INTRODUCTION TO

BEC VANTAGE

LENGUA EXTRANJERA II: INGLÉS II

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 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Cambridge BEC Vantage

Cambridge English: Business Certificates are designed to give you practical skills to
help you succeed in English-speaking international business environments.

Cambridge English: Business Vantage, also known as Business English Certificate

(BEC) Vantage, is the second of the three certificates. It is an upper-intermediate level
exam.

It enables you to:

Achieve your ambitions in international business

Gain language skills for real-life business situations
Improve your employment and career prospects
Show clear evidence of your language ability
Take a high-quality test that is fair to everyone
Choose where, when and how you take your exam
Get lots of support to help you achieve success

Cambridge English: Business Vantage is made up of four papers developed to test your
English skills. You can see exactly what is in each paper below.

Paper Content Marks Purpose

(% of
total)
Reading 5 parts 25% Shows you can deal confidently with different types of text,
(1 hour) such as business publications and correspondence.

Writing 2 parts 25% Requires you to be able to produce two different pieces of
(45 minutes) writing, such as letters, reports, proposals and emails.

Listening 3 parts 25% Requires you to be able to follow and understand a range of
(about 40 minutes, spoken materials, such as interviews, discussions and
including transfer time) presentations.

Speaking 3 parts 25% Tests your ability to communicate effectively in face-to-face

(14 minutes per pair of situations. You will take the Speaking test with one or two other
candidates) candidates.

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 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Reading
Reading – Tips
DO

Pay attention to the complete meaning of the sentences in Part 1.

Read the whole text in Part 2 and try to predict what kind of information is missing
from each of the gaps, before working on the extracts.
Look very carefully at the pronouns in the extracts in Part 2. They must refer
correctly to the nouns before and/or after the gaps in the text.
Notice linking words and phrases in Part 2. For example, ‘however’ or ‘but’ must link
two contrasting ideas.
Regularly check your answers in Part 2. If you are finding a question difficult,
perhaps you have already used the correct answer to that question in the wrong place.
Always leave enough time to double-check answers against the text.
Pay attention to the general theme of the paragraphs in Part 3.
Read the text and questions very carefully in Part 3. Remember that the options A–D
in the question may mean something very similar to the text, but not the same.
Read the question or stem very carefully in Part 3. Perhaps all of the options occur
somewhere in the text, but only one of them is correct with that particular question.
Keep vocabulary lists and try to use new vocabulary that you learn. This will be
particularly useful for Part 4.
Look carefully at the sentences in Part 4. Does the word you have chosen usually go
together with a certain preposition or grammatical structure? Does it make a good
collocation with the surrounding words?
Remember that the extra word in Part 5 has to be grammatically wrong and not
just unnecessary.
Write your answer in capital letters in Part 5.

DON'T

Don’t choose an answer just because you find matching words, in Part 1. There are
usually some similarities between sections and you need to make sure that your choice
matches the complete meaning of the question.
Don’t forget that tenses in the Part 2 extracts need to fit logically with those already
present in the text.
Don't choose more than one letter for any of the answers in Parts 1–4.

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 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Here’s a summary of what’s in the exam:

Reading First there are three long Reading The reading skills you need include:
texts: multiple matching, gapped
1 hour paragraphs and multiple choice. •reading for the main idea
•finding specific information and reading
25% of total marks Then there are two shorter Use of for detail
English texts, each with a different •understanding attitude, opinion and the
task, the first requiring you to writer’s purpose
Parts 1–3:
supply missing words, the second •interpreting visual information
Reading looking for mistakes in a •reading for gist, inference and global
component document. meaning
•understanding text structure or
Texts are all business related. following an argument
Parts 4–5: text-
They are adapted from realworld •understanding vocabulary and
based publications and reflect grammar in a short text
Use of English international business practices. •proofreading
tasks You don’t need lots of specialist •working out meaning from context.
knowledge to read them.

The Reading Test has five parts testing various reading skills. Part Four specifically
tests a candidate’s knowledge of vocabulary.

