1、剑桥商务英语中级-98 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)A Many companies in the U. S. begin to realise that investors demand financial reporting to be truly presented: creative accounting is no longer acceptable. In response to the criticism about how it booked the ga
2、in on the sale of one of its businesses. IBM announced on Feb. 19th that it would expand the informaton it provides investors on such things as its intellectual-property income and the impact on earnings of the companys overfunded pension plan. And a day later, General Electric Co. Chairman and Chie
3、f Executive Jeffrey R. Immelt also pay heed to investors calls for better disclosure by promising to provide more detail on how the companys individual unitsincluding its finance departrment. GE Capitalchurn out their earnings.B Expect this lifting of the veil to spread rapidly throughout corporate
4、America, In the wake of Enrons collapse and questionable accounting at telecommunications companies such as Global Crossing Ltd., investors are demanding better. more frequent, and more expansive information about companies financial health. This rising pressure will force executives in boardrooms a
5、cross the country to wrestle with exactly how much new information to reveal, much less the question of how to flag changes for investors without causing their stocks to tank. “GE and IBM are bellwethers,“ says Patrick S. McGurn, vice-president at proxy advisory service Institutional Shareholder Ser
6、vices Inc. “You will see a huge wave of imitation.“C Of course, thats good for shareholdersand for the long-term health of the market, But the tsunami of new disclosures, unfortunately, isnt necessarily what the recovering economy needs right now. The trick will be to strike the right balance. Compa
7、nies that reveal too little, too late will get punished in the market. But dumping too much on shareholders may only muddy the picture further. “If you give too much information, people can get overwhelmed by the minutia, and the important stuff gets buried.“ says Charles M. Elson, director of the C
8、entre for Corporate Governance at the University of Delaware.D In fact, IBM and GE join a growing list of companies that have already been compelled to improve their disclosure, At Tyco International Ltd., which has been buffeted by concerns about its complex accounting and financial health, senior
9、execs have begun holding weekly phone conferences with analysts and investors to address questions about its accounting and operations. Franchising giant Cendant Corp. has put detailed information on its Website about its off-balance-sheet entities, while hotel operator Marriott International Inc. r
10、ecently provided details on write-offs it has taken for loan guarantees as well as some hotel-development projects.（分数：7.00）(1).More and more companies are forced to illustrate their accounting.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(2).Both IBM and General Electric are willing to give information about their accounting.（
11、分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(3).Managers in the companies would have to deal with the problem of disclosure.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(4).Its suggested that companies should provide adequate information for shareholders.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(5).A great majority of companies will follow the example of General Electric and IBM.（
12、分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(6).Investors of the company would no longer accept financial reporting that does not clearly reflect a companys operating health.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_(7).Some companies start to employ various methods to reveal more about their operations.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_三、PART TWO(总题数：1，分数：5.00)BimboBimb
13、o perhaps is the most popular local brand in bakery in Mexico. Every day, its products including sliced bread. cakes, and snacks are delivered nationwide by trucks. Executives at the Mexico City company estimate that its army of deliverymen makes the equivalent of dozens of trips around the earth ea
14、ch day.But Bimbos reach extends well beyond Mexicos borders. On Jan. 22nd, it plunked down $610 million for the Western U. S. division of Canadas George Weston Ltd. The deal gives Bimbo five bakeries and the rights to the Oroweat, Entenmanns, Thomas English Muffins, and Boboli brands everywhere exce
15、pt in Canada and east of the Mississippi River. The share of Bimbos sales that comes from the U.S. will rise to 30% from 17% “This is a perfect fit for us.“ says Grupo Bimbo Chief Financial officer Guillermo Quiroz. It also builds on a $1.1 billion 12-year international expansion drive that has take
16、n Bimbo into 16 countries from Chile to the Czech Republic, elevating it to the rank of No.3 baker worldwide. (8) With a virtual monopoly at home. Bimbo has little choice but to look abroad for new avenues of growth. Yet even admirers of this Mexican blue chip wonder whether it has what it takes to
