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Intermediate Reading
Quarterly Sales Report 2
Read the text and then choose the best answer for each question.
Quarterly Sales Report: Q3
In the third quarter, our company saw a 12% increase in overall sales compared to the previous quarter, driven primarily by the strong performance of our new product line. The EcoSmart series, which includes energy-efficient appliances, accounted for nearly 40% of total sales. This surge in demand can be attributed to increased consumer interest in environmentally friendly products and a well-executed marketing campaign.
Despite this positive growth, there were some challenges. Sales in the North American region grew by only 5%, which is below the expected 10% target. This shortfall was due to logistical delays and stock shortages in key areas. We are currently working to resolve these issues by expanding our supply chain network and improving inventory management.
In contrast, the European and Asia-Pacific regions performed above expectations. Europe saw a 15% sales increase, while Asia-Pacific experienced a 20% jump, largely due to rising consumer demand and successful partnerships with local distributors.
Looking ahead to Q4, we plan to continue expanding the EcoSmart series by introducing additional products that meet the growing demand for sustainable solutions. We also aim to address the logistical issues in North America to ensure smoother operations and improved delivery times.
Overall, the outlook for the next quarter is optimistic, with strong growth expected in most regions and the potential for recovery in North America once supply chain problems are resolved.
1. Which best explains the main success in Q3?
a) marketing campaigns were successful in all regions
b) sales of eco-friendly products performed strongly
c) the company reduced production costs significantly
2. What was the difference between the target and actual sales growth in North America?
a) 10 percentage points
b) 15 percentage points
c) 5 percentage points
3. Which regions showed the strongest improvement in Q3?
a) North America followed by Europe
b) Asia-Pacific followed by Europe
c) Europe followed by North America
4. What TWO main factors contributed to the success in the Asia-Pacific region?
a) consumer demand and successful partnerships
b) marketing campaigns and lower prices
c) improved logistics and new product launches
5. Based on the report, what appears to be the company's main competitive advantage?
a) its strong presence in North America
b) its low production costs
c) its environmentally friendly product range
6. How is the company planning to solve its North American challenges?
a) by improving both supply chain networks and inventory management
b) by reducing prices and increasing marketing
c) by launching more products in the region
7. What percentage of total company growth came from non-EcoSmart products?
a) 40%
b) 60%
c) 70%
8. Looking at the trends described, which market seems most important for the company's future growth?
a) the North American market
b) the sustainable products market
c) the luxury appliance market