Part Input Task

1 Four texts or one long text Matching sentences with texts

2 450-500 word text Sentence level gap-filling

3 450-500 word text Multiple-choice questions and

completing sentence stems
4 200-300 word text Single word multiple-choice
gap-filling
5 150-200 word text Identifying extra words

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 PART ONE A
Questions 1 – 7 Market awareness of the mobile telephone has exploded and the retailer who specialises
in mobile phones is seeing growth like never before. Admittedly, some customers buy
• Look at the statements below and the comments given on the opposite page by mobile phone
their first mobile phone in the supermarket, but for advice, add-ons and particular
retailers.
services they turn to the specialist. There are a large number of mobile phone retailers and
• Which section (A, B, C or D) does each statement 1 – 7 refer to? I can’t help but feel the market only has room for four players. Undoubtedly, customer
• For each statement 1 – 7, mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet. service is the factor that differentiates operators and I think this year we will probably see
READING SAMPLE PAPER

rationalisation in the sector.

• You will need to use some of these letters more than once.

B
Example:
When I first started in the industry, mobile people come into the market. This will
0 the extent to which mobile phones have changed in size
phones were retailing at a thousand pounds and continue, and while retail dealers’ profits will
A B C D were as large as box files. Now, prices are be affected dramatically, network providers
0
constantly being driven down and handsets are will have to generate more revenue by offering
considerably more compact. There is intense internet provision and data services to the
competition between the network providers, mobile user.
1 the need for retail staff to stay informed about the mobile phones they are selling and every time they lower their tariffs, more

2 the belief that the market will not sustain the present number of mobile phone retailers
C

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3 the use of mobile phones no longer being restricted to a specific group of people Over a few years, prices have dropped sharply and technological advances have meant
products have changed – and are changing. Successful retailers must try to keep on top of
4 the relationship between charges and the number of mobile phone users these developments and invest in the training of employees so they are able to offer impartial
advice to customers. E-commerce is taking off but this won’t necessarily replace traditional
5 a negative view of competing mobile phone retailers retail outlets. In order to stand out, you need innovative ideas on customer service. We don’t
believe in criticising other retailers, but there’s nothing particularly exciting out there at
6 a comparison between change in the mobile phone industry and that in a different sector present.

7 those services available at mobile phone outlets that are not provided by other retailers
D

The mobile phone business is behaving like the but clearly all the main mobile phone retailers
internet industry in take-up and the pace of have succeeded in taking the industry forward.
innovation, and it’s important not to be left Growth has accelerated rapidly and the mobile
behind. We must continue to innovate in telephone has changed from simply being a
delivering the product to the customer. In business tool, to being a means of
terms of service provision, you can draw communication for everyone.
comparisons between us and our closest rival,

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PART TWO Example:

Questions 8 – 12
A B C D E F G
0
• Read the article below about a survey of businesswomen staying in hotels.

• Choose the best sentence from the opposite page to fill each of the gaps. A The hotel staff assumed they should be E Making sure that facilities in guest
• For each gap 8 – 12, mark one letter (A – G) on your Answer Sheet. booked into the same room. bedrooms cater equally for the needs of

• Do not use any letter more than once. male and female guests is one such idea.

• There is an example at the beginning, (0).

B But there is clear evidence that things are F Most of the women, when questioned
slowly improving. further, thought that the reason for this
was that they were female and travelling
C This would enable women to make an alone.
Hotels Failing Businesswomen informed choice about a hotel, and they
Hoteliers should take note because they are facing choose to sit together over a meal, was a further would not be placed in the uncomfortable G This is evident from the results of a
serious criticism! Women account for more than suggestion. Guests in the dining room would then position of having to complain about poor questionnaire distributed to hotel guests by
half of all business travellers, but hotels are not have the opportunity to meet up with others who
service. the Business Travel Association.
doing enough for them. (0) . . . . G . . . . . These show might, for example, be attending the same
that the number of complaints made about the way conference, or have the same business interests.
women guests are treated is increasing. D It is advisable for them to do this during
Wendy Manning, executive manager of the
The Bartonsfield Hotel in London also conducted a Bartonsfield Hotel, agreed with the Business Travel their stay rather than waiting until they
recent survey of UK businesswomen, which Association that hotel star ratings should be check out.
reveals that 70% feel they receive an inferior influenced by the level of service they offer to
service. (8) . . . . . . . The attitude of hotel staff made female business guests. (11) . . . . . . . ‘Our survey

