Succeed in BULATS

Chapter 1 & Practice Test 1

Practice Test 1

Chapter

Chapter
Phrasal verbs

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrasal verb.

1

______________________ .

bring...about
cause to happen
bring...back
return sth / sb; restore or reintroduce sth

The doctors managed to _______________________ him

What has __________________________ all these changes?

I intend to __________________________ this matter

____________________ with the board of directors.

bring...round
make conscious again
bring...up
raise (esp. a child or a particular subject)

The idea of ____________________________ corporal

punishment to schools is outrageous.

______________________ children is one the most difficult

things one can do.

Coming back here after so many years has _____________

______________ lovely memories.

on, onto, over, above, on (the) top of

on:
touching, fixed to, covering the upper or outer side
The cat was lying happily on my bed.
onto:
showing movement or position on; usually used to say
where someone or something falls or is put
My dog jumped onto the bed to have a nap.
over:
directly above; higher than but not touching; covering
Hang that picture over the fireplace.
above:
in a higher position than
They climbed up the mountain to a point of 2,000
feet above sea level.
on (the) top of:
placed over, resting on
Put your book on (the) top of the others on the
desk.
after vs. afterwards
After, as a preposition, is usually followed by a noun
or pronoun.
Why don't we meet after dinner?
Afterwards is an adverb meaning: after that.
We had dinner and went home afterwards.

Use on, onto, over, above, on (the) top of, after

or afterwards to fill in the gaps.
1

'Where shall I put the luggage trolley?' 'Put it _________________

the wardrobe.'

He kicked the ball ______________________ the wall and had to

go to the neighbours to ask for it.

I made the beds and did the washing up ____________________.

The cat climbed ___________________ the table to drink the milk.

They decided to go for a walk _______________________ dinner.

The sun had already risen high _______________________ the

horizon.

She couldn't reach the cupboards _________________ her head.

Remember to leave the keys _____________________ the table.

It was an elegant apartment unlike the one __________________ .

10

As he stepped _____________________ the platform, he tripped

and fell.

11

Let's get a bite to eat _____________________ the play.

12

Don't put the toys ______________________ that box over there.

It's got the X-mas decorations in it.

Comparatives, Superlatives
Form either comparatives or superlatives to
complete the sentences. Don't forget to add
than and the where necessary. Use these
adjectives: big, interesting, good, sweet,
expensive, bad, ill, narrow, friendly, beautiful.

-er and -est are suffixes used to form comparatives and

superlatives of:
i. monosyllabic adjectives,
tall - taller - the tallest
ii. adjectives of two syllables ending in -er, -y, -ow and -ly
clever - cleverer - the cleverest
happy - happier - the happiest
yellow - yellower - the yellowest
friendly - friendlier - the friendliest
More and the most are used to form comparatives and
superlatives of adjectives of two, three or more syllables.
modern - more modern - the most modern
Less and the least are used to form comparatives and
superlatives of inferiority.
economical - less economical - the least economical
Use the comparative to compare two items (it is often
followed by than).
Our new house is more convenient than the old one
because it's near the shops.

I'll buy this dress because it is _______________

the blue one.

I think ____________________________ subject

to study is nuclear physics. I hate it.

This wine is _______________ I have ever tasted.

He's _______________ friend I've ever had.

We need a _______________ house now that the

children are older.

The river is quite wide here but it gets _________

further down.

The superlative is used to compare one item or member

of a group (of things or people) with the whole group
(including that item or member).
Ian used to be the shortest boy in his class.

I'm very disappointed with you. This is

_______________ school report you've ever had.

Note these irregular adjectives: good, bad, ill, little,

much, many.

Every time I look at the scenery, it seems

_______________________________ ever.

It started off as a slight cold, but I feel _________

this week, doctor.

10

William is much _______________ his brother.

He has asked me to go sailing at the weekend.

Passive voice (Part A)

Formation: to form the passive voice use the verb to be
in the appropriate tense and the past participle of the
main verb. The room is being cleaned at the moment.
i. Use by to introduce the agent (e.g. the person or
thing responsible for the action).
The report was written by a person I trust.
Note: Mention the agent only if it's important to the
meaning of the sentence.
ii. With the exception of the Present Continuous and
Past Continuous all other continuous tenses rarely
occur in the passive.
Use the passive voice:
i. when the activity done is more important than the
doer (agent),
My room has recently been redecorated.
ii. when the doer is unknown or obvious,
Many people were killed when the bomb exploded.
iii. in formal language because it is associated with an
impersonal style.
The invoice will be delivered some time next week.

LEARNING TIPS
Remember: If the subject does the action, use an active verb.
If the subject receives the action, use a passive verb.

Rewrite the following sentences in the passive.

Include the agent only where necessary.
1

They built this mansion in 1962.

_________________________________________

A Russian architect built this mansion in 1962.

_________________________________________

Cleaners are cleaning the offices at the moment.

