2020年初级商务英语阅读材料
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟试题(5)
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟试题(5)WHAT are teenagers nowadays crazy about? Popular songs? Harry Porter books? Sports or online games? For me, the answer is history.History is a part of my leisure (空闲的) time. Since I was 10, I’ve been reading history books, collecting old maps and visiting museums. I always get excited when people around me talk about history.I have learnt a lot from history. It’s helped me deal with (应付) the problems of growing up. History is precious (珍贵的) wealth.History helps me become more mature (成熟的). I used to believe that life is simple to understand. Now I know that we shouldn’t make simple judgments (判断). People aren’t "good" or "bad"; things aren’t "true" or "false".History has also made me mentally (精神上) stronger. I’m more responsible now. I have learned useful things about myself from studying the rise and fall of kings and queens.When I studied Chinese history between 1840 and 1949, I knew I must be a strong person and do my best for China.Francis Bacon wrote, "Histories make men wise". I agree with that. If you know history you respect the past are confident about the future. History tells you where you come from, where you are and where you are going. That is the charm of history. Don’t you think so?。
商务英语初级阅读材料
商务英语初级阅读材料商务英语初级阅读材料Robert: Even with volume sales, our costs for the Exec-U-Ciser wont go down much.Dan: Just what are you proposing?Robert: We could take a cut on the price. But 25% would slash our profit margin. We suggest a promise - 10%.Dan: Thats a big change from 25! 10 is beyond my negotiating limit. Any other ideas?Robert: I dont think I can change it right now. Why dont we talk again tomorrow?Dan: Sure. I must talk to my office anyway. I hope we can find some mon ground on this. (next day) Robert, Ive been instructed to reject the numbers you proposed; but we can try to e up with something else.Robert: I hope so, Dan. My instructions are to negotiate hard on this deal - but Im trying very hard to reach some middle ground.Dan: I understand. We propose a structured deal. For the first six months, we get a discount of 20%, and the next six months we get 15%.Robert: Dan, I cant bring those numbers back to my office - theyll turn it down flat.。
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟试题(1)
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟试题(1)A friend of mine was fond of drawing horse. He drew the horses very well,but he always began the tail. Now it is the Western rule to begin at the head of the horse, that is why I was surprised. It struck me that it could not really make any difference whether the artist begins at the head or the tailor the belly(肚子) or the foot of the horse, if he really knows his business. And most great artists who really knowtheir business do not follow other people’s rule.They make their own rules. Every one of them does his work in a way peculiar(奇特的) to himself; and the peculiarity means only that he finds it more easy to work in that way.Now the very same thing is true to literature(文学). And the question, "How shall I begin?" only means that you wantto begin at the head instead of beginning at the tail or somewhere else. That is, you are not yet experienced(有经验的) enough to trust to your own powers. When you become more experienced you willnever ask the question, and I think that you will often begin at the tail --that is to say, you will write the end of the story before you have even thought of the beginning.1. A friend of the writer’s drew the horses ____.A. very wellB. in the way of western ruleC. in the way of his own ruleD. all of the above2. The writer was surprised because ____.A. the artist began to draw at the head of the horseB. the artist began to draw at the tail of the horseC. the artist made his own ruleD. the artist did not follow other people’s rule3. You are not yet experienced because ____.A. you don’t know where to beginB. you want to begin at the head instead of beginning at the tailC. you always asked questionD. you do not trust to your own powers4. When you become more experienced you will ____.A. never ask questionB. often begin at the tailC. should write the end of the storyD. should think of the beginning5. The topic of the passage is ______.A. How to draw a horseB. How to write a storyC. How to make your own rulesD. Trust to your own powers参考答案: CDDCD。
【推荐】BEC商务英语初级阅读材料(2)-范文模板 (1页)
【推荐】BEC商务英语初级阅读材料(2)-范文模板本文部分内容来自网络整理,本司不为其真实性负责,如有异议或侵权请及时联系,本司将立即删除!== 本文为word格式,下载后可方便编辑和修改! ==BEC商务英语初级阅读材料(2)买卖过招第一回 Buy and SellDan Smith 是一位美国的健身用品经销商,此次是 Robert 第一回与他交手。
就在短短几分钟的交谈中, Robert 即感到这位大汉粗犷的外表下,藏有狡黠如脱兔的心思--他肯定是名沙场老将,自己绝不可掉以轻心。
双方第一回过招如下:英文正文Dan : Id like to get the ball rolling by talking about prices .Robert : Shoot . Id be happy to answer any questions you may have .Dan : Your products are very good . But Im a little worried about the prices youre asking .Robert : You think we should be asking for more ?Dan : Thats not exactly what I had in mind . I know your research costs are high , but what Id like is a 25% discount .Robert : That seems to be a little high , Mr . Smith . I dont know how we can make a profit with those numbers .Dan : Please , Robert , call me Dan . Well , if we promisefuture business -- volume sales that will slash your costs for making the Exec - U - Ciser , right ?Robert : Yes , but its hard to see how you can place such large orders . How could you turn over so many ? Wed need a guarantee of future business , not just a promise .Dan : We said we wanted 1000 pieces over a six month period . What if we place orders for twelve months , with a guarantee ?。
2020上半年商务英语考试阅读练习题
2020上半年商务英语考试阅读练习题Look at the sentences below and at the five managers’ comments on leadership on the opposite pageWhich new item (A, B, C ,D or E) dose each statement 1 –8 refer to ?For each statement ! – 8 , make one letter(A, B, C ,D or E) on your Answer Sheet .You will need to use some of these letters more than once .1、Successful leadership involves making sure that employees accept new ideas.2、A good leader can bring success to a company in difficulties3、Leaders should be assessed on the basis of their achievements4、The personalities of good leaders are generally different from those of other managers5、Patience is a valuable quality in a successful leader6、Leaders consider potential changes in what their company does for others7、Good leaders will encourage their staff if their organization is in difficulties8、Leaders need to adapt their behaviour to suitdifferent circumstancesA Maurizio VernaLong-term, visionary business leaders must be prepared to invest to get what they want for their company. They know when and how to apply pressure and to take risks, when they need to display a more hands-off approach. I have a pretty clear view of my ideal b usiness leader, and of course that’s where I ‘m trying to head: he or she should start up and grow a cash-rich, multi-interest international organization of tremendous strength and depth.B Sue TuckerThe pace of technological change, and the rate at which businesses are changing , requires leaders to have a particular aptitude for technology and an understanding of the internet. A lot of people are aware of the opportunities here ,but awareness alone isn’t enough: in a true leader this needs to be coupled with clever marketing, product design and technological innovation, and keeping abreast of everything going on in the company. In fact the acid test , I think , is being able to use all of these skills to turn around a failing company.C Carol GodfreyEffective leaders stand out from the herd. They’re often idiosyncratic, even eccentric.They have the confidence to be themselves, and not to adopt the language and attributes of the run-of-the-mill professional managers and accountants. What’s crucia l is having the charisma or whatever it is that gives their staff confidence in them, so they can keep everyone on board when they want to make innovations. Sooften these don’t get off the ground because of lack of leadership, because after all, our response to change is significantly affected by how it’s introduced.E Ana CostaOutstanding leaders understand both tactics and strategy, and are prepared to play a very long game to achieve their objectives. They understand that in negotiations they need the “ win-win” concept, because losers risk losing their dignity, which is no good for your long-term business relationship with them. Leaders must stay optimistic, whatever the odds, and keep up morale of their company, even when the going’s tough. It’s important to be very much hands-on, too. A good leader will champion ideas that keep the company in the forefront.参考答案: 1-5 CBDCE 6-8 EA。
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟练习题(2)
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟练习题(2)In the world ,soccer of football is the most popular sport. This is because many countries have wonderful teamsfor the World Cup. The World Cup is held every four years.To remember 2002 FIFA World Cup ,children from different countries and more than 60 children from Japanese schools came together and spent three weekends drawing a big picture called"Dream(梦幻) World Cups"in Japan .The children drew animals, flowers and people playing soccer under a bulebright sky. They wished each football team good luck by drawing the flags(旗帜)of all the countries that will take part in the World Cup in Japan and South Korea.The picture was put up in a park near a playground in Yokohama .Some football teams will have games there.Are you a football fan(迷)?The World Cup makeds more and more people interested in football Teenagers(青少年)like playing and watching football .Many of them love somefootball stars so much that they get the pictures of their favourite players on the walls of their rooms. That is the way to show their love for the World Cup as children in Japan.1.If a country wants to take part in the World Cup ,she must have______.A.Many football fansB.a very good teamC.many football playerD.a big playground2.The next World Cup will be held in_______.A.2006B.2007C.2005D.20043.From the passage ,in the picture children drew many things except_________.A. people playing footballB. pictures of some football starsC. a sunny skyD. flowers4.In"Dream World Cup",the children drew the flags of some countries______.A. to show their love for their owe countryB. to tell the people their storiesC. to show their good wishes for the football teamsD. to show their new ideas about football5.Many teenagers owe the pictures of some football stars because______.A. they are interested in footballB. they are football fansC. they think their favourite players are greatD. all of A,B and C参考答案:BAABD。