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them feel out of place in public areas; for example, highlighted the unwillingness of many women to
62% chose to eat in their rooms because they were air their views if they are treated badly,’ Wendy
made to feel uncomfortable by staff when dining Manning pointed out.
alone. (9) . . . . . . . Four years ago, for example, a
similar survey had revealed that a significant A group of influential businesswomen recently met
number of women travelling alone and wishing to to discuss the results of the Business Travel
use the hotel restaurant were actually turned away. Association questionnaire. They suggested that
businesswomen should not hesitate to make it
Many of the suggestions for improved services put clear if they have a problem. (12) . . . . . . . Once
forward by the Business Travel Association are clients have gone, it is all too easy for the issue to
relatively simple. (10) . . . . . . . Placing tables in be ignored by hotel managers, and it will also be
restaurants in a way that allows the head waiter to forgotten by the overworked business executives
introduce guests to one another, so they can themselves.

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 PART THREE 13 According to the text, the end of a product’s life cycle is marked by
Questions 13 – 18
A a sharp rise in production costs.
• Read the article below about product life cycles and the questions on the opposite page. B the product becoming outdated.
C an increase in customer complaints.
• For each question 13 – 18, mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet for the answer
D less support from sales management.
you choose.

14 What does the writer say about sales management in the first paragraph?

A Companies should spend more time on their sales planning.

B There are many managers who need to improve their sales performance.
Product Life Cycles and Sales Strategy C Most sales managers fail to recognise which stage a product has reached.
D The sales approach should change with each phase of the product life cycle.
One of the most important concepts in sales compile this information from the records of unit
management and marketing is that of the product life sales.
cycle. This is a historical record of the life of a Unfortunately, unit sales are not the complete story
product, showing the stage in its life the product has as it is unit profit that is the decisive factor, although
reached at a particular time. By identifying the stage this is not always recorded accurately. It is this figure
15 According to the text, a greater sales effort is required for a product when
that a product is in or may be heading towards, that sales management has to monitor, though, to
companies can formulate better marketing plans. All ensure an effective marketing strategy and to A it is particularly innovative.
products have ‘lives’ in as much as they are created, produce effective profits.
B the advertising budget has been cut.
sell with varying profitability over a period of time, At launch, the product is costed accurately on the
and then become obsolete and are replaced or simply basis of production costs plus selling costs. Initially C rival companies start to produce something similar.
no longer produced. A product’s sales position and these remain fairly stable, but, when the product is
D consumer interest switches to a new product category.
profitability can be expected to fluctuate over time proving successful, competitors will bring out their
and so, at each successive stage in the product’s own ‘copy-cat’ products. With a competitor in the
cycle, it is necessary to adopt different tactics. field, the original firm has to respond in order to

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The two main features of the product life cycle are maintain its market position. It can run special sales
16 According to the text, a good marketing strategy must primarily be concerned with
unit sales and unit profit. The unit sales figures promotions, improve deliveries, make more frequent
usually jump on introduction, as a response to heavy sales calls and so on. Often the extra expenditure is
advertising and promotion, as customers buy the not accurately charged to the product and the result is A sales statistics.
product experimentally. This is generally followed that, long before unit sales are noticeably falling, the B product details.
by a levelling off while it is evaluated – the length of unit profit has already fallen.
this period depending on the use to which the product The product life cycle, then, presents a picture of C consumer data.
is put. Then, unit sales rise steadily through the what happened in the product’s ‘lifetime’, so how D profit information.
growth phase to the maturity phase, when the can this be used as an ongoing aid to management
product is widely accepted, and so on to saturation decision-making? Every sales manager has a chart on
level. By this time, competitors will have entered the which the progress of sales is plotted and this can be
market with their own version and, from this point, used as a guide to the stage of development each 17 According to the text, profit levels may fail to correspond to the volume of sales because
the sales team will have to work even harder to win product is currently in. An essential management
all additional sales. Eventually, the product’s sales skill is being able to interpret sales results and draw
decline as better versions enter the market and in the stages as they occur. Deciding where each A the full selling costs have not been taken into account.
competition becomes too strong. stage begins and ends can be a random exercise, B the production costs were not estimated correctly.
In retrospect, most firms know what happened to though usually the stages are based on where the rate
their products from launch to withdrawal. They can of sales growth or decline becomes pronounced. C there are unforeseen problems with distribution.
D there has been a lack of economic stability.

