1、剑桥商务英语中级-144 及答案解析(总分：100.00，做题时间：90 分钟)一、READING(总题数：0，分数：0.00)二、PART ONE(总题数：1，分数：7.00)Successful Time Management AThe secret of avoiding work pressure is thinking ahead. Every day you need to review your progress towards objectives and decide how you can best use the time available to make furthe
2、r progress. You may find this is best done at the start of your working day but some people prefer to have a planning session just before they finish. Whichever you select - and you may need to experiment to find what suits you best- find some way of fitting the activity into your schedule. Never sa
3、y, 1 dont have time to plan today.BManagers at all levels occasionally find they have taken on more than they can cope with. This is not a crime, but you must examine the reasons for such a situation and then plan a course of action. Until the problem is resolved, most of your time and energy will g
4、o into worrying about the situation and you will feel unmotivated. Think too about how to prevent it happening again. This may require you to be firm and avoid agreeing to more than is realistic.CIf a review of your working practices shows that you are too much of a perfectionist, do something about
5、 this. Modern definitions of quality refer to fitness for purpose. If you bear this in mind, you may find it easier to persuade yourself to settle for an acceptable level of quality rather than perfection. When thinking about objectives and planning how to achieve them, consider how thoroughly you n
6、eed to do something in order to meet your requirements. Unless you have spare time, do not spend extra hours on an activity in an effort to cover absolutely everything.DIf your review of a period of time shows that you are spending time on things that are not really necessary or important, then thin
7、k hard about whether you can afford this time. Many people file unnecessary papers and attend endless, unproductive meetings. Even top managers can be guilty of misdirecting their efforts by supervising subordinates too closely or failing to delegate. If you question the necessity of certain work, y
8、ou may find it easier to avoid these misdirected efforts and this will better inform your planning in the future.（分数：7.00）(1).In order to complete a task well, it may not be necessary to deal with every detail.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(2).If you have too much to do, you may need to turn down work in the futu
9、re.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(3).Any planning activity needs to take place on a regular basis.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(4).You should avoid giving additional time to a particular task.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(5).It is possible that some routine tasks do not need to be carried out.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(6).If you are overloaded with
10、 work, it is important to identify the cause.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(7).People at all levels perform time-wasting activities.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_三、PART TWO(总题数：1，分数：5.00)Staff appraisalsGood preparation for staff appraisals can pay dividends in terms of staff loyalty and satisfactionMany managers, particularly
11、 those running smaller companies, feel they are too busy to give their employees appraisals, and many staff clearly dread them. (0) G .They provide the opportunity for the manager to have one-to-one discussions with an employee and find out about any concerns, as well as identifying training needs a
12、nd discovering career aspirations. They can make a staff member feel valued and so build loyalty.The annual appraisal can either be a rewarding or painful experience. According to research carried out among 500 employees, the standard office appraisal is far from perfect. (8) The possible outcome fo
13、r the company is even worse; up to a quarter of employees will look for a new job within two weeks of a bad appraisal and 40% within a month.The quality of the appraisal lies with how the boss decides to carry it out. When it is done well, employees are able to use the feedback they receive to impro
14、ve their performance. (9) So how should a constructive appraisal be carried out? According to Andrew Gillingham, a consultant trainer, appraisals can be manager -led. with the appraiser preparing a document and sharing it with the employee. Establishing training needs and motivating the employee tow
15、ards bigger and better things are part of this process. (10) .In both cases, Gillingham believes that the effectiveness of the appraisal discussion can determine the performance of the company.Gillingham believes that anyone who thinks its just the employee who doesnt like the appraisal experience h
16、as got it wrong. Too many managers regard appraisals as a waste of time. (11) Managing people is a difficult matter, and without the necessary training, many managers try to avoid the uncomfortable issues that often need to be discussed at appraisals.Gillingham believes that calling the process an a
17、ppraisal may be unhelpful. (12) In either case, it is important to ensure that the meeting is successful and results in better quality management. Gillingham firmly believes that the main thing is to emphasise an open communications ethos in the workplace that gives staff a chance to talk about issu
18、es and feel valued. A. Alternatively, managers may want the employees themselves to evaluate their work performance. B. In larger companies, the people likely to do something with this information will be found in the HR department. C. Problems such as rushing through the appraisal and being apprais