2020年初级商务英语阅读材料(最新)
3 Ways User Stories and Personas Lead to Deeper EngagementLeonie Brown“Know thy customer.” It’s a stone-tablet precept of modern marketing and customer-experience management (CX), and for good reason: It roots design and service decisions in what customers want, rather than what companies want them to want.But it’s one thing to grasp the importance of customer-centricity, and another to actually do the work to get to know the people you serve. Some companies rely on broad demographic profiles, while others segment their customers based on specific factors such as income, education, and product usage. The most detailed organizations combine customer research, demographics, and even psychographics with operational data records such as spending patterns to create narratives that attempt to blend the traits and circumstances of high-value customers into composite sketches. Whether these are user stories or customer personas, the idea is to zero in on the needs and preferences of high-value customers as they progress along the customer journey.These analyses often reveal that not all customer profiles are equal. Defining and developing these personas can help companies relate to and interact with their customers in three important ways.Understand their key decision criteria. Every company knows its value proposition. They know what makes their product or service special, as well as where they lag behind competitive offerings. Their understanding is likely much more logical and better informed than that of even their best customers.But they’re not making the purchase decision –their customers are. It’s imperative to understand how they see your product in the broader field of potential choices, and what they value. For example, when one pharmaceutical company went to market with a new drug that promised greater effectiveness than the market leader, it was surprised not to be winning more converts. Customer research provided an answer: Customers cared more about side effects than improved efficacy. After a marketing shift to reflect this insight, more customers began to make the switch.Accommodate emotion. Emotional experience plays a huge role in customer sentiment. When a company gains insight into the emotions that key customers are likely to experience at critical points along the customer journey –say, a business-class airline customer worrying aboutwhether a delayed or cancelled flight will get them to their destination on time –they can take steps to address the emotional concerns (anxiety or frustration, in this case) along with the logistical ones. Companies that master this skill often reap brand ambassadors as a result; when a service intervention turns initial disappointment into relief and satisfaction, it’s a recipe for loyalty and promotion.Appreciate edge cases. Once you’ve identified a few core user stories or per sonas, there’s a temptation to write off customers that don’t fit those profiles. These customers may not be worth building major initiatives around, but don’t take your eye off of them, either. Instead, watch for patterns that emerge, because there’s a ch ance that a new and valuable customer segment may emerge that was completely off your radar when you went through the customer-narrative exercise. For example, old-line manufacturers such as C.C. Filson and Red Wing Shoes would have missed an enormous opportunity if they ignored the recent handcrafted Americana boom among young urbanites and focused exclusively on their traditional hiking and work-boot customers.It takes substantial effort to understand what’s driving your core customers at a deep level, but the exercise is worthwhile. When you can generate new insights into how customers perceive and experience your brand, and how it fits into their lives, you have the opportunity to build deeper customer connections.。
2020年商务英语考试初级阅读理解试题1完整篇.doc
2019年商务英语考试初级阅读理解试题1We got up early this morning and __1__ a long walk after breakfast. We walked through the business section of the city. I told you yesterday that the city was larger__2__ I thought it would be. __3__ the business section is smaller than I thought it would be. I suppose that's__4__ Washington is a special kind of city. __5__the people in Washington work for the government. A bout 9:30 we went to the White House. It's__6__ to the public from 10 till12, and there was a long line of people waiting to get in. We didn't have to wait very long, because the line moved __7__quickly.The White House is really white. It is painted every year. And it seems very white, because it's got beautiful lawns all around it, ____8____many trees and shrubs. The grounds__9__ about four square blocks. I mean, they're about two blocks long__10__ each side. Of course, we didn't see the whole building. The part__11__the President lives and works is not open to the public. But the part we saw was beautiful. We went through five of the main rooms. One of them was the library, on the ground floor. On the next floor, there are three rooms named__12__ the colors that are used in them: the Red Room, the Blue Room, and the Green Room. The walls are covered with silk__13__. There are__14__ old furniture, from the time__15__ the White House was first built. And everywhere there are paintings and statues of former presidents and other famouspeople from history.1. A) made B) did C)took D) got2. A) than B) as C) so D) like3. A) But B) Yes C) So D) Then4. A) since B) as C) because D) because of5. A) Much of B) Most of C) A lot D) Lots6. A) open B) opening C) being opened D) opened7. A) pretty B) little C) much D) very much8. A) / B) having C) with D) together9. A) include B) cost C) cover D) spread10. A) by B) on C) for D) with11. A) which B) what C) that D) where12. A) by B) for C) after D) before13. A) cloth B) clothes C) clothing D) cloths14. A) Much pieces of B) many pieces of C) many a D) a great many15. A) that B) which C) who D) when【答案】CAACB AACCB DCABD2019年商务英语考试初级阅读理解试题2In the nineteenth century, the invention of the telegraph made it possible to send noises, signals, and even music over wires from one place to another. However, the human voice __1__ this way. Many inventors tried to find a __2__ to send a voice over wires, and in 1876 some of their efforts were crowned with success. ___3___ American inventors, Alexander Graham Bell and Elisha Gray, __4__ at almost the same time. The United States Supreme Court finally had to decide which of the two __5__ the first inventor of the telephone. The Court decided __6__ Bell's favor.Born in Edinbrug, Scotland, Bell grew up in a family __7__ was very interested in teaching people to speak. His grandfather had been an actor who left __8__ to teach elocution; his father was a teacher __9__ deaf-mutes learn how to speak.However, probably none of the __10__ inventions gave Bell the same feeling of triumph __11__ he had on the day when he spilled some acid from his batteries. It was after he had worked for months to find ways to send something more __12__metallic twangs over the wires. Thinking Watson, __13__, was in the next room, Bellcalled, Mr. Watson, __14__. I want you. Watson was not in the next room. He was down in his laboratory, __15__ to the receiver. To Watson's surprise, he heard the words perfectly. He ran to tell Bell the news: the wires had carried Bell's voice perfectly.1. A) had never traveled B) never had traveled C) was never traveled D) never was traveled2. A) solution B) key C) way D) mean3. A) Two B) The two C) The two of D) Of two4. A) was succeeded B) have succeeded C) succeeded D) was succeeding5. A) was B) to be C) being D) having been6. A) at B) on C) to D) in7. A) that B)where C) in which D) who8. A) a theatre B) theatre C) theatres D) the theatre9. A) which was helped B) that was helped C) who helped D) who has helped10. A) later B) latter C) lately D) afterwards11. A) like B) to Cㄘwhich D) as12. A) of B) / C) as D) than13. A) being his helper B) was his helper C) his helper D) to be his helper14. A) come here B) come up C) go away D) go down15. A) besides B) beside C) next D) by【答案】ACACADADCADDCAC。
2020剑桥商务英语考试(初级)标准阅读理解练习题
