University of Economics, HCMC

School of Foreign Languages for Economic Purposes End of Unit Test.U1.M3

Division of English for General Purposes

EXAM IN ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (75 minutes)

Section 1: Language knowledge (40 marks)

I. Choose the best answer for each blank.
Topalino is a well-known brand of sweets and chocolates (1)…………… by ABG, a company based in
Slovenia. It focuses mainly on (2)…………… products and was the market leader in exclusive
confectionery.

In the last two years, however, Topalino’s market (3)…………… has declined by 25%. There are two
reasons for this decline.

First, supermarkets in the region are now selling sweets of similar quality at much lower prices, so more
and more (4)…………… say that Topalino is no longer value for money. The (5)…………… downturn
has naturally made people more price conscious, and brand (6)…………… is suffering as a result. A
possible solution would be to reduce the price of at least a number of products so that they are in the
medium range of prices.

Secondly, a lot of middle-aged people find the logo childish and the packaging old-fashioned and
(7)…………… - in other words, they no longer find the brand image attractive. In order to appeal to this
important market (8)…………… , Topalino is thinking (9)…………… repositioning its main products and
expanding its product (10)…………… .

1. A. own B. owner C. owning D. owned

2. A. inexpensive B. upmarket C. influential D. down-market
3. A. label B. logo C. share D. slogan
4. A. suppliers B. competitors C. consumers D. shareholders
5. A. economy B. economic C. economical D. economically
6. A. stretching B. research C. loyalty D. choice
7. A. exciting B. unexciting C. excited D. excitement
8. A. segment B. survey C. challenge D. research
9. A. in B. on C. at D. of
10. A. range B. numbers C. list D. position

II. Choose the best answer.

11.​ A(n) …………… is a public statement by someone who is famous, that the person uses or likes a
particular product.
A. segment B. awareness C. endorsement D. challenger
12.​ Christian Dior Couture …………… luxury, ready-to-wear fashion.
A. is making B. make C. makes D. will make

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13.​ A market …………… is the company or product that is second in market share.
A. leader B. challenger C. sector D. merger
14.​ A …………… consists of introduction, growth, maturity and decline.

A. product launch B. product range C. product lifecycle D. product

endorsement
15.​ …………… is a measure of how well a company controls its costs, which is calculated by dividing a
company's net income by its revenues.
A. Brand awareness B. Market research C. Market challenger D. Profit margin
16.​ Bonus payments provide an …………… to work harder.
A. inflation B. incentive C. inclusion D. innovation
17.​ They …………… the market for high-speed internet routers.
A. generate B. negotiate C. dominate D. communicate
18.​ The country's largest automaker is rumored to be on the brink of …………… .
A. expansion B. bankruptcy C. asset D. promotion
19.​ The rise in US interest rates caused the dollar to …………… against all the Asian currencies.
A. strengthen B. demand C. reduce D. raise
20.​ One of the minus points of working at home is not having social …………… with colleagues.
A. target B. growth C. awareness D. contact
21.​ My present job doesn't stretch me, so I'm looking for something more …………… .
A. demanding B. luxurious C. global D. reliable
22​. We are …………… a survey to find out what our customers think of their local bus service.
A. conducting B. reducing C. negotiating D. growing
23.​ Manufacturers see the Internet as a way to …………… brand awareness.
A. endorse B. grow C. promote D. launch
24.​ Usually, I ………… as a secretary at ABT, but this summer I ………… French at a language school in
Paris.
A. work – study C. work – am studying
B. am working – am studying D. am working – study
25​. Louis Vuitton usually …………… its products through authentic Louis Vuitton boutiques.
A. is selling B. sell C. sells D. will sell
26​. The company has made strenuous attempts to improve its …………… in recent years.
A. stretching B. image C. lifecycle D. segment
27​. …………… you …………… on the report at the moment?
A. Are – working B. Do – work C. Will – work D. Have – worked
28.​ The company has been taking action to protect consumers …………… high-pressure sales tactics.
A. for B. of C. against D. about
29​. The products have all been researched and tested for market …………… .
A. appeal B. balance C. chain D. network
30​. Flexible working hours encourages employee …………… to the company.
A. expansion B. loyalty C. image D. range
31.​ We need to decide soon what marketing strategy we should …………… for these new products.
A. demand B. calculate C. produce D. pursue

