Test-taking Techniques （解题技巧）

Presented by Prof. BE2

Business English 2

Outline

Section I ListeningSection II Concepts and

vocabularySection III Reading Section IV Writing

Section I Listening

I.1 Test content Part 1:(1)Telephone conversation/ message(1-1.5min)

(2) Face-to-face conversation/ meeting(1-1.5min)

Form-filling

Business knowledge, vocabulary; listening comprehension

10 items/15 pts

TOTAL

25 pts

25 min.

Part 2:Long conversation/ monologue(3-4min)

Multiple-choice

5 items/10 pts

I.2 Techniques Read through the questions before listening (20-second pause before each short recording, 30-second pause before the long recording). Look for the answers while listening. Take notes (esp. numbers, dates, years, etc.) while listening. Check your answers while listening again. Write your answers on the testpaper while listening, then transfer them to the answer sheet later. (5-minute transfer time at the end of this part)Note: The first part of the test (2 short recordings) is not spot dictation. The forms you are required to fill in are summaries of information you have heard.

Section IIConcepts and Vocabulary

II.2 Test contentPart 1:Concepts Matchin

g

Understanding of business concepts and use of business vocabulary

5 items/10 pts

TOTAL

25 pts

20 min.

Part 2:Vocabulary Multiple

-choice10 items/15 pts

II.2 Techniques In Part 1 of this section, 7

definitions are given, but 2 of them you will not need.

In Part 2, word collocation( 词语搭配 ) is the test focus. For example:Product positioning should (25)_________ with research. It is difficult for a product to be everything to everyone, therefore it should (26)_________ into the market in a specific place and appeal (27)__________ a certain group of customers. A company who is able to attract everyone is either very intelligent, lucky or has spent a lot of money on mass advertising.

25. A. come B. base C. set D. begin 26. A. fit B. adapt C. stay D. enter 27. A. at B. in C. to D. from Key: 25. D (begin with – 以……开始） 26. A (fit into sth. – 适合 sth. ） 27. C (appeal to sb. – 吸引 sb.)

Section III Reading

III.1 Test contentPart 1:Passage 1 T/F/NM

Reading comprehension and understanding of business info

5 items/10 pts

TOTAL

20 pts

25 min.

Part 2:Passage 2 Multiple-

choice5 items/10 pts

III.2 Techniques Read through the

statements/questions before reading the passage

Section IV Writing

IV.1 Test contentPart 1:Write a memo/email ( 公司内部交流 ) (40-50 words)

Instructions include 3 key points

Basic business writing skills

10 pts T

OTAL

30 pts

50 min.

Part 2:Write a letter( 公司外部交流 )(120-140Words)

Instructions include 5 key points

20 pts

IV.2 Techniques – Part 1 Example

instructions:You are the Production Manager of a company. The number of defective products at the factory has risen dramatically over the past year. You are writing an email to the General Manager: stating the problem;suggesting setting up an independent quality inspection team;telling him other benefits such a measure could bring. (3 key points)Your email should be 40-50 words long. Write it on the Answer Sheet.

Marking criteria

内容 语域Level of formality

语法和拼写3 key points

公司内部交流 – neutral or informal

The Answer Sheet (layout given)

To: ___________________________From: ___________________________Date: ____________________________Subject: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample answerTo: General ManagerFrom: Production ManagerDate: March 4, 2005 (make up one yourself)Subject: Defective products (noun phrase & specific)

Dear Sir,

<C1> You probably have been informed that the number of defective products at the factory has risen dramatically over the past year. We must do something about it. <C2> I suggest we set up an independent inspection team to analyze the problem and find out the root causes. <C3> Not only will this help us lower defect rate, but also improve overall production methods. Look forward to hearing from you soon<C1-C3 are the key points>Best regards,

Tom

Note:

It depends on the specific situation whether salutation, complimentary close and signature should be included.

In this example, since you are writing to your superior and a top executive of the company, the salutation is needed to show respect. But remember this is internal communication, which means it’s not appropriate to use very formal complimentary close and signature as required by external communication. Therefore, you could omit complimentary close or use a less formal one (e.g. Best regards) and write your first name only.

IV.2 Techniques – Part 2 Example

instructionsYou are the manager of Customer Service Department of LLG, Ltd. One of your preferred customers has recently stopped ordering from you. Write a letter to their Purchasing Director, Mr. John Keith:asking about the reasons why they have stopped ordering from you;requesting for a face-to-face discussion about the situation;informing him of the newly expanded product range; telling him a latest catalogue is enclosed; expressing the willingness to re-establish communication.(5 key points)Please include a dateline and inside address (Please make them up yourself) in your letter. The body of your letter should be 120-140 words long. Write your letter on the Answer Sheet.

Marking criteria内容(C1-C5)

格式 (F1-F5)

语域Level of formality

语法和拼写5 key points （包含在信的正文中）

需要包括信的所有基本组成部分 (date, inside address, salutation, complimentary close, signature, title - 如果某些信息在 instructions 中未明确给出，你需要根据具体情况进行合理杜撰 ) ， 以及注意正文的分段空行等。

公司外部交流 – formal

The Answer Sheet (letterhead given)

LLG, Ltd.World Trade Building, 523 Stone Street

Beijing, P. R. China

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sample answer<F1> - DateJune 23, 2008<F2> - Inside addressMr. John KeithPurchasing DirectorTopWorld, Inc.234 London StreetNew York 2213USA<F3> - SalutationDear Mr. Keith

<F4> - Complimentary closeSincerely yours, <F5> - Signature & titleAnita WangCustomer Service Manager

Body: (C1-C5: 5 key points)It has been quite a while since we last talked to each other. <C1> >And we have started to wonder if there was anything in our previous service you are not satisfied with.

<C1> If that is the case, I would truly appreciate knowing what happened. <C2> As a matter of fact, I would be grateful if we could arrange a meeting and discuss this together.

In addition, <C3> I would like to tell you that we have recently expanded our product range. Now we are able to provide more choices and better meet your needs. <C4> Enclosed please find our latest catalogue.

<C5> We are willing to improve ourselves and work with you again. You are one of our most valued customers, we cherish our long-established relationship. We look forward to hearing from you again.

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