2020剑桥商务英语考试(初级)标准阅读理解练习题SPEAKINGPART FOUR:Questions 16-2251、Read the article below about a self-employed Journalist.Are sentences 16-22 on the opposite page ' Right' or ' Wrong' ? If there is not enough information to answer 'Right' or ' Wrong', choose ' Doesn't say'.For each sentence (16-22), mark one letter (A, B.or C) on your Answer Sheet.Sally Patterson, journalist Last year, Sally Patterson left her permanent job with a newspaper and is now a selfemployed journalist. Why did she do it? "I had no control over my work," she says, "and that mattered more to me than earning lots of money. Actually, leaving my job wasn't as difficult as I'd expected, because I already had plenty of contacts in the publishing industry.Unlike my last job, though, I'm mostly in touch with the magazines and newspapers I write for by email, and as I don't work in an'office, I may not see anyone for days. But that's a welcome relief!"Isn't it hard being self-employed? "The biggest danger when you become self-employed is saying "yes" to everything," Sally says. "I make sure I turn work down if I haven't got the time for it. And that's a question of planning: I spendan hour every week working out what I'm doing for the next few months. "And what about the benefits? "Well, at the newspaper I always concentrated on economic matters, but now I can choose to work on a wider range of projects than before.And being my own boss has made me feel more confident about the other areas of my life,too. "Sally left her last job because she wanted to make decisions about her work herself.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say,52、 Her colleagues in publishing thought that beingself-employed would be difficul for her.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say53、 She would prefer to share an office with other people.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say54、 She needs to accept all the work she is offered.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say55、Most self-employed journalists find it difficult to plan ahead.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say56、 Sally specializes more now than she did in her"last job.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say57、 Self-employment has affected Sally's attitude to life.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't sayPART FIVE:Questions 23-2858、Read the article below.For each question (23-28) on the opposite page, choose the correct answer.Mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet.It used to be that people were proud to work for the same company for the whole of their working lives. They'd get a gold watch at the end of their productive years and a dinner featuring speeches by their bosses praising their lovalty. But today's rich capitalists have regressed to the "survival of the fittest" ideas and their loyalty extends not to their workers or even to their stockholders but only to themselves.Instead of giving out gold watches worth a hundred or so dollars for forty or so years of work, they grab tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars as they sell for their own profit the company they may have been with for only a few years.The new rich selfishly act on their own to unfairly grab the wealth that the country as a whole has produced. The top 1 percent of the population now has wealth equal to the whole bottom 95 percent and they want more. Their selfishness is most shamelessly expressed in downsizing and outsourcing because these business maneuvers don't act to create new jobs as the founder of new industries used to do,but only out jobs while keeping the money value of what those jobs produced for themselves.To keep the money machine working smoothly the rich have bought all the politicians from the top down. The president himself is constantly leaving Washington and the business at the nation because he is summoned to "fundraising dinners" where fat cats pay a thousand or so dollars a plate to worm their way into government not through service but through donations of vast amounts of money. Once on the in side theyhave both political, parties busily tearing up all the regulations that protect the rest of us from the greed of the rich.The middle class used to be loyal to the free enterprise system. In the past, the people of the middle class mostly thought they'd be rich themselves someday or have a good shot at becoming rich. But nowadays income is being distributed more and more unevenly and corporate loyalty is a thing of the past. The middle class may also wake up to forget its loyalty to the so-called free enterprise system altogether and the government which governs only the rest of us while letting the corporations do what they please with our jobs. As things stand, if somebody doesn't wake up, the middle class is on a path to being downsized all the way to the bottom of society.It can be inferred from the first paragraph that people used to place a high value onA.job security.B.bosses' praise.C.corporate loyalty.59、 The author is strongly critical of today's rich capitalists forA.not giving necessary assistance to laid-off workers.B.maximizing their profits at the expense of workers.C.not setting up long-term goals for their companies.60、 The immediate consequence of the new capitalists' practice isA.loss of corporate reputation.B.lower pay for the employees.C.a higher rate of unemployment.61、 The rich try to sway the policy of the government byA.occupying important positions in both political parties.B.making monetary contributions to decision-makers.C.pleasing the public with generous donations.62、 Currently income is influenced byA.hardworking.B.loyalty.C.some complicated elements.63、 What is the author's purpose in writing this passage?A.To urge the middle class to wake up and protect their own interests.B.To warn the government of the shrinking of the American middle class.C.To persuade the government to change its current economic policies.PARI SIX:Questions 29-4064、 Read the new report below.Choose the correct word to fill each gap from A, B or C.For each question64-75, mark one letter (A, B or C) onyour Answer Sheet.Since Burnaby's Leather Goods was made in 1994, the company has reported one success story after another. The company, which has become known for its (29) __ leather goods, (30) __________its new collection last month at the Mayfair Hotel in London. It was (31) __________ by more than 300 people.For the first time, the collection included smaller (32) __________such as purses, wallets and gift sets.The (33) __________of Burnaby's success is the strengthof the sales team, and it is (34) __________that by the endof this year there could be well (35) __________threethousand salespeople world-wide selling Burnaby's products.To reward the top sellers, Burnaby's is (36)__________them an all-expenses-paid trip to Las Vegas in Ameri-ca in July. Managing director Peter Jones says that the five-day holidays will (37) __________all flights as well as meals and hotel accommodation. Trips to the top shows and the Grand Canyon will also be organized.Mr. Jones says that the offer has had an enthusiastic response from the sales force, and will make a continued increase in sales. The restructuring of the company's price range, which has (38)__________in 70% of their goods nowbeing priced under 30, will also (39) __________sales. Thenew price range is (40) __________at customers with a few spare pounds in their pockets making an impulse purchase.A.performanceB.qualityC.product 65、A.launched B.began C.headed66、A.met B.accompanied C.attended 67、A.parts B.components C.items68、A.mystery B.secret C.puzzle69、A.estimated B.guessed C.counted70、A.over B.more C.increase 71、A.offering B.offers C.offered 72、A.contain B.combine C.include 73、A.caused B.resulted C.finished 74、A.improve B.expand C.heighten 75、A.aimedB.pointedC.sentPART SEVEN:Questions 41- 4576、Write a word or phrase ( in CAPITAL LETTERS) or a number on lines76-80 on yourAnswer Sheet.Colston NewlandMEMOTo: Pam GrayFrom: Jim MooreDate: 20. 11. 04Subject: Training courseI need some new ideas for when I'm trying to sell to potential customers, so I'vedecided to attend the course that Business Solutions runs on presentations. The com-plete course would be perfect, but I really can't spare any time--I'm sure the otherone will be fine.Finance is willing to pay for by cheque if necessary, but would be happier if the company accepted a bank transfer.Could you organize it, please? The person to contact is Kamila Mudrazija.BUSINESS SOLUTIONSFor all your training needsWe are currently offering the following programmes:Selling by TelephoneThe Secrets of Customer CareNew Ideas for NegotiatingPerfect presentationsComplete courses--two days; Fast-track option--half a day; reductions for groupbookings.Application for TrainingComplete the form below to book a place on one of our courses.Full name of participant: (41)________Company: (42)________Title of course: (43)________Length of course: (44)________Preferred method of payment: (45)________(41)__________77、(42)__________78、(43)__________79、(44)__________80、(45)__________。
2020初级商务英语阅读理解试题附解析
2020初级商务英语阅读理解试题附解析为了让大家更好的准备商务英语BEC考试,给大家整理了初级商务英语阅读理解试题,下面就和大家分享,来欣赏一下吧。
初级商务英语阅读理解试题In the last few years, managers throughout industry haveseen more changes than many of them could have expected tosee in their entire working lives having to communicateinformation which often leads to feelings of insecurity hasbecome a key activity. From being regarded as relativelyunimportant in many companies , management employeecommunication has become a central corporate need.Concordia International provides a good example of acompany that has adjusted well to the changing needs for communication . since 1995 ,Concordia has been turned inside-out and upside-down, to ensure that it is a marketing –led,customer-responsive business, one that looks outwards at customers and competitors, ratherthaninwards at its own processes and the way things were done in the past. In the last eightyears, Concordia has reduced its workforce by more than 80.000 people - or 35% -on a voluntarybasis, with further downsizing anticipated.From being an engineering company, Concordia is now remaking itself as a service company.The role of employee communication in such a context is to build people’sself-confidence, topersuade them that, although it is inevitable that the changes will go ahead, they also bring withthem new opportunities for employees. However, this is not an easy task. People tend to beskeptical of these claims and to feel that they are losing touch with the company they haveworked for over many years. This is understandable, since many of the old certainties are beingswept away , including the core activities of the company they work for. Above all , they have hadto face up to the fact that they no longer have a job for life.Research indicates that people respond to this predicament in a variety of ways. The bulk ofemployees fall into two main categories in terms of their response to the new situation: on the onehand there are the “ pragmatists” and on the other “ the highly anxious” the former see their joba s a means to an end and have arelatively short-term perspective, with strong loyalty to their localterm , rather than the company as a whole . The second category, usually the majority, mayrespond to threatened