_________________________________________

Someone has stolen my wallet.

_________________________________________

Scientists carry out this experiment at room

temperature.
_________________________________________

She will type the report first thing tomorrow morning.

_________________________________________

make, let, allow / permit

Make, in the active voice, can be followed by an
object and an infinitive without 'to', to mean
force / cause someone to do something.
They made him tell the truth.
In the passive voice, however, it is followed by a
to - infinitive.
He was made to tell the truth.
Let, in the active voice, is followed by an object
and an infinitive without 'to'.
My father will not let me go to the cinema.
Let is not used in the passive voice. Instead we use
the passive form of the verb allow.
I won't be allowed to go the cinema.
Allow and permit are used instead of let in the
passive voice followed by a to-infinitive.
I shall not be allowed / permitted to go to the
cinema with them.

Finish the second sentence so that it has the

same meaning as the previous one.
They refused to let me enter the building.

I was not _____________________________________

I asked for my father's permission to drive the car that day.

Let _________________________________________
Don't insist on my speaking to him again.

Don't make ___________________________________

They forced the suspects to lie on the ground for several

hours.
The suspects were made _________________________
_____________________________________________

Words often confused

Now use the correct form of the words on the
left to complete the sentences below.

make
produce by work or action; cause sth
to be or become
construct
make sth, esp. large, solid and strong
by putting parts together
build
form or construct from parts
create
cause to exist or happen
produce
grow or bring into existence naturally
form
give shape or structure to sth; develop

She ________________ her own clothes.

According to the Old Testament, God

________________ the earth in six days.

They __________________________ bowls from clay.

Insulin is ________________ by the pancreas.

This house was ________________ in 1932.

They are planning to ________________ a new

supermarket near our house.

The news of her promotion ________________ her

happy.

The socialist leader was asked to ________________ a

government.

Reading Vocabulary Grammar

Exercise

For questions 1 - 8, read the text below and decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space.

DANCE FEVER
Joyce wasn't going to (1) .... her daughter to go to the dance. The more her
daughter Cindy insisted on going, the (2) .... determined Joyce was to
refuse her permission. Cindy begged and pleaded for a week but there was
no (3) .... Joyce was going to (4) .... her to attend the dance and the party
(5) .... . Everyone else's parents are (6) .... them go,' cried Cindy. I'm not
everyone else's parents and don't ask me again - the answer is still no.' On
the night of the dance, Cindy (7) .... locked in her room or so her mother
thought. Little did she know that Cindy had got dressed up and was (8) .... the roof of the
house making her way down the side with some rope.
1

A make

B let

C force

D allow

A most

B more

C less

D least

A route

B idea

C way

D one

A enable

B put up with

C permit

D force

A ending

B afterwards

C following

D next

A making

B allowing

C permitting

D letting

A was

B is

C been

D has been

A above

B onto

C on

D out of

Exercise

Answer the questions using your own words as far as possible.

1. Where did Cindy want to go? ................................................................

2. What would occur after the dance? ............................................................
3. Where did Joyce think her daughter was on the night of the dance? ..........................................
4. What did Cindy use to climb down the house? ............................................................

Exercise

Exercise

Read the definition below and choose the best answer (A, B, C).

PERMISSION /pemin/ noun 1. If sb who has authority over you gives

you permission to do something, they say that they will allow you to do it.
2. A permission is a formal, written statement from an official group or
place allowing you to do something.

1. Permission would be given:

2. Permission could be given by:

A. To authorities by people.

A. Book writers.

B. To companies by governments.

B. Office workers.

C. To businessmen by unions.

C. Civil servants.

The passage above, contains some formal language.

Use more informal words than those given in brackets
to fill in the sentences below appropriately.

1. The girl _____________

______________ Toms
proposal of marriage. (refuse)

2. The referee will not _________________ such bad

violent behavior in the match today. (permit)

Exercise

For questions 9 - 16, read the text below and think of the word which fits each space. Use only one word in each space.

Movie cameras have come a long way since the early days of cinema. The cameras of the
beginning of the century were, for the most part, roughly made wooden boxes, which had to
(9) .................... wound by hand. The big change in cameras came in the 1920s along with
the talkies' - sound films. The wooden boxes (10) .................... replaced (11) ....................
well-built metal machines. They were also equipped (12) .................... soundproof covers
designed to muffle the noise of the mechanism which wound the film while the movie was
(13) .................... shot. Today, the basic construction of the movie camera (14) ....................
changed very little but some improvements have been (15) .................... . Now, over 300
metres of film can be stored in a magazine' on the top of the camera and driven through the
machine by an electric motor. Some cameras are equipped with a monitoring viewfinder with
a screen on which the image being photographed (16) .................... reproduced. This is a
useful guide for the camera operator in shots where the camera moves.

Exercise

Say if the following statements are True, False or Not Stated.

