Exercise Two (1999.11)





Growth in Temporary Workers



The rise of the temporary worker has become one the most prominent __0__ of the business landscape In a recent report by an international research organization, 35 per cent of companies __21__temporary workers to account for at least 10 per cent of their total workforce by the end of the decade. Five years ago that level of temporarycasual and contract employment __22__in only 12 per cent of companies. The __23__majority of the companies surveyed said that labor-force flexibility was the main reason for using temporary workers. Another reason was to __24__specific expertise without having to recruit permanent staff. Most companies said they liked the casual nature of the work relationship, the apparently cheaper costs__25__paperwork and fewer legal problems that came with using temporary workers.



But there are __26__The most frequently mentioned difficulty was that temporary workers __27__the skills and training to do the job. Also mentioned was __28__about the quality of the work and level of commitment of temporary workers will save money. The study also casts doubt on the __29__ that employing temporary workers will save money. It argues that this is only true if temporary workers receive less in __30__ income than permanent employees.



20 A features B points C items D marks

21 A expected B though C presumed D calculated

22 A ran B existed C stood D stayed

23 A big B wide C vast D enormous

24 A own B receive C earn D acquire

25 A lessened B declined C reduced D lowered

26 A troubles B defects C drawbacks D hardships

27 A lacked B missed C failed D lost

28 A care B concern C consideration D bother

29 A guess B faith C acceptance D assumption

30 A total B absolute C sum D complete





Part Four



Exercise One (1999.5)



Theatre's Financial "Angels"



In London and New York theatre shows can make seriously big money. That is why__ (0) __ in the theatre is becoming increasingly popular.



Putting money into the theatre is not __ (21) __ for those who prefer a safe return on their capital, but it does offer the occasional chance of huge profits. Moreover, it gives the investor a personal __ (22) __ in the glamorous world of show business.



Producers of new plays and musicals often __ (23)__ a large proportion of the initial capital from small investors, or "angels" as they're known in the theatre business. Each investor will typically buy one or more investment units. A unit normally __ (24) __ a thousand dollars or more. When the show starts making a profit, the "angels" get their original money back. They then __(25)__ to get dividend payments, at an agreed percentage, for as long as the production keeps going.



However, the risks are high. Normally, shows run for at least a year before they see any profit. Even then, the__ (26) __of money generated for the investors can be very small. Most theatrical productions do not even get that far, closing__ (27) __within the first six months.



So, who would be an "angel"? Typically, someone who has a keen interest in the potential__ (29) __from a big success: investors in one current production are__ (30) __profits of over 350 per cent.



20 A investing B profiting C risking D financing

21 A selected B recommended C approved D proposed

22 A interest B bid C concern D hope

23 A arouse B rise C arise D raise

24 A pays B charges C costs D gains

25 A keep B persist C continue D maintain

26 A amount B total C number D figure

27 A in B down C up D off

28 A approach B attitude C perspective D view

29 A fees B returns C advances D wages

30 A delighting B rewarding C enjoying D succeeding
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