《BEC口语题库》word版.docx

BEC口语题库（部分）1.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about leadership.What qualities do you think a good business leader should have, A? (Why?)What do you think, B? (Why?)Do you think everyone can learn to be a leader, B? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)A, do you think a good leader can turn a failing company into a successful one? (Why? Why not?)B, do you think good leaders delegate decision-making to their employees? (Why?/Why not?)2.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about communication skills.Do you think good communication skills are important in business, A? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think, B? (Why?/Why not?)Should companies provide training for all staff in how to communicate effectively, B? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)A, which method of communication do you prefer, face to face or telephone? (Why?)B, do you think the use of email will affect peoples communication skills? (Why?/Why not?)3.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about working hours.How much of your time do you spend working/studying, A? (Why?)What about you, B? (Why?)How important do you think it is for employees to have relaxation time after work, B? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)A, do you think companies should offer their staff flexible hours of work? (Why?/Why not?)B, do you think more people will choose to work part-time in future? (Why?/Why not?)4.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about owning a company.Have you ever thought of having your own company, A? (Why?/Why not?)How about you, B? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think is the biggest difficulty for someone setting up a new company, B? (Why?)What do you think, A? (Why?)A, why do you think family-owned companies can be successful?B, do you think that young people can be successful company owners? (Why?/Why not?)5.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about working as part of a team,Do you prefer working on your own or as a member of a team, A? (Why?)How about you, B? (Why?)Which do you think are more effective, small teams or larger teams, B? (Why?)A, do you think teams always need to have a leader? (Why?/why not?)B, do you think its important for a team to have regular meetings? (Why?/Why not?)6.Now Im going to ask you both some questions about conferences.How useful do you think it is for people in business to attend conferences, A? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think, B? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think makes a conference interesting, B? (Why?)And what do you think, A? (Why?)A, do you think companies should pay for staff to attend conferences? (Why?/Why not?)B, do you think its a good idea to attend conferences in other countries?(Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Choosing new computer equipmentCost of equipmentStaff training requirementsIs it sometimes better to buy second-hand equipment? (Why?/ Why not?)How important is the reputation of the manufacturer? (Why?/ Why not?)B: What is important when.?Preparing a talk for a conferenceKnowing about the target audiencePromoting the companyIs it important to use visual aids? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to prepare notes? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Aiming to export to a new marketMarket researchDistribution methodsHow important is it to consider exchange rates? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider advertising?A: What is important when.?Starting a new jobGetting to know colleaguesUnderstanding the companys businessIs it important to dress smartly? (Why?/Why not?)How important is it to be on time for work? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Aiming to improve an after-sales serviceSpeed of responseStaff expertiseHow important is the cost of the service to the company? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider customer needs? C: What is important when.?Planning a billboard campaign to promote a productLocation of postersAmount of informationIs it important to have attractive pictures? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important how long the campaign lasts? (Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Offering to work on a team projectType of projectLength of projectIs it important who the other team members are? (Why?/Why not?)How important is the salary? (Why?/Why not?) B: What is important when.?Organising a meetingPreparing an agenda in advanceCirculating the minutes of the previous meetingHow important is it to set a time limit for the meeting? (Why?/Why not?) How important is the location of the meeting? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Deciding targets for individual sales staffLast years salesExperience of staffWhy is it important to consider competitors?How important is it to consider possible new markets? (Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Choosing a taxi firm for a company contractReliabilityQuality of driversIs it important to consider payment terms? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to choose the cheapest firm? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Deciding whether to apply for a job in another countryPay and conditionsJob securityAre opportunities for promotion important? (Why? Why not?)Is it important to consider the working hours? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Considering a merger with another companyTheir marketsTheir product rangeHow important is it to consider the different company cultures? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to consider the other companys salary levels? (Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Choosing a location for a new businessLocal workforceTarget customersHow important are transport links? (Why?/Why not?)Is the location of competitors important? (Why? Why not?)B: What is important when.?Producing a sales brochureClear descriptions of productsAttractive picturesHow important is the layout of the brochure? (Why?/Why not?)Is it necessary to include prices in the brochure? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Aiming to improve health and safety proceduresReviewing current proceduresConsulting with staffHow important is staff training? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to consider the cost involved? (Why? Why not?)A: What is important when.?Attending a business social eventMaking new contactsPersonal appearanceIs it necessary to talk about work all the time? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to give out business cards? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Aiming to improve a productCustomer feedbackCompetitors productsHow important is it to consider costs? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to ask staff for their opinions? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Setting an agenda for a meetingSuggestions from colleaguesLength of meetingIs it important to have a written agenda? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to send out the agenda before the meeting? (Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Organising a training sessionEquipment availableLocationHow important is it to consider the amount of space available? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider the cost?B: What is important when.?Deciding to sell goods on the internetSecurity for customersDistribution systemIs important to look at competitors? (Why?/Why not?)How important is the website design? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Negotiating a service contract for office equipmentFrequency of servicingType of servicingWhy is it important to consider the length of the contract?How important is it to consider the cost? (Why?/Why not?)A: What is important when.?Welcoming a client from another countryHospitalityTour of companyIs it important to know about the business culture in the clients country? (Why?/Why not?)Is it useful to speak a few words of the clients language? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Aiming to improve personal efficiencyClear goalsTime managementWhy is it important to have a good filing system?Is it important to keep a list of tasks every day? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Deciding whether to change a product imageMarket researchCost of changeHow important is it to consider competitors products? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider the current sales of the product?A: What is important when.,?Writing a job applicationGiving reasons for applyingSupplying referencesIs it important to type the application? (Why?/Why not?)How important is it to send a photograph? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Dealing with a sudden increase in workloadDeciding prioritiesWorking longer hoursHow important is it to ask for help? (Why?/Why not?)Is it useful to employ temporary staff? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Choosing an accountancy firmReputationCostHow important is the size of the accountancy firm? (Why?/Why not?)How important is the experience of the accountants in the firm? A: What is important when.?Selecting staff for sales positionsCommunication skills AppearanceHow important is it to consider experience? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider motivation?B: What is important when.?Preparing for a negotiation with a customer Getting accurate information Deciding on bargaining pointsHow important is it to establish a good relationship with the customer?. (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to consider where to meet? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Setting up a production plant in another countryCostsLabour supplyHow important is it to consider the regulations in the country? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to consider where your customers are based?A: What is important when.?Deciding whether to provide cars for employeesType of carsMaintenance of carsHow important is it to consider the number of cars required? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to consider which employees need a car for their work? (Why?/Why not?)B: What is important when.?Planning the schedule for a business tripPrioritising tasksDeciding who to meetWhy is the budget for the trip important?Why is it important to check travel arrangements?C: What is important when.?Aiming to improve productivity in a factoryOffering bonuses to staffImproving management systemsHow important is it to consider maintenance of machinery? (Why?/Why not?) Why is it important to consider running staff training courses?A: What is important when.?Helping new employees on their first dayDiscussing responsibilitiesTour of premisesHow important is training on the first day? (Why?/Why not?)Why is it important to introduce new employees to other staff?B: What is important when.?Maintaining customer loyalty Discounts NewslettersHow important is it to have regular meetings with customers? Is it important to respond quickly to customer suggestions? (Why?/Why not?)C: What is important when.?Monitoring company performanceSales figuresShare priceHow important is it to look at staff turnover? (Why?/Why not?)Is it important to consider annual costs?Part IIINow, in this part of the test you are going to discuss something together.Hold the Part 3 booklet open at the task while giving the instructions below.22AYou will have 30 seconds to read this task carefully, and then about three minutes to discuss and decide about it together. You should give reasons for your decisions and opinions. You dont need to write anything. Is that clear?Place the booklet open at task XX in front of the candidates so they can both see it.Candidates begin to read the task for 30 seconds Im just going to listen and then ask you to stop after about three minutes.Please speak so that we can hear you. Candidates begin to discuss for about three minutes Can I have the booklet, please?Select one or more of the following questions as appropriate, to redress any imbalance between candidates in Part 3, or to extend the discussion.22ARecruiting temporary staffThe company you work for is about to inform consumers about a fault with one of its products. It is expected that there will be a lot of enquiries.You have been asked for your ideas on recruiting staff to deal with these enquiries.Discuss the situation together and decide: what kind of people need to be recruited what kind of training they will need22B What do you think is the best way of recruiting temporary staff? (Why?) Do you think faulty products will damage a companys reputation? (Why?/Why not?) Which would you prefer, a replacement for a faulty product or your money back? (Why?) How do you think customers should be informed about faulty products? (Why?) Do you think its useful to make recordings of telephone conversations between staff and customers? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think product quality will become more important in the future? (Why?/Why not?)23AUpdating a Supermarket ChainThe supermarket chain you work for needs to modernise its stores in order to make them more attractive.You have been asked to make recommendations about modernising the companys stores.Discuss the situation together and decide: What kinds of changes the company might want to consider Who the company should ask about possible changes23B What are the main things that make you choose a supermarket? (Why?) Do you think that every company should ask its customers before making changes? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think its useful to hire consultants when making major changes in a company? (Why?/Why not?) How do you think companies can find out if changes have been successful? (Why?) Should companies modernise regularly in order to remain competitive? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think there are some things which companies should never change? (Why?/Why not?)24ATraining ConsultantsThe company you work for is considering whether to use external consultants to run its staff training programmeYou have been asked to make recommendations about using external consultants. Discuss the situation together and decide: How to select a suitable training consultant24B What kinds of business experience do you think a consultant should have? (Why?) What do you think are the disadvantages for a company of using consultants? (Why?) What personal qualities do you think are needed to be a good consultant? (Why?) Why do you think some people are attracted to working as a consultant? Would you like to do consultancy work? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think companies will use consultants more in the future? (Why?/Why not?)25ANight ShiftsThe manufacturing company you work for has difficulties recruiting enough staff to work at night.You have been asked to suggest ways to solve this problem.Discuss the situation together and decide: Whether all staff should be asked to work some night shifts each week How the company could attract new employees to work night shifts25B Do you think that people can work as effectively at night as in the day? (Why?/Why not?) Would you be willing to work night shifts? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think people prefer to have the same working hours each day?(Why?/Why not?) Do you think that staff should expect to have to work extra hours sometimes? (Why?/Why not?) Why do you think companies sometimes limit the number of hours staff can work? Do you think the working conditions are the most important thing about a job? (Why?/Why not?)26AThe New ProductThe food company you work for is developing a new, healthy snack for children.You have been asked to prepare ideas about how to launch the product successfully.Discuss the situation together and decide: How to advertise the new snack Whether to offer a discount for the first few months26B Do you think you are influenced by advertisements for food products?(Why?/Why not?) What do you think is most important to customers when choosing food products? (Why?) Do you think that companies should advertise products to children?(Why?/Why not?) What do you think companies need to consider when advertising a product in several different countries? (Why?) How important do you think it is for companies to consider which shops their products are sold in? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think companies should try to sell their products at the highest possible price? (Why?/Why not?)27ABusiness GrowthYou work for a group of sports and leisure clubs which opened two years ago. The business is growing more slowly than expected.You have been asked to suggest ways of increasing membership of the clubs.Discuss the situation together and decide: What the reasons for the slow growth might be How the clubs should be marketed27B Apart from memberships, what other activities might generate income for the clubs? Should sports clubs ever limit the number of members they have? (Why?/Why not?) What are the advantages to companies of paying for their staff to join sports clubs? How important do you think recommendations from customers are for businesses like sports clubs? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think it can be a problem for a company when it grows too quickly? (why?/Why not?) Do you think that new businesses can predict sales accurately? (Why?/Why not?)28ACustomer discount schemeThe electrical goods manufacturer you work for is planning to introduce a discount scheme on purchases of its products.You have been asked for your recommendations about how the scheme could be organised.Discuss the situation together and decide: Which types of customers should be offered discounts What the discounts should be28B Do you think discounts are a good way to increase sales?(Why?/Why not?) Are you attracted to buying products because of discounts? (Why?/Why not?) Why do you think some companies refuse to give discounts? Do you think its a good idea for small businesses to offer discounts?(Why?/Why not?) Do you think customers should always try to negotiate a discount?(Why?/Why not?) What other ways do you think there are for companies to increase sales? (Why?)29AMeeting a potential supplierThe manufacturing company you work for is considering changing one of its main suppliers.Representatives from your company will visit a potential new supplier before making a decision.You have been asked to advise on their programme.Discuss the situation together and decide: What the representatives from your company should ask to inspect Which matters the representatives should discuss with the supplier.29B Why do you think companies sometimes change suppliers? Do you think companies should choose suppliers which are well known? (Why? /Why not?) Do you think its better for companies to have a single supplier, or more than one? (Why?) Why might a supplier decide to stop doing business with a client? Do you think suppliers should offer discounts to regular customers? (Why?/Why not?) Do you think face-to-face meetings between a supplier and a customer are essential? (Why?/Why not?)30 AImproving the working environmentThe company you work for is considering spending a sum of money on creating a more pleasant workplace for its employees.You have been asked for your views on improving the working environment.Discuss the situation together and decide:What the advantages wo