1. The first cameras were made of wood.

4. The first cameras were black and white.

2. The first camera was invented in 1920.

5. A camera should be stable in order to shoot.

3. In order to make it quieter to wind the film, soundproof

covers were designed.

Exercise

Match the sentences. There is one extra sentence.

1. In order to shoot, the first cameras
2. The wood used for cameras
3. Over the past years
4. Over 300 metres of film
A. still work by hand.

Exercise

B. cameras have been improved.

C. was later replaced with metal.
D. had to be wound by hand.
E. can be used by the developed cameras.

For questions 17 - 21, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given.
Do not change the word given.

17 That was the worst film I've ever seen.

I've never .......................................................................................... than that.

worse

18 They found the sewing class the least interesting of all the courses offered.
The sewing class was .................................................................... the other courses on offer.

less

19 Cyclists are not allowed to ride on the school lawns.

Bicycles .......................................................................................... on the school lawns.

must

20 They've built these houses with a new kind of fireproof wood.

These houses .......................................................................................... of fireproof wood.

been

allow
21 My Mum wouldn't let me take horseback riding lessons when I was young,' Karen said.
Karen said ...........................................................................horseback riding lessons when she was young.

10

Exercise

Read quickly the text below and choose the correct answer (A,B or C) for items 1 -3.

1. This text would probably appear in

2. The best title for this text is:
3. Who might be worried by this text?
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31

a) a scientific magazine.
a) The history of England
a) Government ministers

b) a gossip magazine.
b) Beware of lightning
b) Teachers

c) a sports magazine.
c) The problems of farming
c) Surfers

STRUCK BY LIGHTNING

According to an official statistics from England and Wales, dating from

1800, nearly 1,800 people have been killed before by direct lightning strikes. The
average number of people killed each year has, however, fallen
dramatically from twenty in the late 1800s, to an average of five after since
1960. The same pattern is repeated ever in the US. Deaths are down from
around three hundred a year in the 1890s to an average of ninety-five per
year now. This decline in casualties can to be explained by a change in
people's occupations. Nowadays, far more fewer people work outdoors on
farms, and city dwellers are protected by tall buildings and other structures
which attract the lightning first. People who they play sports outdoors such
as golfers and water sports enthusiasts are now most at risk.

Exercise

10

For questions 22 - 31, read the text above and look carefully at each line. Some of the lines are correct, and some have a word which should
not be there. If a line is correct, put a tick (3) by the number. If a line has a word that should not be there, write the word next to the number.

Exercise

11

Read the text again carefully and mark the correct response (A, B or C) for items 1 - 4.

1. The surveys were

conducted in:
a) England and Scotland
b) England and Wales
c) England and Denmark

Exercise

2. The number of people killed

by lightning has
a) increased.
b) decreased.
c) stabilized.

3. Today, fewer people are

killed by lightning because
a) they work indoors.
b) they carry an umbrella.
c) they protect themselves
under trees.

4. Who should be careful when

it rains?
a) Drivers
b) Golfers
c) Pilots

12

For questions 32 - 40, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of each line to form a word that fits in the space in
the same line.

GENETIC ENCODING

Every living (32) ............................... carries a plan in each of the cells in its body. The
plan is carried on pairs of chromosomes (23 in human (33) ............................... ), which
are spirally curved ribbons called DNA. Along each chromosome there are individual
pieces of (34) ............................... or codes called genes. It is the genes, in various
(35) ............................... , that determine an animal's size and shape, the colour of its fur
or feathers, how good its sense of smell or (36) ............................... is, and how fast it
runs, flies or swims. Every animal gets half its genes from one parent and half from the
other. As each new (37) ............................... is produced, these bits of code are shuffled
like a pack of cards to give (38) ............................... different combinations and variations.
That is why brothers and sisters may often share a family (39) ...............................
but are never (40) ............................... like either of their parents.

Exercise

13

1. DNA is only found in human beings.

2. One's characteristics are determined by the genes.

Exercise

14

1. Human beings
2. Animals
A. are determined by its genes.
D. inherit their genes from both parents.

ORGAN
BE
INFORM
COMBINE
SEE
GENERATE
END
LIKE
EXACT

Say if the statements are True, False or Not Stated.

3. Animals have 24 pairs of chromosomes.
4. Animals get all their genes from their mother.

5. A child can be exactly like one of

his or her parents.

Match the sentences. There is one extra sentence.

3. Genes
4. An animal's size and shape
B. carry information about the organism.
C. depend on age.
E. have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

11

Test 1
Practice Test 1

Listening
PART 1

Questions 1 - 10

You will hear 10 short recordings.

For questions 1-10, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.
You will hear each recording twice.
1 Which graph shows how the womans business developed?

