University of Economics, HCMC

School of Foreign Languages SAMPLE TEST – Module 1

Division of English for General Purposes

EXAM IN ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (60 minutes)

Section 1: Language knowledge (40 marks)

I. Choose one word from the box for each blank. (10 marks)

adapt adjust designed focused healthy perfect

prevent productive promote stayed work workspace
Ergonomic Chairs at Work
In many offices today, there's an amazing thing which makes sitting at your desk comfortable and (1)
………………… - it's called an ergonomic chair. Imagine having a chair that's like a custom fit for your
body, making your (2)………………… hours much more pleasant.
An ergonomic chair is (3)………………… to support your back, neck, and posture while sitting. It's like
having a cozy friend at your desk. The best part is that you can (4)………………… the chair's height and
the way it tilts. This means you can find the (5)………………… position for you.
These chairs not only provide comfort but also (6)………………… good health. Sitting in the same
position for a long time can sometimes make your body feel tired. Ergonomic chairs help (7)
………………… that tired feeling and keep you (8)………………… on your work.
Teams use ergonomic chairs to create a comfortable and healthy (9)………………… . When everyone
feels good at their desks, they can concentrate better and be more (10)………………… .

II. Choose the best answer. (30 marks)

11. In a fast-paced business environment, a …………… leader is one who can effectively utilize available
tools to overcome challenges.
A. standard B. resourceful C. decisive D. passionate
12. Milk-It Company’s excellent reputation is built on the …………… of its claims, reflecting its
commitment to providing high-quality dairy products.
A. independence B. adaptability C. flexibility D. authenticity
13. As someone with expertise in this field, what emerging trends …………… shaping the industry in the
next few years?
A. do you see B. you see C. to see D. to be seen
14. Innovative technologies in the …………… industry contribute to the development of electric vehicles
and advanced safety features.
A. agricultural B. textile C. automotive D. aerospace
15. Professions such as event planning, wellness coaching, and e-commerce management are part of the
dynamic …………… economic sector.
A. tertiary B. secondary C. primary D. manufacturing
16. …………… interrupt your presentation, but I think we should consider alternative strategies for
reaching our goals.
A. I hope I can B. I would like to C. I don't mean to D. I don’t stop to
17. Nonprofit organizations strategically implement social programs within specific target …………… to
meet local needs and create a positive social impact.
A. operations B. territories C. fields D. landscapes
18. The fashion industry often introduces limited-edition collections for fashion enthusiasts besides
…………… clothing lines for the general public.
A. mass-market B. exclusive C. high-end D. specialized
19. So, can we …………… to item 4 on the agenda, the length of the contract?
A. focus B. exchange C. transfer D. move
20. When ordering a new car, customers can …………… it by selecting specific features and accessories
to match their personal preferences.
A. standardize B. minimize C. randomize D. customize
21. This AquaShine dishwasher is the top-of-the-…………… model with advanced cleaning features and
energy-saving technology.
A. level B. price C. range D. area
22. Should we oppose change, …………… welcome the uncertainty and explore new opportunities for
growth?
A. nor can we C. or we should
B. or is it possible for us to D. nor it is possible to
23. Airlines often offer …………… as an additional service which allows passengers to skip the queue
and enjoy a comfortable seating process.
A. late check-in B. basic access C. priority boarding D. general entry
24. An …………… manager understands the personal needs of team members and creates a workplace
where individuals feel heard and supported.
A. ambitious B. anxious C. energetic D. empathetic
25. The new job was so …………… that it left her exhausted by the end of each day.
A. undemanding B. demanding C. satisfying D. boring
26. I have to say John is absolutely right …………… this.
A. on B. at C. to D. with
27. Being …………… with too much work and tight deadlines can make employees become tired and
less productive.
A. balanced B. overloaded C. secure D. efficient
28. Does this bank have adequate records, systems and …………… controls?
A. internal B. domestic C. interior D. inner
29. So …………… , you will buy a new mouse, but the price stays the same?
A. what do you mean B. what you mean is C. what you mean D. meaning
30. The team worked overtime to meet the deadline, and …………… , management promised them a
bonus.
A. in fact B. in contrast C. in return D. in turn

Section 2. Language use (60 marks)

I. Reading
US and Vietnam firms talk business during Biden visit: AI and Boeing deals unveiled
Executives at top U.S. and Vietnamese firms in the semiconductor, tech and aviation sectors met on
Monday seeking to forge business partnerships during U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Hanoi which has
seen new deals on planes and AI. Senior executives from Google, Intel, Amkor, Marvell,
GlobalFoundries and Boeing attended the Vietnam-U.S. Innovation & Investment Summit, according to
the meeting agenda. From Vietnam, there were executives from half a dozen companies, including
Nasdaq-listed electric car maker VinFast, flag carrier Vietnam Airlines, tech company FPT, MoMo, the
country's biggest e-wallet by users, as well as internet firm VNG, which filed in August for a U.S. IPO.

