TOEIC® Reading Practice Test 08

Expo-Lite Portable Display Stand — Setup GuideThank you for purchasing the Expo-Lite Portable Display Stand. Before you begin, check that all of the parts shown on the enclosed parts sheet are in the carrying case. 131 any pieces are missing, please contact our customer care team at 1-800-555-0143 before attempting to assemble the stand. First, unfold the aluminum frame and lock each of the four hinges into place. Next, attach the printed fabric panel 132 it firmly against the hook-and-loop strips that run along the top and side bars. Then slide the two lighting arms into the slots at the top of the frame. The lights 133 by the rechargeable battery pack included with the stand, so no electrical outlet is needed at your event. The entire stand can be set up by one person in less than ten minutes. 134

Dear Ms. Suzuki, Thank you for choosing Threadworks Tailoring for your custom suit. I am writing to let you know that the charcoal wool fabric you selected is 135 out of stock at our supplier in Leeds. The supplier expects to receive a new shipment in about three weeks. 136 , your suit would be ready for collection on 20 June instead of 1 June as originally planned. If this delay is inconvenient, we would be happy to make your suit from a similar fabric produced by another mill. 137 Each of them has the same weight and finish as your original choice, and there would be no change in price. Please let me know which option you 138 by Friday so that we can proceed with your order. Best regards, Liam O’Connell Threadworks Tailoring

Notice to All Tenants of the Wexford Business TowerPlease be advised that both passenger elevators in the Wexford Business Tower will be out of service from 7:00 A.M. on Saturday, 8 June, until 6:00 P.M. on Sunday, 9 June. During this time, technicians 139 new digital control systems in both elevator cars. The upgrade will reduce waiting times and make the elevators more energy efficient. We understand that this work may cause some 140 for tenants who plan to work in the building over the weekend. The stairways will remain open at all times, and the freight elevator at the rear of the building will remain 141 for tenants who need to move heavy equipment or deliveries. 142 Thank you for your patience while we improve the building’s facilities. — Wexford Property Management

Beginning Monday, 10 February, all visitors to the Halvorsen Pharmaceuticals research campus must be 143 by an employee at all times. Visitors will also be required to sign in at the main reception desk and to wear a visitor badge 144 their stay. Badges must be returned to reception when visitors leave the campus. These measures are being introduced to protect the confidential research data stored in our laboratories. 145 Similar procedures have already been adopted at our production site in Rotterdam, and contractors who work on campus regularly will be issued long-term passes. If you are expecting a guest, please notify reception at least one working day in advance so that a badge can be prepared. 146 you have any questions about the new procedures, contact the Facilities Office at extension 4410.

Diego Ramírez 9:12 A.M.: Hi Aisha, I’m at the Lakeview Convention Center setting up our booth. The banners haven’t turned up. Aisha Rahman 9:14 A.M.: That’s strange. The print shop promised they’d be delivered straight to the loading dock this morning. Diego Ramírez 9:15 A.M.: I asked the dock manager. Nothing has come in under our company name. Aisha Rahman 9:17 A.M.: Let me call the print shop now. Aisha Rahman 9:26 A.M.: OK, their driver is stuck in traffic on the ring road. He should be with you by 10:30. Diego Ramírez 9:27 A.M.: The doors open to the public at 11:00. Aisha Rahman 9:28 A.M.: I know it’s tight. Could you get the tables and product samples arranged in the meantime? Diego Ramírez 9:29 A.M.: Already on it.

