University of Economics, HCMC End of Unit Test.U10.

M3
School of Foreign Languages
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.
China’s heavy pollution has been well documented. Last year, Beijing (1) ………. two “red alerts” for pollution, the
highest level warning (2) ………. calls for emergency measures such as closing schools (3) ………. restricting car
use. Poor air quality is also having a significant knock-on effect on (4) ………. country’s tourist trade.

Some businesses are (5) ………. advantage of the air pollution – food delivery services that meet the needs of those
staying indoors; bars which push (6) ………. air purifiers as a marketing tool to get customers in; and beer (7)
………. gets cheaper as the air quality decreases. But these are not long-term solutions.

According to Ma Jun, one of China’s (8) ………. prominent environmental voices, China has reached its (9) ……….
tipping point. “I think it’s time to change and balance the environment and growth. If we don’t do that we’re going
(10) ………. suffer a hard landing one day very soon,” says Ma.

1. A. issue B. issues C. issued D. issuing

2. A. who B. what C. which D. when
3. A. and B. but C. or D. as
4. A. the B. a C. an D. 0
5. A. working B. getting C. having D. taking
6. A. his B. her C. their D. your
7. A. this B. that C. these D. those
8. A. much B. many C. more D. most
9. A. environment B. environmental C. environmentalist D. environmentally
10. A. from B. to C. in D. on
II. Choose the best answer.
11. ………… is the crime of buying or selling shares in a company with the help of information known only by
those connected with the business
A. sex discrimination B. price fixing C. insider trading D. environmental pollution
12. Disposing of waste chemicals in the sea results in ………… .
A. bribery C. corruption
B. environmental pollution D. industrial espionage
13. In general, ………… is a form of dishonesty or criminal activity undertaken by a person or organization
entrusted with a position of authority, often to acquire illicit benefit.
A. corruption C. animal testing
B. counterfeit good D. money laundering
14. ………… is the process of concealing the origins of money obtained illegally by passing it through a complex
sequence of banking transfers or commercial transactions.
A. Insider trading B. Bribery C. Tax fraud D. Money laundering
15. ………… the crime of giving someone money or something else of value, often illegally, to persuade that person
to do something you want.
A. Price fixing B. Bribery C. Claiming extra expenses D. Morality
16. A ………… good is a replica version of another company’s product. It usually copies the trademark (name or
logo) and/or distinctive features of that other company’s product to imitate a genuine product.
A. durable B. consumer C. stolen D. counterfeit
17. ………… discrimination is where you're treated unfairly because you're a man or a woman.
A. Sex B. Racial C. Positive D. Age
18. ………… means stealing secret information from one company in order to help another company.
A. Hacking B. Private detective C. Industrial espionage D. Fraud
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19. Animal testing involves scientific testing and experimentation during which ………… are used to test a wide
variety of chemicals and products.
A. people B. animals C. scientists D. laboratories
20. Price ………… refers to an agreement between market participants to collectively raise, lower, or stabilize prizes
to control supply and demand.
A. elasticity B. quotation C. tag D. fixing
21. Can you give me an example of an industrial company that disposes ………… waste chemicals in the sea?
A. in B. at C. of D. with
22. You should look at the issue ………… many different angles.
A. for B. from C. with D. in
23. That drug was withdrawn ………… the market because of its harmful side effects.
A. with B. in C. to D. from
24. I am wondering whether that company is living ………… its mission statement that it is an ‘ethical company
which will always put principle before profit’.
A. for B. with C. up to D. together
25. The company’s image was damaged when a newspaper ran a series of articles ………… some unfair methods
used by its sales representatives to sell the company’s products.
A. criticizing B. criticized C. criticizes D. criticize
26. The job turned out ………… harder than we thought.
A. being B. to be C. was D. did
27. The drug ………… for people suffering from diabetes has been highly successful.
A. developed B. developing C. develops D. develop
28. There are two problems ………… to drugs that the company is developing.
A. are related B. relate C. relates D. relating
29. Until now, the sales of the new branch in Singapore ………… impressive.
A. were B. have been C. has been D. was
30. By the time Mary got there, the meeting ………… over.
A. was B. has been C. was being D. had been
31. Students can't cope with too much complexity. But, on the other hand, if the tutor makes things too simple, that's
selling them ………… too.
A. short B. down the river C. out D. else's product
32. ………… is the action of attempting to explain or justify behavior or an attitude with logical reasons, even if
these are not appropriate.
A. Responsibility B. Opportunity C. Rationalization D. Collaboration
