PART 2: READING PASSAGES

In this section you will find each of the passages a number of questions or unfinished statements
about the passage, each with four suggested answers or ways of finishing. You must choose the
one which you think fits best. Read each passage right through before choosing your answers.

Practice 1
+

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.

I bought a $600 digital camera in May of 2003 at Future Shop in Kitchener, ON. In December of
that same year, while using the camera, the screen went totally blank. I went directly to the store
where I bought the camera. They connected it to an outside power source and determined that the
camera wasn’t getting any power but could not explain why. They then offered to send it to
somewhere in BC for me but would not talk to me about the fact that the camera was barely 7
months old and that they had never seen this particular model have this problem. Nor did they
offer any type of compensation by way of a loaner.
The camera was sent on December 21, 2003. In Feb of 2004 I began calling the store to find out
how long it would be, I was given a run-around every time. “I’ll call you back”, “I don’t have
that information for you”, etc. I never got any calls back. I finally spoke to a young man on the
last day of March 2004, who I bothered enough to give me the number of the place they had sent
my camera to. I had been told several times that they were not allowed to give this number out. I
called myself on March 30 and was told that they had just received my bill of sale for proof of
warranty 6 days before I called. The camera is now fixed and on it’s way back to me. Future Ship
is essentially at fault for me having to wait over 3 months for a camera that only took 1 week to
fix. They will not talk to me about this either.

1. When did the customer send the camera for repair?

A. May, 2003
B. December, 2003
C. February, 2004
D. March, 2004

2. What was wrong with the camera?

A. The pictures were not clear.
B. The flash did not work.

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 C. The screen went totally blank.
D. The zoom function did not work.
3. What was the customer given every time he called the store?
A. He was given a true answer.
B. He was given a clear explanation.
C. He was given a vain promise or an irresponsible answer.
D. He was given necessary information.
4. What was he told when he called himself on March 30?
A. He was told that his camera had been fixed 6 days before.
B. He was told that he had to send his bill of sale for proof of warranty.
C. He was told that his guarantee had been lost.
D. He was told that they had received his bill of sale 6 days before he called.
5. Who does the customer blame for long delay?
A. Himself for being disorganized.
B. Future Shop for making him wait.
C. The repair shop for taking too long
D. The delivery service for the wrong address.

Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.

Online shoppers count on free shipping

Expect more promotions this holiday season than ever before
This month, Kristen Roswell is planning to buy most of her Christmas presents online at her
computer. She says one thing that really impresses her is: free shipping. “Free shipping is a huge
bonus,” said the 35-year-old mother. “I will always choose a retailer that has free shipping when
buying something.”
According to a study released by Shop.org, an organization of online retailers, this holiday season
83 percent of online retailers surveyed plan to provide free shipping promotions. Two years ago,
only 64 percent of online retailers offered free shipping.
Three-fourths of shoppers surveyed said free shipping offers are one of the most important
factors when they decide where to buy online. Consumers are expected to spend as much as $32
billion online this holiday season, up 18 percent from 2005.

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“Online retailers see free shipping as a necessary evil during the holidays,” said Ellen Davis,
spokeswoman for Shop.org. “They know it motivates customers.” Retailers also justify free
shipping by imposing conditions for the deals, requiring customers to meet certain minimums to
get the offer. Consequently, people tend to spend more and make unplanned purchases to qualify
for free shipping. Most free shipping offers end in mid-December, so people who want to take
advantage of the discounts need to shop early, she said.
1. What is one of Kristen Roswell’s reasons to buy items online?
A. Free gifts B. Discount offers
C. Convenience D. Free shipping
2. How many businesses offered free shipping two years ago
A. Nearly half of online retailers
B. 83 percent of online retailers
C. 18 percent of online retailers
D. 64 percent of online retailers
3. What is cited as a consequence of free shipping offers?
A. More discount offers
B. Impulse buying
C. Decreasing customers purchasing online
D. Quick purchase
4. What do people tend to do when online retailers have free shipping?
A. People tend to buy more without planned purchases.
B. People tend to pay minimums to get the offer.
C. People tend to go shopping early.
D. People tend to buy more to get gifts.
5. What is Ellen Davis’s recommendation for shoppers?
A. Take quick action
B. Take advantage of discounts
C. Spend more to qualify for free shipping
D. Ask for free shipping

+ Practice 2

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.

