填空题
{{B}}PART ONE{{/B}}
{{B}}How to approach Reading Test Part One{{/B}}
· In this
part of the Reading Test you match seven statements with four short texts.
·
First read each short text and then read the sentences to see which ones refer
to the text.
· Make sure you read each text for overall meaning. Do not
choose an answer just because you can see the same words in the text.
· Look
at the sentences below and the information about mergers and takeovers involving
four companies on the opposite page.
· Which company (A, B, C or D) does each
sentence 1 - 7 refer to?
· For each sentence 1 - 7, mark one letter (A,
B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.
· You will need to use some of the
letters more than once.
{{B}}A{{/B}}
Tour operator Jarmin Travel is waiting for its chief executive
and finance director to make the final decision before making a formal bid for
rival HarmonAir. The two companies tried to merge five years ago, when the deal
was blocked by the competition authorities. Since then the regulator has eased
the criteria by which any merger would be judged. Competition lawyers say a
tie-up would almost certainly be allowed this time, and industry analysts
believe that both companies are eager for a merger.
{{B}}B{{/B}}
Bus operator
Barkway has been hit by stiff competition and dwindling profitability. As a
result the company has been forced to scrap its plans to expand overseas and
instead will concentrate on growing its existing business. The continuing
decline in the company's share price has led to speculation that it may fall
prey to one of its rivals. This may well prove wrong), though, as Barkway's
founder and chief executive, Kerry Matthews, has persuaded the board to do
everything in its power to resist a takeover.
{{B}}C{{/B}}
Carolyn Swaine,
the former chief executive of coffee shop chain Marshmont's, is trying hard to
raise capital for a bid for her old company. Swaine left last year after a
series of disagreements over Marshmont's future direction, and several top
managers are expected to leave if she succeeds in buying the chain. Although
Marshmont's is profitable, it is too small to stay independent for much longer,
and even if Swaine takes control, the company will soon have to become part of a
larger chain.
{{B}}D{{/B}}
Keston, the respected maker of television
programmes, has announced that it has agreed an outline deal to merge with
Stardust TV. A year ago, with its profits plunging, Keston faced a strong
takeover bid by another of its competitors, but fought hard against it, and has
since become more profitable. The company is now convinced, however, that its
future success lies in being part of a larger organisation. Both Keston and
Stardust have a reputation for producing striking television programmes, and a
merger is likely to be beneficial, both creatively and financially.