33. It's really in your best ………… to have your lawyer review the contract before you sign it.
A. friend B. film C. part D. interest
34. How much can you “dress up” your résumé to make yourself as strong a candidate as possible without crossing
the ethical line of ………… ?
A. fire B. deception C. respect D. departure
35. It’s always up to the company to be clear about why an employee has to leave, so knowing the difference
between firing staff and making them ………… , for example, could help you in the long-run.
A. happy B. loyal C. redundant D.confused
36. The purpose of our work ………… provide the data about climate change.
A. are to B. is to C. aims at D. is for
37. Companies should get their employees ………… and motivated to do something in their own communities
………… respect to the environment.
A. inspiring – with B. inspiring – for C. inspired – with D. inspired - as
38. What do you think if the accomplishments in question ………… on the front page of the Wall Street Journal?
A. were reported B. reported C. was reporting D. are reported
39. A blog about the dangers of lying on your resume elicited 60 comments from job seekers ………… lying.
A. recommend B. recommending C. recommended D. were recommending
40. Executives caught ………… on their resumes often lose their jobs.
A. lying B. told lies C. lies D. lied
HP3_EOU Test 10_K44
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Section 2: Language use (60 marks)
I. Read the following passages and answer the questions that follow.
What whistleblowers should know
by Michael Skapinker
The House of Commons Treasury Committee has been examining the management of UK banks leading up
to the banking crisis. In evidence to the committee, Paul Moore spoke publicly for the first time of his warnings three
years ago to HBOS, the UK bank, that it was expanding too fast.
Mr. Moore's evidence to the committee quickly led to the resignation of Sir James Crosby as Deputy
Chairman of the Financial Services Authority, the regulator of the UK banking industry. It was Sir James, at that
time HBOS Chief Executive, who had forced Mr. Moore out of his job at the bank.
Few whistleblowers enjoy such sweet revenge. The Government Accountability Project, a US organisation
that supports whistleblowers, has a message for anyone else thinking of exposing an employer's wrongdoing: think
hard before you do because you are going to suffer. It warns that whistleblowers 'pay an enormous professional and
personal price for their actions - often a price they did not expect. Long after the public has forgotten your brave
actions, your former bosses will remember what you did to them.'
Mr. Moore was in a far stronger position to blow the whistle than most. He was not just any HBOS
employee. He was Head of Group Regulatory Risk. That meant that it was his job to point out the risks the bank was
running. HBOS made him redundant after a restructuring. He sued for unfair dismissal under whistleblower
protection laws and reached a 'substantial' settlement. He had agreed to a gagging order that prevented him talking
publicly about what had happened, but gagging orders against whistleblowers have no force under the UK's Public
Interest Disclosure law.
Whistleblowers are essential in pointing out cases of corruption or incompetence, but they need to know how
to go about it. Whistleblowers can be extremely bitter about their experiences. The Government Accountability
Project recognises the dangers. It advises whistleblowers on how to deal with the media: ' Do not talk about all the
injustices you have been through. Be an advocate for the story, not for yourself.'
Mr. Moore followed that advice, which is why his intervention at the Treasury committee was so
devastating. But he made plenty of enemies along the way. A previously unpublished review of his departure by
accountants KPMG accused him of 'stating matters in an overly dramatic way'. Mr. Moore's response: ‘Well, they
would say that, wouldn't they?'
The first lesson of whistleblowing is that people will try to discredit you so, hard as it is, keep your cool. The
second is: after every discussion, e-mail a note repeating your concerns. The lesson for corporate management is
even clearer. When you start receiving polite e-mails telling you the company is doing something wrong, pay
attention. You may see the same words in a parliamentary report.
Choose the best answer.
1. What happened to Paul Moore after he warned HBOS management that it was expanding too fast three years ago?
A. He was promoted to a senior management position. C. He was forced to provide undeniable evidence.
B. He was transferred to the dreariest part of town D. He was made redundant by HBOS Chief Executive.
2. Paul Moore was ………… .
A. the Chief Executive of Treasury Committee HBOS C. the former Head of Group Regulatory Risk at HBOS
B. Deputy Chairman of the FSA D. A US charity founder who supports whistleblowers
3. What piece of advice for being an effective whistleblower is stated in paragraph 5?
A. Talk about the story, not yourself.
B. Keep your cool - in other words, keep calm.
C. After every discussion, e-mail a note repeating your concerns.
D. Reply to an telling you the company is doing something wrong politely.

