1.
All the orders got _________ on schedule.
Correct Answer
B. delivered
Explanation
The correct answer is "delivered" because it is the past tense form of the verb "deliver". Since the sentence is referring to completed actions in the past, "delivered" is the appropriate choice.
2.
The company expects to see ___________ breakeven and a 15 cent a share loss in the second quarter.
Correct Answer
D. Somewhere between
Explanation
The phrase "somewhere between" suggests that the company's breakeven point is not expected to be exact, but rather falls within a range. This indicates that the company may not reach breakeven exactly, but will be close to it. Additionally, the phrase implies that the company is projected to incur a loss of 15 cents per share in the second quarter.
3.
The flight arrives __________ Tokyo in three hours.
Correct Answer
B. In
Explanation
The correct answer is "in". This preposition is used to indicate the arrival of the flight in Tokyo within a time frame of three hours.
4.
He is excited about the new promotion and looking forward to ________ more responsibilities.
Correct Answer
A. Taking on
Explanation
The phrase "taking on" means to accept or undertake something new, such as a task or responsibility. In this context, it implies that the person is eager to embrace the challenges and duties that come with the promotion. The other options do not fit the context: "take on" is the infinitive form and doesn't agree with the sentence structure, "taking in" means to absorb or understand information, and "getting up" means to rise from a seated or lying position.
5.
While the stock ________ the staff worked in the evenings.
Correct Answer
D. Was being checked
Explanation
The correct answer is "was being checked." This is because the sentence is in the past tense and the action of checking the stock was ongoing at the same time the staff worked in the evenings. The phrase "was being checked" indicates an ongoing action in the past.
6.
The report showed that overall prices are up 3.1 percent _________ 12 months.
Correct Answer
B. During the last
Explanation
The report showed that overall prices are up 3.1 percent during the last 12 months. This means that over the course of the past 12 months, prices have increased by 3.1 percent.
7.
The new service was expected to be a success; __________ very few customers upgraded their accounts.
Correct Answer
A. Yet
Explanation
The phrase "yet" is used to contrast two ideas or statements. In this case, it is used to show a contradiction between the expectation of the new service being a success and the fact that very few customers upgraded their accounts. It implies that despite the high expectations, the outcome was different.
8.
Strong exports ___________ in driving first-quarter growth, rising 35 percent from a year earlier.
Correct Answer
A. Played a big role
Explanation
The correct answer is "played a big role". This phrase suggests that strong exports had a significant impact on driving first-quarter growth, as they increased by 35 percent from a year earlier. This implies that the success of exports was a major factor in contributing to the overall growth during that period.
9.
The software developers __________ investigated the latest problem.
Correct Answer
D. Have already
Explanation
The correct answer is "have already" because it indicates that the software developers have already taken action and conducted an investigation into the latest problem. This suggests that they have already completed the investigation and potentially found a solution or identified the cause of the problem.
10.
First quarter revenue _________ $45.1 billion from $44.7 billion a year earlier.
Correct Answer
D. Rose to
Explanation
The correct answer is "rose to". This answer indicates that the first quarter revenue increased from $44.7 billion to $45.1 billion, suggesting a positive growth in revenue during that period.
11.
The executives pointed to immigration __________ the biggest drivers of the domestic market.
Correct Answer
B. as one of
Explanation
The correct answer is "as one of". This is because the phrase "as one of" is used to indicate that immigration is one of the biggest drivers of the domestic market, suggesting that there may be other factors as well.
12.
Property taxes ________ about 40 percent of the overall tax revenue the state collects.
Correct Answer
A. Make
Explanation
The correct answer is "make." In this context, "make" means to constitute or contribute to something. Therefore, the sentence is stating that property taxes constitute or contribute to about 40 percent of the overall tax revenue the state collects.
13.
My line manager wants the meeting __________ immediately.
Correct Answer
B. Arranged
Explanation
The correct answer is "arranged" because it is the past tense form of the verb "arrange." In this sentence, the line manager wants the meeting to be organized or scheduled in the immediate future. Therefore, the correct form of the verb to use is "arranged."
14.
________ the end of year results were published, the managers got their bonuses.
Correct Answer
A. When
Explanation
The correct answer is "When". This is because "When" indicates a specific time or condition, in this case, the end of year results being published. The sentence suggests that the managers received their bonuses at the same time or immediately after the results were published.
15.
Commercial builders downplayed __________ a bust in the superheated housing market.
Correct Answer
D. Concerns about
Explanation
Commercial builders downplayed concerns about a bust in the superheated housing market. This means that the builders did not give much importance or attention to the worries or fears about a potential collapse or failure in the housing market. They may have dismissed or disregarded these concerns, possibly to maintain confidence or to promote their own interests in the market.