2 At what time can you register for the conference?

B
1

k
i

7 6

10
9
8

2
3
4

11

12

7 6

C
1

2
3
4

10
9
8

11

12

7 6

3 Which graph represents the change in the mechanical engineering field?

12

10
9
8

11

12

2
3
4

BULATS Practice Test 1

Listening Part 1

4 Which chart represents the companys profits last year?

Practice Test 1

5 Which graph best represents the state of the Dow Jones?

last
this
next
week week week

last
this
next
week week week

6
A
B
C

What did the consultant say was good?

the idea
the planning
the employees

7
A
B
C

When are the cleaners coming?

after work today
tomorrow midday
tomorrow morning

8
A
B
C

What idea does the speaker want to get across?

use the media
know your buyers
advertising is effective

9
A
B
C

Why is the woman complaining?

Her feet hurt.
She is bored.
She wants to be an engineer.

last
this
next
week week week

10 What is the man doing?

A lending money
B interviewing for a job
C applying for a loan

13

BULATS Practice Test 1

PART 2

Listening Part 2

Questions 11 - 22

Practice Test 1

You will hear three conversations.

Fill in the numbered spaces using the information you hear.
You will hear each conversation once only.

Conversation One

Questions 11- 14

Look at the notes below. You will hear a man speaking with his secretary. You have 20 seconds to look
at the notes.

BARCELONA FLIGHT
The flight has been booked for (11)....................................... .
Unfortunately that is cutting it (12)....................................... , so must change flight.
He wants to arrive by (13)..................................... or 9:30 at the latest. If no flights are
available for these times book an (14)................................... flight.

Conversation Two

Questions 15 - 18

Look at the notes below. You will hear a woman leaving a message for a colleague. You have 20 seconds to look at the notes.

MESSAGE
To: Mark
From: Julia
Weve discussed your designs, and we really like the concept in option
(15).................................. , but we prefer the (16)................................ you used in the first
option.
Please can you (17)................................. option three and have it ready for Mr. Orwell by
(18)....................................... ? Thanks!

Conversation Three

Questions 19 - 22

Look at the notes below. You will hear a telephone conversation about a training course. You have
20 seconds to look at the notes.

COURSE INFO:
The course is being moved (19).................................. , to the 21st through 24th of June. Class will
begin at 9am and finish at (20)................................ .
You only need to bring a notebook and (21)................................. .
There will be (22)................................. provided for refreshment.

14

BULATS Practice Test 1

Listening Part 3

PART 3
Section One

Questions 23 - 27

D
Example: .........................

I admire the people who interviewed me.

23 Person 1 ..................

I dont think Id feel comfortable working there.

24 Person 2 ..................

I may have been overqualified.

25 Person 3 ..................

I was a bit over-enthusiastic.

26 Person 4 ..................

I was really nervous.

27 Person 5 ..................

They asked a lot of difficult questions.

I dont feel I was judged fairly.

I should have researched the company more.

They seemed almost too nice.

Section Two

Practice Test 1

You will hear five people talking about how they feel after being interviewed for a job. As you listen,
decide which statement each candidate made about their experience. Choose your answer from the list
A to I, and write the correct letter in the space provided. You will hear the five pieces once only. You
have 20 seconds to read the list A to I.Now listen to the example.

Questions 28 - 32

You will hear five people talking about how they got the idea to start their own business. As you listen,
decide which statement each speaker made. Choose your answer from the list A to I, and write the correct letter in the space provided. You will hear the five pieces once only.You have 20 seconds to read
the list A to I.Now listen to the example.

H
Example: .........................
28 Person 1 ..................
29 Person 2 ..................
30 Person 3 ..................
31 Person 4 ..................
32 Person 5 ..................

I was just doing something I loved.

It occurred to me to make the most of what I was

good at.

It was a random suggestion from a stranger.

I was following the money.

Its an offshoot of a family business.

It was a service I wanted and could not find.

I got advice from an expert.

I decided to try what another failed at.

It was the natural step forward after my studies.

15

BULATS Practice Test 1

Listening Part 4

PART 4

Practice Test 1

Section One

16

Questions 33 - 38

You will hear a an interview with a consultant about understanding the process that your customers go
through when they purchase something from you. For questions 33 - 38, circle one letter A, B or C for the
correct answer. You will hear the discussion twice. You have 20 seconds to read the questions.
33

Mr. Smith thinks that it is important for his clients to

A be aware of their customers experience.
B understand how to make purchases on the internet.
C cause people to crave sweet things.

34

When the interviewer had a bad experience shopping on the internet he

A did not finish the purchase.
B demanded his money back.
C felt the product was not worth it when it arrived.

35

The end result that many businesses are focused on is

A having satisfied customers.
B reaching more customers.
C earning money.

36

Mr. Smith suggests that people should

A get their friends to buy their product.
B buy their own product.
C pretend to buy their own product.

37

What problem should you watch out for when ordering on the telephone?
A Was the order acknowledged?
B Did you have to go through too many departments?
C Was the person to whom you were speaking too friendly?

38

When ordering on the internet, check that pages load

A in an understandable way.
B brightly enough.
C fast enough.