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32​. Every step of the retail …………… is now tracked by computer.
A. luxury buyer B. supply chain C. brand loyalty D.
consumer profile
33​. He currently …………… the position of technical manager.
A. is holding B. hold C. holds D. will hold
34​. Nike is widely recognized as the …………… in the sports clothing industry.
A. market challenger B. market segment C. market research D. market
leader
35​. The application normally …………… about two weeks to process.
A. taking B. will take C. take D. takes
36​. Product …………… is a marketing technique where brands or products are incorporated into films or
television programs.
A. lifecycle B. range C. placement D. launch
37​. Currently, Dior …………… to recruit a marketing director for the UK and Ireland.
A. look B. is looking C. looks D. will look
38​. The …………… consumers for the new product is young people aged 18 to 30.
A. image B. brand C. target D. position
39​. The market leader's proven ability to …………… provides a key attraction for shareholders.
A. suggest B. innovate C. generate D. create
40.​ Many people jump at the …………… to work overseas.
A. asset B. view C. chance D. opinion
Section 2: Language use (60 marks)
I. Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
Joel Saveuse walks across the Real hypermarket in northern Germany in search of ‘those little biscuits’.
Moving from toys to the freezer section, the 55-year-old, who runs the country’s biggest food retailer,
finds what he is looking for in aisle 45. ‘This is my favorite product.’ Mr Sauveuse says, holding a packet
of chocolate-filled Mini Double Biscuits. ‘Look, here’s a simple picture of the contents.’ He says as his
finger moves across the packaging. ‘And top left is the “Real Quality” logo.’
Together with a handful of rivals, the Frenchman is starting a small revolution in Germany by replacing its
different in-house brands with a single own brand that link the retailer with a product range. The aim is to
raise in-house brand sales from 15 per cent up to 25 per cent of food sales in two to three years’ time. Mr
Saveuse says that customers get top quality for at least 15 percent less than they would pay for a name
brand – and Real gets a better profit margin.
Such logic has seen Real’s foreign rivals push true own-brand lines for decades. Real reckons up to 60
per cent of Tesco brands, and Carrefour is aiming for a 30-per-cent quota, up from 25 per cent now.
After working on the concept for the last year, Real introduced 850 Real Quality items this September –
coincidental but ‘absolutely perfect timing’ for the economic downturn that followed the baking crisis the
Real head says. Although Mr Saveuse says that shopping habits at Real have not yet been affected by
economic woes, he stresses that next year could see shoppers buying more value for money. ‘Crisis
doesn’t just bring disadvantages.’ he says.
Given the power of own brands in good times and bad, it is surprising that German retailers only
launched distinctive lines last year. The cause lies with Germany’s powerful discounters. Aldi and Lidi

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have in the past generation helped corner 40 per cent of the food retail market – as against 6 per
cent in the UK – by selling little else than a small range of own brands, a move copied by Real, with, say,
its low-cost ‘Tip’ range.
‘But we’re internationalizing now,’ Mr Saveuse says. ‘In Poland and Turkey, we’re competing against
Carrefour and Tesco, in Russia and Romania against Carrefour – that has forced us to focus on true
own-brand as a way of building our presence.’ Strengthening the Real brand is key to reviving the chain.
A format held back by

discounters, Mr Saveuse reckons the German hypermarket has a future. He should know. Until 2005, he
was second-in-command at hypermarket pioneer Carrefour.

Choose the best answer.

1. According to Mr Saveuse, how does Real get a better profit margin?
​A​. By increasing the in-house products from 15 per cent up to 25 per cent.
​B​. By starting a small revolution in Germany and connecting the retailers with the producers.
C.​ By raising in-house brand sales from 15 per cent up to 25 per cent.
​D​. By having customers get top quality at least 15 per cent less than they would pay for a name brand.

2. Why does Mr Saveuse says “Crisis doesn’t just bring disadvantages”?

​A.​ Because he has a chance to beat his competitors in the market.
​B.​ Because he predicts that shoppers would buy more own brands for more value of the money.
​C.​ Because he reckons that September is the right time for customers to buy products.
​D.​ Because he thinks that economic downturn will lead to banking crisis and consumers’ shortage of
disposable income.

3. Why have own brands not been as important in Germany as elsewhere?

​A​. Because of the discounter chains’ power.
​B​. Because of the harsh competition with Tesco and Carrefour.
​C.​ Because of the fierce competition with Carrefour.
D​. Because of the strong competition with Tesco.
What does each of the following underlined words / phrases refer to?
4.​ “​This​ is my favorite product.” (paragraph 1)
5.​ “… at least 15 per cent less than ​they​ ​would pay for a name brand …” (paragraph 2)

Which words in the passage mean the following?