changes with a feeling of having been let down, and even feel anger at thecompany for what they see as changing the terms of their employment.The employee communication process needs to be capable of accurately directing itsmessages at a variety of employee groups and departments within the workforce . this is whymiddle managers and line managers are so key to communication. They are the people who knowabout the full rage of concerns among the workforce. The problem in the past was that this crucialarea was often the responsibility of a separate, relatively isolated unit. Concordia puts responsibilityfor communication firmly on line managers. All their research points to the same conclusion: peopleprefer to get their information face-to-face from their line managers. That is the key relationshipand where arguments and hearts and minds –are lost.The general rule in company communication is to tell employees as much as you can as soonas you can. If you can’t provide details, then at least put the news in context and commityourselfto providing greater detail when it becomes available another rule of company communication isthat there must be a fit between what the company is telling its employees and what it is telling itsshareholders.15 In the last eight years, Concordia hasA made over 80.000 employees reduncdantB completed a period of downsizingC reduced its workforce of 80.000 by 35%D given 35% of departing employees voluntary redundancy16 From Concordia’s point of view, the role of communication is toA win employee support before going ahead with the changesB change the company’s core activities.C emphasise the positive aspects of the changesD explain the need for the changes17 what does research show about most employees’ response to change?A they expect it to have a bad effect on the companyB they feel completely powerless。
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟练习题(5)
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟练习题(5)The students were having their chemistry(化学)class. Miss Li was telling the children what water was like. After that, she asked her students, “What’s water?”No one spoke for a few minutes.Miss Li asked again,“Why don’t you answer my question?Didn’t I tell you what water is like?”Just then a boy put up his hand and said,“Miss Li,you told us that water has no colour and no smell.But where to find such kind of water?The water in the river behind my house is always black and it has a bad smell.”Most of the children agreed With him.“I’m sorry,children.”said the teacher,“Our water is getting dirtier and dirtier.That’s a problem.1.The students were having their _______ class.A.EnglishB.ChineseC.chemistryD.maths2.Miss Li was telling the children what ______ was like.A.waterB.airC.earthD.weather3.A boy said,“The water in the river behind my house is always _______.”A.whiteB.blackC.cleanD.clear4.Most of the children _______ the boy.A.agreed withB.wrote toC.heard fromD.sent for5.The water in the river has colour and smell because it is getting _______.A.more and moreB.less and lessC.cleaner and cleanerD.dirtier and dirtier参考答案:CABAD。
初级BEC阅读理解试题2020
初级BEC阅读理解试题2020初级商务英语阅读理解试题(1)Read this text about an Italian car company.. Choose the best word to fi71 each gap.. For each question(21 -35) mark one letter (A ,B ,C or D) on your Answer Sheet.. One answer has been given as an example.Gianni Agnelli ,Chairman of Fiat , Italy’s largest private industrial corporation ,is known in Italy as the lawyer ,because he trained in law at Turin University. ____example____he has never practiced , his training may soon be useful. On April 17th Mr. Agnelli admitted to a group of Italian industrialists in Venice ____21____ Fiat had been ____22 ____ in some corruptions in Italy. On April 21st, Fiat’s lawyers and Cesare Romiti , its managing director , met Milan magistrates to ____ 23 ____ the firm’s involvement in bribery to win business from state-owned companies.Fiat is not the ____24____ Italian company caught up in Italy’s increasing Political corruption scandal. According to the latest figure ,some 200 businessmen and politicians were sitting inprison ____25 ____ a result of judicial inquiries into kickbacks paid to politicians by firms. Hundreds more are still____26____influence of Fiat, ____27____sales are equal to 4/00 of Italy’s home product ,the scandal at the company has ____28____the industrial establishment.Though neither Mr. Agnelli____29____Mr. Romiti has been ____30____ of wrongdoing, several other senior Fiat managers have allegedly been involved in paying kickbacks to win state-owned contracts ____31____ arrested include Francesco Mattiol , Fiat’s finance director , and Antonio Moscon , the ____32____ head of its Toro insurance branch____ 33____men have been ____.34____about their previous roles on the board of Cogefar-Impresit, Fiat’s construction subsidiary. Last May, Enzo Papi admitted paying a 1.5 million-dollar bribe for a contract , ____ 35 ____ to Milan’s underground.21. A what B that C when D if22. A involved B connected C related D done23. A talk B say C speak D discuss24. A one B single C worst D only25. A as B for C with D after26. A in B under C at D on27. A who B which C whose D its28. A rocked B ruined C damaged D destroyed29. A or B also C and D nor30. A accused B charged C criticized D blamed31. A Who B Those C He D That32. A old B former C late D last33.A Either B All C Every D Both34. A solved B answered C questioned D replied35. A contracted B related C connected D communicated参考答案:21. B 22. A 23.D 24. D 25. A 26.B 27.C 28. A 29.D 初级商务英语阅读理解试题(2)For each question 15 – 20 , mark one letter (A, B, C or D ) on your Answer Sheet for the answer you choose.The Negotiating Table:You can negotiate virtually anything. Projects, resources, expectations and deadlines are all outcomes of negotiation. Some people negotiate deals for a living. Dr Herb Cohen is one of these professional talkers, called in by companies to negotiate on their behalf . He approaches the art of negotiation as a game because, as he is usually negotiating for somebody else, he says this helps him drain the emotional content from his conversation.He is working in a competitive field and needs to avoid being too adversarial. Whether he succeeds or not, it is important to him to make a good impression so that people will recommend him.The starting point for any deal, he believes, is to identify exactly what you want from each other. More often than not, one party will be trying to persuade the other round to their point of view. Negotiation requires two people at the end saying ‘yes”. This can be a problem because one of them usually begins by saying “no”. However, although this can make talks more difficult, this is often just a starting point in the negotiation game. Top management may well reject the idea initially because it is the safer option but they would not be there if they were not interested.It is a misconception that skilled negotiators are smooth operators in smart suits. Dr Cohen says that one of his strategies is to dress down so that the other side can relate to you. Pitch your look to suit your customer. You do not need to make them feel better than you but, For example, dressing in a style that is not overtly expensive or successful will make you more approachable. People will generally feel more comfortable with somebody who appears to be like them rather than superior tothem. They may not like you but they will feel they can trust you.Dr Cohen suggests that the best way to sell your proposal is by getting into the world of the other side. Ask questions rather than give answers and take an interest in what the other person is saying, even if you think what they are saying is silly. You do not need to become their best friends but being too clever will alienate them. A lot of deals are made on impressions. Do not rush what you are saying---put a few hesitations in , do not try to blind them with your verbal dexterity. Also, you should repeat back to them what they have said to show you take them seriously.Inevitably some deals will not succeed. Generally the longer the negotiations go on, the better chance they have because people do not want to think their investment and energies have gone to waste. However , joint venture can mean joint risk and sometimes , if this becomes too great , neither party may be prepared to see the deal through . More common is a corporate culture clash between companies, which can put paid to any deal. Even having agreed a deal, things may not be tied up quickly because when the lawyers get involved, everything gets slowed down as they argue about small details.De Cohen thinks that children are the masters of negotiation.Their goals are totally selfish. They understand the decision-making process within families perfectly. If Mum refuses their request , they will troop along to Dad and pressure him. If al else fails, they will try the grandparents, using some emotional blackmail. They can also be very single-minded and have an inexhaustible supply of energy for the cause they are pursuing. So there are lesson to be learned from watching and listening to children.15 Dr Cohen treats negotiation as a game in order toA put people at easeB remain detachedC be competitiveD impress rivals16 Many people say “no” to a suggestion in the beginning toA convince the other party of their point of viewB show they are not really interestedC indicate they wish to take the easy optionD protect their company’s situation17 Dr Cohen says that when you are trying to negotiate you shouldA adapt your style to the people you are talking toB make the other side feel superior to youC dress in a way to make you feel comfortable.D try to make the other side like you18 According to Dr Cohen, understanding the other person will help you toA gain their friendshipB speed up the negotiationsC plan your next move.D convince them of your point of view19 Deals sometimes fail becauseA negotiations have gone on too longB the companies operate in different waysC one party risks more than the other.D the lawyers work too slowly20 Dr Cohen mentions children’s negotiation techniques to show that you shouldA be prepared to try every routeB try not to make people feel guiltyC be careful not to exhaust yourselfD control the decision-making process.参考答案:15 B 16D 17A 18D 19B 20.A15.第一段有这样一句话needs to avoid being too adversarial,也就是说要保持客观,公正,超然,所以选择B。