19、ed by a manager who doesnt understand the employees role were common concerns. D. Arguably, performance review is more appropriate since it helps create correct expectations from the meeting and indicates what will happen. E. This is mainly because they have not been shown how to carry out appraisal
20、s properly. F. But all too often, the format of the appraisal doesnt allow this. G. But this can be avoided and, given a more positive attitude from participants, appraisals can prove enormously useful for all involve（分数：5.00）填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_四、PART THREE(总题数：1，分数：6.00)Problems in
21、the IT industryIn the information technology industry, it is widely acknowledged that how well IT departments of the future can fulfil their business goals will depend not on the regular updating of technology, which is essential for them to do, but on how well they can hold on to the people skilled
22、 at manipulating the newest technology. This is becoming more difficult. Best estimates of the current shortfall In IT staff in the UK are between 30,000 and 50,000, and growing.And there is no end to the problem in sight. A severe industry-wide lack of investment in training means the long-term ski
23、lls base is both ageing and shrinking. Employers are chasing experienced staff in ever-decreasing circles, and, according to a recent government report, 250,000 new IT jobs will be created over the next decade. Most employers are confining themselves to dealing with the immediate problems. There is
24、little evidence, for example, that they are stepping up their intake of raw recruits for in* house training, or retraining existing staff from other functions. This is the course of action recommended by the Computer Software Services Association, but research shows its members are adopting the shor
25、t-term measure of bringing in more and more consultants on a contract basis. However, this approach is becoming less and less acceptable as the general shortage of skills, coupled with high demand, sends contractor rates soaring. An experienced contract programmer, for example, can now earn at least
26、 double the current permanent salary.With IT professionals increasingly attracted to the financial rewards and flexibility of consultancy work, average staff turnover rates are estimated to be around 15%. While many companies in the financial services sector are managing to contain their losses by o
27、ffering skilled IT stall golden handcuffs - deferred loyalty bonuses that tie them in until a certain date - other organisations, like local governments, are unable to match the competitive salaries and perks on offer in the private sector and contractor market, and are suffering turnover rates of u
28、p to 60% a year.But while loyalty bonuses have grabbed the headlines, there are other means of holding on to staff. Some companies are doing additional IT pay reviews in the year and paying market premiums. But such measures can create serious employee relations problems among those excluded, both w
29、ithin and outside IT departments. Many Industry experts advise employers to link bonuses to performance wherever possible. However, employers are realising that bonuses will only succeed if they are accompanied by other incentives such as attractive career prospects, training, and challenging work t
30、hat meets the individuals long-term ambitions.This means managers need to allocate assignments more strategically and think about advancing their staff as well as their business. Some employers advocate giving key employees projects that would normally be handled by people with slightly more experie
31、nce or capability. For many employers, however, the urgency of the problem demands a more immediate solution, such as recruiting skilled workers from overseas. But even this is not easy, with strict quotas on the number of work permits issued. In addition, opposition to the recruitment of IT people
32、from other countries is growing, as many professionals believe it will lead to even less investment in training and thus a long-term weakening of the UK skills base.（分数：6.00）(1).According to the first paragraph, the success of IT departments will depend on（分数：1.00）A.their success at retaining their
33、skilled staff.B.the extent to which they invest in new technology.C.their attempts to recruit staff with the necessary skills.D.the ability of employees to keep up with the latest developments.(2).A problem referred to in the second paragraph is that（分数：1.00）A.the government needs to create thousand
34、s of new IT posts.B.the pool of skilled IT people will get even smaller in the future.C.company budgets for IT training have been decreasing steadily.D.older IT professionals have not had adequate trainin(3).What possible solution to the long-term problems in the IT industry is referred to in the th
35、ird paragraph?（分数：1.00）A.ensure that permanent staff earn the same as contract staffB.expand company training programmes for new and old employeesC.conduct more research into the reasons for staff leavingD.offer top rates to attract the best specialist consultants(4).In some businesses in the financ
36、ial services sector, the IT staffing problem has led to（分数：1.00）A.cash promises for skilled staff after a specified period of time.B.more employees seeking alternative employment in the public sector.C.the loss of customers to rival organisations.D.more flexible conditions of work for their staf(5).