17、succeed north of the Rio Grande. With the notable exception of cement maker Cemex, few Mexican companies have managed to turn a profit in the ultracompetitive U. S.Vitro tried to crack the American glass-container market with its purchase of Anchor Hocking in 1989, but it threw in the towel seven ye
18、ars later. Grupo Carso, a leading conglomerate. is struggling to turn around troubled computer retailer CompUSA Inc., which it bought in 2000. (9) Mrs. Bairds Bakeries, the Texas-based operation it acquired in 1998 for $300 million, is still in the red, and its collection of bakeries in California a
19、re just starting to break even. “The company doesnt have a good track record of enhancing shareholder value through overseas acquisitions.“ says Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc. food analyst Joaqun Lpez-Driga. Indeed, while overall sales have climbed as a result of such purchases, profit margins are b
20、eing squeezed.So why arent Bimbos shareholders howling? (10) Bimbo spent $500 million last year on a share-buyback programme that left just 15% of shares actively traded. The company, which is controlled and run by the Servitje family, didnt even have an investor-relations department until Quiroz ca
21、me on board three years ago after a career in Mexicos airline and banking businesses. Quiroz says Chief Executive Daniel Servitje Montull is committed to making Bimbo a more open company, paving the way for a possible New York Stock Exchange listing within two or three years.Bimbos executives claim
22、theyve learned their lessons from past acquisitions. (11) Theyve also hired consulting firm Bain creative accounting is no longer acceptable.”即：投资者要求财务报告是真实的，不接受伪造的账目。其中，文中的 creative accounting is no longer acceptable与题干中的 financial reporting that does not clearly reflect a companys operating health
23、表意相一致。(7).Some companies start to employ various methods to reveal more about their operations.（分数：1.00）填空项 1:_ （正确答案：D）解析：题干题点 employ various methods对应线索 begun holding weekly phone conferencesput detailed informationprovided details on write-offs答案精解 题目意为：一些公司开始采取各种方法来公开运营状况。D 段指出“At Tyco Internati
24、onal Ltd.senior execs have begun holding weekly phone conferences with analysts and investors to address questions about its accounting and operations. Franchising giant Cendant Corp. has put detailed information on its Website about its off-balance-sheet entities. while hotel operator Marriott Inte
25、rnational Inc. recently provided details on write-offs it has taken for loan guarantees as well as some hotel-development projects.”即：在 Tyco International Ltd.,高级主管已开始每周与分析家及投资者举行电话会议，处理有关账目和运营的问题。特许经销业巨头 Cendant Corp.已经在其网址上公布了收支不平衡的部门，而旅店经营商 Marriott International Inc.最近提供了用于贷款抵押的注销坏账的详情以及一些旅店发展项目
26、。其中，文中提到的这三家公司均采取措施来应对投资者的要求。文中的 begun holding weekly phone conferences，put detailed information，provided details on write-offs 与题干中的 employ various methods相对应。三、PART TWO(总题数：1，分数：5.00)BimboBimbo perhaps is the most popular local brand in bakery in Mexico. Every day, its products including sliced br
27、ead. cakes, and snacks are delivered nationwide by trucks. Executives at the Mexico City company estimate that its army of deliverymen makes the equivalent of dozens of trips around the earth each day.But Bimbos reach extends well beyond Mexicos borders. On Jan. 22nd, it plunked down $610 million fo
28、r the Western U. S. division of Canadas George Weston Ltd. The deal gives Bimbo five bakeries and the rights to the Oroweat, Entenmanns, Thomas English Muffins, and Boboli brands everywhere except in Canada and east of the Mississippi River. The share of Bimbos sales that comes from the U.S. will ri
29、se to 30% from 17% “This is a perfect fit for us.“ says Grupo Bimbo Chief Financial officer Guillermo Quiroz. It also builds on a $1.1 billion 12-year international expansion drive that has taken Bimbo into 16 countries from Chile to the Czech Republic, elevating it to the rank of No.3 baker worldwi
30、de. (8) With a virtual monopoly at home. Bimbo has little choice but to look abroad for new avenues of growth. Yet even admirers of this Mexican blue chip wonder whether it has what it takes to succeed north of the Rio Grande. With the notable exception of cement maker Cemex, few Mexican companies h
31、ave managed to turn a profit in the ultracompetitive U. S.Vitro tried to crack the American glass-container market with its purchase of Anchor Hocking in 1989, but it threw in the towel seven years later. Grupo Carso, a leading conglomerate. is struggling to turn around troubled computer retailer Co
32、mpUSA Inc., which it bought in 2000. (9) Mrs. Bairds Bakeries, the Texas-based operation it acquired in 1998 for $300 million, is still in the red, and its collection of bakeries in California are just starting to break even. “The company doesnt have a good track record of enhancing shareholder valu