2020年商务英语BEC初级阅读模拟练习(7).doc
2020 年商务英语 BEC 初级阅读模拟练习( 7 )In the world ,soccer of football is the most popular sport.This is because many countries have wonderful teams forthe World Cup. The World Cup is held every four years.To remember 2002 FIFA World Cup ,children from different countries and more than 60 children from Japanese schoolscame together and spent three weekends drawing a big picture called"Dream( 梦幻 ) World Cups"in Japan .The children drew animals, flowers and people playing soccer under a bule brightsky. They wished each football team good luck by drawing theflags( 旗帜 )of all the countries that will take part in the WorldCup in Japan and South Korea.The picture was put up in a parknear a playground in Yokohama .Some football teams will havegames there.Are you a football fan(迷)?The World Cup makeds more andmore people interested in football Teenagers( 青少年 )like playingand watching football .Many of them love somefootball stars so much that they get the pictures of theirfavourite players on the walls of their rooms. That is theway to show their love for the World Cup as children in Japan.1.If a country wants to tDo you know how to play a gamecalled “Musical Chairs”? It is easy to play and most peopleenjoy it. All you need are some chairs,some people and some way of making music. You may use a piano or any other musical instrument , if someone can play it. You may use a taperecorder. You can even use a radio.Put the chairs in a row. The chairs may be put in twos,back to back. A better way is to have the chairs in one rowwith each chair facing in the opposite direction to thechair next to it.The game is easy. When the music starts,the playerswalk round the chairs. Everyone goes in the same direction of course , they should walk in time to the music. If the music is fast they should walk quickly. If the music is slow they should walk slowly. ,,The person playing music cannot see the people in the game. When the music stops,the players try to sit on thechairs. If a person cannot find a chair to sit on out. Then , before the music starts again taken away. When the music stops again, he drops , one chair must be, one more player will be out.At last , there will be two players and one chair. Theone who sits on the chair when the music stops is the winner.根据以上短文内容,然后从每题所给的四个选项中选择选项。
2020剑桥商务英语BEC考试(初级)预测试卷:阅读理解
2020剑桥商务英语BEC考试(初级)预测试卷:阅读理解SPEAKINGPART FOUR:Questions 16-2251、Read the article below about a success story.Are sentences 16-22 ' Right' or ' Wrong' ? If there is not enough information to answer ' Right' or ' Wrong', choose ' Doesn't say'.For each sentence (51-57), mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet.Louise Wood's Success StoryThree years ago, Louise Wood set up her own hair products company. She soon found she had more orders than she could handle by herself, and now employs ten people. Her turnover last year was £5.8 million.I used to work as a rep, selling hair products to people like fameus hair-dressers. One day someone suggested to me that I should make and sell similar products myself, and I thought, why not?"Before I started, I thought running my own business would be similar to my previous job, but straight away I had problems t'd never dealt with before. I'm glad I took the risk, though. ""I've always insisted on 90 day's credit to make the company self-supporting, without huge loans from banks. Luckily my manufacture.s agreed!" Louise uses local suppliers and expects them to come to her if they want to do business with her. "1 rarely leave the office and try to fit everything onto normal working hours. I'm no good at working late. "So what are Louise's plans now?. "My friends predicted I wouldn't keep this business for long as I'm always having new business ideas, but at the moment I want to see this project through."Louise Wood recruited her staff as soon as she set up her business.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say52、 As a rep, Louise enjoyed meeting famous hair-dressers.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say53、 Louise's first few months of business were less difficult than she had expectedA.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say54、 Louise has avoided borrowing large amounts of money to finance her business.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say55、 Her suppliers have complained about having meetings at her office.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say56、 Louise regularly does overtime.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't say57、 Louise feels committed to this business for the present.A.RightB.WrongC.Doesn't sayPART FIVE:Questions 23-2858、Read the article below about a company which repairs turnstiles (the metal gates used at sports grounds).For each question (58-63 on the opposite page, choose the correct answer.Mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet.Master of the Turnstiles For years, Jim Cartwrightenjoyed spending his spare time repairing his local football club's turnstiles, the metal gates which allow one person ata time into the football ground. When Jim was made redundant from his full-time job selling equipment to sports organizations, he realized he already knew plenty of people responsible for turnstiles. This made him sure that his hobby could become a successful new career.He had 1000 brochures printed and posted them to clubs around the country. For two weeks he heard nothing. ThenTroon Football Club requested a quotation for repairing their turnstiles, with the possibility of the work becoming regular. He wanted the contract so much that he cut his profit marginto a minimum. He won it, though with no guarantee of further work, and celebrated the launch of his new business.In the next month, club after club offered Jim work, and he recruited his first employee, Alec, to help re-install the repaired turnstiles. Alec, however, took frequent breaks and never put in more effort than he had to. What's more, he seemed unhappy working for Jim. Although Jim had nocomplaints about the quality of his work, Alec's attitude made him difficult to work with.Jim considered-dismissing Alec, but recruiting him had taken a long time because there had been so many suitable people to interview. Now he was simply too busy to go through that process again. And anyway, Jim had employed Alec on the understanding that the job would probably end when the current contracts were completed.Suddenly, though, Jim's business was at risk. He made very few mistakes, and calculated his costs and the time that a job would take very accurately. BUt rhe had forgotten that generally clubs have repairs done between the end of one football season and the start of the next. Now no mjor jobs were coming in.After buying a replacement van, as his old one was beyond repair, he could only just cover Alec's wages and his own. But without more work he had no future. The solution was something more regular, and he decided to produce turnstiles, as well as repair them. For an investment like this, though, he needed help, and he persuaded his bank to give him a loan.From then on, Cartwright Turnstile Services just grew and grew and now employs three full-time workers.Why was Jim Cartwright confident about starting a business repairing turnstiles?A.He had learnt from mistakes that his previous employer made.B.He had a lot of contacts with possible customers.C.He had experience of doing the work in his previous job.59、 Why was Jim happy that Troon Football Club gave him the contract?A.It was the first his firm had received.B.It led to long-term work for the club.C.It provided him with a good profit.60、 What problem did Jim have with Alec?A.His work was not of a high enough standard,B.He did as little work as possible.C.He made a lot of complaints about the business,61、 Why did Jim decide to continue employing Alec?A.It would take too long to fin~ a replacementB.There was a lack of people with the right qualifications.C.Jim had given him a contract which guaranteed him work.62、 Why did Jim find himself in danger of going out of business?A.His costs were higher than he had estimated.B.He found that each job took longer than he expected.C.His work was mostly limited to certain times of year.63、 Jim asked his bank for a loan in order toA.pay the wages billB.start manufacturing.C.buy a new van.PARI SIX:Questions 29-4064、Read the article below about working as a secretaryin Hong Kong.Choose the co-rect word to fill each gap from A, B or C.For each question (64-75), mark one letter (A, B or C) on your Answer Sheet.Secretaries in Hong KongSecretaries in Hong Kong work hard. They work a 12-hour days, and are expected to work five and a half days(29)_________week: They need good qualifications,and(30)_________be able to speak and read English (31)_________ well as Cantonese or Mandarir. Most of (32)_________are university graduates, so working as a secretary is (33)_________ as a "fill in job" (34)_________ they can find something ~better.Most (35)_________ between $17,000 and $ 22,000 pa, and get (36)_________ more than eleven days' annual holiday. You really have to work herd (37)___________ yeur money in Hong Kong. And it is very expensive to live there. Employers provide medical insurance, but it only covers (30) to 50% of the costs. A verysmall apartment can (39)_________$2,000 per month rent. Cars are expensive, andpetrol is so dear that (40)_________ very well-paid people use public transport.第29题答案。
初级BEC阅读理解试题附答案2020
