VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY-HCMC SAMPLE TEST 1 FACULTY OF ECONOMICS (2 nd year) DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES Duration: 75 minutes ______________________________________________________________________________ I. PRONUNCIATION (10 marks, 1 mark for each correct answer) A. Which underlined part is pronounced differently from the others? 1. a. future b. data c. monitor d. consultant 2. a. possible b. suggest c. advertising d. society 3. a. manager b. bigger c. agency d. larger 4. a. browse b. grow c. know d. below 5. a. serviced b. reserved c. offered d. criticized B. Which word has a different stress pattern from the others? 6. a. terrorist b. employment c. convenience d. advantage 7. a. collect b. conduct (v) c. inform d. enter 8. a. marketing b. criminal c. deputy d. surveillance 9. a. security b. economist c. information d. technology 10. a. efficiency b. profitable c. competitor d. activity II. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR (20 marks, 1 marks for each correct answer) A. VOCABULARY. Choose the word (a, b, c or d) that best completes each sentence: 11.The bank is introducing a new surveillance system to increase ________. a. IT b. security c. browsing habits d. files 12.We collect information about our customers and store it on a ________. a. subject b. research c. database d. record 13.When you surf the internet to find the information you need, it is very helpful to use ________ such as Google or AltaVista. You type in a keyword or phrase and click on ‘GO’. a. password b. screens c. search engine d. search party 14.I work in the sales department and I manage customer data. I keep ________ of customers. We have a file for each customer with their name, address and other details. a. records b. news c. facts d. orders 15.Bob’s job is to ________ the market. He tries to answer three questions. One: how many consumers are there in the market? Two: who are they? And three: what do they want? a. examine b. research c. enter d. conduct 16.Increased use of the internet in recent years means that more data about individuals can be ________ and stored than ever before. Some of this information is used to analyze people’s buying habits. a. required b. collected c. captured d. delivered 17.People are uneasy that companies and organizations are able to collect and retain so much information about individuals. They question what use the information will be put to. Some civil liberties groups argue that we live in a time of unprecedented electronic ________ when every transaction and movement can be monitored. a. security b. technology c. surveillance d. safety 18.Companies or organizations which want to find out how the public perceive their products or services perform market research. This research often takes the form of a ________, designed to investigate the attitudes of the public. a. survey b. conduct c. record d. questionnaire 19.Techniques have improved considerably in recent years. Quantitative market researchers write complex computer models to _______ the figures and to produce a neat set of results. a. manage b. use c. analyze d. keep 1 20.The researchers concluded that workers were motivated not by their physical _______, but because someone was interested in them. a. situations b. conditions c. status d. circumstances B. GRAMMAR. Choose the best answer for the following questions or sentences: 21.She has_____ here and ______ in the taxi. a. some suitcase / a luggage b. a suitcase / some luggage c. some suitcases/ a luggage d. some suitcase / some luggage 22.Do you think that the relationship between the clients and supplier has got a lot of respect? a. Yes, I think b. Yes, I do c. Yes, it has got d. Yes, it is 23.How many staff _____ the head office ____? a. does/ have b. do / have c. have/got d. does/ got 24.The company ______ 100,000 units per year. a. produce b. is producing c. produces d. produced 25.There ______ two main groups of Coke users: those who drink it in cafes, bars and restaurants, and those who buy it to drink at home. a. are b. is c. have d. has 26.I saw _____ humorous advert on the way to work this morning. a. a b. an c. the d. Ø 27.Currently, the number of Internet users in Latin America ________ fast. a. grows b. grow c. is growing d. are growing 28.James: Hello. Can I speak to June, please? Alex: She’s not here at the moment. _______ I take a message? a. Can b. Do c. Will d. Should 29.Can I check ______ figures with you? I’m updating the information on the company website. How ______ new recruits did we employ this year? a. any/many b. some/much c. some/many