TOEIC Part 7 — Reading Comprehension
Week 4 · Single Passage — News Article
Talk'n'Chat English School
Target: 4 minutes
Articles: Main claim is in the first paragraph. Evidence and examples follow. 'What does the article suggest/imply?' requires inference — the answer will NOT be a direct quote from the text.
⏱ Start time: _______ End time: _______
Questions 1–5 refer to the following article.
LOCAL BUSINESSES REPORT STRONG RECOVERY IN THIRD QUARTER
Businesses across the Westfield district reported a significant improvement in trading conditions during the third quarter of this year, according to the latest survey by the Westfield Chamber of Commerce. The survey, gathering responses from over three hundred businesses, found that nearly two-thirds of respondents recorded higher revenue compared to the same period last year.
The hospitality and retail sectors led the recovery, with restaurant owners and shop managers citing increased foot traffic and consumer confidence as the main drivers of growth. Several business owners noted that recent improvements to the district's public transport links had made it more convenient for customers to visit, contributing to the upswing in sales.
Not all sectors shared in the good news. Professional services firms, including accounting and legal practices, reported more modest gains, with several indicating that demand had yet to return to pre-2022 levels. IT services companies reported mixed results, with some benefiting from increased corporate spending on technology upgrades while others struggled to recruit qualified staff.
Chamber of Commerce President Diane Waller expressed optimism about the outlook for the final quarter. "The momentum we have seen this quarter is encouraging," she said. "With the holiday season approaching, we are hopeful that consumer spending will continue to support local businesses." The Chamber plans to release a full year-end report in January.
Question 1
What is the main finding of the Chamber of Commerce survey?
(A) All businesses recorded higher profits(B) Nearly two-thirds of businesses saw higher revenue(C) The hospitality sector outperformed all others(D) Consumer confidence declined in the third quarter
Question 2
What contributed to growth in the hospitality and retail sectors?
(A) Lower operating costs(B) Government financial support(C) Improved public transport links(D) New marketing campaigns
Question 3
What challenge did some IT services companies face?
(A) Reduced demand for technology(B) Difficulty recruiting qualified staff(C) Competition from overseas firms(D) Higher equipment costs
Question 4
What does Diane Waller suggest about the final quarter?
(A) She expects conditions to worsen(B) She anticipates consumer spending will remain strong(C) She warns businesses to cut costs(D) She predicts the hospitality sector will decline
Question 5
When will the Chamber release its next report?
(A) In October(B) At the end of this quarter(C) In January(D) In March
Q1 (B) — Main finding — 'nearly two-thirds of respondents recorded higher revenue compared to the same period last year.'
Q2 (C) — Specific detail — 'recent improvements to the district's public transport links had made it more convenient for customers to visit.'
Q3 (B) — Specific detail — 'others struggled to recruit qualified staff to meet demand.'
Q4 (B) — Inference from quote — 'we are hopeful that consumer spending will continue to support local businesses.'
Q5 (C) — Specific detail — 'The Chamber plans to release a full year-end report in January.'