TOEIC PRACTICE 1 PART 8

Questions 1-3refer to the following minutes of a meeting.

Meeting of the Milton Public Library Trustees

December 4

Present: Les Elder (chairperson), Nancy Johnson (treasurer), Jennifer Palmatier (secretary), Justin Mayrand (technical consultant), Megan Sprague (librarian) Absent: Mary Erwin (trustee), Max Johnson (trustee)

Mr Elder began the meeting at 6:00 p.m.

Treasurer's Report/Budget Review The library has $4,300.00 remaining in this year's budget. This includes a donation of $2,300.00 made by Robert Erwin, former trustee and president of the National Library Organization, and must be spent by December 31.

Ms Johnson suggested that the trustees spend the $2,300.00 as follows: $900.00 will be allocated for books; $400.00 for supplies; and $1,000.00 for building repairs. All members present agreed.

Building Repairs and Improvements Mr Elder expressed concern about the recent electricity bills, which were quite high. The issue will be discussed at the January 14 meeting after the year's budget has been reviewed.

Miscellaneous Business Ms Sprague noted that the library building should be kept locked when it is not officially open to the public, even if staff or cleaning crews are present inside the building.

Mr Elder ended the meeting at 7:00 p.m.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, December 18, at 5:00 p.m. in the Milton Public Library

1.        What institution is being discussed?

A. A school          B. A bookstore                        C. A library                  D. A housing comple  

2.        Who contributed money to this institution?

A. Nancy Johnson            B. Les Elder                 C. Robert Erwin           D. Max Johnson

3.        According to the minutes, what remark did Ms Sprague make?

A. The performance of the cleaning crew is poor.

B. The cost of electricity is very high.

C. The December meeting should be rescheduled.

D. The doors of the library should be locked during non-business hours.

Questions 4-8 refer to the following page from a brochure.

Classique Lighting floor lamps and ceiling light fixtures are an easy way to update any room. We offer lighting to fit every need and budget.

HERE IS A LIST OF OUR BEST-SELLING MODELS

Calypso

Very affordable, available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, Calypso is our most economical and versatile ceiling light. Works equally well in offices, retail stores, and home environments. Nor recommended for rooms exposed to moisture.

Trend

Create a modern look that will enhance any office setting. This competitively priced metal light is excellent for conference rooms, office cubicles, or any business where bright lighting is important. Only available in black, gray, or off-white. Can be directly mounted to the ceiling by professionals or any skilled home owner.

Mystic

This floor lamp is suitable in both homes and offices. It creates a warm atmosphere with its soft light. Moderately priced and available in several colors.

We recommend that you use energy-efficient lighting. In addition to being inexpensive, energy-efficient lighting has several advantages over standard lighting:

* Uses 2/3 less energy

* Generates 70 % less hear

* Lasts up to ten times longer

4.        Which model is best if cost is a concern?

A. Calypso                        B. Baroque                  C. Mystic         D. Trend

5.        What is suggested about changing the lighting in a home or office?

A. It is usually expensive.

B. It is an easy way to modernize a room.

C. It will increase the resale value of the home or office.

D. It should be done only after consulting a designer

6.        Why are the lighting models mentioned in the brochure?

A. They are sold in most stores.

B. They will soon be discontinued.

C. Their prices have been reduced.

D. They are the most popular models.

7.        According to the brochure, what is NOT true of energy-efficient lights?

A. They last longer than standard lights.

B. They use less energy than regular lights do.

C. They are more expensive than standard lights.

D. They generate less heat than other types of lights do.

8.        What is true of Mystic lights?

A. They are floor lamps.

B. They come in many sizes.

C. They need to be professionally installed.

D. They can be exposed to moisture.

Questions 9-13refer to the following article and letter.

Sustainability Magazine

Volume 10, No. 6

June 2009

Manufacturers Going Green

By Leo Durham

An increasing number of manufacturing companies around the country are going green, which they hope will put more green into their cash registers.

The Manufacturers Extension Partnership (MEP) works with a variety of state and regional industry associations and economic development groups to teach companies "lean" manufacturing techniques.

This not-for-profit organization, administered by the Department of Commerce, demonstrates how to reduce waste, or "fat," in the manufacturing process. This includes things such as cutting energy use, incorporating more efficient production techniques, and finding cheaper methods of packaging and shipping goods.

The result is better not only for the environment, but also for company profits. Last year, MEP helped more than 1,000 firms save about $1.4 billion and increase their sales by $10.5 billion. These actions led to the creation of nearly 57,000 new jobs.

"It was tremendous for us," said Mark McCartney, general manager of the Clear Water bottled water company. "MEP showed us how to cut our energy production in half, which led to a 3-percent increase in sales, and a 100-percent increase in production capacity."

McCartney has been quick to spread the wealth. Last year, a bottle of Clear Water retailed for $1.50.

Now, MEP training has enabled the company to slash the price to $1.20.

Your turn

Dear editor:

I enjoyed the article on MEP in the June issue of Sustainability Magazine. When manufacturers pass savings onto customers, everybody wins.

Overall, the writer did a fine job. However, there is one mistake in the article I would like to point out. After our company finished training with MEP, sales jumped 30 percent, and our production capacity increased by 10 percent.

I would encourage every manufacturer to consider partnering with MEP. There's always some fat that can be trimmed from the production process.

William Lyons

CEO, Clear Water Bottling

9.        What is the main purpose of MEP?

A. To help manufacturers increase their profits.

B. To create new jobs in the manufacturing sector

C. To teach manufacturers how to reduce waste

D. To lower the retail prices of consumer goods

10.    In the article, the word "green" in paragraph 1, line 2, is closest in meaning to

A. paper                B. money                     C. sales                        D. coins

11.    Who is Mark McCartney?

A. Author of the article                 C. President of the MEP

B. Clear Water CEO                      D. Clear Water general manager

12.    What is NOT true?

A. Clear Water's sales rose by 3 percent

B. Clear Water's production capacity increased 10 percent

C. Clear Water dropped its retail prices

D. Clear Water halved its energy production

13.    According to the article, how much money did MEP help firms save last year?

A. $10.5 billion    B. $57,000       C. $1,000,000              D. $1.4 billion

ANSWER KEY

1.        C

2.        C

3.        D

4.        A

5.        B

6.        D

7.        C

8.        A

9.        C

10.    B

11.    D

12.    A

13.   D