BULATS Practice Test 1

Section Two

Listening Part 4

Questions 39 - 44

39

Team dynamics can be

A insignificant.
B temporary.
C complicated.

40

A wall of cupboards is one example of a force that can influence

A friendships.
B communication flow.
C team complexity.

41

If a wall of cupboards negatively influences team dynamics you should

A move the cupboards.
B recognize the team dynamics.
C form subgroups.

42

A strong friendship between two people in an office will

A affect the team in various ways.
B impact team dynamics positively.
C not be considered a natural force.

43

If the friendship draws other people into discussion it will

A not change the social feel of the office.
B cause problems with communication.
C improve the motivation of the team.

44

The friendship could lead to poor performance if

A the subgroups break down.
B others feel excluded.
C some people in the office are not sociable.

Practice Test 1

You will hear a talk about team dynamics. For questions 39 - 44, circle one letter A, B or C for the
correct answer. You will hear the discussion twice. You have 20 seconds to read the questions.

17

BULATS Practice Test 1

Section Three

Listening Part 4

Questions 45 - 50

Practice Test 1

You will hear an interview about the uses of pre-employment assessment tests. For questions 45 - 50,
circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer. You will hear the discussion twice. You have 20 seconds to read the questions. You have 20 seconds to read the questions.

18

45

Pre-employment assesment tests save time because

A they provide a lot of extra details.
B they eliminate the need for a traditional interview.
C they help interviewers choose areas to focus on.

46

In addition to aptitudes and skills, pre-employment tests can provide

A training in problem areas.
B suggestions for personal development.
C insight into emotional states.

47

Candidates feel negatively about the tests because

A they think they are not given a fair chance.
B they are very popular with interviewers.
C they believe they are being misused.

48

The proper use of pre-employment testing would be

A to give several different tests.
B to give the test, then a traditional job interview.
C to combine testing with a shortened job interview.

49

An advantage of the tests is that they are objective and

A can help to overcome prejudices.
B only work if the interviewers are unbiased.
C they can reveal subconscious biases.

50

One reason that there is misleading information about these tests is because
A they are difficult to write about.
B they are an umbrella for other kinds of tests.
C there are many different kinds.

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

READING and LANGUAGE KNOWLEDGE

PART 1
Questions 51 - 57

Look at the following messages and notices.

For questions 51 - 57, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.
Example:
A You will receive your item within 7 days.
B Your item will be sent in a week.
C Your item may arrive in 12 days.

Order number: 9476509

Thank you for your payment.
Your item has been shipped. Delivery usually
occurs within a week to ten days. Please allow
two weeks for delivery before contacting us.

Practice Test 1

Section One

Your tracking number is:

TNK 30043857720N

51
A Tom received the information he needed.
B Tom received information but wants more.
C Tom has not received any information yet.

Joyce,
Thanks for the statistics you sent. Im afraid
I need to trouble you for one more item.
Do you have the sales data broken down by
branch for the last year? Could you send it
on please?
Many thanks,
Tom

52 The meeting should be attended by

A everyone.
B the management team.
C certain staff.

MEMO
To: all staff
From: senior management
On March 1st, the steering committee will be giving a presentation regarding their decisions on the future aims and
direction of the company.
It will commence at 9am
We would encourage attendance.

53 The RXL Lightwaves is

A a low-priced camera.
B a moderately priced camera.
C a very expensive camera.

The new RXL Lightwaves digital camera offers the

affordability of a mid-range camera with the same
high quality lens used on our high-end models.

19

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

Practice Test 1

54 The profits from the Chicago branch are

A steadily increasing.
B inconsistent.
C consistently lower than New York.

55 Cutting Edge Retro sells

A designs.
B clothes from the twenties.
C contemporary clothes.

Cutting Edge Retro will be launching our new line

of 1920s inspired party and formal wear with a
modern twist, later this year.
The launch will occur during Fashion Week in New
York, and the designs should be available in the
shops by mid-November.

Jean,
Mark called while you were in the
meeting.

56
A Mark wants to hold the conference later in July.
B Mark wants to hold the conference earlier in July.
C Mark wants Jean to work at the conference.

He wants to reschedule the conference for the 12-14 of July, as

few speakers were available later in
the month. Does this work for you?
Contact him on 0778 345536

57
A More money should be spent on current staff.
B A 48% turnover rate is acceptable.
C Too much money is being spent on current staff.

With a turnover rate of approximately 48%

last year, too many resources are being
spent on recruitment and training.
The company could profit by investing in
increased staff benefits to encourage loyalty.
We should aim to reduce the turnover rate
to less than a quarter of staff annually.

20

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

PART 1
Section Two

Questions 58 - 63

58

We are looking for a decisive leader; someone who will not put ............. making decisions.
A
in
B
on
C
off
D
about

59

A review of the department will be ................ out next month.

A
made
B
set
C
taken
D
carried

60

Due to the .................... recession, we are not taking any risks.

A
prediction
B
predicting
C
predictive
D
predicted

61

We produce only the highest .................. products.