Biden reiterated at the meeting that the two countries were deepening cooperation in cloud computing,
semiconductors and artificial intelligence, and stressed Vietnam was crucial for critical minerals supplies.

The country has the world's second-biggest estimated deposits of rare earths, which are used in electric
vehicles and wind turbines.

The meeting, which followed a historic upgrade of diplomatic relations agreed on Sunday, underscored
U.S. desire to boost Vietnam's global role. This is particularly so in chipmaking with Washington seeking
to reduce the sector's exposure to China-linked risks, including trade friction and tensions over Taiwan.
Deals unveiled by the White House during the trip include Vietnam Airlines' purchase of 50 Boeing 737
Max jets, in an agreement that it said was worth $7.8 billion, in line with an earlier Reuters report.

The White House also announced plans by Microsoft to make a "generative AI-based solution tailored for
Vietnam and emerging markets." Nvidia will also partner with Vietnam's FPT, Viettel and Vingroup,
VinFast's parent company, on AI in the country, it said. The White House also highlighted the number of
chip-related investments by U.S. firms in Vietnam, including plans by Marvell and Synopsys to build chip
design centres in the country. A new $1.6 billion Amkor factory near Hanoi that will assemble, package
and test chips is due to start operations in October, it added.

[…]
Reported by Phuong Nguyen, Nandita Bose and Francesco Guarascio
Edited by Edwina Gibbs
September 11, 2023
https://www.reuters.com/markets/us-vietnam-firms-hold-business-summit-during-biden-visit-ai-deals-unveiled-2023-09-11/

Read the article and choose the best answer to each question.
1. During U.S. President Joe Biden's visit to Hanoi, which sectors were involved in seeking business
partnerships?
a) Agriculture and healthcare c) Semiconductor, tech, and aviation
b) Entertainment and fashion d) Construction and real estate

2. What was the main focus of the Vietnam-U.S. Innovation & Investment Summit mentioned in the
article?
a) Education and technology exchange c) Environmental sustainability initiatives
b) Business partnerships and deals d) Cultural exchange and diplomacy

3. What natural resource is Vietnam known for that is essential for electric vehicles and wind turbines?
a) Natural gas b) Petroleum c) Silicon d) Rare earths

4. What significant investment is expected to start operations in October near Hanoi, Vietnam?
 a) A $7.8 billion AI research facility c) A chip assembling factory worth $1.6 billion
b) A new Boeing aircraft manufacturing plant d) Vietnam's first battery energy storage system

Decide if each of the following statements is true (T) or false (F).

5. The main purpose of the meeting was to discuss Vietnam's cooperation in cloud computing,
semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.

6. The White House announced that Microsoft and Nvidia plan to create a generative AI-based solution
tailored for Vietnam and other emerging markets.

Find an appropriate word in the article to match each of the following definitions.
7. emphasized the importance of something
8. growing and developing, especially in business investment

Find an appropriate word in the article to complete the following sentences.

9. The region is known for its …………… of valuable minerals, including gold and coal.
10. The largest growth has been in the service …………… .

MẪU 1:
II. Write an email confirming an order. (20 marks)
You are Catherine Williams, Sales Manager, and you work for IKEA, a furniture supplier.
Read this order form received from Striling Company.
Write an order confirmation email of at least 100 words to Jim Barnes of Striling Company:
• explaining why you are writing.
• confirming the main details of the order.
• telling them what to do if they have any questions.

Order form Order No. SC134

Contact name: Jim Barnes, Purchasing Manager, Striling Company
Catalogue reference Description Quantity Unit price
BNZ02 office chairs 200 $50.00
Discount: 10% on orders over 100 units for first-time customers.
Delivery to: Striling Warehouse, Birmingham, UK
Delivery date: 20 December
Payment terms: 45 days after the delivery date

MẪU 2
II. Writing a thank you email. (20 marks)
You are Jisoo Kim, the Team leader of Min-hee Tea company. Last week, you attended the Asian Tea and
Coffee workshop where you had the opportunity to meet and network with key professionals in the Food
and Beverage (F&B) industry. The workshop was a success, and you got great knowledge and
connections. Write an email thanking the organiser, James Wan – the Team leader of the Chamber of
Culture.
Write a thank you email of at least 100 words:
• stating the reasons for your email.
• describing the brief details of the workshop including the pleasant atmosphere, hard-working and
helpful staff, informative presentations from guest speakers, useful discussions with F&B
professionals.
• saying how you feel about doing more business in the future.
• inviting them to contact you if they have any new business contacts.
• closing the email suitably.

III. Listening
Part 1. Listen to the questions or statements and choose the best responses.
1. a b c
2. a b c
3. a b c
4. a b c
5. a b c

Part 2. Listen to the recording and complete the summary below. Write ONE WORD ONLY for
each answer.
Order (1) ……………
- part of order: (2) …………… & not the first time
- ordering parts for (3) …………… machines, but sending BHX454
- last three orders: (4) …………… & two completely wrong => having to (5) …………… this out,
otherwise, looking for another (6) ……………
- having to keep customers waiting => customers: not happy & we can’t (7) …………… to lose any
=> discussing with (9) …………… & starting a new (8) …………… system
+ orders will be (10) …………… , checked and sent out as soon as receiving

This is the end of the test.

