C) Read the paragraph below which describes the bar chart. Underline the verbs and say why each tense is used. The bar chart shows that sales of cars rose most significantly in Western Europe where the number almost doubled from about 7.5 million per year in 1970 to nearly 15 million in 1990. More cars were sold in this area than anywhere else.
D) Choose the best alternative from the words in italics. In Japan there was a (1) same/similar trend in that sales (2) doubled/increased two times between 1970 and 1980 from 2.5 to 5 million. However, over the next ten years the number of cars sold (3) remained stable/stayed the same. North America had the (4) tallest/highest sales (5) figures/numbers in 1970 (about 9 million) but there was only (6) a little/slight increase to just over 10 million over the next 20 years.
Task 2. Choose the correct preposition. Labour costs have fallen ___ 22% of total production costs ___ 14% in the last ten years. That's 8%!
There was a dramatic fall in sales to the USA___1997 and 2000.
The company is currently selling 20,000 units ___£23 each.
The growth in sales has led to a rise____30% in profits.
A 10% drop in sales has reduced the profit____ 40%.
During 1999/2000 we increased retail floor space___ 5% ___ a total___ 48,000sq m.
They expect to create 1,450 jobs worldwide ___ the end of next year, at the latest.
Capital investment for the year stands___ £6,000.
Pre-tax profits reached a peak____ $5m two years ago but have been lower since.
Weekly sales have levelled off____£34,000.
Increased efficiency has resulted in a lowering of the break-even point from 2,770 ___ 2,500 units.
The rise in raw material prices is expected to be___3.5% and 4.5% this year.