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McDowell Publishing plans to merge with Harvey Media this January, a spokesman for
McDowell Publishing said. The new company will be called McDowell and Harvey Media. The
decision comes after both companies experienced their third straight year of losses. Both
companies have struggled to compete with the world’s largest publishing company, Watson
Media Inc., which accounts for about 75 percent of the market. Since Watson Media Inc. was
founded by Charles Duvet Jr. in 1999, the company has successfully forced ten other small
publishing companies to declare bankruptcy. According to a spokesman from Harvey Media,
after the merger is completed, the new company will launch a 3-million-dollar marketing
campaign. Jackson Polkins, the famous children’s writer, has already announced he will be
leaving Watson Media Inc. to pursue a contract with the new company.
1. The word losses in line 3 is closest in meaning to
A. deficits B. fortunes
C. properties D. resources
2. According to the article, why are the two companies making the change?
A. To induce voluntary retirement
B. To hire more employees
C. To reduce operation costs
D. To remain competitive
3. According to the article, what happened in 1999?
A. Watson Media Inc. went bankrupt.
B. Charles Duvet Jr. started a company.
C. Harvey Media introduced a new campaign.
D. Jackson Polkins published a book.
4. What can be inferred from the newspaper article?
A. The new company will lay off many workers.
B. McDowell Publishing will invest considerable money.
C. Watson Media Inc. is a huge company.
D. Harvey Media will change locations.
5. What is Jackson Polkins’s occupation?
A. Company spokesman
B. Financial advisor
C. Children’s writer
D. Publishing assistant
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Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.

The Grant Corporation plans to open a new factory by the end of 2008, a company spokesman
said. The new factory is scheduled to be built in Dobson County and will create approximately
1,000 new jobs for the local community. The mayor of Dobson County, Frank Ploy, said the new
factory will be a positive addition to the town, and that the town will support all efforts to
construct the factory as planned. The Grant Corporation is the world’s largest producer of
airplane parts, and is renowned for its strict environmental policies. In 2007, the company
received the prestigious Better Business Award for implementing a new waste management
program that decreased the amount of industrial waste it produced by nearly 25 percent.
Currently, the company owns four other factories, and has been very successful at securing the
support of all the communities it affects. Just last March, the factory in Trenton, New Jersey,
sponsored a charity event that raised 2 million dollars for a local elementary school. The residents
of Dobson County hope to receive the same benefits from the new factory. The Grant
Corporation plans to build the new facility on the grounds of the old Milner Factory. Milner
Automobiles abandoned the factory last year after it built a bigger factory in Michelan, a city
about thirty-five miles north of Dobson County. According to a company spokesman, the old
factory will be demolished before construction on the new facility begins.

6. What will probably happen in Dobson County by the end of 2008?

A. An elementary school will be built.
B. More jobs will be generated.
C. A tax cut will be introduced.
D. A mayoral election will be held.

7 The word renowned in line 6 is closest in meaning to

A. obscure B. eminent
C. anonymous D. complicated
8. According to the article, what was one benefit of the company’s award-winning program?
A. It increased production capacity.
B. It created more industrial facilities.

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 C. It reduced environmental damage.
D. It decreased operation costs.
9. How did the Grant Corporation help Trenton residents?
A. It opened a new factory.
B. It held an educational seminar.
C. It bought local products.
D. It sponsored a fundraiser.
10. Why did the Milner Factory most probably close?
A. The company went out of business.
B. The facility did not meet environmental standards.
C. The company moved to a different location.
D. The factory had to be renovated.

