Log inSign up for FREE
Library

Tests Blancs 1 - Part 7 (reading)

Last updated 11 months ago
54 questions
In this part you will read a selection of texts, such as magazine and newspaper articles, emails, and instant messages. Each text or set of texts is followed by several questions. Select the best answer for each question.
To: JimJones@jones.com
From: info@RainyhurstHotel.com
Subject: Hotel reservation

Dear Mr. Jones,

Thank you for choosing Rainyhurst Hotel for your visit to Las Vegas for the CES tech show. We are pleased to confirm your reservation as follows:
Reservation in the name of Teccies Ltd. Names and details of guests (21) to follow. -[1]-
5 double rooms and 10 single rooms.
You will all be arriving on 7th January and leaving on 11th early morning. -[2]-
I have also reserved the suite for 2 nights, starting on your 2nd night with us. -[3]-
You have requested breakfast and dinner for all your group every morning and evening. On the final evening, there will be a farewell cocktail before dinner. -[4]-
Could you please confirm your flight and arrival times so that we can organise your airport transfer?
We shall be invoicing your headquarters for all expenses incurred.
Please find attached the terms and conditions pertaining to your reservation.
We look forward to welcoming you at the beginning of the year.
1

How many rooms in all will be needed on 9th January?

1

In which of the positions marked [1], [2], [3] and [4], does the sentence "All rooms at the Rainyhurst Hotel are non-smoking rooms" best belong?

09:45, Pete Chan: Sorry - gridlock here so will not arrive before 11am.

09:53, Pete Chan: Police arrived so traffic moving slowly. Might arrive 10:30.

09:58, Mike Small: We'll need extra hands to cope with the delivery so would appreciate an exact ETA to get manpower from the warehouse.

10:05, Pete Chan: OK. To be on the safe side, let's say I'll be there at 11:15. It'll give you time to get organised.

10:15, Mike Small: Do you think 5 will be enough, or should we be more?

10:35, Pete Chan: It depends how strong your guys are! No, seriously, it should be enough. See you later.
1

What is suggested about Pete Chan?

1

What does Mike need to get from the warehouse?

After many years of good and loyal service, Steve Monet has retired from the company. Replacing him has not been an easy task, and we are now pleased to welcome Nigel Green, who has taken over as Group Quality Assurance manager. After 15 years of experience at Hitech in Ireland, firstly as Continuous improvement engineer, then project manager and then R&D Director, he has a 360 degree vision of the digital and IoT markets. The role of quality manager is increasingly brought to light in a context where customers are seeking flawless performance levels, Nigel will have a pivotal position in the company, and will be in close contact with each and every subsidiary and department.
1

Why is Nigel the perfect candidate for the job?

1

Why does the writer say, "each and every subsidiary"?

PLB Designs, 44 Layout Street, Birmingham.
3rd December 20--

Dear Molly,

It was nice meeting you last week, and I am pleased to inform you that, out of the ten shortlisted candidates, you have been chosen for the position of assistant designer. The competition was fierce, but you stood out because of your commitment to environmental sustainability. The internships you did during your studies have proven to be a great asset.

As agreed, your starting date is 10th December, and you will have a 4-month trial period during which you will also have a 2-day training session, so you can learn how to use our special in-house software. Your starting salary will be re-assessed following your appraisal with your line manager at the end of this period. Your holiday entitlement includes 10 days paid annual leave after one year of services, added to which are the twelve paid public holidays (statutory), and any bonus days your line manager might give you if you are required to work overtime at any given time.

Could you be sure to send me your medical records, a photocopy of your I.D., and bank detials before next Tuesday so that I can get your contract drawn up and all the necessary data into the system?

Please get in touch if you have any questions, either on my email address or my cell phone.

Sincerely,
1

What kind of competition did Molly have to face?

1

How many days holiday is Molly guaranteed after one year?

1

What does Molly NOT need to send in?

