Vocabulary · Multiple Choice · Grammar · Listening · Writing
PART 1 — Vocabulary
1. Despite the deep recession, the regional economy proved remarkably (r) resilient (ABLE TO
RECOVER QUICKLY FROM DIFFICULTY) and recovered within a single year.
2. Our main competitor tried to (p) poach (LURE STAFF AWAY FROM A RIVAL) our most talented
software engineer by offering a far higher salary.
3. After twenty years with the firm, he received a generous severance pay (TWO WORDS; MONEY
PAID TO A DISMISSED WORKER) package when his role was cut.
4. All key (s) stakeholders (PARTIES WITH AN INTEREST IN A COMPANY) must be consulted
before the takeover can proceed.
5. The multinational exploited a legal (l) loophole (A GAP IN THE LAW THAT CAN BE EXPLOITED)
to avoid paying millions in corporation tax.
6. The pandemic severely disrupted the global supply chain (TWO WORDS; THE NETWORK FROM
RAW MATERIAL TO CONSUMER), delaying deliveries for months.
7. Forty employees were made (r) redundant (NO LONGER NEEDED IN A JOB) after the plant
introduced fully automated machinery.
8. Handmade fountain pens occupy a profitable niche market (TWO WORDS; A SMALL,
SPECIALISED MARKET) among dedicated collectors.
9. The tech giant moved to (a) acquire (TO BUY ANOTHER COMPANY) its smaller rival in order to
eliminate the competition.
10. The founders raised venture capital (TWO WORDS; FUNDING PROVIDED TO RISKY
STARTUPS) from a group of wealthy angel investors.
11. Shareholders are demanding greater (t) transparency (OPENNESS AND ACCOUNTABILITY) in
how executive bonuses are calculated.
12. The government introduced new tariffs to (c) curb (TO LIMIT OR RESTRAIN) the flood of cheap
foreign imports.
13. A severe lack of (l) liquidity (THE AVAILABILITY OF READY CASH) meant the firm could no
longer pay its suppliers on time.
14. The company restructured its teams in order to (f) foster (TO ENCOURAGE OR PROMOTE
DEVELOPMENT) a culture of open innovation.
15. Decades of consistent advertising have given the company unmatched brand recognition (TWO
WORDS; HOW EASILY A BRAND IS IDENTIFIED).
16. Environmental (s) sustainability (MEETING NEEDS WITHOUT HARMING THE FUTURE) now
sits at the very heart of the firm's long-term strategy.
17. Staff are fairly compensated for any (o) overtime (HOURS WORKED BEYOND THE NORMAL
SCHEDULE) they put in during busy periods.
18. The corporation's total (a) assets (VALUABLE THINGS A COMPANY OWNS) now comfortably
exceed one trillion dollars.
19. Agile small businesses can genuinely (t) thrive (TO GROW VIGOROUSLY AND SUCCEED) in a
stable, supportive local economy.
, 20. The research lab relies on cutting-edge (TWO WORDS, HYPHENATED; THE MOST ADVANCED
AVAILABLE) technology to stay ahead of its competitors.
PART 2 — Multiple Choice (word choice)
Choose the correct word option.
Question 1
After months of effort, the startup finally managed to _______________ a major investment from a
venture-capital fund.
○ a) poach
● b) secure
○ c) curb
○ d) halt
Question 2
Rising interest rates pose a significant _______________ to heavily indebted small businesses.
○ a) buffer
○ b) asset
● c) risk
○ d) premium
Question 3
The two firms formed a _______________ to bid jointly for the multi-billion-dollar infrastructure contract.
○ a) skirmish
● b) consortium
○ c) quandary
○ d) loophole
Question 4
Following the accounting scandal, investors showed deep _______________ towards the company's
shares.
○ a) bullishness
○ b) empowerment
● c) wariness
○ d) momentum
Question 5
The CEO's offensive remarks badly _______________ the firm's once spotless public image.
○ a) burnished
○ b) fostered
● c) tainted
○ d) propagated
Question 6
Many workers in the _______________ lack traditional benefits such as paid leave and pensions.
○ a) value chain
● b) gig economy