KEY
Section 1: Language knowledge (40 marks)
I.
1. healthy 2. work 3. designed 4. adjust 5. perfect
6. promote 7. prevent 8. focused 9. workspace 10. productive

II.
11. B 12. D 13. A 14. C 15. A 16. C 17. B 18. A 19. D 20. D
21. C 22. B 23. C 24. D 25. B 26. A 27. B 28. A 29. B 30. C

Section 2.
I. Reading
1. c) Semiconductor, tech, and aviation
2. b) Business partnerships and deals
3. d) Rare earths
4. c) A chip assembling factory worth $1.6 billion
5. True
6. False
7. underscored
8. emerging
9. deposits
10. sector

II. Writing

Dear colleagues,

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Gil Folds, and I have just been appointed as the new Sales
Manager for the company.

Before I joined this company, I worked in a similar position in a smaller company in France. I am really
excited to be working for a larger company here in New York.

Please feel free to contact me by email or phone if you have any questions.

I look forward to meeting you all in person.

Kind regards,

Gil Folds
Sales Manager

III. Listening
Part 1.
1. a 2. a 3. b 4. a 5. c
Part 2.
Order (1) Problems
+ Part of order: (2) missing & not the first time
+ Order parts of (3) BHX455 machines, but sending BHX545
+ last three orders: (4) delayed & two completely wrong => having to (5) sort this out, otherwise, looking
for another (6) supplier
+ keeping customer waiting => customer: not happy & we can’t (7) afford to lose any
+ discussing with (8) supervisors & starting a new (9) priority system
+ orders will be (10) handled, checked and sent out as soon as receiving

SAMPLE WRITING – MẪU 1

Subject: Confirmation of the order SC134
Dear Mr. Barnes,

In reply to your order number SC134 which we received yesterday, I am writing to confirm the details of
the order.

The order includes 200 office chairs with catalogue reference BNZ02 at the unit price of $50, which
amounts to $10,000 in the total value. However, according to our company policy, first-time customers
are offered a 10% discount on orders over 100 units, so your order value will be $9,000 including the
discount.

We also confirm that the order will be delivered to Striling Warehouse, Birmingham, UK on 20th
December. The payment terms are 45 days after the delivery date.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for considering us as your supplier. We look forward to more opportunities to cooperate with
you.

Yours sincerely,

Catherine Williams
Sales Manager
IKEA Company
SAMPLE WRITING – MẪU 2
Dear Mr. Wan,

I am writing to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the excellent event you provided
organising a successful workshop last week.

The workshop was truly a success, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and I was impressed by the
dedication and attentiveness of your team. The informative presentations from industry experts gave us
fresh perspectives, and the engaging discussions allowed me to connect with knowledgeable professionals
across the F&B sector. Your staff’s hard work was evident, and their assistance made the event run
smoothly.

We will certainly do more business with you in the future and hope to hear from you when you have any
new business contacts.

I would like to thank you and your staff once again and I look forward to staying in touch and exploring
future opportunities together.

Kind regards,
Jisoo Kim
Team Leader
Min-hee Tea company

AUDIO SCRIPT
Part 1.
1. I was in South America last week.
a What did you do there?
b Where exactly did you live?
c When did you live there?
2. I lived in Cairo.
a When were you there?
b Do you know Cairo?
c How long have you been living there?
3. Can I just finish my point?
a That’s the point I was making.
b Sure, please continue.
c So, as I was saying.
4. Can you get back to us by Monday?
a I think we’ll have an answer by then.
b We’ll return on Monday.
c We won’t be back on Monday.
5. What are you going to do about this problem?
a I see your point.
b You are correct about that.
c I’m sure we’ll come up with a solution.
Part 2.

E: Peter, I’m so sorry about the order problems.

Let’s see what we can do about it.
P: Great. Last week, part of our order was missing and this isn’t the first time this has happened. We
ordered parts for our BHX455 machines but you sent us ones for the BHX454.
E: Oh dear. Sorry. Our order department says it was a mistake. I can’t apologise enough.
P: But this isn’t the first time. The last three orders were delayed and two of them were completely wrong.
You’ll have to sort this out, otherwise we need to look for another supplier.
E: We’ve just installed a new automated system and some staff are having problems with it. I’m sure we
can find a solution.
P: Can you tell me that there won’t be any other issues? We’ve had to keep customers waiting because of
your mistakes. They’re not happy and we can’t afford to lose any.
E: I really understand your situation and I will do everything in my power to solve this. I’ve discussed this
with my supervisors and we’re starting a new priority system. Your orders will be handled by a supervisor
who’ll check them and send them out as soon as we receive them from you.