6. ……………………. = a person or thing competing with another for the same objective or for superiority
in the same field of activity
7. …………………….. = happening or existing at the same time
8. …………………….. = a ​person​ or c​ ompany​ that ​sells​ things at ​lower​ ​prices​ than others

Fill in each blank with ONE suitable word from the passage. Put it in its correct form or tense.
9.​ The ​gradual​ ​evolution​ of ​quality​ __________ ​products​ from​ Europe's ​big​ ​store​ ​groups​ has ​changed​ the
way ​consumers​ ​think​ about ​shopping​.
10.​ There is ​evidence​ of a _______ in the ​housing​ ​market​, making home buyers more cautious​.

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II. Writing: ​Response to a letter of complaint
Read the following letter of complaint.
Dear Mr Hopkins,
With reference to your reminder of December 1, it seems to us that an error has been made.
As a matter of fact, the above invoice was settled on 10 October, i.e., exactly five days after our
order had been received.
As usual, we paid by bank transfer. We enclose a copy of a statement from our bank confirming
that payment was indeed made.
We would advise you to check your records carefully.
Yours sincerely,
Francs Smith
Write a reply to the letter above, using the notes:
+ Para 1: apologise for the mistake: ​accept apologies - sending the reminder by mistake
+ Para 2: explain how it happened: ​an invoice meant for another customer had a similar reference number
+ Para 3: explain what you have done or intend to do to put the mistake right: ​thanks for the prompt
settlement - do your utmost to avoid such mistakes
+ Para 4: apologise again: ​sorry for the inconvenience
+ Para 5: end on a positive note.
Dear Mr. Smith,

Please
accept……………………………………………………………………................................................

Upon checking our records, we realised

……………………………………………………….……………….

We would like to thank you……………………………………………, and

……………………………………

We are sorry …………………………………………………………………………………………………...

We
……………………………………………………………………………………..……................................

Yours sincerely,
Bob Hopkins

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III. Listening
PART 1​: ​Listen to the conversations and choose the best answer for each question.

Conversation 1: (Questions 1-2) 3. Who most likely is the speaker?

1. According to the speaker, who will get a
free membership at the center?
A. Residents whose incomes are not stable.
B. Residents who have lived in the community
for more than 60 years.
C. Residents who have been members for over
6 years.
D. Residents who are over 60 years of age.
2. What must swimmers do before using
the pool?
A. Pay a twenty-five dollars membership fee.
B. Talk to one of the staff
C. Take a swimming lesson
D. Sign a form
Conversation 2: (Questions 3-5)
A. A resident from the Beach Towers
B. A rental manager
C. A customer
D. An architect at Beach Towers
4. What does the speaker say about Beach
Towers Suites?
A. They are one of the best apartments in the
town.
B. They have two gyms and a swimming pool
C. They do monthly payments
D. They don’t accept credit checks
5. What will the speaker probably do next?
A. Give a tour of an available property
B. Go check out other apartments
C. Sign the contract
D. Wait to see the sunset

PART 2: ​Listen to the announcement and take notes. (ONE word/number for each blank)

Airlines Announcement

Flight 899 from Incheon to Chicago.

Using a (​Q6​) __________ ____________.
Some of passengers have to be rebooked on __________ _____________ (​Q7​)
Flights (​Q8​)_______ __________, arriving in Chicago at (​Q9​) _________ __________ with a stop in
Tokyo.

Welcome volunteers with (​Q10​) __________ __________ on flight 899, willing to rebook to American
Airlines.

The end

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 6

 KEYS - EOU TEST.U1.M3

SECTION 1 (40 M)
I.
1. D
=> Mêṇ h đề quan hê ̣ dạng rút gọn (which is owned = owned)
2. B
=>​ ​upmarket products​: sản phẩm cao cấp
3. C
=> ​market share​: thị phần
4. C
Dịch câu: Lý do đầu tiên, các siêu thị trong khu vực đang bán những loại kẹo có cùng chất lượng
nhưng với mức giá thấp hơn nhiều so với Topalino, nên ngày càng nhiều người tiêu dùng
(consumers)​ cho rằng Topalino không còn xứng đáng với số tiền họ bỏ ra nữa.
5. B
Economic (adj)​: liên quan đến thương mại, tiền tê,̣ công nghiêp̣ ,…
Economical (adj)​: tiết kiêm
̣
=>​ ​The economic downturn​: cuôc̣ suy thoái kinh tế
6. C
=>​ brand loyalty​: sự trung thành của khách hàng đối với thương hiêụ
7. B
=>​ unexciting (adj​): không hấp dẫn; tẻ nhạt
8. A
=> Vì câu trước đó đã nói về “middle-aged people”, là môṭ nhóm khách hàng hay môṭ phân khúc
khách hàng, phân khúc thị trường
market segment​: phân khúc thị trường
9. D
=>​ think of​: nghĩ về viêc̣ … (chưa thực hiêṇ viêc̣ đó)
10. A
=>​ expand product range​: mở rôṇ g dòng sản phẩm

II.