18 What does the writer say about the charts that show sales progress?

A It is a matter of judgement where one sales phase finishes and another begins.
B Managers should review policy when a sharp fall in sales is indicated.
C It is difficult to see how sales charts can provide sufficient guidance to managers.
D Managers should get confirmation of the data they plot on the sales charts.

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PART FOUR
Example:
Questions 19 – 33
A calculate B depend C determine D lean
• Read the advice below about the use of technology in presentations. A B C D
0
• Choose the best word to fill each gap from A, B, C or D on the opposite page.

• For each question 19 – 33, mark one letter (A, B, C or D) on your Answer Sheet.
19 A produce B make C construct D build
• There is an example at the beginning, (0).

20 A behaviour B habit C practice D routine

21 A method B law C rule D course

Guidelines for giving Presentations
22 A focus B define C target D direct
Most presentations today (0) . . . B . . . on the use of some sort of technology, such as a laptop
computer linked to a projector. While this technology can help to (19) ...... presentations better, it
23 A gaining B acquiring C collecting D taking
also has a (20) ...... of getting in the way. As a general (21) ...... , it is better to (22) ...... on the content
of a presentation as a means of (23) ...... your audience’s attention, rather than relying on
sophisticated equipment. 24 A requests B calls C bids D commands

Bear in mind that when an organisation invites (24) ...... for a contract, they may (25) ...... four or five 25 A appoint B programme C schedule D catalogue
presentations from different companies on the same day. Each of these companies will probably be
using the same computer graphics (26) ...... and the same equipment. The chances are the 26 A parcels B packets C bundles D packages
presentations will be similar too.

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27 A formation B design C structure D system
That’s why the content and (27) ...... of what you say are important. Think about what you want to
say and how to say it as clearly as possible. As a first step, you need to (28) ...... the main points you
want to get across. Audiences are easily bored and (29) ...... to remember only the most entertaining, 28 A catalogue B label C mark D identify
exciting or unusual ideas.
29 A point B tend C lead D move

Next create your materials, choosing the images for your presentation carefully. Remember you do
not want to stop your audience from listening to you, nor do you want to (30) ...... them. 30 A disorder B mistake C confuse D complicate

Finally, make all the necessary (31) ...... for the equipment you need. If technology is to be an 31 A appointments B procedures C arrangements D organisations
important (32) ...... of your presentation, make sure you know how to use it (33) ...... and test it out
beforehand. 32 A share B role C function D element

33 A precisely B suitably C properly D accurately

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 PART FIVE
Questions 34 – 45

• Read the article below about a training company.

• In most of the lines 34 – 45 there is one extra word. It is either grammatically incorrect or
does not fit in with the meaning of the text. Some lines, however, are correct.

• If a line is correct, write CORRECT on your Answer Sheet.

• If there is an extra word in the line, write the extra word in CAPITAL LETTERS on your
Answer Sheet.

• The exercise begins with two examples, (0) and (00).

Examples 0 S O
00 C O R R E C T

Tr a i n i n g P r o v i s i o n

0 There is little doubt that training has become so an accepted part of business but it is

9
00 equally true that companies take a much less scientific approach than they should. A

34 recent study suggested us that, while UK organisations spend nearly £10bn a year on

35 training, 37% of them have never evaluated that expenditure in strict terms of business

36 impact. Yet if training activities that are run along the same lines as other business

37 operations, in ways that maximise with opportunities, it becomes easier for training

38 organisations to help companies meet strategic goals. One organisation showing an

39 awareness of what this principle is CT Solutions, a training business that has its own

40 premises in South London. The need for more training has combined it with cutbacks in

41 office accommodation to create plenty of business for those hiring out space, particularly

42 upper-end hotels. But while CT Solutions detected that many organisations were not

43 satisfied with hotels because they do not always provide a good service. CT Solutions is

44 totally dedicated to providing of space for business, mostly for training, but also for

45 conferences and AGMs. Clearly, since the business has been grown in size, it is an

approach that works.