d. any/much 30.I have _______ final question. My data shows that just under 30 percent of the recruits ______ from outside Europe. Is that correct? a. one/is b. one/are c. any/are d. any/is III. READING (40 marks) A. Read the passage below and fill in each blank with one word (20 marks, 2 marks for each correct answer) Market research has become more and more important in recent years. In some organizations, in fact, managers will not initiate any activities without market research to back them up. The first thing to be said about the market research is that it is not an (31) _______ to management decision-making. No form of market research, no matter how deep, complicated and detailed, can ever be seen as a substitute for creative decision-making by professional managers. (32) _______ its very best, all it can do is to (33) _______ some doubt and clarify the nature of the problem. It may even be seen as a tool which can improve the (34) _______ of decisions but it is not in itself a decision-making mechanism. Market research, in common with a number of other approaches in marketing, suffers from frequent (35) _______ that it is not really accurate. Market research results can never be (36) _______ accurate. There is, therefore, an on-going need for creativity and imagination when (37) _______market research results and when making any (38) _______ to apply them in the marketplace. Lastly, it should always be remembered that market research is not an end in itself but simply a (39) _______ by which some degree of risk can be removed from marketplace activity. If no activity (40) _______ from the research, then the entire exercise has been completely pointless. 31.a. opportunity b. alternative c. end d. opening 32.a. For b. From c. At d. With 33.a. reject b. omit c. deny d. remove 2 34.a. quality b. goodness c. well-being d. virtue 35.a. problem b. complaint c. experience d. controversy 36.a. complete b. completed c. completely d. completing 37.a. deciding b. thinking c. proving d. considering 38.a. attempt b. venture c. choice d. try 39.a. mode b. means c. way d. progress 40.a. shows b. produces c. results d. appears B. Read the passage below and choose the best answer for each question. (20 marks, 2 marks for each correct answer) Reading passage 1 Shares fall as BSkyB plans for long term British Sky Broadcasting saw more than £2bn ($3.6bn) wiped off its market value on Wednesday after Europe’s largest pay-television group outlined growth plans. Investors took fright at proposals to increase marketing and infrastructure investment to attract customers to the pay-TV market and the pressure this puts on the company’s short-term profitability. The share fell 19 percent, or 114p, to a two-year low of 488p. James Murdoch, BSkyB’s Chief Executive, said “a short term fall in operating margin” was expected in 2006, with significant growth from 2007 onwards. “There will be a reduction in terms of margin in the short term because of the increased volume of subscribers coming in those years,” he added. Some analysts’ fears that growth was running out of steam under the existing business model were worsened by yesterday’s disappointing news that just 81,000 new subscribers were added in he final quarter of last year to 7.4m. But Mr. Murdoch said BSkyB was on track to meet its target of 8m subscribers by the end of 2005. He also set out a new target of 10m subscribers by 2010. About £25m will be spent on advertising and a further £450 would be invested in its infrastructure over four years. Pre-tax profit almost quadrupled to £480m in the year to June 30, compared with £122m the previous year. Group turnover was £3.66bn, up from £3.19bn in 2003. The full year dividend was 6p, payable from earnings per share of 16.6p, up from 9.6p. BSkyB expected the penetration of pay television to reach 80 percent of UK households in the long term, compared with 43 percent at the end of this period. It believed that it would benefit from increasing take-up of pay television as younger customers arrive on the market, and by technological advances. Mr. Murdoch said: “As a management team you have to be focused on the long term, on creating real, durable value… we’ve only scratched the surface here. This is especially a business that has its best year ahead.” 