Dear Ms. Lindqvist, Thank you for supporting the Aldermoor Museum of Art as a member for the past three years. Your annual membership will expire on 30 April. Renewing is easy: simply complete the enclosed form and return it in the prepaid envelope, or renew online at www.aldermoorart.org/members. This year, members who renew before 31 March will also receive two complimentary guest passes, which may be used to bring friends or family to any of our regular exhibitions. As always, members enjoy free admission, a 10 percent discount at the museum shop and café, and invitations to preview evenings for new exhibitions. Our spring preview, for “Light and Water: Nordic Painters 1880–1920,” will take place on 14 May. We hope to continue welcoming you to the museum in the year ahead. Sincerely, Martin Oyelaran Membership Coordinator

Quillsoft Launches ShiftMate Scheduling AppTORONTO (2 September) — Quillsoft Inc. today announced the launch of ShiftMate, a scheduling application designed for restaurants, retail stores, and other small businesses with hourly staff. ShiftMate allows managers to build weekly schedules in minutes and lets employees exchange shifts with coworkers directly from their phones, subject to a manager’s approval. “Small business owners told us they were spending up to six hours a week on staff schedules,” said Quillsoft CEO Daniel Hoffmann. “ShiftMate reduces that time dramatically.” The app was tested for eight months by more than 300 businesses across Canada before its public release. ShiftMate is free for teams of up to ten employees; larger teams pay $3 per employee per month. It is available now for both major mobile platforms, and a desktop version is planned for early next year.

Norvik Components — Plant 2 Maintenance RequestForm Norvik Components — Plant 2 Maintenance Request Field Details Submitted by Tomás Herrera, Line Supervisor Date / Time Tuesday, 14 October, 8:40 A.M. Location Assembly Line 3, Station B Equipment Conveyor belt motor Priority High Description of problem The motor has been making a loud grinding noise since the start of the morning shift and has stopped twice for about five minutes each time. Output on Line 3 is down by roughly half. Please send a technician before the evening shift begins at 6:00 P.M. Until then, four operators from Line 3 have been reassigned to Line 4. Assigned to Kenji Watanabe, Maintenance Department Status Replacement parts ordered — expected Thursday

Old Town Food Walk, Lisbon ★★★★☆My colleagues and I booked this three-hour tour on the last evening of a week-long business trip, and it turned out to be the highlight of our stay. Our guide, Rui, met us at the fountain in Praça da Figueira at exactly 6:00 P.M. and led us to six family-run establishments, where we sampled everything from grilled sardines to custard tarts. Rui clearly knew the owners personally, and his stories about the history of each neighborhood made the walks between stops go by quickly. My only complaint concerns the booking information. The company’s Web site stated that drinks were included, but at two of the stops we had to pay for our own beverages. When I e-mailed the company afterward, a representative apologized and explained that the site had not been updated since the tour changed its menu. She offered me a 20 percent discount on a future tour, which was a kind gesture, although I am not sure when I will next be in Lisbon. A word of advice: wear comfortable shoes, as some of the streets are steep and cobbled. I would recommend this tour to anyone visiting the city.

Skyreach Air to Expand Regional NetworkPERTH (18 August) — Skyreach Air, a regional carrier based in Perth, will add four new routes to its network beginning in November, the airline announced on Monday. The new services will connect Perth with Geraldton, Esperance, Broome, and Kalgoorlie, towns that until now have been served mainly by small charter operators. To operate the routes, Skyreach has leased three turboprop aircraft, each seating 72 passengers. The airline is also hiring 40 new staff members, including pilots, cabin crew, and ground personnel. According to chief executive Olivia Brennan, most of the new ground staff will work at the regional airports rather than in Perth. “Residents of these communities have been asking for affordable, scheduled flights for years,” Ms. Brennan said. “Many of them travel to Perth regularly for business meetings, university classes, and family visits.” Introductory fares start at $129 one way and will go on sale on the airline’s Web site on 1 September. Flights to Broome will run daily, while the other three routes will operate four times a week.

Marlowe & Finch — Autumn Style EventSAVE 25% on any one full-priced item* Valid at all Marlowe & Finch stores from 1 to 15 October. Present this coupon at the register, or enter code AUTUMN25 at checkout on marloweandfinch.com. BONUS: Spend $150 or more in a single purchase during the event and receive a free canvas tote bag while supplies last. Not a Style Club member yet? Join for free in store and enjoy complimentary alterations on all clothing purchases, plus early access to our winter collection. *Excludes sale items, gift cards, and designer footwear. Limit one coupon per customer per transaction. Cannot be combined with any other offer.

