1.
Everyone has had a poor sales experience with an overbearing or overreaching salesperson. They are the person at your local computer sales shop that pressures you into buying something without explaining in full detail, why that product over the hundreds of others is exactly what you need. Have you ever run into the ignorant salesperson? They’ll stop you in the mall, ask for a few minutes of your time, and before you know it they are already running you through a transaction? Let’s make a commitment now, before we dive into the specifics, that you will never allow yourself to be duped into listening or buying from these salespeople. Furthermore, let’s agree that you do not want to be that kind of salesperson. You want to be a good salesperson!
A good salesperson starts their sales techniques by understanding their product or market appropriately. This means they spent considerable time researching and understanding what they will be attempting to sell others, and they have a good grasp of the people who would want to purchase their products. This is what we call the salesperson’s background knowledge. This knowledge is integral for any successful salesperson because, without it, they will not adequately suggest or advise their customers on the products they need. Anyone can essentially understand a given market by spending the required time to research it – but, what parts of a salesperson are more intrinsic in their personality? 90% of a good salesperson comes from their personality and personal traits. The other 10% is attributed to the passion and being a people person.
Question: Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the passage?
Correct Answer
D. Tips and Techniques to Becoming a Good salesperson.
Explanation
The main idea of the passage is about what makes a good salesperson. It explains that a good salesperson starts by understanding their product or market, spending time researching and understanding what they will be selling. It also emphasizes the importance of a salesperson's background knowledge in order to suggest and advise customers effectively. Additionally, the passage highlights that a good salesperson's personality and personal traits make up 90% of their success, with the remaining 10% attributed to passion and being a people person. Therefore, the answer "Tips and Techniques to Becoming a Good salesperson" best expresses the main idea of the passage.
2.
The word duped could NOT be replaced by:
Correct Answer
B. Forced
Explanation
The word "forced" cannot be replaced with "duped" because they have different meanings. "Forced" implies that someone is being compelled or coerced to do something against their will, while "duped" means to be tricked or deceived by someone. Therefore, "forced" does not have the same connotation as "duped" and cannot be used interchangeably.
3.
Annoying, Good, Ignorant, and Overreaching are all types of salespeople mentioned in the paragraph.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The paragraph does not mention any types of salespeople. Therefore, the statement that Annoying, Good, Ignorant, and Overreaching are all types of salespeople mentioned in the paragraph is false.
4.
According to the passage you just read, it is not necessary for a 'good salesperson' to thoroughly know the product to sell.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The passage states that a good salesperson needs to thoroughly know the product in order to sell it effectively. This contradicts the statement that it is not necessary for a good salesperson to know the product, making the answer "False" correct.
5.
In “Personal traits”, the word traits could be best replaced with:
Correct Answer
A. Features
Explanation
The word "traits" refers to distinctive qualities or characteristics of a person. Similarly, "features" also denotes distinctive attributes or characteristics. Therefore, "features" is the most suitable replacement for the word "traits" in the given context.
6.
Knowing what to sell to what kind of people is known as Background knowledge.
Correct Answer
B. True
Explanation
The given statement is true. Knowing what to sell to what kind of people is not referred to as background knowledge. It is more commonly known as market research or understanding the target audience. Background knowledge generally refers to the information and understanding one possesses about a particular subject or field.
7.
Over the past thirty years or so the quality of many people's lives has deteriorated in some respects because of technological progress. Those people living near airports are constantly assailed by the noise of increasingly larger and more powerful jet aircraft taking off and landing. We have ugly buildings that have sprung up in towns and cities. Some of these are blocks of flats-high-rise buildings built because of the high price of land. These seem more like breeding boxes than houses where people have space to live. Worse still, much of our building effort has been channeled into the construction of more and more large office blocks at the expense of much-needed housing for the growing urban population.
Which of the following would be the best title for this passage?