+ Practice 3

Questions 1-3 refer to the following passage.

Companies who are looking to establish a new headquarters or other facilities must consider
location very carefully. The match, or lack of it, between the company’s requirements and the
available human and natural resources in the area can be crucial. A company’s future growth and
prosperity depends on a successful match of needs and resources.
Different companies, of course, have different needs. Some are looking for a good climate and
sound infrastructure, like public transportation, schools, and other facilities for their employees.
Others are seeking affordable office space and a large workforce. Still others want a low cost of
living and access to cultural or outdoor activities to keep their employees happy. But the one
common denominator must be a pro-business attitude in the community. If the citizens do not
want commercial enterprises in their neighborhood, a company should consider another location.

1. What must companies look for when choosing a location?

A. Abundant natural resources.
B. The desires of the board.
C. A match between needs and resources.
D. A range of different needs.
2. What possible requirement is NOT mentioned in the article?

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 A. Affordable office space.
B. Tax advantages.
C. Sound infrastructure.
D. Climate.
3. What is essential for success in all cases?
A. Low cost of living.
B. Access to cultural activities.
C. A large workforce.
D. A pro-business attitude.

Questions 4-7 refer to the following passage.

The Organization of Responsible Executives was founded five years ago to provide support and
assistance for member executives who are looking for better ways to solve their problems. ORE
concentrates on finding solutions that are environmentally and socially responsible. “If you need
suggestions on non-polluting alternatives to chemicals, or want to know the pros and cons of
setting up a day care center for your working parent, then we are the group to call,” says director
David Anderson. “If we don’t have the information on hand, we’ll find it for you.” It is this kind
of responsiveness that has made ORE the fastest-growing business organization to come along in
years. It provides a one-source solution for executives who are trying to help the company
without hurting the world.

4. Who belongs to ORE?

A. Secretaries.
B. Executives.
C. Parents.
D. Researchers.
5. What is the purpose of ORE?
A. To provide responsible solutions.
B. To introduce executives to each other.
C. To make lots of money.
D. To arrange mergers.
6. How long has ORE been operating?

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 A. For one year.
B. For two years.
C. For four years.
D. For five years.
7. What shows that ORE is successful?
A. It has large offices.
B. It has high profits.
C. It has grown fast.
D. It has a good director.

Questions 8-10 refer to the following passage.

NOTICE:
To make your shopping at Harold’s as easy as possible, you are invited to use our concierge
services at the Concierge desk. The Concierge Desk is located on the main level, beside the
Gourmet Food Shop. We offer a range of shopper services including public transportation
schedules, direct lines to taxi services, and package mailing. We also have a complete database of
merchandise in our stores, so that we can direct you to the store that will best suit your needs.
You may visit the Concierge Desk in person, or you may call from the direct-line telephone at
any of the lighted directory maps in the mall.

8. What does the Concierge Desk provide?

A. Directions to tourist attractions.
B. Advice on fashion.
C. Information for the hotel guest.
D. Services for the shopper.
9. Where is the Concierge Desk located?
A. In a hotel.
B. By the Gourmet Food Shop.
C. At the tourist bureau.
D. In an airport.
10. What is one way to get in touch with Concierge Desk?
A. Stop one of their representatives.

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 B. Page them from a store.
C. Write a letter.
D. Use the direct phone.

+ Practice 4

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.

Since 1913 the Federal Reserve System has served as the central bank for the United States. It
consists of twelve District Reserve Banks and their branch offices, along with several committees
and councils. The most powerful body is the seven-member Board of Governors in Washington,
appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
The System’s primary function is to control monetary policy by influencing the cost and
availability of money and credit through the purchase and sale of government securities. If the
Federal Reserve provides too little money, interest rates tend to be high, borrowing is expensive,
business activity slows down, unemployment goes up, and there is a danger of recession. If there
is too much money, interest rates decline, and borrowing can lead to excess demand, pushing up
prices and fueling inflation.

