Part IV - Short Talks

 

Tip: Listen for the main idea

 

I’m pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Quality Improvement Award. This award is given to the employee who makes the greatest contribution to improving the quality of our product lines. The award goes to George Randolph, an engineer with our Vancouver office. He redesigned a production process so that the frequency of defects in our newsprint rolls was dramatically reduced. Please join me in congratulating him on his achievement.

 

Why did George Randolph win an award?
(A) Developing a new product
(B) Improving air quality in Vancouver
(C) Helping other employees
(D) Cutting product defects

 

Answer: The main idea is that the award is being presented for improving the quality of a product. Therefore, choice (D) is the best answer.

 

Part V  – Incomplete Sentences

 

Tip: Sometimes words are used together in set expressions.

 

I am writing in __________ to an opening for an accountant advertised in today’s newspaper.

(A) concern
(B) reference
(C) conjunction
(D) notifying

 

Answer: The phrase “in reference to” is a set expression. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.

 

Part VII  – Reading Comprehension

 

Tip: Sometimes you have determine what is implied in the text.

 

Exporting Worldwide
Canadian companies find it easy to export goods to the United States. However, exporting to other countries can be very risky – there are worries about currency exchange rates, local languages and customs and collecting on invoices. We can help. Our company provides comprehensive guides to exporting to Asia, Europe and South America. We have country-specific guides for Mexico, Japan and many other countries. For complete information, please contact us at the address below.

 

Who would be most interested in this advertisement?
(A) World travellers
(B) Canadian manufacturers
(C) Mexican and Japanese companies
(D) Currency traders

 

Answer: Manufacturers are the most common exporters. The text is about exporting Canadian goods to other countries. Therefore, choice (B) is the best answer.