting? Ws Yes, [saw it was postponed until next week M: Forget the email. was told it was back on again at the same tne. repeat} ‘Three: Which telephone number did the lady dal? M: ello, this isthe press office W: Rachel Allsop please M:_ I'm sorry, you must have the wrong number, There's no-one of that name bere W. Oh, Can T check the number I've gor not 55687902 M: No, i's 5558790. W: Oh sorry about that. [must have dialled the wrong number, M: No problem! Bye! repeat} Four: Why does the woman want fo change her job? We 1 am tired of going all the way to tho office, so 1 applied for a new job in a nearby company. Its just down the road from my house M: Imm, you'd save money as well a tine. What About the salary? W. The same, Hut [can use my computer skills there frpeas} Five: WI M: How are our digital watches solling? We Uh, they are not selling as well as our quartz analogue watches. M: No, they aren't! But thoy are selling bettor than four mechanical watches, repeas} Six: How does the woman prefer the goods despatched? M: How do you like the goods despatched, by ra or by sea? W: By see, ploase. Bocauso of the high cost of railway ‘tansportation, we profer sea transportation M: That's what we think repeat} Seven: Which i the Might Tokyo? ‘M: Would all passengers for flight TW3796 to Sydney please go to gate No. 31, Flight T3795 to Tokyo fs now boarding at gate No. 92 is that ich chart is correct? cay repeat} Eight: When isthe Tokyo conference? W. Mr Brook, I'd like to confirm the date for your Tokyo conference, so can make the necessary M: OK, is from the fifteenth to the seventeenth, 'm flying out on Monday back on Thursday, peas} ‘That isthe end of Part One, 1 fourteenth and coming Part Two. Questions 9 to 15. Look a the notes below. Some information is missing. You will ear a woman phowing # hotel t book a rom. For each question 9-15 ili the missing information in ‘the numbered space using a word, numbers or leters. ‘You will hear the conversation tice. ‘You have tn seconds to look atthe nates, ‘Now listen, and fin the ml M; Advance Reservations, Can I help you? W: Yes, I'd lke to book a single room with a bath from the afternoon of October 4 to the moming of October 10, M: Yes, wo do have a single room avallable for those dares, W. What fs the rate, ploase? M: ‘The current rate is $50 per night W: What services come with that? M: For $50 you'll have a radio, a colour television, a {olophone and a major intornational newspaper delivered to your room every day. W. That sounds not bad at all take it M: Very good. Could you tell me your name, please? W: Yes, itis Moore M; How do you spell, please? W. Its M-0-0488 M: OK. And what is your address, please? W, Itis 2600 Montague Boulevard, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39401 USA. M: Yos, soit is Mississippi 39401, right? W. That's right M: What about your telephone number? W, Two-six-four-double nine-one-six. By the way, ['d like a quiet room away from the street if that is possible. M: A quiet room avvay from the stroot is preferred, (OK, We'll mail you a reservation card confirming your booking as soon as possible. We look forward to your visit W. Thank you and goodbye, M: Goodbye i information ‘Now you will hear the conversation again. peat} That isthe end of Part‘Two. You now have tn seconds check your answers. Part Three. Questions 16 to 22. Look atthe notes, Some information is missing, You will ‘hear a man reviewing recent conferences of SIG, # busines organisation For cach question 16-22, fila the missing information in the numbered space using one or two words ‘You wil hear the tall fic, ‘You now have ten seconds to look atthe notes. Now listen, and complete the notes.M: Good morning, everyone, Weleome to the Annval Business Mecting. My name is Henry Wallace. I's areat to see so many of you — old faces and new ‘ones! Fist let me roview SIG membership, Statistically, tho mombership showod a decrease from 2007 to 2008. In 2007 we bad as many as 1547 members while only 1138 in 2008. Hut iis vory likely to show an increase in 2009, which is ‘woleomed and expected by us AAs far as we understand, the peak in 2007 was largely the result of a delay in processing 2005 rogistrations, along with a large attendance at SIG £2006 which was held in Seattle. Anyhow, we hhavo a stable base of about 850 professional ‘memberships all these years. (Our Sinances showed the SIG bank balance was oughly stable from 2008 to 2009, though SIG lost approximately $52,000 on the SIG 2008 Conference dus to lowor registrations and higher catering than expected. However, SIG made $834,000 with over 50% participation on the CIK. 2008 conference and $9,000 with one-third participation on the JCD 2008 conference. (ur reserves continue tobe greater than the total ‘budget fr the yearly conference. SIG 2009 will, probably make money. SIG's biggest expense is ‘business travel, which was $75,000 for SIG 2008, '$50,000 (plus $5,000 from a sponsor) for SIG 2009, and will probably increase for SIG 2010. The attendees today here are weleome to lt us know ‘hat you feel SIG should be spending money on [Now you wil hear the talk again repeat} ‘That isthe end of Part Three. You now have twenty seconds to check your answers Part Four. Questions 23 to 30. ‘You wll hear part ofa radio interview with Paul Stephens from a management consultancy ‘question 23-30, mark one leter (A, Bor €) for You will hear the conversation twice. You have forty-five seconds to read through the questions Now tsten, and mark A, Bor C. |W. Today ('m talking to Paul Stephens, « business analyst with management consultancy firm CD Associates. First off, Paul, could you explain what your job involves? M: Well, T've been working for 18 months, since finished my business degree, and forall that ‘ume I've been doing business integration work for one major multinational company. We're carrying out an online purchasing solution for them, around the world ‘Where do you work now? Currently i'm based in their Londo office but not ze He BEC PRELIMINARY PRACTICE TEST 2485 C256 1130% In thetr headquarters in France. And that’s for 11 months, so there's @ high degree of ellent Interaction |W: Has your firm given you any extra training, especially for the technical side ofthe job? ‘Well, the firm puts everyone through a five-week introductory course as & graduate recruit. | did three weeks’ basic computer programming. Then did an additional two-week e-commerce course. Since then I've done two further three-day ‘courses, an “introduction to business” and one on. business finance, Now that I'm in my second yar, I get to choose my next training course and Tight have the chance to trainin Asia Is the job what you expected, when you joined? 1s more technically focused than { thought it would be. I needed the traning so I could work with our technical ams and understand the services we provide, But, now, if you join with an intorest in business ses, you get suppor to help you follow ‘that route, which is what I thought be geting. Do you regret that? Not really. But the frm’ really acknowledged that the personal preferences of new recruits rust be laken into account when they're being assigned projects, We And what sort of financial packages does your firm offer? M: Well, at the beginning, people gota pay rise once yearly. Generally, you go up a level on the pay scale every November. Aer you have been there for two years, your pay becomes performance related. This is calculated based on your six ‘monthly performance review meetings. presume you work long hours My hours of work vary. As deadlines near, ean expect to work longer hours. On average, I'd say 1 work between 50 and 55 hours a week — 8 atm to 7 pm. I's important to make sure you're achieving ‘your work goals but atthe same time you need balance in your life. I don't mind working hard during the week, but I keep my weekends sacred; 1 haven't worked one in the last 14 months. ‘Would you say i's a good place to work? In general. there's a strong support system. I's very structured. There aro rogular roviows with {your manager wen you sol targets. But to do wall here, say you have to be quick because you may bo assignod some othor work which roquires you to mastor a new ski or understand a new area within a limited time, It definitely helps to be flexible, Ke ss Ke Be ‘Now you wil ear the conversation agai, frepeat} ‘That isthe end of Part Four, You now have ten minutes to ransfer your answers fo your Answer Sheet ‘That isthe end ofthe Ustening text. 31