1. Which of the following would be the most appropriate title for his passage?
A. Banking.
B. Monetary Policies.
C. The Board of Governors.
D. The Federal Reserve System.
2. The principal responsibility of the Federal Reserve System is
A. to regulate monetary policies.
B. to borrow money.
C. to print government securities.
D. to appoint the Board of Governors.

3. The word “securities” in “The System’s primary function is to control monetary policy by
influencing the cost and availability of money and credit through the purchase and sale of
government securities.” is intended to mean
A. debts
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 B. bonds
C. protection
D. confidence
4. What happens when the Federal Reserve provides too little money?
A. Demand for loans increases.
B. Unemployment slows down.
C. Interest rates go up.
D. Businesses expand.
5. According to the information in this passage, what causes inflation?
A. High unemployment rates.
B. Too much money in the economy.
C. Very high fuel prices.
D. A limited supply of goods.

Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.

Making the most of the food already in your kitchen

This cooking class focuses on using those food items which seem to have been in your kitchen
forever, and never get eaten. Do you have a lot of different leftover uncooked pasta in your
cupboard? Consider a mixed pasta salad! Remember that different types of pasta need to be
cooked separately, but once that is done they can be mixed together and used with any pasta salad
recipe. Also, overripe bananas can be used to make delicious banana bread! Check out the recipe
on our website, www.eatit.com.

Dispose of old materials in your workshop

The old paint cans and other chemicals lying around in your basement or garage are a fire
hazard, and they are also hazardous to your health. You should call your local chemical disposal
department to request detailed information about how to dispose of these items. They may have
questions about what ingredients are inside each container.
And as for the bits of wood left over from that last construction project? If you have kids, you
may want to suggest that they get creative and build things like birdfeeders and footstools (under

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your careful supervision of course). If the leftovers are really of no use to you, you should contact
your local landfill to see if there are recycling options available.

6. What kinds of tips are given in this notice?

A. Childhood development tips.
B. Health tips.
C. Household tips.
D. Business tips.
7. What must people do when making a mixed pasta salad?
A. Cook each kind of pasta separately first.
B. Choose a recipe carefully.
C. Make sure all of the pasta is the right kind.
D. Divide the pasta into separate types after cooking.
8. Who should people contact about leftover paint in their household?
A. The web site.
B. The local landfill.
C. The chemical disposal department.
D. A health expert.
9. What type of old fruit may still be useful?
A. Kiwi fruit.
B. Bananas.
C. Apples.
D. Pears.
10. Which word in the passage means to get rid of?
A. to consider
B. to check out
C. to contact
D. to dispose of

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+ Practice 5

Questions 1-5 refer to the following passage.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
All passengers who are nationals of countries other than the United States or Canada must
complete an Immigration Form before arrival in the U.S. Fill out one for each family member.
Do not write on the back. Write in English in all capital letters. Keep the form until your
departure from the United States. Use the white
I-94 form if you have a valid U.S. visa. Use the green I-94W form if you hold a passport from
one of the 22 countries participating in the visa-waiver program and do not have a valid U.S.
visa. Use the blue I-94T form if you are only making an in-transit stop en route to another
country.
All passengers (or one passenger per family) are required to complete a Customs Declaration
Form prior to arrival. Complete it in English and in capital letters. Be sure to sign your name on
the back of the form.
1. How many Immigration Forms must be filled out by a family of two adults and one child who
are not U.S. or Canadian nationals?
A. None
B. One
C. Two
D. Three
2. What should a traveler do with the Immigration Form?
A. Give it to an immigration agent.
B. Keep it until leaving the U.S.
C. Fill it out after arrival.
D. Give it to a U.S. Customs agent.
3. If you are changing planes in Miami on a flight from Madrid to Mexico City, which form
should you fill out?
A. A white one
B. A green one
C. A blue one
D. No form is required
4. Who must fill out a Customs Declaration Form?
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 A. Each passenger, or one passenger per family
B. Everyone except U.S. and Canadian nationals
C. Only U.S. residents
D. Only passengers from one of the 22 designated countries
5. What should passengers write on the back of the Customs Declaration Forms?
A. Nothing
B. Their signatures
C. Their flight number
D. The date

Questions 6-10 refer to the following passage.