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B E C VA N TA G E
 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Listening – Tips
DO

Read the instructions and task carefully in the time before the first listening, think
about what you are going to hear, and underline key words in the instructions and
questions.
Use the second listening to check, confirm or alter your answers from the first
listening (remember that changing an answer in Part 2 may affect other answers in
the same task).
Remember that spelling should be correct in Part 1 (British or American
spelling).
Concentrate on an in-depth understanding of what is said in Parts 2 and 3.
Remember that the five answers should be different in each task in Part 2.
Answer all the questions – you won't lose marks for wrong answers, and there's a
chance that you'll guess correctly.
Carefully copy your answers in pencil onto the answer sheet during the 10
minutes at the end of the test.
Remember to pay attention to anything that appears after the gap in Part 1
questions.

DON'T

Don't leave any answers blank.

Don't spend too long thinking about a question: leave it until the second listening.
Don't attempt to rephrase unnecessarily what you hear in Part 1.
Don’t repeat information or words that already appear before or after the gap, in
Part 1. For example, if the word ‘days’ is after the gap, don’t write ‘days’ in your
answer.
Don’t forget that you should only choose the option that actually answers the
question in Part 3 – even if an option is true, it may not answer the question that has
been asked.

Part Input Task

1 3 short telephone Gap-filling (words and

conmversations numbers)

2 2 sets of 5short Matching monologues with

monologues topics/places, etc.
Matching monologues with
functions
3 A longer conversation or Multiple choice
monologue (3-4 minutes) comprehension questions

Length: A total of 12 minutes of listening material played twice, plus 10 minutes at the
end to transfer answers to the Answer Sheet.

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 PART ONE Conversation Two
Questions 1 – 12 (Questions 5 – 8)

• You will hear three telephone conversations or messages. • Look at the form below.

• Write one or two words or a number in the numbered spaces on the notes or forms below. • You will hear a man calling a computer supplier.

• You will hear each recording twice.

LISTENING SAMPLE PAPER

HILLS PC SUPPLIES
Conversation One
Customer Services
(Questions 1 – 4)
Telephone Message

• Look at the notes below.

Caller’s name: James Firth
• You will hear a woman telephoning a conference centre office.
Client: Allen and Brown Ltd

Item(s) ordered: (5) ...............................................

NOTES ABOUT SEMINAR
Order no./date: HPC02345 / 12-3-02
Date: 21st February
Notes: order was delivered late by the (6) ...............................................
Title: (1) ................................................................

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and was supplied without (7) ...............................................
Time: 10 am – 4 pm.
Action: call to apologise and discuss (8) ...............................................
Venue: (2) ................................................................

Topic of extra workshop: (3) ................................................................

Amount payable in advance: (4) £................................................................ per person

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Conversation Three PART TWO

(Questions 9 – 12) Questions 13 – 22

• Look at the notes below. Section One

• You will hear a recorded message about a job vacancy. (Questions 13 – 17)

• You will hear five short recordings. Five people are talking about a problem that occurred.

• For each recording, decide what each speaker is talking about.

Position: Manufacturing Administrator
• Write one letter (A – H) next to the number of the recording.

Responsible to: (9) .................................................... • Do not use any letter more than once.

• You will hear the five recordings twice.

Candidates should preferably be qualified in (10) ...................................................
A losing a business card
13 .........................................................
The person appointed will need to be (11) .................................................... in their B taking the wrong equipment
relations with other people. 14 ......................................................... C arriving late for a meeting

D forgetting an address
Salary: (12) .................................................... 15 .........................................................
E misunderstanding a message
16 ......................................................... F missing a presentation

G forgetting to make a phone call

17 .........................................................
H taking the wrong documents

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Section Two
(Questions 18 – 22)

• You will hear another five recordings.

• For each recording, decide what the speaker is doing.

• Write one letter (A – H) next to the number of the recording.

• Do not use any letter more than once.

• You will hear the five recordings twice.

A making a complaint
18 .........................................................
B confirming information

19 ......................................................... C giving instructions

D changing an arrangement
20 .........................................................
E requesting information

21 ......................................................... F making a recommendation

G giving an invitation
22 .........................................................
H requesting advice

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 PART THREE 28 José Martínez left the first company he worked for because it
Questions 23 – 30
A set the staff impossible targets.
• You will hear a radio interview with José Martínez, the Director of Pizza Rapida, a pizza delivery B offered insufficient incentives.
chain in Spain. C provided inadequate support.
• For each question 23 – 30, mark one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer.