What does each of the following underlined words/ phrases refer to?
4. It warns that whistleblowers 'pay an enormous ……..- often a price they did not expect. (Paragraph 3, Line 4)
5. It advises whistleblowers on how to deal with the media: … (Paragraph 5, Line 3)

Which words/ phrases in the passage mean the following?

6. unfair acts / bad treatment that whistleblowers often receive: …………..
7. very impressive / effective: ……………..
8. stop respecting someone or believing in a person: …………….
HP3_EOU Test 10_K44
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Fill in each blank with one suitable word from the passage. Put it in its correct form or tense if necessary.
9. He's a strong ………… of privatizing utility companies.
10. The existence of employees-from-hell in an organisation is nearly always due to a long line of weak managers
who have demonstrated ….………. in their handling of the problem.
II. Writing
You’re Holly Ashton, a senior at the University of Kansas (UOK) majoring in marketing. Write a cover letter to
apply for an internship in BDF Ventures.
Subject: UOK Student inquiring about summer internship
Dear Internship Cordinator

My name is Holly Ashton...............................................................................................................................

As a senior marketing student,........................................................................................................................

Using my knowledge of the above,.................................................................................................................

I would be delighted to...................................................................................................................................

Yours faithfully

Holy Ashton
Notes:
+ Paragraph 1: Opening (introducing yourself and tell them why you’re emailing)
+ Paragraph 2: Presenting the details of what makes you uniquely qualified for the internship (skills in advertising,
PR, product development, and market research, etc.; 3.8 GPA; key strengths: Marketing Analytics, Marketing
Management, Survey Research, and Strategic Internet Marketing)
+ Paragraph 3: Describing any related jobs, leadership roles, volunteer work and research projects (designed a
marketing campaign for a local pet business). Briefly discuss how the internship will help you succeed in your field
of study.
+ Paragraph 4: Closing the letter (eexpressing appreciation for the opportunity to have your materials reviewed;
mmentioning the best times of reaching you)
III. Listening:
PART 1: Listen to the recordings twice and choose the appropriate answer to each question.

1. When will they arrive in Los Angeles?

A. 5:00 B. 5: 30 C. 12:00 D. 12:30
2. What will attendants bring to all the passengers?
A. Lunch B. Beverages C. Magazines D. Pillows and blankets
3. What does the Beautiful Interiors store sell?
A. Office supplies. B. Furniture. C. Clothes. D. Cars
4. When is the last day of the sale?
A. Monday B. Thursday C. Friday D. Sunday
5. Where is the store located?
A. In a shopping mall C. In a subway station
B. Down the street from a hotel D. Next to City Hall
PART 2: Listen to the recording twice and complete the notes.
Businesses don’t operate in isolation. They are part of the (6) ……………. ……………. . Their activities will
cause a series of (7) ……………. and ……………. effects. The effect on the environment and society of some
industries is obvious. However, the effect of others, such as the (8) ……………. ……………. industry, is not always
apparent. Because the bank’s policy is usually based on the concerns of customers, we campaign for change on
issues that our customers feel strongly about. One of them called for a ban on the (9) ……………. of ……………. in
142 countries. Other issues are third world debt, human rights, fair trade and (10) ……………. …………….. .
Because the bank represents customers, their view is more likely to be heard.
HP3_EOU Test 10_K44
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KEYS - EOU TEST.U10.M3