A
skill
B
result
C
quality
D
need

62

John is going to .................. a presentation on Thursday.

A
operate
B
make
C
perform
D
hold

63

Many staff have been laid ................. because of the bad economy.
A
out
B
off
C
away
D
over

Practice Test 1

Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence.

For questions 58 - 63, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.

21

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

PART 1

Practice Test 1

Section Three

Questions 64 - 69

Read the article below about Banks and small Businesses and answer questions 64 - 69.
For questions 64 - 69, circle one letter A, B or C for the correct answer.

BANKS: A FRIEND TO SMALL BUSINESS?

A new survey of sector trends carried out by the Federation of Small Businesses, otherwise known
as the FSB, has revealed that banks are among the biggest blocks to the growth of small businesses in
the UK.
The FSB analysis of around 8,700 member businesses, titled Putting the Economy Back on Track:
Business Support and Finance, identified banks as key to getting financial support. But the businesses
surveyed also went on to name banks as one of the biggest barriers to their growth because of difficulties involved in accessing credit. The findings also revealed that around three quarters of the businesses
surveyed relied on informal sources of support, such as other businesses, personal advisors, suppliers
and family. This is in comparison with only around 17 percent who said the same last year.
Dr Gary Packham, an author of the report, said that these findings illustrate that action needs to be
taken immediately so that small businesses can gain access to vital funds to ensure their growth and survival. He pointed out that people often do not realise that small businesses are the backbone of the
economy, employing 13.5 million people and contributing over 50 percent to UK turnover. This statistic
alone indicates that it is vital that this sector should be given the necessary support and be backed up by
fair and flexible credit.
John Walker, FSB National Policy Chairman, believes that small businesses thrive on personal relationships when seeking support such as marketing, recruitment and access to finance. He says the FSB
would like to see the first meeting of the new Small Business Finance Forum call banks branch managers to account to ensure that they do more to show how they can support small businesses. The first
step to help this crucial sector could be to immediately pass on the recent cut in interest rates which
could save small businesses 750 million and help get the economy back on track. New sources of
finance should also be considered. The FSB wants to see the Government, in addition to the banks,
applying for money from the European Investment Bank.

22

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

According to this article, banks are currently

A
fairly supportive of small businesses.
B
limiting the growth of small businesses.
C
being blocked by small businesses.

65

Small businesses consider banks to be

A
generous in giving out credit.
B
a very important source of finance.
C
unhelpful and unnecessary to their progress.

66

How has the number of business relying on informal support changed in the last year?
A
It has increased greatly.
B
It has remained about the same.
C
It has decreased.

67

Dr. Gary Packham believes that

A
more reports must be written.
B
people must be educated.
C
things must be changed.

68

What does the FSB want bank managers to do?

A
offer accounts to small businesses
B
attend the Small Business Finance Form meeting
C
clearly show what they will do to help

69

The quickest way to help small businesses would be to

A
pass on the cut in interest rates.
B
loan them 750 million pounds.
C
give them money from the European Investment Bank.

Practice Test 1

64

23

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 1

PART 1

Practice Test 1

Section Four

Questions 70 - 74

For questions 70 - 74, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space
Write only one word in each space.

Example: It is important ...................... we plan carefully.

Answer:

that
....................

GROUPS AND TEAMS

In business terms, a group is a set of people with individual objectives
(70)................... happen to share the same boss, the same workplace, or be
part of the same organisational unit. In a group, individuals might have the
same objectives, for example in a sales group everyone may have the same
sales target to meet, but they may compete against (71).................... other,
rather than cooperate, to reach this objective.
A team, on the other hand, is a group (72).................... works towards a single,
common objective. In fact, they might have different individual objectives, but
those objectives contribute (73)................. the higher collective one. For
example, in a sales team, one person might make appointments, another may
provide technical sales support, another prepare a bid document, and another
make the sale. But they are (74).................. accountable together for the sales
and are not judged primarily on individual achievement.

24

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2
Section One

Questions 75 - 81

Example: People who like your business

can show their friends.

75 Customised ads are not free.

76 Facebook helps you to find out what
people think.

77 You can find out how many teenagers are

viewing Facebook.
78 Its well known that Facebook can help to
spread your brand.
79 Business services are not perfect.
80 People who like your business can tell
their friends.
81 You can show a video about your product.

B Facebook Polls are a great marketing tool. They offer

a valuable service to businesses looking to get others
opinions about a particular feature theyd like to
implement, or find out information and opinions from a
specific demographic. The polls offer a goldmine of
information for the business researcher.

Facebook has provided a

number of features that
make it a powerful tool, not
just for individuals, but for
businesses and brands as
well. Its no secret that
Facebook has many very
powerful tools that will help
spread your brand and propel your business into the
forefront of existing and
potential customers minds.
However, Facebook still has
room for improvement in its
services for businesses.
Lets review some highlights
of ways that Facebook can
help your business.