• You will hear the recording twice.

29 José Martínez finds that popular sports events

A are good places to advertise his service.

23 José Martínez became successful by
B raise brand awareness through team sponsorship.
C increase public demand for his products.
A taking over a well-known competitor.
B establishing an innovative retail business.
C gaining a reputation for high quality. 30 What does José Martínez plan to do in the future?

A develop a chain of restaurants

24 Before José Martínez set up his pizza delivery service, he
B set up a franchise operation
C expand into the frozen food market
A tested samples on potential clients.
B handed out product questionnaires.
C assessed demand in different areas. You now have 10 minutes to transfer your answers to your Answer Sheet.

13
25 According to José Martínez, the Spanish fast food business

A is different from that of the U.S.

B has slowed slightly in its rate of growth.
C employs an increasing number of women.

26 José Martínez wants his trainee managers to

A develop a competitive attitude.

B try out some of the shop-floor jobs.
C spend some time working abroad.

27 José Martínez believes that at first people invested in Pizza Rapida because they

A were attracted by what the company offered.

B saw that the shares were performing well.
C thought food companies were a safe investment.

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 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Speaking – Tips
DO

Get plenty of speaking practice in small groups, especially on topics that are
likely to be used in the exam.
Listen to native (or good) speakers of English doing similar tasks.
Collect and keep records of words and phrases that are useful for carrying out the
exam tasks.
Ask for clarification if you don't understand the instructions/task.
Speak clearly and loudly enough for the examiners to hear you.
Avoid long silences and frequent pauses.
Listen to your partner and respond appropriately.
Make sure turn-taking is as natural as possible (taking turns to speak and
listening to each other).
Use all the opportunities you’re given in the test to speak, and extend your
responses whenever possible.

DON'T

Don't memorise and practise long answers for Part 1. You only need to give short
answers in this part.
Don’t try to talk much more than your partner or interrupt in an impolite way.
Don't worry about not knowing a word or phrase – explain what you mean using
other words.
Don't worry too much about making mistakes – you don't have to be word perfect.
Don't just respond to what has been said – be prepared to give your own ideas, ask
for your partner’s opinion and develop your partner's ideas and contributions.

Part Format Input Task

1 Examiner talks to Examiner asks Speaking about
each candidate questions yourself.
individually Responding to
questions.
Giving longer
responses
2 Candidate talks to Written prompt Short talk
candidate
3 Candidates discuss Written or visual Completing a
a topic together prompt collaborative task

Length: About 14 minutes.

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 Task Sheet for Candidate A Task Sheet for Candidate B

Task Sheet 1 Task Sheet 2

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…? A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

SPEAKING SAMPLE TASKS

Preparing for a job interview

Selecting applicants for a job

• Studying the job advertisement

• Work Experience
• Finding out about the company
• Personal Qualities
•
•
•
•

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

Choosing a new supplier

Deciding whether to attend a conference

15
• Prices and Discounts
• Venue
• Reputation
• Speakers
•
•
•
•

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

Aiming to improve production quality Developing new products

• Up-to-date equipment • Market Research

• Staff Training • Costs Involved
• •
• •

BEC Vantage – PART TWO BEC Vantage – PART TWO

B E C VA N TA G E
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Foreign Business Trip

Your company is attending a trade fair in a foreign country for the first time.

You have been asked to help with the preparations for the trip.