Correct Answer
D. Technology influences quality of life.
Explanation
The passage discusses how technological progress has negatively impacted the quality of life for many people. It mentions the noise pollution caused by larger and more powerful jet aircraft near airports, the construction of ugly and cramped high-rise buildings due to the high price of land, and the prioritization of large office blocks over much-needed housing for the urban population. Therefore, the best title for this passage would be "Technology influences quality of life."
8.
It's obvious in the passage that ...
Correct Answer
C. The quality of people's lives has declined by technology.
9.
The word intrinsic can best be replaced by:
Correct Answer(s)
A. Internal
C. Innate
Explanation
The word "intrinsic" means belonging naturally or essential to something. "Internal" is a suitable replacement for "intrinsic" as it also refers to something that is inside or within. "Innate" is another appropriate alternative, as it indicates qualities or abilities that are inherent or inborn. Both "internal" and "innate" capture the essence of "intrinsic" and can be used interchangeably in this context.
10.
The word assailed is closest in meaning to which of the following:
Correct Answer(s)
B. Assaulted
D. Tormented
Explanation
The word "assailed" means to attack or criticize someone or something. Both "assaulted" and "tormented" convey the idea of attacking or causing harm, making them the closest in meaning to "assailed". "Protected" and "praised" have opposite meanings and do not relate to the concept of attack or harm.
11.
Buildings are replacing houses
Correct Answer
C. Because the land is more expensive by the day.
Explanation
The correct answer is because the land is more expensive by the day. As the cost of land increases, it becomes more profitable for developers to build larger buildings instead of individual houses. This allows them to maximize the use of limited space and generate higher returns on their investments. Additionally, building upwards allows for more people to be accommodated in a smaller area, addressing the issue of space for living. Therefore, the increasing cost of land is a driving factor behind the trend of buildings replacing houses.
12.
The growing urban population has turned buildings into towns and cities.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that the increasing urban population has led to the transformation of buildings into towns and cities. This implies that as more people move into urban areas, buildings are being developed and expanded to accommodate the growing population. Therefore, it can be inferred that the statement is true.
13.
When did Matt _______ Business School?
Correct Answer
B. Graduate from
Explanation
The word "graduate from" is the correct answer because it is the correct phrasal verb to use when referring to completing a degree or program at a school or university. In this context, it indicates that Matt completed his studies at Business School.
14.
You look pale. It’d be better if you ________ a doctor.
Correct Answer
C. Consult with
Explanation
The correct answer is "consult with" because it is the appropriate preposition to use with the verb "consult." When someone is advised to consult with a doctor, it means they should seek medical advice or opinion from a doctor. The preposition "with" indicates that the person should have a conversation or discussion with the doctor in order to obtain their professional guidance.
15.
Japanese houses are made of wood, so they can easily _____.
Correct Answer
A. Catch on fire
Explanation
Japanese houses are made of wood, which is a highly flammable material. Therefore, they are susceptible to catching fire easily. The phrase "catch on fire" is the correct idiomatic expression used to describe the ignition of something, in this case, Japanese houses.
16.
Do you have ____to do this afternoon? If not, I’d like to take you to a movie.
Correct Answer
D. Much work
Explanation
The correct answer is "much work" because the word "work" is an uncountable noun, so it should be paired with "much" instead of "many". Additionally, the singular form "work" is used instead of the plural form "works" because the sentence is referring to a general amount of work, rather than specific tasks or projects.
17.
Mary has trouble _____.
Correct Answer
D. Remembering her daily tasks.
Explanation
Mary has trouble remembering her daily tasks. This means that she finds it difficult to recall or keep in mind the things she needs to do on a daily basis.
18.
When will the conference _____
Correct Answer
B. Take place
Explanation
The correct answer is "take place" because it is the appropriate phrase to use when referring to the scheduling or occurrence of an event or activity, such as a conference.
19.
The meeting was held _____.
