Reading Comprehension 1

Email, Letters and advertisements.

Read the text carefully ,and focus on the main points. Use the What to look for as a guide !
( reading tricks)
Dear Shareholder Please find enclosed the agenda for the annual general meeting. We wish to take this
time to remind shareholders that your attendance and input at the meeting is vital. We value your
opinions and encourage your participation. As a shareholder, you are eligible to vote on several key issues
such as important transactions and shareholder stock options. For your benefit, please make yourself
available for this important meeting. If you require further information, please not hesitate to contact me.

Yours truly,

JM Smythe

What to look for

Who will attend this meeting ? -- shareholders of the company

What will happen at the meeting ? – voting on key issues

What is the purpose at this email ? – to encourage attendance at the meeting

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Back to school Savings

It’s our annual ‘ Back to School” event ! Buy your kids a new 14’ laptop with all the memory they will need
for only $699. That is a savings of $ 300! We have laser printers to go with that laptop starting at just
$59.99! And to make sure they always keep in touch all smartphones are 25% off! Come on in today, and
stock up on all the good stuff! Hurry because the sale ends this weekend, two days before the kids have
to head back to school !.

What to look for

Why is the sale going on ? – because children will be back at school soon

What is the lowest price for a laser printer ? -- $59.99

When do schools in the area start ? – next week

Read the following text and choose the right answer !

Big Crate Shipping Tel : 1 – 799-745-555 Fax ; 221-745-777

Dear Mr. Singh,

Please find enclosed an invoice for your order of May 16th. We regret the delay in your shipment. Our
Cargo was held up by Customs for much longer than expected, so our international shipments were
delayed beyond our control. As such, we have couriered your shipment to you at no extra cost and hope
that our delays have not caused you too much inconvenience. As further compensation, we are offering
you a 10% discount on your next order of $1,500 or more. Once again, we apologize for the delay and
hope to do business with you again in the very near future.

Sincerely,

Gordon Smithson

1. What is the purpose of this letter ?

a. To notify Mr. Singh of a future shipment.

b. To apologize for a delay in processing

c. To explain the extra costs for shipping

d. To remind Mr. Singh to pay his bill.

2. How is the company compensating Mr. Singh ?

a. By shipping his cargo internationally

b. By paying for duties at customs

c. By doing business with him again

d. By expecting his shipment for free.

Dear Mrs. Schneider,

I am writing to ask about the 2 – bedroom apartment for rent that I saw in the newspaper last weekend.
I was wondering how many square feet the apartment is and whether or not utilities are included in the
rent. If not, how much extra would it be? You also mentioned in the ad that it is partially furnished. Could
you please tell me what furniture there is ? the last thing I was wondering about was the location. You
stated that it is on the outskirts of town, but I want to be clear on how remote it is. Is it close to public
transportation? I don’t mind living outside the city, but I do not have a car, so I will need to take the bus
in to town for work. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tamara

3. Why is Tamara writing ?

a. To find furniture for her house

b. To inquire about a place for rent

c. To mention the advertisement

d. To locate an apartment

4. Where is the apartment located ?

a. Close to downtown

b. Near a bus stop

c. Outside of town

d. In the next town

Dear Mr. Thompson,

I am writing to update you on your account balances: My life savings : $ 321.22 ( in credit) Quick access
checking : -$ 332.98 ( overdrawn ) You wrote a check on August 22nd for $250. This exceeded the money
in your account. You have been charged a fee of $75 for this transaction. In addition, a daily interest rate
of 10,5% is being applied to the overdrawn sum. I recommend that you sign up for our overdraft
protection program. For a $3 monthly fee, all future fees will be waived. Please visit your local branch, or
call to make an appointment to discuss this and other options.

Your sincerely,

Meagan Ford

Branch Manager.

5. What is the problem with Mr. Thompson’s checking account ?

a. He withdrew too much money from it

b. He has been charged too much for it

c. He was charged too many fees

d. He needs to take money out of it

6. Why is Mr. Thompson paying interest ?

a. He has saving for a house

b. He has a car loan

c. He is paying by check

d. He owes money to the bank

7. What does Ms. Ford suggest ?

a. Signing up for a special program

b. Closing his checking account

c. Depositing more money right away

d. Opening another checking account

To : Jay Thomas< [email protected] >

From : Mitchel Smith < [email protected]>

Subject : video idea

Date : September 24th

Dear Jay,

Our team has come up with what we think is a great proposal for your new advertising campaign. Three
weeks before your new product is released, we would like to make and release an ‘amateur’ video on
www.myvideo.com. We have a very clever idea, and we are sure that it will go viral. With the free publicity
from the video, the actual product launch and advertising campaign should take off without too much
trouble since everyone will have already heard of the product. Let me know what your board says.