37、Employers accept that IT professionals are more likely to stay in their present post if they（分数：1.00）A.are set more realistic performance targets.B.have a good working relationship with staff in other departments.C.are provided with good opportunities for professional development.D.receive a remuner
38、ation package at top market rates.(6).According to the final paragraph, the UK skills base will be weakened by（分数：1.00）A.changes to managers strategic thinking.B.insufficient responsibility being given to IT staff,C.the employment of IT staff with too little experience.D.the hiring of IT personnel f
39、rom abroa五、PART FOUR(总题数：1，分数：15.00)Chairmans ReportI am pleased to report that, although we had been expecting poor results for this half year because of slow growth in the world economy, the company has performed very satisfactorily. Operating profits for this first half are in fact very much (19)
40、 with those for the corresponding (20) last year. Profits reached 115 million before tax, compared with116.3 million last year. Much of our success in the last six months can be (21) to the fact. that all our major construction projects remained on schedule. Particularly pleasing was the early (22)
41、of a major building contract in Canada.The company has made good progress with the initiatives announced at the Annual General Meeting. The majority of shareholders (23) the Boards decision to sell the companys loss-making engineering (24) It was the Boards belief that the company would (25) most be
42、nefit by (26) its resources on the expansion of its construction activities. Negotiations with a potential buyer began in February and are now at a critical (27) However, we feel that we are not as yet in a (28) to comment on what the outcome is likely to be.In June, we made a successful (29) for th
43、e Renishaw Construction Company of Hong Kong SAR, in order to give us greater (30) to markets in South East Asia. We still have sufficient resources to pursue our growth (31) and are at present (32) several other business opportunities which, like Renishaw Construction, would (33) new markets to us.
44、（分数：15.00）A.in orderB.on trackC.in lineD.on targetA.sessionB.termC.seasonD.periodA.attributedB.referredC.assignedD.designatedA.terminationB.endingC.completionD.finalisingA.confirmedB.maintainedC.agreedD.supportedA.portionB.componentC.sectorD.divisionA.haveB.gainC.findD.earnA.focusingB.directingC.poi
45、ntingD.strengtheningA.heightB.stepC.edgeD.stageA.conditionB.pointC.positionD.capacityA.requestB.priceC.demandD.bidA.accessB.approachC.admissionD.entranceA.strategyB.processC.promotionD.systemA.inquiringB.deliberatingC.exploringD.searchingA.sendB.openC.provideD.give六、PART FIVE(总题数：1，分数：12.00)The Care
46、er ForumIf you work in the city centre then a visit to the Career Forum, is thecitys most successful recruitment exhibition, will give you the information34. you need to determine whether you are making up the most of yourself.35. Currently, there are advertising many new vacancies on the job market
47、.36. With good skills and a healthy work record in greater demand than ever, it is37. the ideal time to ensure that your career is being on the right track. The Career38. Forum has been responsible for helping many thousands of the people39. improve their job potential, and it can do something the s
48、ame for you.40. Some of the best jobs in town never reach out the advertising pages, so41. to be Considered for one of these top jobs as they become available,42. you will need to make closely contact with the employers agents. The Career43. Forum is making the perfect opportunity. It is set in an informal atmosphere44. and there is no pressure put; you can choose which agents you talk to.45. So if you are looking for a new job, come and join us at the Career Forum.（分数：12.00）填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_填空项 1:_