33、e through overseas acquisitions.“ says Deutsche Banc Alex. Brown Inc. food analyst Joaqun Lpez-Driga. Indeed, while overall sales have climbed as a result of such purchases, profit margins are being squeezed.So why arent Bimbos shareholders howling? (10) Bimbo spent $500 million last year on a share
34、-buyback programme that left just 15% of shares actively traded. The company, which is controlled and run by the Servitje family, didnt even have an investor-relations department until Quiroz came on board three years ago after a career in Mexicos airline and banking businesses. Quiroz says Chief Ex
35、ecutive Daniel Servitje Montull is committed to making Bimbo a more open company, paving the way for a possible New York Stock Exchange listing within two or three years.Bimbos executives claim theyve learned their lessons from past acquisitions. (11) Theyve also hired consulting firm Bain they sugg
36、est that the chance of economic incentive gives people the greatest motivation. Finally. I would suggest increasing the amount of meal and housing allowance and supply various forms of incentives to keep the staff motivated.ConclusionIn my opinion, we should try to improve the conditions of benefits
37、 and incentives for this will enable our company to have a low staff turnover and also will improve the working efficiency.)解析：仿真说明本题要求考生写一份报告，来征询员工对公司福利制度和奖励措施的意见，并对此作出评价，话题围绕员工对公司状况的意见进行。结构与真题集第三辑 Test 3中的写作第二题类似。思路点拨 *八、LISTENING(总题数：0，分数：0.00)九、PART ONE(总题数：0，分数：0.00)十、Conversation One(总题数：1，分数：
38、4.00)NotesThe company has over (1) auto parts.Auto parts include: (2) parts, accessories, air conditioning parts, auto transmission parts.The company sells auto parts of major US manufacturers such as GM, (3) Chrysler.The listed price can be reduced by (4) .（分数：4.00）填空项 1:_ （正确答案：8 MILLION）解析：听力原文 1
39、-4Man: Thomas Auto Company. May I help you?Woman: This is Jane Rice from Parkinson Limited. Im interested in your new line of business. Id like to place an order for auto parts from your company.Man: Sure. Our network of auto parts warehouses have a vast selection of high quality inventory, over eig
40、ht million parts, including auto engine parts, accessories, air conditioning parts, and auto transmission parts. And we also have American auto parts, including all major US manufacturers such as GM. Ford, Chrysler and International car parts including Japanese, German, Korean, Italian and Swiss man
41、ufacturers.Woman: I have seen your updated price list. To be frank with you, your listed prices are not competitive. Id like to hear your latest quotations.Man: OK. Wed like to give our new customers the most reasonable price to start our business relationship for the future.Woman: If you were not r
42、eady to give any reasonable discount. Id rather wait.Man: As for the discount, we can reduce the listed prices by 5%.Woman: OK. Though there is still a gap between your ultimate prices and my expectations. Im willing to sign contracts with you.Man: Thats good. Hope this cooperation will lead to more
43、 in the future. Thanks. Bye.要点 对话中女士提到要订汽车零部件，男士答道：Our network of auto parts warehouses have a vast selection of high quality inventory, over eight million.注意 本题要求考生列出公司商品目录中的汽车零部件数量，考生要清楚分辨。填空项 1:_ （正确答案：AUTO ENGINE）解析：要点 对话中男士首先介绍本公司的经营范围，包括发动机部件、装饰、空调部件及变速器装置。注意 本题要求考生补齐所列产品中的一项，要注意细节。填空项 1:_ （正确
44、答案：FORD）解析：要点 对话中男士列举了公司商品目录上的汽车零部件生产商，包括 GM, FORD, CHRYSLER。注意 本题列举了三家公司的名称，要利用短时记忆快速写下所对应的公司名称。填空项 1:_ （正确答案：5%）解析：要点 对话中女士说道：If you were not ready to give any reasonable discount, Id rather wait. 表示若没有合理折扣，宁愿观望。男士答道：As for the discount, we can reduce the listed prices by 5%.表示可给 95%的折扣。注意 对话中 As
45、for the discount为提示信息，考生要认真留意。十一、Conversation Two(总题数：1，分数：4.00)Message: A Visit RearrangementThe person who is ill: (5) .Visitors: twelve Spain (6) .Meet them at eight thirty at (7) .Show them around the flow shop and (8) .（分数：4.00）填空项 1:_ （正确答案：SANDY）解析：听力原文 5-8Man: Hello. Could I speak to Jack Mo
46、rrison in Human Resources, please?Woman: Im afraid he may not be able to come back until tomorrow. Can I take a message?Man: Yes, please. Could you tell him that Sandy is ill and cannot show the visitors around? And hed better send another one to take care of it.Woman: OK. Ill do that. By the way, w
47、ho are the visitors?Man: Its the line managers, about twelve, from Spain. And hed better make sure meet them at eight thirty at reception.Woman: Anything else?Man: And please manage to show them around the flow shop and assembly line.Woman: I see. Ill tell Jack to rearrange it.Man: Thanks. Besides,
48、if the reception was busy, please meet them at the gate.Woman: I understand.Man: Thanks again.要点 对话中男士问道：Could you tell him that Sandy is ill and can not show the visitors around? 可知原本负责接待但生病的人是 Sandy。注意 对话中男士首先说要与人力资源部的 Jack Morrison讲话，之后才提到 Sandy这一名字，考生要注意分辨。填空项 1:_ （正确答案：LINE MANAGERS）解析：要点 男士在回答女士关于参观人员问题时说道：Its the line managers, about twelve, from Spain.注意 对话中首先提及参观人员身份，接着说到人数，最后是国籍。要留意具体信息。填空项 1:_ （正确答案：RECEPTION）解析：要点 对话中男士说道：And hed better make sure meet them at eight thirty at reception. 即：确保在 8:30在接待处迎接参观人员。注意 对