Correct Answer
C. On Tuesday.
Explanation
The correct answer is "on Tuesday." This is because when referring to a specific day, we use the preposition "on" followed by the day of the week. In this case, the meeting was held on a specific Tuesday, indicating a particular day of the week.
20.
If you don’t understand, don’t hesitate _____.
Correct Answer
B. To ask a question.
Explanation
The correct answer is "to ask a question" because it completes the sentence grammatically and conveys the intended meaning. The phrase "don't hesitate" suggests that the person should not have any reservations or doubts about asking questions. Therefore, the most appropriate option is "to ask a question," which directly expresses the action of seeking clarification or further information.
21.
Our company didn’t pay ____ for that advertisement.
Correct Answer
C. Much money
Explanation
The correct answer is "much money" because "much" is used with uncountable nouns like "money." "Many" is used with countable nouns, and "funds" is not the appropriate word to use in this context.
22.
The account manager was happy to be _____ such a famous person.
Correct Answer
D. Introduced to
Explanation
The correct answer is "introduced to" because it implies that the account manager was pleased to have been introduced to a famous person. The phrase "introduced to" suggests that the account manager had the opportunity to meet and interact with the famous person, which likely made them happy. The other options, "introduced at," "introduced," and "introduced with," do not convey the same meaning and do not accurately reflect the context of the sentence.
23.
A: Where do I find the bus terminal?
B: It is ______ the Red Cross hospital.
Correct Answer
B. Opposite to
Explanation
The correct answer is "opposite to" because it indicates that the bus terminal is located across from or facing the Red Cross hospital. The word "opposite" alone does not convey the specific relationship between the bus terminal and the hospital, while "opposed to" and "opposite with" are not idiomatic phrases commonly used to describe location.
24.
A: You missed a good chance in your career.
B: Yes, I _____ that job when Mr. Johnson offered.
Correct Answer
D. Should have taken
Explanation
In this conversation, person B is expressing regret for not taking a job opportunity when it was offered by Mr. Johnson. The phrase "should have taken" is used to indicate that B believes it was the correct or advisable action to take at that time. This implies that B made a mistake by not taking the job and is now realizing the missed opportunity.
25.
Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer
A. He explained this to me.
Explanation
The correct answer is "He explained this to me." This is the correct sentence structure in English when using the verb "explain" followed by an object and a prepositional phrase. In this case, "this" is the object and "to me" is the prepositional phrase indicating who the explanation was given to. The other options, "He explained me this" and "He explain me this," are incorrect because they do not follow the proper sentence structure.
26.
Select the correct one.
Correct Answer
B. I watch TV every day for two hours.
Explanation
The correct answer is "I watch TV every day for two hours." This sentence is the only one that uses the present tense to describe a habitual action. The other sentences use the past tense ("I saw TV for two hours last night") and the present continuous tense ("We all look TV together"), which do not convey the same meaning as the given sentence.
27.
Which of the following is correct?
Correct Answer
D. The quality coach listened to the call.
Explanation
The correct answer is "The quality coach listened to the call." This sentence is in the past tense and uses the correct subject-verb agreement. The word "listened" is the past tense form of the verb "listen," which matches the subject "the quality coach." The use of "to the call" indicates that the coach listened to a specific call.
28.
_____ me to make the changes to your account?
Correct Answer
A. Would you like
Explanation
The correct answer is "Would you like." This is because the question is asking for a preference or choice, and "Would you like" is a polite way to ask someone if they want something or if they would like something to be done.
29.
Customs ___ not___ a package if it is tax free.
Correct Answer
B. Will – retain
Explanation
The word "will" is the correct answer because it indicates a future action. In this context, it suggests that customs will retain a package if it is tax-free in the future.
30.
When the package arrived, everyone in the building _____.
Correct Answer
B. Had already left
Explanation
The correct answer is "had already left" because the verb "left" is in the past tense, and the use of "had" indicates that the action of leaving occurred before the arrival of the package. This suggests that everyone in the building had already departed before the package arrived.