Discuss the situation together, and decide:

• what travel and accommodation arrangements you will need to make before the trip

• which kinds of business customs in the foreign country it would be useful to know about,
and how to find out about these before the trip
Candidates’ Task Sheet

BEC Vantage - PART THREE

ASSESSMENT OF SPEAKING Discourse Management

This refers to the coherence, extent and relevance of each
candidate’s individual performance. Contributions should be
Candidates are assessed on their own performance and not adequate to deal with the BEC Vantage level tasks. At times,
in relation to each other, according to the following candidates’ utterances may be inappropriate in length.
analytical criteria: Grammar and Vocabulary, Discourse
Management, Pronunciation and Interactive
Communication. These criteria are interpreted at Vantage Pronunciation
level. Assessment is based on performance in the whole test This refers to the candidate’s ability to produce
and is not related to particular parts of the test. comprehensible utterances. At BEC Vantage level, meanings
are conveyed through the appropriate use of stress, rhythm,
Both examiners assess the candidates. The Assessor applies intonation and clear individual sounds, although there may
detailed, analytical scales, and the Interlocutor applies a be occasional difficulty for the listener.
Global Achievement Scale which is based on the analytical
scales.
Interactive Communication
This refers to the candidate’s ability to take an active part in
Grammar and Vocabulary
the development of the discourse. At BEC Vantage level,
This refers to range and accuracy as well as the appropriate candidates should be sensitive to turn-taking and sustain the
use of grammatical and lexical forms. At BEC Vantage level, interaction by initiating and responding appropriately.
a range of grammar and vocabulary is needed to deal with Hesitation may, at times, demand patience of the listener.
the tasks. At this level candidates should be accurate
enough, and use sufficiently appropriate vocabulary, to
convey their intended meanings.

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 Lengua Extranjera II: Inglés II

Writing – Tips
DO

Read the question carefully and underline the important parts.

Make a plan before you start writing.
Write clearly and concisely.
Write so that the examiner can read the answer.
Check that you have included all the content elements.
Add relevant information and ideas of your own in Part 2.
Remember which format to use (email, report, etc.).
Use the correct style or register (e.g. formal/informal).
Use a range of business words and expressions.
Structure your writing with good linkers, such as 'firstly', 'also', 'however',
'moreover', 'nevertheless' and so on.
Write in paragraphs.
Check the question and your work again after you have finished writing.

DON'T

Don't use white correction fluid but do cross out mistakes with a single line.
Don't forget to divide your time appropriately between the two questions.
Remember that Part 1 is marked out of 10 and Part 2 out of 20.
Don't panic if other people in the exam start writing straight away. It’s better to
read the question carefully and plan before you start writing.
Don't copy too many words and phrases from the question paper – try to use your
own words.
Don’t repeat the same words and structures too often.
Don't waste time writing addresses for a letter, as they are not required.

Part Input Task

1 Instructions Writing an e-mail, short
memo or note (40-50
words)
2 Letter, memo or note Writing a letter, short
report or proposal (120-140
words)

Length: 45 minutes.

Universidad de Valladolid
Curso 2015-2016

17
 PART ONE PART TWO

• You are a regional sales manager for an international company. You have been asked to go to a • You work for BusinessSpace plc, a company which rents fully serviced offices to other
meeting at your company’s head office. You cannot go, so somebody else will go in your place. businesses. You have just received the fax below.

• Write an e-mail to Erica Young, who is organising the meeting: • Look at the fax and the other information below, on which you have already made some

• apologising for not being able to go to the meeting handwritten notes.

• explaining why you cannot go • Then, using all your handwritten notes, write a fax in reply to Reinhard Mieter.
WRITING SAMPLE PAPER

• saying who will go. • Write 120 – 140 words.

• Write 40 – 50 words. • Write on the opposite page.

• Write on the opposite page.

ESTATES FAX
RENVER
Erica Young

TO: BusinessSpace
Meeting
FROM: Reinhard Mieter
SUBJECT: Renting Office Space

Further to our discussion last week we have now decided to rent office space from you
for the next twelve months:

Requirements
• one office of 10 m2, two of 15 m2, one of 20 m2 offer 10%

18
• must be on same floor discount for 18-month
• 40 parking spaces booking
Please confirm if this office space is vacant in Central Tower.

four left, different floors,

CENTRAL TOWER (CT) no parking – suggest
Offices currently vacant Size m2 Opera Place
CT 19 10
CT 24 20 OPERA PLACE
CT 53 15 Why choose Opera Place?
mention these
CT 54 15 • 300 parking spaces benefits
• good public transport
OPERA PLACE (OP) connections
Offices currently vacant Size m2 • wonderful views
OP 34 10
OP 39 20
OP 46 10
OP 47 15
OP 48 20
four same floor
OP 49 15

2 4

B E C VA N TA G E