Cokesbury Island Conference

Housing and Accommodations
The largest structure on the Cokesbury Island is Oceanbreeze Estate. Built over 120 years ago,
Oceanbreeze Estate has a main lobby, dining area, gift shop, and sleeping quarters, a number of
small cottages and several Victorian type units provide additional guest rooms and conference
center rooms.
Expect your accommendations to be very comfortable but not modern. Sleeping quarters are
equipped with some amenities. The rooms have showers but no bathtubs. Meals are served on a
buffet basis. The food is fresh but not fancy.
Low-sodium and vegetarian meals are available for those who request them twenty-four hours in
advance. Individual dietary requests for those on dairy-free or wheat-free diets cannot be
accommodated.
Due to limitations of the island’s electrical systems, we generate our own electricity on the
islands. For this reason, guests are asked not to bring appliances with heating electronics such as
heating pads and hairdryers.
6. What does the brochure imply about the Oceanbreeze Estate?
A. Its guest rooms are recently renovated.
B. It provides high-tech facilities for business conferences.
C. It is a historical building without modern conveniences.
D. It is a popular vacation spot for young professionals.
7. What type of special meals are available?

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 A. Meals that contain little sodium.
B. Meals that are made without wheat.
C. Meals that have low sugar.
D. Meals that contain no dairy product.
8. What best describes the dining room service at Oceanbreeze Estate?
A. Each guest orders individually from a menu.
B. Guests serve themselves from a buffet table.
C. Each group of guests chooses the meals from their own table.
D. Guests are served as a group menu.
9. What are guests asked for refrain from doing?
A. Taking long showers.
B. Using the kitchen facilities.
C. Taking room towels to the swimming pool.
D. Using their own hairdryers.
10. Which word in the passage means to produce?
A. to serve
B. to provide
C. to generate
D. to build

+ Practice 6

Questions 1-5 refer to the following advertisement.

JP Store is proud to announce its new catalogue service, which will begin this September. Each
month all customers with a JP Gold Card will receive a free catalogue. What's so great about the
JP Catalogue? You don't have to go to our store to buy your clothes. You can simply call the
customer service hotline and place your order from the comfort of your own home. Plus, each
month's catalogue will include special discounts on all our clothing. If you have any questions
about this special promotion, contact us at 1-800-2365-9864. If you are not a cardholder and
would like to become one, then download an application from our website, www.jpclothes.com.
All customers who apply online before August 15th will receive an additional 20 percent off their
first order.
1. What kind of product does JP Store sell?
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 A. Home furnishings
B. Kitchenware
C. Clothing
D. Office supplies
2. What will JP Gold Card holders receive?
A. Complimentary catalogues
B. A discount on shipping charges
C. Special coupons for the store
D. An online account
3. How often will cardholders receive the JP Catalogue?
A. Once a week
B. Every two weeks
C. Once a month
D. Once a year
4. How can interested customers apply for a card?
A. Get an application from the store
B. Call customer service
C. Email the company
D. Submit an online application
5. To get more discounts for the first order, the deadline for submitting an online application is
A. on August 15th
B. by August 15th
C. in August
D. in December

+ Practice 7

Questions 6-10 refer to the following interview.

