Perfume is very big business.

The budgets for

producing and marketing new fragrances are in
the millions of dollars. There is a lot of
competition in the market and many fail. But
those that succeed can obtain huge profits.

The production of perfume has become a

science. Company researchers know that
fragrances have a strong connection to human
memory. They are always searching for the
right essence, which is a material that has its
own distinct aroma. Natural ones, derived from flowers and plants, are mixed with man-
made ones. Perfume makers keep the steps to making their successful fragrances very
well guarded.

While people want a fragrance that smells good, they are also purchasing an image for
themselves. In their ads, companies put emphasis on different qualities. They may focus
on images of strength and authority for men. At the same time, some think that images of
soft beauty and mystery are distinctively female. Each new fragrance is preceded by months
of market testing to find just the right lifestyle to display. As perfume maker Sophia
Grojsman observes, "Perfume is a promise in a bottle."

Choose the correct option for each question, based on the reading.

1. What is the purpose of this reading?

To explain how perfume makers derive the essence from flowers.

To discuss the different images used to sell perfume.
To describe what goes into making and selling perfume.

2. How big are budgets for producing and marketing new fragrances?
In the thousands of dollars.
In the millions of dollars.
In the billions of dollars.
 3. Which essences are derived from plants and flowers?
Man-made one.
Natural ones.
Well-guarded ones.

4. In the third sentence of paragraph 2, what does They refer to?

Researchers.
Fragrances.
Connections.

5. Which statement might Sophia Grojsman agree with?

The image connected with a perfume is very important.

Perfume companies don't need to advertise their perfumes.
Perfume has nothing to do with image and lifestyle.