1. Results from last month _____ all our expectations.

a) rivalled b) exceededc) regained d) recovered

2. Sorry, I didn’t quite _____ that. Could you repeat it?

a) clarify b) mean c) speak d) catch

3. A ____ group is a good way to find out what customers think about your products.

a) promotion b) research c) focus d) questionnaire

4. Talks _____ off today, with both sides still disagreeing.

a) cut b) build c) broke d) ran

5. There are a few _____ benefits to my job such as a company car and membership of the local sports centre.

a) fringe b) perk c) remuneration d) pay

6. I keep going _____ about this problem, but it’s important.

a) out b) up c) in d) on

7. Our website receives about 30,000 _____ per month.

a) hits b) surfs c) browses d) clicks

8. If we’d prepared properly, we _____ the deal.

a) hadn’t lost b) didn’t lose c) wouldn’t have lost d) wouldn’t lose

9. My boss is totally _____ when it comes to mistakes.

a) untolerant b) intolerant c) imtolerant d) mistolerant

10. I hope there’s a good return _____ my investment.

a) for b) with c) on d) in

11. Let’s get straight to the _____ and not waste any more time.

a) point b) item c) debate d) purpose

12. _____ consumer confidence is down, high street stores still report good profits.

a) Moreover b) In spite of c) However d) Although

13. Could you please tell me how many staff _____?

a) do you employ b) you employ c) you do employ d) are you employ

14. I thought it was rather _____ of them not to say they weren’t coming.

a) inconsideration b) considerate c) inconsiderate d) consideration

1.  b) exceeded 2. d) catch 3. b) research4. c) broke 5. a) fringe 6. d) on 7. d) clicks 8. c) wouldn’t have lost 9. b) intolerant10. c) on11. a) point12. d) Although 13. b) you employ14. c) inconsiderate