Section 1 (40 m)

I. 1. C 2. C 3. A 4. A 5. D
6. C 7. B 8. D 9. B 10. B

II.
11. C 12. B 13. A 14. D 15. B
16. D 17. A 18. C 19. B 20. D
21. C 22. B 23. D 24. C 25. A
26. B 27. A 28. D 29. B 30. D
31. A 32. C 33. D 34. B 35. C
36. B 37. C 38. A 39. B 40. A

Section 2 (60 m)

I. Reading
1. D. He was made redundant by HBOS Chief 5. The Government Accountability Project
Executive. 6. injustices
2. C. The former Head of Group Regulatory Risk at 7. devastating
HBOS 8. discredit
3. A. talk about the story, not yourself. 9. advocate
4. whistleblowers 10. incompetence

II. Writing: Suggested answer

Dear Internship Cordinator

My name is Holly Ashton and I’m a senior at the University of Kansas. I’m writing to you regarding the
marketing role you advertised on linkedin.com. I’m looking for a summer business internship and I believe BDF
Ventures is a place where I could really make a difference.

As a senior marketing student, I have acquired skills in advertising, PR, product development, and market
research. Currently I hold a 3.8 GPA. While in the college of business, I have strategically focused my
coursework in the following areas: Marketing Analytics; Marketing Management; Survey Research and
Strategic Internet Marketing.

Using my knowledge of the above, I designed a marketing campaign for a local pet business that yielded the
highest return on investment based on a budget. The campaign was so well received that I was awarded third
place in UOK’s business plan competition. I am confident that my experiences, skills and strong interests in
marketing field have prepared me to be a strong intern for your program. And this internship experience would
offer me practical skills and great personal rewards.

I would be delighted to have an opportunity to personally interview with you. Please accept the enclosed resume
and feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.  I appreciate your time and consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Holly Ashton

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III.Listening

Part 1
1. C Part 2
6. wider community
2. B
7. ecological / social
3. B
8. financial services
4. C
9. use / landmines
5. A
10. youth poverty

SCRIPTS
Part 1
Questions 1 – 2
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. This is your captain speaking. Welcome aboard flight 15 from New
York to Los Angeles. Our flight should take about five and a half hours, putting us in Los Angeles at noon,
just in time for lunch. Flight attendants will be coming around soon to serve beverages to everyone. We
also have magazines and pillows and blankets available on request. Enjoy the flight.
Questions 3 – 5
Beautiful Interiors Home Store has everything you need to make your home comfortable – sofas, tables,
desks, beds, carpets, and more. And we sell it all at a price you can afford. Join us this week for our special
anniversary sale. All home office furniture is 30 percent off. Hurry on down. Sale ends Friday. Visit us at
our new location at the new City Plaza Mall, right next to the Central Hotel, and very close to the
downtown subway station. We’re open Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Monday.

Part 2

Q: Is it really the job of business to provide a lead in ethical standards?

A: Businesses don’t operate in isolation. Businesses are part of the wider community, through their staff
and their suppliers, for example. Business activities will inevitably lead to a series of ecological and social
effects. The nature of some industries has huge and very obvious effect on the environment and society,
whilst the effect of others, such as the financial services industry, is not always so apparent.
The bank chose to base its policy on the concerns of its customers, because it is their money that is being
used, and they should have a say in how it is used.
We also campaign for change on issues that our customers feel strongly about. One of our first campaigns
called for a ban on the use of landmines – now banned in a hundred and forty-two countries. Since then
we’ve campaigned on other issues from third world debt, human rights, fair trade and youth poverty.
Customers can get as involved as they want and, because the bank represents them, it means their view is
more likely to be heard.

HP3_EOU Test 10_K44

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