Regards,

Mitchell

To : Mitchel Smith < [email protected] >

From : Jay Thomas ([email protected]>

Subject : video idea feed back

Date : September 25th

Dear Mitchell,

I have talked to my board of directors, and they are a little apprehensive about the idea of spending money
on a video that you cannot guarantee will go viral. I have tried to convince them to go for your idea, but
they very conservative and would prefer to go the traditional route with just the original advertising
campaign we have discussed. I am sorry to disappoint you. I, personally, really liked the idea. Maybe next
time !

Thanks

Jay

8. What is being proposed ?

a. A website for a new product

b. A campaign to make a team

c. A clever new video product

d. A marketing campaign idea

9. What does Mithcell hope to accomplish with his idea?

a. To introduce his company

b. To launch a product

c. To describe a company

d. To cut advertising costs

10. Why was Mitchell’s idea rejected ?

a. It was too cheap

b. It was unhealthy

c. It needed further development

d. It was considered too modern

11. Who made the decision ?

a. Jay

b. Mitchell

c. The board of directors

d. Jay and Mitchell

12. What will likely happen ?

a. The video will not be made by Mitchell

b. The company will spend less money on advertisements

c. The men will make another product video

d. The company will not launch the product

Book next year’s winter beach vacation early and save up to 40%!

Plan your winter escape in advance, and enjoy great savings to top sun – drenched destinations like the
Dominican Republic, Jamaica, and more. We have deals on a full range of hotels to fit all budgets from
shoestring to champagne tastes! Stay at the 2 1/2 – star Grand Bahamas Resort and Spa for as little as $42
per night! Stay at the 5 – star Punta Cana Beach side Hotel for only $92 per night! We guarantee the lowest
prices, and will refund you the difference ! Not only will you have the best vacation ever, it just got sweeter
with the knowledge that you are paying the lowest possible price! Flights, hotel fees, taxes, and gratuities
not included.

13. What is the price range of the vacations ?

a. From low-to mid- range

b. From mid-range to high –end

c. Exclusively high-end

d. From low-to high-end

14. What will happen if your vacation package goes on sale before your departure date?

a. Your vacation is free

b. You pay a small fee for a refund

c. You will receive a 40% discount

d. You will receive a refund

Wanted : Part-time payroll worker to fill 1 – year contract covering for maternity leave.

Job description

As payroll support, you will be :

- Remitting payroll taxes

- Calculating overtime, vacation pay, and severance pay

Qualification

Candidates must :

- Have minimum one year’s experience in payroll

- Understand IRS requirements in regards to remitting payroll taxes
- Be a Registered Certified Accountant

Kindly email your resume to [email protected] Subject : Job ID # 7244, or apply online

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To : Linda Walters

From : Tin Rodriquez

Subject : Job ID # 7244

Dear Ms. Walters,

I recently saw your ad for the part-time payroll support worker on www.alljobs.com. I am writing to
formally apply for the position. I am a recent graduate from ACE Community College with a diploma in
accounting. I realize that I do not have the one year of work experience that you are asking for, but I
graduated at the top of my class. I feel that I am ready and able to step into the position. I am willing to
work hard and prove that I am capable. Please feel free to call me at your earliest convenience to arrange
an interview. Thank you in advance for your attention.

Sincerely,
Tina Rodriquez

15. What does the job entail ?

a. Receiving taxes from staff

b. Calculating maternity leave

c. Supporting the payroll department

d. Completing grant applications

16. What are the qualifications necessary for the position ?

a. Minimum 10 years’ experience

b. Training in current pension laws

c. A professionally recognized certificate

d. Completion of company business training

17. Where are the advertisement posted ?

a. On a website

b. In the newspaper

c. On a bulletin board

d. In a trade magazine

18. What qualifications does Tina have?

a. Many years of experience

b. A diploma in accounting

c. A strong desire to work

d. Excellent interview skills

19. Why will Tina likely NOT be hired ?

a. She is too experienced

b. She is over-qualified

c. She is unmotivated

d. She is inexperienced

Administrative Assistant

About the Job

Are you an administrative assistant who wants to work with a large, reputable company ? if so, you
won’t want to miss out on this outstanding opportunity to work for us! We are a Fortune 500 company
listed on the NASDAQ Index that designs and produces computer games.

Responsibilities :

Responsibilities include answering calls, interviewing customers to document complaints, interacting

with game designers and other staff members to ensure smooth operation, and providing additional
support as required

Qualifications :

Candidates should have a minimum of three years’ experience, posses strong organizational and
communication skills, be fluent in English , hold a university diploma, have excellent customer service
skills, and be a multi-tasker. A strong knowledge of video game is not necessary but a plus.

