BANKING UNIVERSITY- HCM CITY Student’s name: ………………….

…
DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES Reg. No.: ……………………………

TEST OF ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

Skill: Listening Time allotted:
Scores Examiners’ signatures Proctors’ signatures
in figures in words 1 2 1 2

Students are not allowed to use dictionaries or materials.

ANSWER SHEET

1
2

4
5
6
PART ONE
7

8
9
10

11
12

13
14

15

16

17
PART TWO
18

19
20
21

22
 23

24

25

26
PART THREE
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28

29

30
PART ONE
Questions 1 – 12

 You will hear the founder of a company called Manshee talking to business students about its
development.
 As you listen, for questions 1-12, complete the notes using UP TO THREE WORDS OR A NUMBER.
 You will hear the recording twice.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF MANSHEE

1. The speaker had a problem finding ……………for his computer.

2. Initially the speaker bought from…………… businesses.
3. Four years after its launch, Manshee’s …………………was 6 m pounds
4. The company grew rapidly without having …………………..
5. The main factor in the company’s decisions was the current month’s ………………..
6. ………………..fell as a result of competition.
7. Manshee’s consultants work mostly with ………………...
8. The consultants made Manshee’s directors put their future……………… in order of priority.
9. The directors first focus on ………………… and financial goals.
10. What the speaker feels was particularly valuable was the …………………..of the consultants’ advice.
11. Manshee classifies its customers on the basis of their ………………...
12. The most successful division is the one working with the ………………….. sector.

PART TWO
Questions 13 – 22

 You will hear five different people are talking about problems and responses to them in the companies
where they work.
 There are two tasks for each extract. You will hear the recordings twice.
TASK ONE

 For questions 13 – 17, match the extracts with the problems, listed A – H.
 For each extract, decide which problem for the company is mentioned.
A. The directors’ experience was narrow.
13. …………………… B. Certain products went out of fashion
14. …………………… C. There was a reliance on poor-quality supplies.
15. …………………… D. There were conflicts between directors.
16. …………………… E. Too many new products were launched at the same time.
17. …………………… F. Reasons for previous success were misunderstood.
G. There was a failure to understand economic trends.
H. Some advisors made poor recommendations.

TASK TWO

 For questions 18 – 22, match the extracts with the responses, listed A-H.
 For extract, decide which response the company made to the problem.
 Write one letter (A-H) next to the number on your answer sheet.
 A. Large severance payments were made.
18. …………………. B. New shares were issued.
19. …………………. C. A takeover bid was accepted.
20. …………………. D. Low-cost products were introduced.
21. …………………. E. A partnership abroad was formed.
22. …………………. F. One division was sold off.
G. Some products were rebranded.
H. A cost reduction programme was introduced.
PART THREE: Questions 23 – 30
 You will hear a discussion between two senior managers, John and Deborah, about an assistant
manager, Collin, who has applied for a new post.
 For each question 23 – 30, mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer.
 You will hear the recording twice.
23. The new post is being created as a result of
A. plans to change corporate culture.
B. criticisms of management practice.
C. changes to overall company structure.
24. What reason has Colin given for applying?
A. to have a more challenging role
B. to make full use of his qualifications
C. to raise his profile within the company
25. John was particularly impressed by the way Colin
A. treated a dissatisfied client.
B. responded to an unreliable supplier.
C. dealt with an inefficient member staff.
26. What current strength of Colin’s does Deborah commend?
A. He felt he had nothing new to learn where he was.
B. He hoped that he would be able to earn a larger salary.
C. He wanted to use his work contacts for his own benefits.
27. What is innovative about Markus’ business?
A. his analytical skills
B. his product knowledge
C. his flexible approach
28. In what area did Colin excel during recent raining?
A. teamworking
B. report writing
C. prioritizing
29. What does Colin’s reference say?
A. He expects too much of others.
B. His confidence will grow in time.
C. He sometimes lacks objectivity.
30. What support will the successful candidate receive?
A. contact with an in-house advisory body
B. performance appraisal meetings
C. coaching from a consultant

END OF LISTENING TEST