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 7

11. C

=>​ an endorsement (n)​: sự quảng bá bằng cách mời người nổi tiếng làm gương măṭ đại diêṇ cho
các sản phẩm của công ty hoăc̣ môṭ chiến dịch quảng cáo.
12. C
=> ​Thì hiên
̣ tại đơn nói về môṭ sự thâṭ .
13. B
=> ​a market challenger:​ công ty hoăc̣ sản phẩm đứng thứ 2 về thị phần trong môṭ thị trường cụ thể
14. C
=> ​product lifecycle​: vòng đời sản phẩm
15. D
=> Dịch câu: Biên lợi nhuâṇ là môṭ thước đo về mức đô ̣ kiểm soát chi phí của môṭ công ty, được tính
bằng cách chia thu nhâp̣ ròng của công ty cho doanh thu.
profit margin​: biên lợi nhuâṇ
16. B
=> ​incentive (n)​: đôṇ g lực
17. C
=> Dịch câu: Họ thống trị thị trường thiết bị định tuyến internet tốc đô ̣ cao.
dominate (v)​: thống trị
18. B
on the brink of (something)​: đang chuẩn bị làm gì đó hoăc̣ có môṭ sự viêc̣ gì đó sắp xảy ra, thường
dùng để nói về điều tiêu cực.
on the brink of bankruptcy​: trên bờ vực phá sản
19. A
=> Dịch câu: Việc Mỹ tăng lãi suất đã khiến cho đồng đô la mạnh lên (= tăng giá trị) so với tất cả các
đồng tiền châu Á.
strengthen (v)​: làm cho mạnh hơn.
20. D
=> Dịch câu: Môṭ trong những điểm trừ khi làm viêc̣ tại nhà là thiếu đi sự tương tác xã giao giữa
những người đồng nghiêp̣ .
social contact​: sự tương tác xã hôị , xã giao
21. A

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 8

=> Dịch câu: Công viêc̣ hiêṇ tại không giúp tôi học hỏi được gì nhiều, nên tôi đang tìm kiếm môṭ công
viêc̣ có yêu cầu cao hơn.
demanding (adj)​: cần nhiều đến thời gian, sự kiên nhẫn,…; khắt khe
22. A
=> ​conduct a survey​: thực hiêṇ môṭ cuôc̣ khảo sát
23. C
=> ​promote brand awareness​: thúc đẩy sự nhâṇ thức về thương hiêụ
24. C
=> ​Thì hiên
̣ tại đơn có dấu hiêụ usually
Thì hiên
̣ tại tiếp diễn dùng để diễn tả điều gì đó mới, khác với trước đó
25. C
=> ​Thì hiên
̣ tại đơn dùng để diễn tả môṭ sự thâṭ , có dấu hiêụ usually
26. B
=> Dịch câu: Trong những năm gần đây, công ty đã có những nỗ lực không ngừng nghỉ nhằm cải
thiêṇ hình ảnh của mình (đối với khách hàng).
27. A
=> ​Thì hiên
̣ tại tiếp diễn có dấu hiêụ at the moment
28. C
=> ​protect sb/sth against sth​: bảo vê ̣ ai đó/cái gì đó trước cái gì đó
29. A
=> Dịch câu: Tất cả các sản phẩm đều đã được nghiên cứu và thử nghiêm
̣ về khả năng hấp dẫn trong
thị trường,
appeal (n)​: sự thu hút, hấp dẫn
30. B
=> Dịch câu: Giờ làm viêc̣ linh hoạt giúp khuyến khích lòng trung thành của nhân viên đối với công ty.
employee loyalty​: lòng trung thành của nhân viên
31. D
=> Dịch câu: Chúng tôi cần sớm quyết định chiến lược tiếp thị mà chúng tôi nên theo đuổi cho những
sản phẩm mới này
pursue(v)​: theo đuổi
32. B
=> Dịch câu: Mỗi bước của chuỗi cung ứng bán lẻ hiện được theo dõi bằng máy tính.
supply chain​: Chuỗi cung ứng
33. C

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 9

 => Sau ngôi thứ ba là “He” chia động từ thêm s/es
34. D
=> ​Market leader​: Người dẫn đầu thị trường
35. D