41.Which statement is NOT TRUE? a. Its market value – the total current value of BSkyB’s shares – is now £2 billion. b. BSkyB’s share price has fallen. c. The share fell 19%. d. There were under 100,000 new subscribers in the last quarter of last term. 42.What does the phrase “operating margin” in Paragraph 2 mean? a. profits over the next one or two years c. operating profits b. a very big increase d. spending on facilities and equipment 43.James Murdoch thinks……………………………………………………… a. the number of new subscribers will continue to rise in the long term. b. BSkyB will spend £25bn on advertising in the next few years. c. a further £450m would be invested in its human resources development over four years. d. The company did not expect that happened. 44.For the last full business year to June 30, profits increased by…………………… a. 80 %. b. 43 %. c. 123%. d. almost 400 %. 45.Which statement is TRUE? a. BSkyB had turnover of below £3bn and already reaches 80% of UK homes. b. BSkyB had turnover of £3.66bn and will reach 43% of UK homes. c. BSkyB had turnover of £3.66bn and will reach 80% of UK homes. d. BSkyB had turnover of £3.19bn and already reaches 80% of UK homes. 3 Reading passage 2 Megane Sales drive Renault to Top Position Renault, the French car maker, lifted its profit outlook for this year after posting stronger growth in the first half than its European rivals. Boosted by sales of its revamped, mid-size Mégane model, the group raised its forecast for operating margin by one percentage point to 5.5 percent, up from 3.7 percent in last year. Net profit rose in the first half by 29 percent to €1.51bn ($1.82bn). Revenues rose 12 percent to €20.76bn. Renault’s improved outlook follows a hint from PSA Peugeot Citroën, its larger French rival, that it too could raise it profit forecast despite a fall in earnings this year. Both car makers have benefited from a rebound in the European market. Renault’s shares surged 5.3 percent to €64.45 in Wednesday morning trade in Paris, adding to an 18 percent rise since the start of the year. “These are very good results, better than our own forecasts and those of the market,” said Louis Schweizer, Chief Executive. Operating profit more than doubled to €1.28bn, helped by results outside Western Europe, which moved into profit led by explosive growth in Turkey. Renault is reaping the benefits of a strong vehicle line-up, with customers drawn to distinctive shapes of its Mégane models as well as it Espace people carrier. Its buoyant forecast contrasts with the gloom surrounding larger European competitors such as Volkswagen, which last week slashed its profit forecasts, and Fiat, which announced stable operating losses of €282m at its automobile division on Monday. Nissan, the Japanese carmaker in which Renault has a 44 percent stake, contributed the bulk of net profit with €939m and will help cost savings at the French group in the second half through shared platforms. Mr. Schweitzer is stepping down as Chief Executive next year to be replaced by the respected head of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn. AB Volvo, the truck maker in which Renault has a 20 percent stake, contributed to €124m. Some analysts have suggested that this year could represent the high point in Renault’s product cycle. But Mr. Schweitzer dismissed the idea, saying he was convinced earnings would rise next year. 46.Renault’s improved probable future is based on ____________. a. a hint from Psa Peugeot Citroën. b. profit forecast. c. advice from a French rival. d. European rivals. 47.Renault’s shares rose rapidly was also due to ____________. a. a rebound in the European market. b. explosive growth in turkey. c. a downturn in car industry. d. economic recession. 48.What has Renault gained its growth? a. Because the shapes of its Mégane models are distinctive b. Because the shapes of its Espace people carrier are unusual. c. Because of the distinctive shapes of its Mégane models and Espace people carrier. d. Due to its buoyant forecast. 49.Due to the outlook that the future is not good, Renault’s competitors such as ________. a. Volkswagen and Fiat had to suffer from losses. b. Nissan and Fiat gained their profit. c. Volkswagen and Fiat had to help their automobile division. d. Nissan and Fiat contributed much to their profit. 50.What is the best alternative to replace the expression “the high point in Renault’s product cycle” in paragraph 6? a. the point at which its current models will sell the least b. the point at which its current models will sell the same as the previous year c. the point at which its current models will sell more d. the point at which its current models will sell the most IV. WRITING (30 marks) 4 A. Write complete sentences based on the following information, add more words if necessary. (10 points, 2 for each correct answer) 51.Although market research still / involve / ask / individuals / their shopping habits and / fill / questionnaires, there / be / trend towards focus groups. 