Mei Lin Zhou 2:03 P.M.: Quick update on the Harborview retreat for Fenwick Logistics. The client just told me they’ll have 85 attendees, not 60. Samuel Adeyemi 2:04 P.M.: That’s a big jump. The Tern Room at the Harborview seats 70 at most. Clara Novak 2:05 P.M.: The Osprey Hall is free that weekend — I checked the venue calendar this morning. It holds 120. Mei Lin Zhou 2:06 P.M.: Is the price very different? Clara Novak 2:08 P.M.: It’s about $900 more for the two days, but the rate includes a projector and sound system. We were going to rent those separately for around $600. Rajesh Iyer 2:09 P.M.: So the real difference is only about $300. I’d say that’s a no-brainer. Mei Lin Zhou 2:10 P.M.: Agreed. I’ll need the client’s approval first, though, since it goes over the budget we quoted them. Samuel Adeyemi 2:11 P.M.: What about lunches? The catering order was for 60 people. Rajesh Iyer 2:12 P.M.: I’ll call Bayleaf Catering and find out whether they can serve 85 with the same menu. Mei Lin Zhou 2:13 P.M.: Thanks, Rajesh. Clara, could you put a hold on the Osprey Hall until Friday? Clara Novak 2:14 P.M.: Will do.

Notice to Riverside Business Park TenantsBeginning Monday, 6 October, the east parking structure at Riverside Business Park will undergo resurfacing work. [1] The project will be carried out in three phases, and only one level will be closed at a time so that most parking spaces remain available. Phase 1 (6–10 October): Level 1 closed. Phase 2 (13–24 October): Level 2 closed. Phase 3 (27 October–31 October): Rooftop level closed. During Phase 3, any vehicle left on the rooftop overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense. [2] Tenants who normally park on a closed level may use the west parking structure at no additional charge. [3] Please display your Riverside parking permit on your dashboard so that security staff can identify your vehicle. Contractors will work from 7:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. on weekdays. Some noise is to be expected, particularly in Building C, which is closest to the east structure. [4] Questions may be directed to the property management office at 555-0187 or parking@riversidebp.com.

Harbor Point Coworking — Your Office by the WaterTired of working from your kitchen table? [1] Harbor Point Coworking offers bright, fully furnished workspaces in the restored Customs House on Wharf Street, just a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Choose the plan that suits you: Flex Desk ($180/month) — use any open desk, Monday to Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. Dedicated Desk ($320/month) — your own desk and locking cabinet, with 24-hour access. Private Office (from $950/month) — lockable offices for teams of two to six people. [2] All plans include high-speed Internet, printing, and unlimited coffee and tea. Members may also book one of our two meeting rooms, each seating up to twelve people, for $25 per hour. [3] Flex Desk members receive three hours of free meeting-room time every month. Sign up before 31 January and pay only half price for your first month. [4] Visit harborpointcowork.com or stop by for a free one-day trial pass.

Dear Dr. Haidari, Thank you again for agreeing to speak at this year’s International Pharmaceutical Packaging Forum in Vienna. Your session, “Reducing Plastic in Blister Packs,” is scheduled for Thursday, 22 May, at 10:30 A.M. in Hall B. Each speaker is allotted 40 minutes, including 10 minutes for questions from the audience. As agreed, the Forum will cover your accommodation for the nights of 21 and 22 May at the Hotel Lindenhof, a short walk from the conference center. Speakers are responsible for booking their own flights; however, we will reimburse economy-class airfare of up to €400 upon receipt of your ticket invoice. Please send your presentation slides to me by 12 May so that our technical team can load them onto the computer in the hall. If you require any additional equipment, let me know as soon as possible. Finally, all speakers are warmly invited to the opening reception, which will be held at the conference center on the evening of 21 May from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Please tell me by 12 May whether you plan to attend. Best regards, Jonas Becker Speaker Coordinator