=> “The application” là chủ ngữ số ít nên động từ trong câu chia số ít thêm s/es
36. C
=> ​Product placement​: Đặt sản phẩm trong phim
37. B
=> Nghĩa của câu trên diễn tả sự việc hoặc hành động nói chung đang diễn ra nhưng không nhất thiết
phải thực sự diễn ra ngay lúc nói nên dùng hiện tại tiếp diễn
38. C
=> ​The target consumers​: khách hàng mục tiêu, đối tượng khách hàng, đối tượng phục vụ
39. B
=> innovate có nghĩa là tham gia vào việc tạo ra cái gì đó mới mẻ, chưa bao giờ xuất hiện
40. C
=>​ Jump at the chance/an opportunity​:chộp lấy cơ hội

SECTION 2 (60 M)
I. Reading
1. D year. The cause lies with Germany’s powerful
=> “Mr Saveuse says that customers get top discounters.”
quality for at least 15 percent less than they
would pay for a name brand – and Real gets a 4. A packet of (chocolate-filled) Mini
better profit margin.” Double Biscuits
=> ‘This is my favorite product.’ Mr
2. B Sauveuse says, holding a packet of
=> “Although Mr Saveuse says that shopping
chocolate-filled Mini Double Biscuits.
habits at Real have not yet been affected by
economic woes, he stresses that next year
5. Customers
could see shoppers buying more value for
=> Mr Saveuse says that customers get top
money. ‘Crisis doesn’t just bring
quality for at least 15 percent less than they
disadvantages.’ he says.”
would pay for a name brand – and Real gets a
better profit margin.
3. A
=> “Given the power of own brands in good
6. rival
times and bad, it is surprising that German
retailers only launched distinctive lines last => rival (n): đối thủ

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 10

 7. Coincidental 9. Own-brand
=> Coincidental (adj): Tình cờ => Own-brand: Thương hiệu riêng

8. Discounter 10. downturn

=> Discounter (n): Người chiết khấu => downturn(n): sự suy thoái

II. Writing:​ ​Suggested answer

Dear Mr. Smith,

Please accept ​our apologies for sending you the reminder by mistake.

Upon checking our records, we realised ​that an invoice meant for another customer had
a similar reference number, hence the confusion.

We would like to thank you ​for the prompt settlement of the above invoice, and ​will do
our utmost to avoid such mistakes in the future.

We are sorry​ ​for the inconvenience caused.​

We​ ​look forward to doing further business with you.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Hopkins

III. Listening
PART 1:
1. D 6. smaller airplane
2. D 7. American Airlines
3. B 8. number 1124
4. C 9. 8:45 A.M
5. A 10. confirmed reservation

PART 2
SCRIPTS

Questions 1-2​ (Source: Real TOEIC – Actual Test 1 Q98-100)

CÙNG BELL QUA MÔN TIẾNG ANH 11

On behalf of the staff of the community center, I’d like to thank you for coming to our spring orientation.
The center is open to all town residents who have paid the twenty five dollar membership fee. ​This fee is
waived for residents 60 and over​. I’m pleased to inform all of you that our new schedule of films begin
in March. Every Thursday night, we will be showing a film in the auditorium at no extra charge to
members. Use of the community center’s swimming pool is also included in your membership. Anyone
wishing to use the pool ​must sign a release form​ at the front desk.

Questions 3-5​ (Source: Real TOEIC – Actual Test 1 Q89 – Q91)

First, ​let me welcome you all to the new rental wing of Beach Towers​. One of the best things about
this building is the security and of course, our fitness gym and swimming pool is another benefit. Right
now we have furnished one bedroom spaces available on the 10​th floors and larger suites on the 3​rd and
the 12​th floors. All have balconies where you can see the ocean and the sunsets; and they are just
spectacular! Rentals are ​by the month and they range from $800 to $1,400. Of course we require
personal references and a credit check for all prospective tenants. ​Shall we go ahead and look around
at some more places​.

Questions 6-10​ (Source: Real TOEIC – Actual Test 1 Q74-76)

There will be a change of aircraft today for flight 899 from Incheon to Chicago. We are using a smaller
airplane and we will not be able to accommodate all passengers with reservations on flight 899. Some of
you will have to be rebooked on American Airlines flights number 1124, which departs at 11:5 P.M and
arrives in Chicago at 8:45 A.M with a stop in Tokyo.

On behalf of Northeast Airways and all of us at World Operations, I’d like to apologize for any
inconveniences this may cause you. We welcome volunteers with confirmed reservation on flight 899
who are willing to rebook to American Airlines.

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