A question currently being debated worldwide is that of the UBI, or Universal Basic Income. The theory is that everyone, regardless of other income, should receive a fixed amount from the State every month to cover all their essential needs, no strings attached. The idea behind the UBI is that as traditional full-time jobs become a rarity due to automation and A.I. (Artificial Intelligence), these basic funds will become a necessity. It is not, however, to be seen as a way of encouraging laziness.
In a recent survey, under 20% of the respondents said they would need the money to cover basic costs such as paying utility bills and buying enough to eat. On the other hand, greater numbers said they backed the idea because it would enable them to see their family more, or get training, or even regain control of their lives.
A trial was recently started with three people (who were picked at random out of 90 volunteers), all of it paid for by crowdfunding. Each person is to receive €1,000 a month and see how they manage. So far, in a similar trial in Germany, only 3 out of 124 guinea pigs have given up work or training.
1

Who will potentially receive the UBI?

1

What does the writer mean by, "no strings attached"?

1

How were the three test subjects chosen?

We are pleased to announce that as part of our continuous improvement strategy, Agile management training sessions have been set up for all project managers as from next month. Although most of you are aware of the fundamentals of this kind of project management, we strongly believe that personal coaching, added to hands-on experience, will lead to the kind of excellence we are looking for.
The constant changes to software and IoT projects, and the increasing importance of time-to-market, mean that Agile management is the only value-driven approach that results in consistently high-quality products, with cost, time, and scope managed tightly. Gone are the days of waterfall project management, prototyping a product at the last minute only to find it is already obsolete or that a competitor has already put something similar on the market. Today's answer is a continuous ever-iterating cycle, with small, crossfunctional teams organized in "scrums".
The training will be organised in workshops, alternating between business units so that not all the project leaders are away from their teams at the same time.
Please click on the link and fill in the online scheduling tool to show which week suits you the best.
1

What is the overall corporate strategy?

1

What is suggested about Agile management?

1

Who is likely to be involved in the training sessions?

Owing to the increased numbers of salespersons in our highly successful cosmetics SBU, we have had to make some changes to the organisation of the office. Given that many of you are out visiting clients during the daytime, we have decided to change over to a hot-desking system. I know that many of you might grumble at this, so I would like to explain further. We cannot relocate the office because we have the benefit of an easily accessible location, very important for our fashion-driven clients. We therefore have to do with the space we have and cannot push the walls out any further. The long and the short of it is that several of you will be sharing several desks, which has the hidden advantage of you being able to sit wherever you want. We think this will lead to greater efficiency, and even better teamwork because you will be mingling more with your colleagues. For those of you who are worried about where to leave your personal effects, we shall provide lockers for each of you.
Kind regards
Jo Stellar
HR Manager
1

Where are most of the salespeople during the daytime?

1

What does the writer mean by, "an easily accessible location"?

1

What will reassure some of the salespeople?

Following the meeting on February 10th to determine the designer and architect for the construction of the Musical Museum in Manchester, the architectural firm, Cello Ltd. (number 3), was unanimously appointed the winner. Following an intense day of presentations and discussions, the company was selected among the five final contenders chosen by the initial jury in December, out of the original 250 proposals which were received when the project design competition was launched. -[1]- According to a member of the jury, the final choice was made due to the harmony in the design proposed and the consideration for the environmental setting.
The project chosen perfectly respects the various criteria set by the city: the integration of the centre into the existing environment and the respect of the budget, whilst also ensuring low yet realistic operational costs. -[2]- The future museum will include an exhibition space, a shop, and a space for hosting concerts, theatre productions, conferences or receptions. -[3]- We are delighted with the quality of the team chosen to develop the museum and they will now be hard at work, along with the town council's technical department, to ensure that the assorted studies required are duly completed, before the first stone can be laid, if all goes to plan, in August. -[4]- It should then take 18 months to complete the construction before the grand opening planned for early 20 --.
1

How many people were on the shortlist?

1

What will NOT be included in the new museum?

1

In which of the positions marked [1], [2], [3] and [4], does the following sentence best belong? "The company are well-known for their work on many public buildings, including renovation of the A&V".