Practice Test 1

Read the sentences below and also the sections from the following article about what Facebook can
offer to businesses.
Which section of the article does each sentence 75 - 81 refer to?
For each sentence, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

C
Facebook Pages were created to give businesses
their own profile. Pages give your business or
brand an identity on Facebook. With a Page, those
interested and following your brand can become
fans, and when they do so, all their friends will
see this. You can store photos, videos, information about your company, and custom applications
on your Page. All activity on Pages gets posted
back to your Mini Feed for all your friends to see.
The Pages have not, however, benefited from the
recent updates that were made to services for
individual users.

D
Facebook offers benefits in terms of Advertising.
Facebook has a powerful advertising engine that
enables businesses to specify a certain demographic target, see how many people that demographic will hit, and advertise to that demographic.
Facebook has also provided even more customized
options for other areas of the site which businesses
with a larger budget can advertise through.

25

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2

Practice Test 1

Section Two

Questions 82 - 86

Read this text.

Choose the best word to fill each space from the words provided below.
For questions 82 - 86, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

A supply chain is a group of organizations, people, technology, activities,
information and resources involved in (82)...................... a product or service
from supplier to customer. Supply chain activities (83).......................... raw
materials and components into a finished product that is delivered to the
end customer.

In the 1980s the term Supply Chain Management (SCM) was developed to
express the need to integrate key business processes, from the original suppliers through to the end user. The basic (84)..................... behind SCM is
that companies and corporations exchange information.

If all relevant information is accessible to any involved company, every

company in the supply chain is given the (85)........................ to help optimize
the entire supply chain rather than make decisions based only on their own
interests. This will lead to better planned overall production and distribution which can cut costs and give a more attractive final product. And a better final product (86)..................... to better sales and better overall results for
all the companies involved.

26

82

A changing

B moving

C spreading

D selling

83

A use

B require

C transform

D bring

84

A idea

B role

C job

D skill

85

A rule

B time

C need

D ability

86

A takes

B leads

C holds

D turns

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2
Section Three

Questions 87 - 91

Example:
I look forward ............. hearing from you.
to
Answer: ....................

Practice Test 1

For questions 87 - 91, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each space.
Write only one word in each space.

HOW TO GET A BUSINESS LOAN

Getting a loan to start your business can be the biggest challenge you will face.
(87).......................... , there are some tips that can make the process easier.
The first thing most lenders will want to see is your business plan. Having a well written business plan on hand is critical, and you will be more impressive (88)............... you have carefully
thought out and become familiar with your plan. Also, be ready to tell them exactly why you
need the money. "I just need the money," does not inspire confidence or the fact that you have
thought it through. Give (89)................ much detail as you can.
Next, be aware that virtually all lenders will do a personal savings and corporate credit check.
Be prepared to discuss any prior credit issues and problems. Likewise, be ready to highlight
your successful financial performance in the past. Also, keep in mind that the first thing that
will put off lenders or investors is the fear you are "puff" rather (90)................... "substance."
Avoid giving the impression of being too optimistic, and do not be afraid to talk about the
challenges that your business might face. This also shows that you are quite aware of the reality of your situation.
Needless to say, being well dressed and neat in appearance will reflect on you positively.
Finally, the best strategy is not to depend on a bank to loan you money to start a business.
Most small businesses are funded (91)................ personal savings. Start saving now!

27

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2

Practice Test 1

Section Four

28

Questions 92 - 97

Choose the word or phrase which best completes each sentence.

For questions 92 - 97, circle one letter A, B or C on your answer sheet.

92

It is critical to .......................... a strong brand identity.

A
establish
B
imagine
C
initiate
D
inflict

93

The predicted ......................... in interest rates is good news for small businesses.
A
slip
B
slow
C
drop
D
lapse

94

A quality product is not enough to ensure success; ........................., it is important.

A
doubtless
B
therefore
C
in spite
D
nevertheless

95

Lionel is a great manager; he has increased the ................... of the whole team.
A
experience
B
morality
C
morale
D
accessibility

96

Mr. Jones is responsible .................... the accounts in our department.

A
concerning
B
for
C
with
D
of

97

I suggest that we carry ..................... a thorough cost analysis study.

