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1. 1
Preselection tests
Sample test comprising a series of multiple choice questions to test the
candidate’s understanding of a second Community language
Selection of 10 out of 40 questions from Open Competition COM/A/8-12/98
Second language knowledge test (d)
Time proposed: 13 minutes
We suggest that you print the test and do it on paper.

2. 2
Text Two
The time at the end of the 20th
century is being marked by profound changes in the
way work is conducted. These affect how, where and when work is done, how work
is organised, and the content of work. There are also significant changes in the
nature of relationships at work.
There is a growing demand for businesses to be increasingly flexible, with a
loosening of the traditional ties between work and its location. Work is increasingly
being carried out in the home, in hotel rooms, on customers’ premises, and at
centrally-located business centres, as opposed to conventional offices. These
changes are being made possible by improvements in the availability and
affordability of advanced technology. Additionally, it is becoming more feasible for
the hours worked to suit the needs of the individual, rather than being driven by office
hours. Similarly, it is becoming easier to exploit the possibilities of working with
people across national boundaries and time zones. The central part of these changes
is “teleworking”.
The first notions of telework primarily defined it as working at home, in place of
commuting. When it was introduced at that time, it also attracted a certain stigma,
being perceived as essentially an easy or lazy alternative to “real work”. Not only
have these notions altered, but the whole idea of what teleworking is has broadened.
It is now seen as a way of giving the opportunity of employment to people who would
normally have commitments preventing them from undertaking office-based work. It
can thus open up new ways for firms to increase competitiveness, whilst generally
making employees more content with their working life.
Current research suggests that teleworking will grow much faster over the next five
years than it has hitherto, because of the convergence of a number of critical factors.
Firstly, the globalisation of markets and trade makes flexible work approaches and
technology essential. Secondly, the way businesses are organised, with more simple
organisational structures and people working with people from other disciplines,
makes effective communication systems vital. Thirdly, work increasingly centres
around flows of information rather than commodities. Information is perfectly matched
to telework.
Despite these exciting developments, there are some concerns. There is a fear that
telework can cause increased stress for employees. This results from the blurring of
boundaries between home and work, making work a more pervasive feature of life.
Such concerns must be taken into account if the teleworking is to realise its
potential.

3. 3
Questions
15. Which of the following is NOT stated in the text as a change in the way work
takes place?
A Changes in people’s places of work.
B Changes in how wages are paid.
C Changes in how people interact with each other at work.
D Changes in the hours during which work is carried out.
16. I found that new technology has had a _________ effect on the way I
_______
with my colleagues.
A B C D
profound profound profane profane
interact interchange interact interchange
17. “feasible” (in bold)
Which word best replaces this?
A B C D
preferred economical practicable prudent
18. What best summarises paragraph two?
A Employees are demanding that businesses allow them to work at home,
which, thanks to new technology, is much more feasible.
B As technology develops, the focus of work is shifting away from the needs
of the employee towards the needs of the company.
C Major changes to technology in businesses are allowing work to be carried
out in a variety of different places.
D Technology is enabling businesses to become more flexible and to support
the needs of individual workers.
19. As__________ price has become more reasonable, more people have
_______
to consider investing in new technology.
A B C D
its its it’s it’s
began begun began begun
20. “exploit” (in bold)
What best replaces this?
A B C D
Accomplish profit at achieve take advantage of

4. 4
22. Which of the following is NOT stated in the text as an advantage of
teleworking?
A More jobs may be created
B Employees may become more satisfied by their work.
C An organisation’s competitiveness may be enhanced.
D More people may become available for work.
25. According to the text, which of the following statements is true about
teleworking?
A. Teleworking is seen as just another business craze.
B. The growth in the popularity of teleworking has already peaked.
C. Teleworking attracted criticism when it was first introduced.
D. The definition of teleworking has not changed over the years.
26. “account” (in bold)
Which word best replaces this?
A B C D
consideration balance explanation reason
27. Some people _________ that telework can ____________to increase in
stress.
A B C D
believe believe belief belief
cause lead cause lead

5. 5
15-B
16-A
17-C
18-D
19-B
20-D
22-A
25-C
26-A
27-B