Please email resume with cover letter and salary expectation to : Min – Jung Kim, Personnel Director at
MJKim @universalgamingworld.com

20. What are the job responsibilities ?

a. updating social network sites

b. staffing the club with members

c. designing games for customers

d. interacting with and supporting people

21. What qualifications do you need for the job ?

a. strong people skills

b. a car or other transportation

c. a knowledge of video games

d. experience in design

22. What do candidates need to send ?

a. their job expectations and previous experience

b. a cover letter and resume with desired salary

c. recommendation letters from former employers

d. proof of qualifications in the form of certificates

Monthly Warehouse Auction

Mayfair Auction House is having its monthly auction this weekend at its South Granville warehouse. We
will be open for viewing at 6.30 a.m/ and the auction will start at 8.30 sharp! This month’s auction features
overstock from a leading fashion designer and fine Italian leather furniture from a recently-bankrupt, high-
end interior design studio.

All auctions are open to the public, and all are welcome whether you intend to bid or just come for the
show. Admission is free, and so is the registration to bid. The only thing you will pay for is the items that
you win at auction. So make time this weekend to come down and check out what we have in stock. You
never know what kind of treasures you will find hiding in our warehouse! Mayfair Auction House is located
at 9291 S.Granville Street.Call us at (909) 789-3576, or contact us by email at
[email protected] for more information. On –site parking is available at $2 per hour.

23. When can you see the items for auction ?

a. Between 6:30 a.m ad 8:30 a.m

b. throughout the weekend

c. by making an appointment

d. every month

24. What is up for auction ?

a. designer furniture

b. Italian fashion

c. used furniture

d. studio equipment

25. Which of the following is NOT free ?

a. viewing

b. admission

c. registration

d. parking

Introducing the new VTX7.0 smartphone from Gold Strat Electronics!

The VTX7.0 is the latest models smartphone that runs on the most common operating system available,
which means that there are thousands of applications and games. With its 6-Ghz processor on the latest
high-speed network, you can experience lightning – fast web downloads and crystal clear calls. The 4.3”
high-definition screen makes it perfect for web surfing or watching movies!

And as an introductory offer, when you pre-order one today, you will receive three months of unlimited
service *free! That is three months of unlimited calling, texting, and web browsing for FREE!

*with the signing of a new 3-year contract !

 The Gold Star VTX7.0 comes with a lot of promises but fails to live up to the hype. While the processor
is indeed the fastest on the market, it is so advanced that none of the networks can keep up with it.
With the phone that we were allowed to test out, we had a difficult time downloading videos off the
most popular websites. We also experienced quite a few dropped calls because our service still had not
synced their system with the VTX7.0 as for the high – definition screen ? it provided great color and scrip
pictures and was the only thing that matched the promises made by Gold Star Electronics.

26. Which is an advantage of operating system ?

a. it is rare among smartphone

b. it does not need batteries

c. many games are available

d. it is the newest version

27. What is the special offer ?

a. faster processors and downloading

b. high speed net work upgrade

c. free unlimited service with conditions

d. free unlimited movie download

28. Why was the critic unhappy with the phone’s speed ?

a. it was too slow for the network

b. it is too advanced to work well

c. it needs a faster processor

d. the screen is of low quality

29. What was the problem with calls ?

a. Mary were lost due to incompatibility

b. calls were transferred improperly

c. the sound quality was very poor

d. the service provider was unavailable

30. What was the only positive point the critic made ?

a. the reception was perfect

b. the MP3 player was amazing

c. the games were exciting

d. the screen was clear

Theater Under the Stars !

Enjoy a fun-filled evening with your family at our summer outdoor theater with alternating
performances of Bye Bye Baby and As Time Goes By, from July 12th to August 20th . Bye Bye Baby
performs on even nights in July and odd nights in August while As Time Goes By performs on odd nights
in July and even nights in August. Performances start at 8:00 p.m. Masterson Bowl, located in
picturesque Mission Hill Park, is easily accessible by transit, and there is also a large parking area
available. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit our website, or contact us at
[email protected].

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To : [email protected]

From: Mina Wong [email protected]

Re : Family discounts?

Hello,

I am the social events coordinator for my office, and there is a large group of us wanting to see Bye Bye
Baby. I was wondering if you offered a group discount. If so, how much would the discount be, and what
is the minimum number of people we would need to be eligible for the discount ? we were hoping to
attend a Saturday performance in early August.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Mina Wong

31. How many plays are showing this summer ?

a. 2

b.8

c.12

d.20

32. When can you see Bye Bye baby ?

a. July 11th

b. July 31st
c. August 1st

d. August 4th

33. How can you purchase tickets ?

a. by calling customer service

b. by emailing the theater

c. by sending a money order

d. by calling a ticket agent

34. What does Mina Wong do ?

a. she coordinates social events

b. she is one of the ticket agents

c. she organizes tour groups

d. she looks for discounts

35. What is the purpose of the email ?

a. to look into show times

b. to ask about performance dates

c. to discuss future projects

d. to inquire about group rates

Source : Taking the TOEIC, Skills and Strategies. Wendi Shin.