Jerry Walker has been the head coach for the Chicago Islanders for the last eight years. On
August 23, 2007, Mr. Walker will be inducted into the prestigious Basketball Hall of Fame. Mr.
Walker agreed to sit down with Sports World to discuss his remarkable career.
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Interviewer: So, what does it take to be a professional coach?
Mr. Walker: Actually, a lot of people ask me that, and I always tell them the same thing: work,
work, and more work. People are always surprised by my answer.
Interviewer: Most people probably think that your job is pretty easy, am I right?
Mr. Walker: They see me on TV and get the impression that my life is glamorous. The reality of
being a professional coach, however, is that you have to be able to multi-task and perform under
pressure. I'm like a business manager and athletic trainer, all in one package. I develop training
programs for my athletes, investigate other teams' training habits, hire staff, fire staff, schedule
practice sessions, consult with injured players, and negotiate contracts with new players.
Interviewer: That does sound like a lot of work for one man. What does your wife think of your
career?
Mr. Walker: Well, she wants me to teach in a university like she does rather than work as a
coach. She worries about my health and doesn't like the fact that we can't spend much time
together. I just love to see athletes excel, and to know that I had something to do with their
success. That's what I want the most.
Interviewer: What would you change about your job, if you could?
Mr. Walker: I wish I had more time to coach amateur players, like high school and college
athletes. I think it's important to develop the skills of up-and-coming athletes, not just ones who
sign a contract with us.

6. Why are many surprised about Jerry Walker's work?

A. It is not as easy as it appears to be.
B. It pays less than most people expect.
C. It doesn't require previous experience.
D. It benefits disadvantaged athletes.
7. What is NOT one of Mr. Walker's responsibilities?
A. Hiring new employees
B. Providing a training schedule
C. Recruiting new players
D. Attending athletic conferences
8. What is Mr. Walker's wife's profession?
A. She is an athletic trainer.
B. She is an executive manager.
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 C. She is a professor.
D. She is an athletic recruiter.
9. What does Mr. Walker like most about his job?
A. He loves the competition.
B. He likes to help athletes succeed.
C. He enjoys traveling with his team.
D. He gets to be on television.

10. What would Mr. Walker like to be able to do?

A. Work with younger athletes
B. Spend more time with his team
C. Attend fewer media events
D. Reduce his managerial responsibilities
+ Practice 8

Questions 1-5 refer to the following information.

Time Day One Day Two

8:15 - 10:00 Starting an E-Business
(also available online)
Designing a Functional Website
Mastering E-commerce
10:30 -12:00 Online Advertising
(also available online)
Writing Sales Copy for the Web
Marketing your Product Online
12:00 – 1:15 Lunch
1:15 - 2:45 Keeping Track of Finances
Basic Rules of Accounting
Important Tax Laws
Internet Technology
Choosing an Internet Provider
Understanding Search Engines
Outsourcing Online
The Advantages of Hiring Freelancers
How to Find a Freelancer
Shipping Products (also available online)
How to Create a Simple Online Order Form
How to Minimize Shipping Problems

2:45 - 3:15 Coffee Break

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3:15 – 4:45 Advice from Successful E-business Conclusion
Owners This portion of the seminar has not been
Mark Henrich, President of IP Media determined.
Online Contact Brent Sprites, Event Coordinator, for
Linda Orlick, co-founder of more information.
Intelligent Designs, an online web
design company
George Tulane, author of "E-
Business and You"
1. What subject will mainly be covered in the seminar?
A. Writing effective advertisements
B. Creating a strong marketing campaign
C. Developing a business using the Internet
D. Improving customer relation strategies
2. What is TRUE about the Shipping Products seminar?
A. It explains how to create a product database.
B. It is also offered through the Internet.
C. It is organized by Brent Sprites.
D. It takes place after the coffee break.
3. Who is George Tulane?
A. A published writer C. A successful e-business accountant
B. The founder of IP Media Online D. The Event Coordinator
4. Which of the following sessions is NOT offered through the Internet?
A. Starting an E-Business C. Shipping Products
B. Online Advertising D. Outsourcing Online
5. How many sessions are there in the seminar?
A. 6 B. 7 C. 8 D. 9

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