Dear Mr. Becker, Thank you for the details. I have booked my flights and attached the invoice; the round-trip economy fare came to €465. I understand that the Forum’s contribution is limited. I have one request. My colleague Tobias Lund, who led the laboratory testing described in my presentation, will also be attending the Forum. Would it be possible for him to join me on stage for the question period? He can answer technical questions far better than I can. He has already registered as a regular attendee, so he has his own conference pass. In addition, I plan to show a short video clip during my talk, so I will need speakers connected to the hall computer. My slides will reach you before your deadline. Unfortunately, because of a prior commitment, I will not be able to arrive in Vienna until the evening before my session. I am afraid I will probably miss most of the opening reception as a result, but I would be glad to join if my flight lands on time. Kind regards, Farida Haidari

Blue Fjord Boat Tours — BergenSee Norway’s spectacular coastline from the water! All tours depart from Pier 7 at Bryggen Harbor. Our experienced guides provide commentary in English, Norwegian, and German, and each boat carries a maximum of 60 passengers.

Hello, I am organizing an outing for our company’s sales team, which will be in Bergen for our annual regional sales meeting later this month. There will be twelve of us, all adults. We would like to take a tour on Saturday, 26 July. We have a dinner reservation at 18:30 that evening, so we must be back at the harbor by 17:00 at the latest. A meal on board would be ideal, as it would save us from having to find a restaurant during the day. One of our colleagues does not eat fish, so please let me know whether other meal options are available. Our hotel is near the fish market, so we can easily walk to the pier. Could you please confirm availability and the total price? Also, several team members are worried about getting cold out on the water. Should they bring extra clothing? Finally, if the weather is poor on the day, we would prefer to be moved to another tour rather than receive a refund. Thank you, Anjali Menon Karsvik Software AS

The second-quarter planning meeting will be held on Wednesday, 19 March, from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. in Conference Room 4. Please note that this is a change from our usual location, as the boardroom is being repainted that week. Coffee and tea will be available in the room from 8:45 A.M. Each department head should be prepared to give a brief update on first-quarter results. In addition, Paulo Mendes from our Singapore facility will join us by video call to discuss the new packaging line that will be installed there in May. Because of the time difference, his presentation has been placed in the first slot after the break. He will also answer questions about the equipment suppliers chosen for the project. The draft agenda is attached. If you would like to add or change an item, please contact my assistant, Yara Haddad, by 14 March. Department heads who cannot attend in person should arrange for a deputy to present their department’s information. Lunch will be served in the staff dining room immediately after the meeting. Please also let Yara know by 14 March if you have any dietary requirements.

Q2 Planning Meeting — Draft Agenda (Wednesday, 19 March, Conference Room 4)Agenda · Text 2 of 3 Q2 Planning Meeting — Draft Agenda (Wednesday, 19 March, Conference Room 4) Time Item Presenter 9:00–9:15 Welcome and overview Helena Sørensen 9:15–10:00 Q1 results by department Department heads 10:00–10:30 Supplier contract renewals Ibrahim Kaya, Purchasing 10:30–10:45 Break — 10:45–11:15 Singapore packaging line Paulo Mendes (video call) 11:15–11:45 Workplace safety training plan Grace Adjei, Human Resources 11:45–12:00 Questions and closing remarks Helena Sørensen Each department head will have about five minutes for his or her Q1 update. Presenters who wish to show slides should send them to Yara Haddad by 17 March.

Hi Yara, I have just learned that I need to be at our supplier’s plant in Gdańsk on 19 March to sign the final contracts, so I will not be able to attend the planning meeting. My deputy, Lena Fischer, has agreed to present the contract renewals in my place. Lena has worked on these negotiations with me since January, so she is fully familiar with the details, and I will send her my notes and the latest supplier figures by Friday. Could you please update the presenter’s name on the agenda? Lena also pointed out that the contract discussion may need more than the 30 minutes currently scheduled, since two of our largest suppliers have proposed significant price increases. Would you ask Ms. Sørensen whether the item could be extended, perhaps by shortening the closing remarks? I will be back in the office on Monday, 24 March, if she would like to discuss the contracts with me directly. Thanks, Ibrahim