52.The figures / show / almost a third / the UK workers / now fail / take time off / lunch. 53.Alice / work / buyer and always / search / new products / new suppliers / special offers / the internet. 54.If / you / need / more information / Microsoft / browse / company website. 55.The number/ new employees/ fall/ dramatic this year. B. Write an e-mail to inform about a shipment using the following information. (20 points) Sender: Mr. Daniel Thompson < thompsond@satex.co.it> Receiver: Mr. Peter Crane < cranepeter@textile.com> Subject: Order DR 4316 Introduction: Pleased tell you- above order shipped- reach 10 days. Main body: Our bank forward relevant documents- include agreed trade and quantity discounts- to Northminster Bank. Let know - receive shipment. Payment -30 days- date of receipt. Thank you. Conclusion: Sure you satisfy consignment – look forward next order. Sincerely - THE END - 5 VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY-HCMC FACULTY OF ECONOMICS & LAW DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES ANSWER SHEET Date:_________________ Class:_______________________ Student’s full name:_________________________________ Student’s registered number:__________________________ Blacken the a, b, c or d for each answer. I. PRONUNCIATION II. VOCABULARY & III. READING & STRESS (10 ms) GRAMMAR (30ms) Part A (20 ms) Part B (20 ms) a b c d a b c d a b c d a b c d a b c d 1 O O O O 11 O O O O 21 O O O O 31 O O O O 41 O O O O 2 O O O O 12 O O O O 22 O O O O 32 O O O O 42 O O O O 3 O O O O 13 O O O O 23 O O O O 33 O O O O 43 O O O O 4 O O O O 14 O O O O 24 O O O O 34 O O O O 44 O O O O 5 O O O O 15 O O O O 25 O O O O 35 O O O O 45 O O O O 6 O O O O 16 O O O O 26 O O O O 36 O O O O 46 O O O O 7 O O O O 17 O O O O 27 O O O O 37 O O O O 47 O O O O 8 O O O O 18 O O O O 28 O O O O 38 O O O O 48 O O O O 9 O O O O 19 O O O O 29 O O O O 39 O O O O 49 O O O O 10 O O O O 20 O O O O 30 O O O O 40 O O O O 50 O O O O IV. WRITING A.51._______________________________________________________________________________________ 52_______________________________________________________________________________________ 53_______________________________________________________________________________________ 54_______________________________________________________________________________________ 55._______________________________________________________________________________________ B. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ 6 ANSWER KEY 2 I. PRONUNCIATION A. 1a, 2c, 3b, 4a, 5a B. 6a, 7d, 8d, 9c, 10b II. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR A. 11b, 12c, 13c, 14a, 15b, 16b, 17c, 18a, 19c, 20b B. 21b, 22b, 23a, 24c, 25a, 26a, 27c, 28a, 29c, 30b III. READING A. 31b, 32c, 33d, 34a, 35b, 36c, 37d, 38a, 39b, 40c B. 41a, 42a, 43a, 44d, 45c, 46a, 47a, 48c, 49d, 50c IV. WRITING A. 51. Although market research still involves asking individuals about their shopping habits and filling in questionnaires, there is a trend towards focus groups. 52. The figures show that almost a third of the UK workers now fail to take time off for lunch. 53. Alice works as a buyer and always search for new products, new suppliers and special offers on the internet. 54. If you need more information about Microsoft, browse the company website. 55. The number of new employees has fallen dramatically this year. B. From : Daniel Thompson < thompsond@satex.co.it> To : Peter Crane < cranepeter@textile.com> Re : Order DR 4316 Dear Mr. Crane, We are pleased to tell you that the above order has been shipped and will reach you in the next 10 days. Meanwhile, our bank has forwarded the relevant documents including the agreed trade and quantity discounts to the Northminster Bank. Please let me know when you receive the shipment. Payment should be made within 30 days from the date of receipt. Thank you. We are sure you will be satisfied with the consignment and I look forward to your next order. Yours sincerely, Daniel Thompson 7 . 1a, 2c, 3b, 4a, 5a B. 6a, 7d, 8d, 9c, 10 b II. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR A. 11 b, 12 c, 13 c, 14 a, 15 b, 16 b, 17 c, 18 a, 19 c, 20b B. 21b, 22b, 23a, 24c, 25a, 26a, 27c, 28a, 29c, 30b III. READING A. 31b,. READING & STRESS (10 ms) GRAMMAR (30ms) Part A (20 ms) Part B (20 ms) a b c d a b c d a b c d a b c d a b c d 1 O O O O 11 O O O O 21 O O O O 31 O O O O 41 O O O O 2 O O O O 12 O O O O 22 O O. O O 3 O O O O 13 O O O O 23 O O O O 33 O O O O 43 O O O O 4 O O O O 14 O O O O 24 O O O O 34 O O O O 44 O O O O 5 O O O O 15 O O O O 25 O O O O 35 O O O O 45 O O O O 6 O O O O 16 O O O O 26 O