PROGRESS TEST

Business English – Upper-intermediate Level

BEIRA GÁS 2015/2016

Name:________________________________________________________________________

A. Read the following text about personality and decision-making. Which personality type
1. thinks it's important to be on time?________________________________

2. enjoys an argument?____________________________________________

3. finds it hard to concentrate on one thing at once?_____________________

4. is more interested in the future than the past?________________________

TEXT: Are you an extrovert or an introvert?

Extroverts are often outgoing and enthusiastic. They are good with people and enjoy a public role. They
prefer to do lots of things at once and can be easily distracted. They're talkers rather than listeners and can
be impulsive.

Introverts are often self-contained and reserved. They can be very focused when working on tasks and prefer
to focus on one thing at a time. They are good listeners, they think before they act and prefer to be behind
the scenes.

Are you a sensor or an intuitive?

Sensors are often sensible and pragmatic. They are good at understanding details and remembering facts
and specifics. They are reliable and methodical and work at a steady pace. They trust their own experience
and use established skills.

Intuitives are often energetic and creative. They like to focus on the big picture and on future possibilities.
They like things that are new and different and prefer to learn new skills. They are thoughtful when making
decisions and trust their instincts.

Are you a thinker or a feeler?

Thinkers usually take a rational approach to decision-making and prefer to remain detached. They are
honest and direct, valuing fairness. They can be ambitious and critical. They take few things personally and
like arguing and debating issues for fun.

Feelers are often instinctive in their decisions rather than relying on facts or reasons. Tactful and
diplomatic, they avoid arguments and take many things personally. They appear warm and friendly, like to
be appreciated and are good at complimenting others.

Are you a judger or a perceiver?

Judgers often make decisions easily and quickly. They appreciate plans, rules and schedules and are usually
punctual. They are determined, keep to their deadlines and like to complete projects. They are serious and
conventional, and like decisiveness in others.

Perceivers are often indecisive; they like to be flexible and to keep their options open. Being
unconventional, they dislike rules and deadlines. They like to start projects and prefer to play now and
work later.
B. Choose five of the adjectives in italics and explain what kind of people you like to work with and why?
___________________________________________________________________________________
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C. Match the adjectives from the list to the descriptions.

methodical outgoing creative tactful impulsive

pragmatic detached conventional

1 He loves socializing and meeting people. That’s what makes him a good marketing manager.
_____________
2 We need someone who takes a practical and realistic attitude to any kind of task. __________
3 The reason for her success is that as soon as she hears a good idea she takes action - she doesn’t
wait to hear what the problems might be. __________
4 If you work in design you need to be a person who likes to come up with original ideas._________
5 I like a traditional approach to decision-making. _________
6 The CEO is diplomatic and good at talking to people about difficult matters. __________
7 He’s good at staying out of office politics and doesn’t get involved. __________
8 Our accounts manager does things step by step. As a result, she never makes mistakes!________

D. Complete the missing words in this meeting extract.

A. L__________at the facts. They’re here in black and w___________. We are

overspending.
B. W__________you say is right, but there are some good reasons. We’ve had to invest in
more advertising and marketing in order to grow.
A. Yes, but that was budgeted for last year. What I m__________ is we’ve spent money on
unplanned items. A c____________ example is this list of expenses. I’m n___________
convinced that all these are necessary. Look at this restaurant bill for over $200!
B. Exactly. But that is a marketing cost. Clients have to be taken out.
A. In other w__________, you’re saying our staff should go to the most expensive
restaurants they can find.
B. Obviously I think it would be c__________for an employee on a business trip to only
choose expensive places on their own. But with clients it’s important.
A Jens, what’s your p__________on this?
C As f__________as I’m concerned, until we set clear limits and give our staff written
guidelines on travel expenses, we’ll always have this discussion ...
B ... but the drawback is that every trip is different. It’s hard to say there’s one rule for
every type of expense.
A. Hang o__________ Let’s hear what Jens has to say.
C. In my o__________ we need to define what they can and
can’t do.
A. Good idea. Let’s draw up some a__________ points
E. Grammar Topic
Choose the correct answer from the words in italics.
1 I need many / more time to make a decision.
2 She's managed to get a / some job with an insurance company.
3 There is very little / are very few information about this on the website.
4 I had too much / too many emails to reply to before the end of the day.
5 I think there are very little / very few people who understand the theory fully.
6 I'm sure we can find you a / some suitable accommodation.
7 Let me give you a little / a few advice about negotiating with that company.
8 Would you like morning paper / a morning paper delivered with your breakfast?

F. Listening

Listen to four people talking about decision-making. Which personality type best applies to
each speaker. Circle the correct choice.

Speaker 1: Extrovert or introvert

Speaker 2: Sensor or Intuitive

Speaker 3: Thinker or feeler

Speaker 4: Judger or perceiver

Teacher: Paulo Abrantes