To: All members of staff
From: The CEO

When you look out over the river from your penthouse apartment at the darkest time of the night, it does make you think twice. What a waste of electricity! Building after building, skyscraper after skyscraper, all lit up just like Times Square, although there is nobody, or almost nobody there. At the time of day, I have in mind, even Cinderella and the busiest office rat will have gone home (or collapsed onto a camp bed hidden in the corner of their office). The cleaning, security and maintenance staff will not arrive before the early hours of the morning. So, who is all this lighting in honor of? If we could just all learn to turn off the lights on leaving the office, just think of how much energy we would save. Not only for economic reasons (although the savings for the company would be phenomenal), but also for everyone on the planet. Anyone who has recently seen a light pollution map should be on their guard.
Statistically speaking, an average light bulb eats 20 watts, unless using an incandescent bulb, which is more like 50-60 watts (there should no longer be any of the latter in the offices). This means that if you leave the office for only two hours, and turn off 4 bulbs, you are saving 1.6 cents, for 9 hours (l am hoping here that you all leave the office for at least 9 hours every day), you would be saving 7.2 cents. If you multiply these numbers by the number of offices we have, we are talking big figures. Remember that you can also turn off your monitor, unplug your phone charger, turn down your heating or your A/C, and so on. This isn't necessary if you are going out for a quick coffee but could be worth it for a long business lunch. I would therefore be grateful if all of you reading this message would take note of what I am trying to say and let us be an exemplary company from now on.
Let us make a real effort and keep this in mind always: LEAVE IT, TURN IT OFF.
1

What time of day is the CEO complaining about?

1

Who would benefit from everyone switching off the lights?

1

Why does the CEO mention all the numbers?

1

What is NOT mentioned in the things you should turn off?

PEPPERCORN, the highly acclaimed foodstuffs company, has agreed to amalgamate with its main competitor, SALTERN, to create Europe's largest condiment supplier. The merged entity is to be called PEPPERN and will initially be owned two-thirds by PEPPERCORN, and one-third by SALTERN. The deal is to meet growing competition from Eastern Europe, and to generate sustainable growth in the long term. The letter of intent was signed by both parties on Wednesday, and they target to close the transaction within the next 9 months.
Last year, the combined revenues of the two companies reached over €3.5bn, from which of course interest, tax, amortisation and depreciation have to be deducted.
So far, no valuation has been given for the transaction, but it has been estimated at around €5bn. Analysts forecast that the IPO (when the merged company goes public on the stock market) could double that amount.
Both companies have been active on the European market but are planning to spread activities to the Middle East and North Africa once the merger has been completed.
The companies will be jointly headquartered in England and Austria. Few changes will be made to the upper echelons of management, although there is, of course, only room for one chief executive and one deputy. May the best man win!
1

What has happened to Peppercorn and Saltern?

1

What is the purpose of the deal between the 2 companies?

1

In the context of the text, what does the acronym IPO stand for?

1

What does the journalist imply when he writes, "May the best man win"?

TAKE-HOME GIFTS WITH AN ITALIAN TOUCH
No spare time during your business trip to visit the sites and stores in Venice?
Everybody at home expecting a gift when you get back?
Pasta & Co. offers a range of Italian-themed products that would make ideal gifts to take back to any Italophiles in the office - or for the family.
Just order in a few clicks from our website and nobody will know you haven't been trawling the shops for the perfect present.
Delivery guaranteed within 48 hours - in time for your flight home!
Popular items include:
A boxed set of 3 Italian olive oils = €42.50 (+ P&P)
A guide to Italian cheeses = €11.95 (+ P&P)
Handmade leather goods = From €50.00 (+ P&P)



To: Pasta & Co., Customer Service Department
From: William Tell
Subject: Delivery of goods — Order number AM6357

I am writing because I put in an order for goods last Monday at 7:45am, and I have received nothing as of today's date (Friday). On your advertisement, and your website, you guarantee delivery within 2 days, and we are talking about a 5-day unachieved delivery time for now.
My shuttle bus to get my flight is tomorrow morning at 11:45, and I certainly do not have time now to go shopping. I have meetings all day, and a formal business dinner this evening.
Could you please call me on my cell phone at any time (my assistant will answer if I am busy)? I expect you to arrange express delivery of the goods (by gondola or scooter) to my hotel by, say 10pm today, or else!
1

Why would a person need to shop at Pasta & Co.?

1

Who would appreciate goods from Pasta & Co.?

1

What has happened to the delivery?

1

How is William Tell getting home?

1

What does William Tell mean when he says, "or else"?