初级BEC阅读理解试题附答案2020初级商务英语阅读理解试题Achieving a successful mergerHowever attractive the figures may look on paper, in thelong run the success or failure of a merger depends on thehuman factor. When the agreement has been signed and theaccountants have departed, the real problems may only just bebeginning. If there is a culture clash between the two companiesin the way their people work, then all the efforts of the financiersand lawyers to strike a deal may have been in vain.According to Chris Bolton of KS Management Consultants, 70% of mergers fail to live up totheir promise of shareholder value, riot through any failure in economic terms but because theintegration of people is unsuccessful. Corporates, he explains, concentrate their efforts before amerger on legal, technical and financial matters. They employ a range of experts to obtain themost favourable contract possible. But even at these early stages, people issues must be takeninto consideration. The strengths and weaknesses of both organisations should be assessed and, ifit is a merger of equals, then careful thoughtshould be given to which personnel, from which side,should take on the key roles.This was the issue in 2022年when the proposed merger between two pharmaceuticalcompanies promised to create one of the largest players in the industry. For both companies themerger was intended to reverse falling market share and shareholder value. However, although thecompanies' skill bases were compatible, the chief executives of the two companies could not agreewhich of them was to head up the new organisation. This illustrates the need to compromise if amerger is to take place.But even in mergers that do go ahead, there can be culture clashes. One way to avoid this isto work with focus groups to see how employees view the existing culture of their organisation. Inone example, where two global organisations in the food sector were planning to merge, focusgroups discovered that the companies displayed very different profiles. One was sales-focused,knew exactly what it wanted to achieve and pushed initiatives through. The other got involved inlengthy discussions, trying out options methodically and making contingency plans. The firstresponded quickly to changes in the marketplace; the second took longer, but the option iteventually chose was usuallythe correct one. Neither company's approach would have worked forthe other.The answer is not to adopt one company's approach, or even to try to incorporate everyaspect of both organisations, but to create a totally new culture. This means taking the best fromboth sides and making a new organisation that everyone can accept. Or almost everyone.Inevitably there will be those who cannot adapt to a different culture. Research into the impact ofmergers has found that companies with differing management styles are the ones that need towork hardest at creating a new culture.Another tool that can help to get the right cultural mix is intercultural analysis. This involvescarrying out research that looks at the culture of a company and the business culture of thecountry in which it is based. It identifies how people, money and time are managed in a company,and investigates the business customs of the country and how its politics, economics and historyimpact on the way business is done.13 According to the text, mergers can encounter problems whenA contracts are signed too quickly.B experts cannot predict accurate figures.C conflicting attitudes cannot be resolved.D staff are opposed to the terms of the deal.14 According to Chris Bolton, what do many organisations do in preparation for a merger?A ensure their interests are representedB give reassurances to shareholdersC consider the effect of a merger on employeesD analyse the varying strengths of their staff15 The proposed merger of two pharmaceutical groups failed becauseA major shareholders were opposed.B there was a fall in the demand for their products.C there were problems combining their areas of expertise.D an issue of personal rivalry could not be resolved.16 According to the text, focus groups can help companies toA develop new initiatives.B adopt contingency plans.C be decisive and react rapidly.D evaluate how well matched they are.17 Creating a new culture in a newly merged organisationmeans thatA management styles become more flexible.B there is more chance of the merger working.中华考试网C staff will find it more difficult to adapt to the changes.D successful elements of the original organisations are lost.18 According to the text, intercultural analysis will showA what kind of benefits a merger can lead to.B how the national context affects the way a company is run.C how long it will take for a company culture to develop.D what changes companies should make before a merger takes place.参考答案接解析《Achieving a successful merger》,实现一个成功的并购。
BEC阅读2020
BEC阅读2020为了让大家更好的准备商务英语BEC考试,给大家整理了BEC商务英语阅读材料,下面就和大家分享,来欣赏一下吧。
BEC阅读:Science Fiction:‘A Princess of Mars’Last week we broadcast the second of our programs called “A Princess of Mars.”The story is from a series of books by Edgar Rice Burroughs.Last week we told how John Carter was captured by a group of warriors on the planet ter, he became one of them by defeating a huge warrior in a fight.He is still a captive, but he is treated with honor because he is a skilled fighter.We left John Carter at the beginning of a fierce battle between the green warriors and their main enemy.The enemy came close to the green Martians in huge air ships.The green Martians attacked. John Carter continutes to tell about what happens to him in Edgar RiceBur roughs’s story, “A Princess of Mars.”JOHN CARTER:Another of the large air ships exploded high in the air. Members of the crew fell to the ground.The huge ship lost control and began turning again and again.Soon it was close to the ground.The warriors climbed aboard the ship and began fighting the members of the crew who were still alive.Soon the fighting stopped.The warriors began taking everything from the ship.At last, they brought a captive from deep within the ship.Two of the warriors had their captive by each arm. I wanted to see what new and strange form of life this creature would be.As they came near, I saw that it was a woman.She looked like a woman from Earth.She was young.Her skin was a light red, almost a copper color.I saw at once that she was extremely beautiful.She had a fine face with large dark eyes and long, black hair. As her guards led her away, she saw me for a moment.She seemed very surprised.Her face looked hopeful.But when I made no attempt to speak to her, her face grew sad and she looked very small and frightened.As I watched her disappear into a building, I realized that Sola was near me.SOLA: John Carter, that woman will be saved for the great games that are held by our people.The games are long and cruel and end in death for those captured in battle.Her death will be slow and painful. She will die for the enjoyment of all.JOHN CARTER: Sola’s face seemed sad when she said this.I could tell by the way she spoke that she did not like the games and did not want to see the young woman die.She was very different from the rest of her people.Sola, do you not like the games?SOLA: No, John Carter.My mother died in the games.That is a secret you must not tell anyone.The wall where Tars Tarkas found you held eggs that produce our young.All the children belong to the tribe.A mother never knows which child is hers when they come out of the egg.My mother hid the egg that carried me.It was not placed within the walled area. She kept her secret until after I was born. But others discovered her secret and she was condemned to die in the games.She hid me among other children before she was captured.If this secret were learned, I too would die in the games.Before she left me, my mother told me the name of my father.I alone keep that secret.It would mean death for him as well as me.My people are violent and cruel.JOHN CARTER:The next day I entered the great room where the green Martians held meetings.The red woman prisoner was there too. Soon, the leader of the green Martians came into the room.His name was Lorquas Ptomel.He began speaking to the prisoner.LORQUAS PTOMEL:Who are you and what is your name?DEJAH THORIS: I am the Princess Dejah Thoris, daughter of Mors Kajak, the ruler of Helium. Our air ship was on a scientific flight.We were to study the air and atmosphere. Without our work the air on our planet would grow thin and we would all die. Why would you attack us?JOHN CARTER: As she talked, a warrior ran to her and hit her in the face, knocking her to the ground.He placed a foot on her small body and began laughing.I reached for the small sword I carried and rushed to attack the huge warrior.(FIGHTING SOUNDS)JOHN CARTER: He was a strong opponent.But again, because of the low gravity on Mars, my strength was far greater than his.In a few short minutes, the green warrior was dead.I helped the young woman to her feet.DEJAH THORIS: Who are you?Why did you risk your life to help me?You look almost the same as my people, but you wear the weapons of a gr een warrior. Who… or what.. are you?JOHN CARTER: My name is John Carter. I am from the planet Earth.How I got here is a long story.I attacked that warrior because, where I come from, men do not attack women.I will offer you my protection as long as I can.However, I must tell you that I, too, am a captive..SOLA: Come, John Carter, and bring the red woman with you.Let us leave this room quickly before some warrior attempts to stops us.JOHN CARTER: The three of us quickly returned to the building where I had spent the last several days.Sola then left to prepare food.Woola sat in the corner and looked at the both of us.The young woman was afraid of poor, ugly Woola.I told her not to fear him.You must tell no one, but Woola is not only my guard.He is my friend.I have treated him with kindness that he has never known.As each day passes, he trusts me more.I now think he would follow any command I give.Sola has told me that all captives are held until they can die in the great games held by the green Martians. Our only chance to survive is to escape.But we must have Sola’s help for our plan to succeed.DEJAH THORIS: Yes. If we stay with the green warriors, we will both die.If we are to escape, we will need several of the animals to ride.It would be our only chance.JOHN CARTER: I