Passage 1

The US dollar value of Chinese exports increased at an average rate of almost 18 per cent (per annum) between 1978 and 1983, while imports increased by (approximately) 11 per cent per annum. As a result, the visible trade surplus rose sharply from US $1.4 billion in 1981 to US $4.4 billion in 1982 and US$3.7 billion in 1983. Exports grew much faster than imports during this period not only because of the strong emphasis placed on exporting by China’s economic planners, but also because a number of industrial projects were postponed in 1979. Official recognition that foreign technology could play a major role in modernising the Chinese economy had caused imports to rise by more than 50 per cent in 1978 placing undue strain on the national economy. Grain imports have fallen sharply over the past few years—China became (a net grain exporter ) in 1984—and in 1983 the country started to export soyabeans and cotton.

36、What do “per annum” and “approximately” mean?

37、Why did the more than 50% rise in imports of 1978 place undue strain onChina’s national economy?

38、What is “a net grain exporter”? Does it mean one who has never done any import?

Yet in its current dour mood, Europe risks almost overlooking the revolutionary step forward it has taken in creating the world’s largest and wealthiest barrier-free market—and on a continent where, for centuries, economic battles have led to some of history’s bloodiest wars. Moreover, a failure to reinforce the single market by pushing forward with European integration could lead to an unraveling of what the internal market program has achieved, some observers say.

分值分配Yet in its current dour mood(1分),

Europe risks almost overlooking the revolutionary step forward it has taken (2分)

in creating the world’s largest and wealthiest barrier-free market(1分)

—and on a continent where, for centuries, economic battles have led to some of history’s bloodiest wars(3分).

Moreover, a failure to reinforce the single market(1分)

by pushing forward with European integration (1分)

could lead to an unraveling of (1分)

what the internal market program has achieved(1分),

some observers say(1分).

If you want to buy a BMR product in France, you may go to the pharmacies.

It can be inferred that US laws for selling health products are stricter than the corresponding laws in Europe.

The brand name of this product for muscular therapy is BMR Teoranta in Irish.

Passage 2

Donegal is located in the windswept wilderness. It might seem an odd place to find one of Europe’s most dynamic companies. But a small assembly unit making a muscular stimulation product for leisure and healthcare is blazing a trail. BMR Teoranta—the company title in Irish—has quietly established a market for itself, making products for muscular therapy and body toning using the brand name Slendertone which it bought in 1989.Mr. Kevin McDonnell, the chairman, chief executive and owner of 95 per cent of the company, is a little vague about the source of his success. Part of it, he says, must be the strong work ethic in the area. He points out that half his employees are from Galswegian families with their Scottish attitudes of thrift and industry. Mr. McDonnell bought the company for $300,000 and BMR sales are now growing at around 50-60 per cent a year.The medical products business, where growth is less dramatic, but margins are attractive, is seen as the source of the company’s future earnings. In the US alone, the market for muscular stimulation products has jumped from $88m to more than $200m this year.Many BMR products are not available over the counter but through catalogues. The company is looking at special advertising on video shopping channels. In the US companies like BMR are prohibited from selling medical products over the counter. In Europe this situation is slightly different. BMR, for example, is starting to sell its consumer range in Carrefour superstores in France and its range is available in pharmacies. However, under a European Union ruling similar to US laws, companies that sell such products will have to reequip their factories to meet new health standards. “I know it sounds a bit smart, but our products have always been seen as industry standard,” says Mr. Kevin McDonnell.The company spends ￡1,000,000 a year on research and development, quite a large sum for a company of its size.

A big company would normally set its manufacturing site in a more prosperousarea than Donegal.

Mr. McDonnell attributed the success of his company to his management and industry.

Having more than one supplier might bring lower price but searching for them might be time-consuming.

According to the passage, there exist different opinions whether or not a purchasing company should use more or fewer suppliers for large orders.

A “clear” supplying firm must initially give the purchaser its specifications clearly and in exact technical detail.

Supplying firms with rich experience, good equipment and staff expertise can only be found in specialist magazines.