The end of the year is upon us, and with over 5 million seasonal trees sold in the country every year, we decided to issue some advice on what to choose, and how to look after and recycle your tree.
It is now possible to choose between two sustainable choices, either a "real" tree bought from a carefully-selected supplier, or a "fake" tree, which can be used again and again. The decision is of course up to you, but we would recommend that you stick to one of the above choices, rather than purchasing a cheap but environmentally-irresponsible sapling.
Let's take a closer look. The most popular tree is a Nordmann, fir, which retains its needles, but it has no smell, compared with the Epicea, which on the other hand has that lovely seasonal smell, but loses its needles, even on day one. Either can be bought from a responsible supplier whose aim is to help the planet, and whose methods conform to strict standards in sustainability.
Once purchased and enjoyed, the tree has to be got rid of. Several eco-friendly ways are possible. If you buy a tree with roots, many tree nurseries will now suggest that
you return the tree after use, and they will take care of replanting it for re-use another year. It takes 7 years to grow a 2-metre high tree, and each acre of trees gives off enough oxygen to meet the needs of 16 people - what more could you ask for? Otherwise the tree can be replanted in your own garden (but from experience, can grow very tall!).
Artificial trees made of plastic, wood, fabric or metal are another sustainable option. It is well worth buying a quality item (which will be costly) first time round, which can be used again and again (up to 20 times).
Concerning both types of tree, beware of buying a tree with artificial snow or glitter, both of which have the risk of being highly flammable, and potentially toxic for the air in your home.


To: The editor
From: Sabin Claus
Subject: Your article about Christmas trees

To the editor
I would like to add something to your interesting article about Christmas trees, as in where not to shop.
Our works council gave all employees a 20% off coupon for a store about an hour away from our home. We travelled, filled up our cart with the tree, baubles, and many other decorations, to be told that the coupon wasn't valid until next year (remember to read the small print). So we left the full cart at the checkout and went home.
With 2 disappointed children, we went on the Internet, to a highly recommended site, and had to place our order 3 times in a row, because it kept getting cancelled.
So, what I would like you to add to your article is a list of suppliers not to use when purchasing a tree.
1

What main differences between the trees are NOT mentioned in the article?

1

What does the author imply when he says, "but from experience, can grow very tall!"?

1

What is one risk of a tree sprayed with snow or sparkles?

1

What is the main point of Mr. Claus's email?

1

What problem did the man have at the tree shop?

HURRY, DAYS NUMBERED FINANCIAL DIMES
06:10:61

Dear Subscriber,
You need to be able to rely on quality, balanced, financial journalism.
For a limited time only, we are inviting you to subscribe to our exceptional international offer, for only A$1.50 a month, for 6 months.
Do the maths - that makes just over A$4 a day for:
• Unlimited digital access to (A) the Financial Dimes Digital (website, smartphone or tablet) or (B) Financial Dimes Daily (paper version)
• Unlimited digital access to mid-week market analyses
• Exclusive interviews with top CEOs
• Brain teasers to keep you on your toes

HURRY — Offer ends 31st January at midnight. SUBSCRIBE NOW



Sign in FINANCIAL DIMES
Home Digital Weekly Manage
Subscribe to the Financial Dimes 27/01/20--
You've chosen: Digital Edition A$1.50 per month for 6 months, then A$50 every 3 months
Promo Code: 637
Your details:
Title: First name: Bob Last name: Layabout
Email address: bob@lb.com Confirm email address: bob@lb.com
Phone number: + 44 548 69 5523
Delivery address: London Billing address: London
Money-back Guarantee: if you wish to cancel your subscription, we promise a refund of the unexpired part of your subscription.

To contact subscription services, please email fdsubs@fd.com or call + 61 555 868 1 010.
Open 7am to 7pm Monday through Sunday. You may find the answer in our FAQ section here.



To: fdsubs@fd.com
From: bob@lb.com
Subject: FD subscription

Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing concerning my subscription to your paper, Financial Dimes, which I ordered last month. I recently checked my bank statement and found that I had been debited the extortionate sum of A$100, twice the amount of your regular subscription. You would appear to have failed to apply the reduction promised - although the number 637 is clearly on the screenshot (attached for reference).
Apart from that, I am greatly enjoying the paper on all my devices.
Please rectify the situation A.S.A.P.
Regards
1

Which version of the paper does the subscriber choose?