have several of the animals.They were given to me when I became a warrior.Sola came back later with food for the two of us.Dejah Thoris and I asked for her help.The three of us talked long into the night.At last Sola gave us her answer.SOLA: Your best chance for escape will be in the next two days.We will leave this city tomorrow and begin a long trip to the home of our tribe.I will help you escape.But I must come with you.I will be killed if you escape.DEJAH THORIS: Sola, of course you must come with us!You are not cruel or violent as many of your people are.Help us and I can promise you a much better life.You will be treated with respect as an honored guest.JOHN CARTER: The next morning we rode away from the city on our animals.More than a thousand animals were carrying the huge tribe of green Martians.Also in the group were one American, one Princess of the Royal House of Helium, our guard, Sola, and poor ugly Woola.Late that night we left the camp.One animal carriedme.Another Sola and Princess Dejah Thoris.Woola followed close behind.We rode quickly through the Martian night.I looked into the sky and saw Earth across the great distance of space.Since I had met the Princess Dejah Thoris, I had not thought once of Earth or home.I knew then that I would never willingly leave her.The next morning, I could see that we were being followed by several hundred of the green warriors.Our animals were very tired.I knew we must stop.I told Sola and the Princess to take the stronger of the two animals and ride away.I will hold back the green warriors as long as I can. Woola!Go with them and guard them with your life.DEJAH THORIS: We can’t leave you alone. It would be certain death if you are captured again.You must come with us!JOHN CARTER: Sola took the princess by the arm and lifted her on top of the animal she had chosen.Quickly she began riding away. For a moment, Woola looked at me, then turned and ran after them.I took out my rifle from its case.I began firing to slow the green warriors.I was able to slow them for more than an hour.But then I had no more ammunition.Soon I was surrounded.A green warrior got off his animal and came toward me.He pulled out his long, thin sword.I reached for mine.As we neared each other I saw it was Tars Tarkas.He stopped and spoke to me very slowly.TARS TARKAS: You will die here… today… John Carter.It is I who must kill you.Know that I will take no pleasure in your death.BOB DOUGHTY:You have been listening to the Special English program, American Stories.This has been the third program in ourseries “A Princess of Mars,” by Edgar Rice Burrows. This story was adapted for Special English by Paul Thompson. It was produced by Paul Thompson and Mario Ritter.Shep O’N eal was the voice of John Carter.Steve Ember was Tars Tarkas. Barbara Klein was Sola. AndGwen Outen was the Princess Dejah Thoris.Join us again next week as we continue “A Princess of Mars,” in VOA Special English.BEC阅读:Russian ’Occupation’ of GeorgiaStanding alongside Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili in Tbilisi, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reiterated a call for Russia to end its military presence in two breakaway Georgian regions."We continue to call for Russia to abide by the August 20XX cease-fire commitment signed by President Saakashvili and President Medvedev, including ending the occupation and withdrawing Russian troops from South Ossetia and Abkhazia to their pre-conflict positions," said Clinton.Clinton repeatedly pressed the issue during her tour of Eastern Europe and the Southern Caucasus, which concluded in Georgia. South Ossetia and Abkhazia are heavily populated by ethnic Russians and have resisted integration with Georgia. Only a fewother nations join Russia in recognizing the two regions as independent."America was the first one to mention this word, and now the others are following," said Saakashvili. "President Obama was the first one to call a spade a spade, basically to say it was an invasion. Because before, as you remember, the term "disproportionate use of force" was used, as if there is a proportionate use to occupy other countries territory."The topic came up during a recent meeting in Washington between U.S. President Barack Obama and his Russian counterpart Dmitri Medvedev. Both sides said the disagreement would not significantly impede relations.Alexander Rondeli, the director of the Georgian Foundation for Strategic and International Studies welcomed Clintons use of the term "occupation". But he added that healthy relations with Russia could be good for everybody."It is absolutely important for Americans to have normal relationship with Russia," said Rondeli. "It is absolutely important for everyone to have a wealthy and healthy Russia; it means democratic [sic] and also a country which acts according to international norms and rules."Rondeli said an important message of Clintons trip is that it shows the United States has not abandoned Georgia, and will remain an influence in the region.Nicolay Petrov is a scholar-in-residence at the Carnegie Moscow Center. He says there is nothing new in the American position and that he expects a pretty calm reaction from Russia as long as the United States does not turn words into action."What was told in Tbilisi, I think, that as far as it is not connected to any real moves made by the Obama administration it is nothing serious for the Kremlin," said Tbilisi.Tbilisi says Moscow maintains a position that it has the right to first agree to any action another country wants to take informer-Soviet states such as Georgia.In addition to Georgia, Clinton also visited Ukraine, Poland, Azerbaijan and Armenia. She is returning to Washington to take part in a meeting Tuesday at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.BEC阅读:成功小企业主的六大特征At last count, there were 29.6 million businesses in theU.S.--and 99.9% of them can be filed under "small." But small issignificant. Small businesses (with 500 or fewer employees) have generated 64% of new jobs in the past 15 years and are responsible for 50% of the GDP and 44% of the countrys private payroll.Now a study by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute, comparing key traits of small-business owners, provides an insiders view of what qualities set the success-oriented ones apart from their less ambitious peers."The Guardian Life Index: What Matters Most to Americas Small Business Owners," surveyed more than 1,100 small businesses. Those that projected an annual growth of 10% between 20XX and 20XX and/or intended to expand their business between 20XX and 20XX were identified as "success-oriented." Nearly half the businesses fell into this study group.Six Signs Of A Doomed Entrepreneur"We wondered if the people who said that they were going to be successful held different ideas and passions to be more important than business owners simply looking to maintain their businesses in coming years," says Mark Wolf, director of the research institute.Six personality traits emerged. "It really emphasizes that there isnt simply one type of entrepreneurial person," says Patricia Greene, Ph.D., the special academic advisor to the institute and a cofounder of the Diana Project, a multi-university research series on women and business ownership. "These are behaviors, but more importantly, they are behaviors that can be learned."CollaborativeSuccess-oriented small-business owners understand how to delegate effectively to others within their business, as well as how to build strong personal relationships with their management team, employees, consultants, vendors and customers.Collaboration, in the context of this survey, is not only about building the team from within--"giving employees reason to feel better about being a part of the team," says Wolf--but also developing connections outside of the operation. "Its all about networks," says Greene, "because through networking asmall-business owner can create opportunities for others and to be able to rely on others to create opportunities for her."Self-FulfilledSuccess-oriented small-business owners are more desirous of "doing something for a living that I love to do"; "being able to decide how much money I make"; and "being able to have the satisfaction of creating something of value."Wolf and Greene agree that the takeaway is that entrepreneurism is personal, and that the feeling of being personally fulfilled and in control of ones own career can help drive an individual toward success.Future-FocusedPlanning for both the short- and long-term future are key traits that characterize success-oriented small-business owners. They are more focused on cash flow and more likely to have "awell-thought-out plan to run our business for years into the future" as well as "a well-thought-out plan to run our business day-to-day.""For entrepreneurs, its just as important to have long-term vision as it is to have short-term goals," says Greene. "The success-oriented respondents tended to have more directed visions of success."CuriousSuccess-oriented small-business owners are more open to learning how others run their businesses. They actively seekbest-practice insights regarding management, business innovation and prospecting, as well as finding, motivating and retaining employees."We had a number of questions on the interest in learning," says Wolf. For small-business owners, the study shows curiosity isnt just about learning from the trenches, its about looking for answers outside of yourself and your business.Tech-SavvyTechnology is a key point of leverage for success-oriented small-business owners. They more intensely value their companies websites and are significantly more likely to "rely a great deal on technology to help make our business more effective and more efficient."Wolf notes that the "tech-savvy" dimension doesnt mean blindly going the way of any new technology that comes along. "Its being aware of new technology, and then making choices based on what technology fits within the companys industry and mission," he says. Sometimes the best technology decision is not high-tech at all--think Rich Millers highly sought "Capitol Fax" newsletter.Action-OrientedSuccess-oriented small-business owners are more committed to "taking the business to the next level"; "differentiating ourselves from our competitors"; and "having something to sell when Im ready to retire." They also see adversity as a "kick in the rear to help move you forward." Not surprisingly, they are less concerned than other small-business owners about the overall state of the economy."When you hear these traits or see them, they make such perfect sense for the small-business owner who is passionate about what they are doing," says Greene. "These successful people are lifelong learners, and the most valuable point of the six dimensions is that they can all be learned.""The Guardian Life Index: What Matters Most to Americas Small Business Owners" was conducted by the Guardian Life Small Business Research Institute, a subsidiary of the Guardian Life Insurance Company of America.大致译文:小企业是指员工总数少于500人的企业。