A
out
B
off
C
on
D
over

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2
Section Five

Questions 98 - 103

START WITH YOUR ABILITY TO RELATE

Building an effective team starts with your ability
to relate to other people. Whether a person relates
well to others is not an inherent personality trait. This
ability is learned. You do not need complex interaction formulas. You don't have to be easy-going, welleducated, hard-nosed, or even especially intelligent
to build a team. You can be effective with people
using common sense and a few fundamental principles. These principles include vision, commitment,
trust, inclusion and consensus.
Vision means being able to excite the team with
large, desired outcomes. Team members must
share a goal, and this goal must be bigger than the
next pay check. It must contain challenge, appeal to
personal pride, and provide an opportunity to make
a difference and know it. Then the goal can become
a powerful vision. The next step is to enable the
team to commit to this vision.
Commitment can be a frightening concept. All
commitments contain unknowns, and the possibility
of failure. When we ponder a new commitment, we
climb up to a kind of mental diving board. This
process precedes every meaningful commitment. It
is common, however, for people to neither jump nor
climb back down the ladder, so to speak, but rather
to stay stuck at the end of the board, immobilized in
pros, cons, obstacles, and worries. Effective team
leaders realize this and help in the process, so that
the members of the team can pass through this
stage efficiently on their way to meaningful commitment and innovative strategies. This can be
achieved by establishing an atmosphere of trust,
and within that atmosphere encouraging inclusion.
Trust means confidence in team leadership and
vision. When trust prevails, team members are more
willing to go through the difficult process of commitment. Trust is most efficiently established when leaders have already made a commitment to the vision
themselves, and everyone knows the commitment is
genuine. To do this, leaders must get over their own
questions, doubts and fears. This can be
achieved in three simple steps: list the unknowns,

assess worst case scenarios and their survivability,

and then research the unknowns. Unknowns that
can not be researched may be considered unavoidable risks, which are a part of every commitment.
When leaders understand the potential loss and gain
involved in the new vision, they can then commit,
and prepare to include other team members by visibly sharing with them both risk and reward.

Practice Test 1

Read the article below about building an effective team and answer questions 98 - 103.
For questions 98 - 103, mark one letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet.

Leaders will need three communication skills to

achieve inclusion. These are the non-assumptive
question, good listening, and responsiveness. Nonassumptive questions like "Can you tell me what is
happening with this report?" invite real answers.
Questions containing assumptions like "Why is this
report so incomplete?" invite defensiveness. When
trying to build an atmosphere of trust, added defensiveness is counter-productive. Listening means
separating the process of taking in information from
the process of judging it. Kept separate, both
processes are valuable. Combined, they can stop
communication altogether. Responsiveness is the
ability to honestly address the questions and concerns of others. While many questions can be
answered on the spot, some require research, and
others require a truthful "I don't know. I'm in the
same soup as you."
The final step in creating the team is to establish
a strategy for reaching the committed vision. Your
teammates themselves are in the best position to
help with the information and skills necessary to do
this. At this point, the leadership role is to guide consensus, not to issue orders. Consensus means that
team members agree to, whether or not they agree
with, a particular approach. Consensus usually
occurs easily when everyones ideas are heard and
considered, whether or not the team ultimately
chooses those ideas. Effective teams often produce
lively discussions of divergent viewpoints before
reaching consensus. Diverse views can mean unresolved argument, or they can mean increased team
intelligence and ultimate consensus. The difference
is a well built team.

29

Practice Test 1

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

98

The first paragraph states that most of the skills you need to build a team
A
are common sense skills that everyone has.
B
are specialized skills you can develop through study.
C
are only possessed by a small minority of leaders.

99

What must a goal include in order to become a vision?

A
It must be large and powerful and very difficult to achieve.
B
It must be personal and individual for each person involved.
C
It must challenge people and make them feel important.

100 What point about commitment is made in paragraph 3?

A
Team members with difficulty committing are not up to the job.
B
A well planned commitment should have no element of risk.
C
Meaningful commitment does not come easily.
101 Leaders who want to be trusted must
A
trust their own decision.
B
show no uncertainty.
C
account for all unknowns.
102 What does paragraph 5 say that you need in order to be responsive?
A
You need to avoid defensiveness as much as possible.
B
You need to understand which questions you can and cant answer.
C
You need to be able to take in information without judging it.
103 A team that is strengthened by diverse views is
A
an ineffective team.
B
a well built team.
C
a team that uses all members ideas equally.

30

BULATS Practice Test 1

Reading Part 2

PART 2
Section Six

A colleague has given you this article for checking.

In some lines there is one wrong word.
If there is a wrong word, write the correct word on your Answer Sheet.
If there is no mistake, put a tick ( ) on your Answer Sheet.

Example:
0 Choosing the right MBA programme can make
00 a big different to your future success.

00

difference

Practice Test 1

Questions 104 - 110

If we take employer surveys seriously, then most MBA programmes do a lousy job
104

of teaching soft management skills, such as interpersonal, people-management

105

and team skills. This shouldnt be a big surprising because both faculty and
MBA students are more comfortable with the traditional analytical and technical

106

skills training. A majority of MBA candidates have technical backgrounds of fields

like engineering, finance, and the sciences. This makes the teaching of soft-skills

107

even most challenging, since it takes both the consumers and suppliers outside of

108

its comfort zones. What we've been teaching in MBA programmes is easy for

109

professional engineers; what we haven't been teaching is not. So the challenge for

110

a student choosing an MBA is to identify that small set of suppliers those are
responding to what the ultimate consumer of MBA talent, the employer, wants.

104

105
106
107
108
109

110

31