Express Trains Coming to NorthlineWESTBRIDGE (4 August) — Commuters on the Northline rail route will soon have a faster option. Beginning Monday, 1 September, Westbridge Regional Transit (WRT) will introduce express trains that stop only at Harlow, Fenton Park, and Central Station, cutting the journey from Harlow to the city center from 58 minutes to 41. The express trains will run during the morning and evening rush hours on weekdays only. Regular trains, which stop at all eleven stations on the line, will continue to operate throughout the day. WRT spokesperson Chidi Okonkwo said the change responds to rapid population growth in Harlow, where several large housing developments have been completed over the past two years. “Passenger numbers at Harlow station have doubled since 2023,” he said. Tickets for express trains will cost the same as those for regular service. In addition, WRT will launch a new monthly pass priced at $140, allowing unlimited travel on both express and regular trains. Riders who buy the pass before 1 September will receive a 10 percent discount. The express service is the first stage of a larger upgrade of the Northline. WRT also plans to expand the car park at Harlow station by 150 spaces by the end of the year and to lengthen the platforms at Fenton Park by 2027 so that longer trains can be used.

Hello, I live in Harlow and work in an office near Central Station. My workday begins at 8:15 A.M. At the moment, I take the 6:55 regular train, which gets me there on time but means getting up very early. I was delighted to read about the new express service in the newspaper, and several of my neighbors are also planning to switch to it. I have two questions. First, will I be allowed to bring my folding bicycle on express trains, as I currently do on regular trains? Second, I bought a regular monthly ticket on 1 August that is valid until the end of this month. If I purchase the new pass for September today, will I still receive the discount? Thank you, Rosa Villanueva

Northline Express — Weekday Morning Timetable (from 1 September)Evening express trains depart Central Station for Harlow at 5:10, 5:40, 6:10, and 6:40 P.M. Express trains do not stop at Millbrook, Ashford Road, or any other intermediate station. Tickets and monthly passes can be purchased from station ticket machines or through the WRT mobile app. Times are subject to change; please check wrt-transit.com for the latest information.

Brightpath Professional Learning — Autumn Workshop SeriesBrightpath’s one-day workshops help working professionals build practical skills quickly. All workshops run from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. at our training center at 220 Quarry Road, Auckland, and the fee includes lunch and all course materials. All Brightpath instructors are experienced professionals who continue to work in their fields, and class sizes are limited to 16 participants so that everyone receives individual attention. Each participant receives a certificate of completion at the end of the day. Our center is a ten-minute walk from Britomart Station, and free parking is available behind the building. Workshops often fill up quickly, so early registration is recommended.

Brightpath Workshop RegistrationForm · Text 2 of 3 Brightpath Workshop Registration Field Entry Name Siosaia Taufa Company Pacifica Freight Ltd. Job title Operations Coordinator E-mail staufa@pacificafreight.co.nz Phone 09 555 0162 Workshop(s) Project Management Essentials; Introduction to Web Analytics Total fee $442.00 Payment method Company credit card Dietary requirements Vegetarian How did you hear about us? Recommended by a colleague Date submitted 28 March

Dear Mr. Taufa, I am writing about your upcoming workshop. Unfortunately, the instructor for Project Management Essentials, Kai Robertson, has been called away on urgent business, so we have had to move the workshop to Saturday, 3 May. The time and location will remain the same. Mr. Robertson sends his apologies and is looking forward to meeting the group on the new date. If the new date is not convenient, you may transfer to our Writing for Business workshop instead, or receive a full refund of the fee for that workshop, even though it is now less than ten days before the original date. No additional payment would be required for the transfer. Please let me know your choice by 25 April. Your request for vegetarian meals has been noted and will apply on whichever date you attend. We look forward to seeing you. As a reminder, please bring the required equipment to your second workshop on 24 May. Kind regards, Emma Whitfield Registration Coordinator