2020年初级商务英语阅读材料(最新)
3 Ways User Stories and Personas Lead to Deeper EngagementLeonie Brown“Know thy customer.” It’s a stone-tablet precept of modern marketing and customer-experience management (CX), and for good reason: It roots design and service decisions in what customers want, rather than what companies want them to want.But it’s one thing to grasp the importance of customer-centricity, and another to actually do the work to get to know the people you serve. Some companies rely on broad demographic profiles, while others segment their customers based on specific factors such as income, education, and product usage. The most detailed organizations combine customer research, demographics, and even psychographics with operational data records such as spending patterns to create narratives that attempt to blend the traits and circumstances of high-value customers into composite sketches. Whether these are user stories or customer personas, the idea is to zero in on the needs and preferences of high-value customers as they progress along the customer journey.These analyses often reveal that not all customer profiles are equal. Defining and developing these personas can help companies relate to and interact with their customers in three important ways.Understand their key decision criteria. Every company knows its value proposition. They know what makes their product or service special, as well as where they lag behind competitive offerings. Their understanding is likely much more logical and better informed than that of even their best customers.But they’re not making the purchase decision –their customers are. It’s imperative to understand how they see your product in the broader field of potential choices, and what they value. For example, when one pharmaceutical company went to market with a new drug that promised greater effectiveness than the market leader, it was surprised not to be winning more converts. Customer research provided an answer: Customers cared more about side effects than improved efficacy. After a marketing shift to reflect this insight, more customers began to make the switch.Accommodate emotion. Emotional experience plays a huge role in customer sentiment. When a company gains insight into the emotions that key customers are likely to experience at critical points along the customer journey –say, a business-class airline customer worrying aboutwhether a delayed or cancelled flight will get them to their destination on time –they can take steps to address the emotional concerns (anxiety or frustration, in this case) along with the logistical ones. Companies that master this skill often reap brand ambassadors as a result; when a service intervention turns initial disappointment into relief and satisfaction, it’s a recipe for loyalty and promotion.Appreciate edge cases. Once you’ve identified a few core user stories or per sonas, there’s a temptation to write off customers that don’t fit those profiles. These customers may not be worth building major initiatives around, but don’t take your eye off of them, either. Instead, watch for patterns that emerge, because there’s a ch ance that a new and valuable customer segment may emerge that was completely off your radar when you went through the customer-narrative exercise. For example, old-line manufacturers such as C.C. Filson and Red Wing Shoes would have missed an enormous opportunity if they ignored the recent handcrafted Americana boom among young urbanites and focused exclusively on their traditional hiking and work-boot customers.It takes substantial effort to understand what’s driving your core customers at a deep level, but the exercise is worthwhile. When you can generate new insights into how customers perceive and experience your brand, and how it fits into their lives, you have the opportunity to build deeper customer connections.。
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2020年初级商务英语阅读材料一PlayStation 4 Sales Hit 100 Million MarkMatthew HumphriesPS4 sales have topped 100 million units, Sony revealed in its first quarter earnings.As The Verge reports, Sony announced 96.8 million PS4 sales at the end of the previous quarter, but a further 3.2 million sold by the end of June hit 100 million. In reaching the milestone when it has, the PS4 now counts as the fastest game console to hit 100 million sales.According to Daniel Ahmad, senior analyst at Niko Partners, the PS2 reached the same total in five years and nine months, whereas the PS4 took just five years and seven months.With the PlayStation 5 expected to launch after May 2020, time is running out for the PS4 to move up the sales charts much further. In the all-time sales list, the PS4 is now within touching distance of the Nintendo Wii (101.63 million) and the original PlayStation (102.49 million). It should easily surpass them before becoming last-gen, but next on the list after that is the Game Boy, which achieved 118.69 million units sold. That looks to be out of reach.The only PlayStation not to achieve 100 million sales is the PS3, which only managed 87.4 million. How well the PS5 does depends on many factors including how much it costs, how good the initial games line-up is to give it sales momentum, and whether Microsoft manages to give Sony some strong competition with Project Scarlett.2020年初级商务英语阅读材料二Uber and Lyft Are Actually Making Traffic Worse in Some Cities Lydia DishmanIt was a big promise to build an entire business on. But for the last handful of years, both Uber and Lyft have capitalized on the notion that by providing rides to people on demand via an app,traffic and pollution would be mitigated – especially in major urban centers. New research from both the ride-hailing juggernauts now suggests that’s not the case.A joint analysis led by transportation consultancy Fehr Peers examined Uber’s and Lyft’s combined mileage in September 2018 in the metro areas of Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. New York City wasn’t studied because of its vast public transportation system.The results (which include city centers and their surrounding suburbs) reveal that, overall, Uber and Lyft make up just 1% to 3% of vehicle miles overall in the six metro areas. However, in places like San Francisco county, Uber and Lyft account for as much as 13.4% of all vehicle miles. It’s 8% i n Boston, and 7.2% in Washington, D.C.. On average, between the six cities, as much as 62% of miles driven had a passenger. The rest were drivers on their way to pick up someone or just driving around between getting booked for a ride.However, both Uber and Lyft are justifiably pointing their fingers toward the biggest cause of traffic and emissions: privately owned and commercial vehicles. Those account for 87% to 99% of total miles in the six areas studied.Lyft’s chief policy officer, Anthony Fox.x (a former U.S. secretary of transportation), says this is a good time to consider congestion pricing to ease traffic, as is being implemented in Manhattan. Fox.x is pushing for a democratic approach to this. “The most effective congestion pricing model is one that applies to all vehicles on the road, including private automobiles, ridesharing, and commercial vehicles such as trucks, limousines, coach buses and taxis,” he writes. In other words, everyone needs to share the responsibility.2020年初级商务英语阅读材料三Women and Men Are Equally Bad at Multitasking, Study Finds Kashmira GanderMen and women are equally bad at multitasking, according to the authors of a study that debunks the widely held view women are better at juggling jobs.The study, published in the journal PLOS One, involved 48 men and 48 women who completed language and number tasks. In some tests, the participants had to focus on two tasks at the same time, known as concurrent multitasking, while in others they diverted their attention from one job to another, or sequentialmultitasking. Participants also provided demographic information and had a cognitive screening to make sure the men and women were comparable in terms of mental and physical health.Multitasking, including mixing and switching duties, was found to make both men and women equally slower and less accurate.Marco Andre Hirnstein, a researcher at Norway’s University of Bergen who studies cognitive gender differences and did not work on this study, told Newsweek: “The findings are a piece in the mosaic: they don’t ultimately verify or falsify the stereotype, which has to do with the murky concept of multitasking.”Hirnstein explained: “We all have a vague understanding of what it is, but if you are a researcher and actually want to test it there are myriad ways how to do it.”Researchers can choose to look at concurrent and sequential multitasking, and a range of tasks, from those involving computers to real-life tasks that are more difficult to control.“In our own study, we used a virtual reality task and also didn’t find any meaningful differences,” said Hirnstein. “Thus we are in line with the recent article. However, there are also studies that find advantages for women, or even advantages for men.”。