University of Economics, HCMC

School of Foreign Languages SAMPLE TEST – Module 1

Division of English for General Purposes

EXAM IN ENGLISH FOR BUSINESS COMMUNICATION (90 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
[Link]

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. T

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

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 …………… .

II. Writing. Read this email from the Human Resources Director to the new Sales Manager.

To: Gil Folds, Sales Manager

From: HR Director
Subject: New Sales Manager
Welcome to the company. I hope you have a good first day.
I have informed the staff that you are starting work today. However, I think it would also be a good idea if
you could send them all an email to introduce yourself as soon as possible.

Write an email to all your colleagues:

● introducing yourself.
● saying what your previous job was.
● saying how you feel about the new job.
● inviting them to contact you if they have any problems.
Write about 80 words.

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.