1

Did Bob Layabout subscribe in time to benefit from the unique offer?

1

Which devices does Bob refer to in his email?

1

What is Bob complaining about?

1

What mistake seems to have been made?

MINUTE MOTORS
Models Used Accessories Finance & Offers Business Services
Manual / Automatic / Sport

Exterior: Metallic grey / White / Blue
Interior: Gray / White / Blue leather - with / w'out wood
Pack: Park assist: [YES] Equipment: On-board computer: [YES]
Navigation System: [YES]
Heated front and rear windscreen: [NO]
Warning triangle: [NO]
Fog lights: [YES]
HAMPER:
[1]: Smoked salmon / Chocolate cake / Wine
[2]: Terrines / Fruit pies / Champagne
[3]: Vacuum-packed meats / Candied fruits / Soft drinks
[4]: Sushi / Coffee jelly / Amazake
TEST DRIVE: [YES] BROCHURE: [NO] Please note that all prices are exclusive of sales tax.
Contact us / FAQ / Careers / Privacy Policy



ORDER CONFIRMATION
No.58965 Created on: 15/06/20-- Revised: N/A Printed on: 20/06/20-- Page: 1 of: 1 Customer: Delivery address:
Mrs. Dorah Carr Same
45 Speedy Street, Washington
Tel: 022 154 7754
Contact: Edward Engine
Your Order No: 58965
Terms of payment: 25% deposit (paid). 75% on delivery Price
Model ordered: 5-door + Automatic Gear Box + Blue exterior 18,245.00 Special features: OB computer, Navigation, Fog lights 200.00
+ Park Assist Pack 3,135.00
+ Media Pack 1,500.00
Special gift: Hamper N°2 0.00
23,080.00 Sales Tax (6%) 1,384.80
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24,464.80

Delivery Date: 10/11/20--
Sales Tax Registration N°: 745824111



To: Minute Motors
From: Dorah Carr
Subject: Change to car order

Following my online order, your order confirmation, and the corrections to the mistakes I pointed out, I would like to reiterate my request for the hamper contents listed in selection 3, and not in selection 2 as per your acknowledgement. Could you please alter the data in your database, double check that there are no other errors, and send me an updated order confirmation so I can give you the go-ahead?
I was pleased to hear that my car will be delivered 2 months earlier than estimated in
your order confirmation.
Many thanks in advance.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.
1

What colour interior has Mrs. Carr ordered?

1

What mistake has been made on the order confirmation?

1

In the email, the word "go-ahead" (paragraph 1, line 4) is closest in meaning to:

1

What is the lead time for delivery of the car?

1

What will be in Mrs. Carr's hamper?

To: Mary Lloyd
From: Sally Potter
CC: Peter Parks
Subject: Our meeting on Monday 1st - URGENT

Hi Mary,
I can't get hold of you on the phone, so I'm sending an email which I'm hoping will get through to you. I need your help because I'm on holiday and for once didn't bring the office with me!
I don't know if you have seen the weather forecast, but I think we should cancel the event on Monday owing to the high winds that are predicted along the coast, and even inland. According to the information I've been able to cull, flights in and out of the airport will be stopped all day, and the trains may be running late or not at all. It seems a pity to try and bring so many members of staff from all over the country, and for them not to get here.
Added to the above, the forecasters say that it could be dangerous to move around, with gales up to 80 mph (that's 130 kph), ice and torrential rain and flooding, and snow. I would hate to be responsible for any of our staff having an accident.
Could you please inform all those who were planning to come ASAP, and copy me in on the email?
Many thanks and Happy New Year! l am looking forward to hearing from you.



To: All staff
From: Mary Lloyd
CC:
Subject: Company meeting Monday 1st cancelled - URGENT

Owing to exceptionally harsh weather conditions being forecast, with downpours in the north east, and the potential danger to travellers, the decision has been taken to cancel the sales meeting on Monday. We shall get back to you as soon as possible when we have decided on a replacement date and venue.
Enjoy your surprise day off!
Regards
Mary
1

What is the difference between the weather map and Sally's email?

1

What does Sally mean when she says, "and for once didn't bring the office with me"?

1

What did Mary do wrong in her email?

1

What extra information does Mary give in her email?

1

What is shown on the map that indicates Mary did NOT see a weather map?