TOEIC LR Collection 1 Test 9

Growing Software Company to Move Headquarters Downtown Meridian Software announced this week that it will ___131___ a newly renovated building on Carlton Avenue beginning in March. The firm, currently based in an office park on the city's outskirts, chose the downtown location for its proximity to public transportation and the surrounding business community. ___132___. The larger premises will support the company's continued ___133___ and its plans to add staff over the coming year. The relocation is expected to bring roughly eighty new jobs to the central district, many of them in engineering and customer support. "We wanted to be closer to the talent and the partners we rely on every day," said Alan Pruitt, the company's chief operating officer. The move will give the company room to grow. ___134___, it will strengthen the firm's ties to neighboring downtown businesses.

From: Owen Castellano To: Ms. Fairholme Date: March 14 Subject: Your custom framing order Dear Ms. Fairholme, Thank you for bringing your watercolor to Amberton Framing Studio last week. We were pleased to receive it in perfect condition. Your custom frame is ___135___ underway, and the mounting board has already been cut to size. The molding you selected arrived from our supplier yesterday. Assembly should be finished within a few days. If you would prefer a nonreflective glazing instead, we ___136___ it at no additional charge. This option reduces glare and helps protect the artwork from fading. Please let us know which afternoon next week suits you best for collection. ___137___. Once we hear from you, we will set aside a fitting time. You may also enroll in our order ___138___ program. Doing so lets you receive a short message whenever your project reaches a new stage. We look forward to seeing your finished piece soon. Warm regards, Owen Castellano Amberton Framing Studio

From: Colette Marsh To: Grace Harmon Date: March 12 Subject: An opening in your requested class Dear Ms. Harmon, When you joined our waitlist last month, you asked to be notified the moment a place became available in our popular weekend baking ___139___. I am pleased to confirm that one of our registered participants has withdrawn, so a seat is now yours to claim. During a single three-hour session, you ___140___ two classic desserts alongside our head instructor. Each participant is assigned a private station, and all professional-grade tools and equipment are provided. The registration fee covers your ingredients as well as an illustrated recipe booklet to take home. ___141___. There are no further charges once your place is confirmed. Please reply to this message within three days to secure your seat. We will then finalize your booking, so do feel free to contact ___142___ with any questions in the meantime. Warm regards, Colette Marsh Saffron Lane Cooking Studio

From: Lorraine Beckett To: Samuel Ortega Date: March 6 Subject: Your workshop proposal Dear Dr. Ortega, Your proposal for a hands-on workshop ___143___ by our review committee on March 3. ___144___. With your permission, a brief description of your session will be listed in the conference ___145___ so that attendees can decide which talks to join. ___146___, please review the attached presenter guidelines and confirm the equipment you will need. Each accepted speaker is given a ninety-minute slot, a staffed meeting room, and on-site technical support throughout the day. We would be grateful if you could reply by April 10 to confirm that you are able to present. We look forward to welcoming you to the Northgate Learning Conference. Sincerely, Lorraine Beckett, Program Coordinator

Maple Grove Cooking School: Fall Term Class Schedule Our new term of hands-on group classes begins the week of September 8. Choose from the sessions below and reserve your place early, as spaces are limited. Class First Session Day and Time Level Spaces Left Fee Fresh Pasta Basics September 9 Tuesday, 6:00 P.M. Beginner 4 $45 Weeknight Stir-Fry September 11 Thursday, 6:30 P.M. Beginner 6 $40 Artisan Bread September 13 Saturday, 10:00 A.M. Intermediate 3 $55 Holiday Desserts September 20 Saturday, 2:00 P.M. Intermediate 5 $50 All classes meet in our teaching kitchen at 12 Harrow Lane. To reserve a spot, register on our website or call the front desk. Enrollment must be completed by September 1.

Wexford Fine Jewelry February 18 Dear Ms. Coleman, Because you have previously purchased a piece from Wexford Fine Jewelry, we would like to invite you to our complimentary Cleaning and Inspection Clinic, held to help our customers keep the jewelry they own looking its very best. During your appointment, one of our jewelers will thoroughly clean and polish your item and carefully examine its clasps, prongs, and settings for any early signs of wear. There is no charge for this service. Please note that the clinic will take place only on Saturday, March 8 and Saturday, March 15, and only at our Elmwood Avenue location. To reserve a time, please call our front desk at 555-0142 no later than March 5. Because we are able to offer only a limited number of appointments on each of those days, we recommend contacting us as soon as possible so that we can be sure to reserve a slot for you. We look forward to welcoming you back and to caring for your treasured pieces. Sincerely, Patricia Langley Store Manager, Wexford Fine Jewelry

Morning Shift Coordination Angela Reeves [9:05 A.M.]: Good morning, everyone. Our 10:00 A.M. reservation just called—a friend is dropping them off shortly. Is the compact ready at the counter yet? Derek Molina [9:07 A.M.]: Not yet. It's still being cleaned in bay 3, so the keys aren't out front. Angela Reeves [9:08 A.M.]: How long until it's finished? Derek Molina [9:09 A.M.]: At least twenty more minutes, I'm afraid. It only came back late last night. Yusuf Kaya [9:10 A.M.]: There's an identical model, same class, sitting free in space 5. I already gave it a quick look-over and everything checks out. Derek Molina [9:11 A.M.]: So should I keep washing this one, or should I call the customer about the delay? Angela Reeves [9:12 A.M.]: Yusuf, bring that one up front now.

Cipher Hollow Escape Rooms — Group Session Booking Request Use this form to reserve a private escape-room session for your group. Complete all fields below and submit the form at our front desk. Group or organization name: Number of participants (minimum four per session): Preferred date and time: Contact person and phone number: A deposit is charged only after we confirm your requested slot by email. No payment is collected through this form. To change or cancel a confirmed booking, notify us at least 48 hours in advance. Groups of eight or more receive our standard group rate, and all participants must be at least twelve years old. Note: The person listed as contact person will act as the group's sole point of contact for all messages about this booking.

Visitor Notice — Trail Renewal Work Posted: March 1 Over the coming weeks, sections of Larkmoor Wildlife Park will close in turn while our walking paths are resurfaced. The Woodland Walk will close beginning March 4, the Wetland Trail from March 8, and the Hillside Enclosure from March 12. All trails will be open again by the middle of the month. Visitors holding an annual membership pass who plan to come during these closures should call the office in advance so that we can direct them to a section that remains open. Single-day ticket holders need not contact us, and guided group tours must still be reserved through our Web site one week ahead. Please note that our Spring Wildlife Weekend returns on April 2. Larkmoor Park Office — 555-0148

Hollowell Home Repairs — trusted help for every corner of your house From dripping faucets and sticking doors to cracked tiles, worn fencing, and rooms that need a fresh coat of paint, our experienced team takes on the everyday jobs that homeowners rarely find time to finish. We serve residents throughout the Dunmore area, and each technician arrives fully equipped to complete most work in a single visit. Choose from three service plans built for different needs. The Essentials plan covers up to four small tasks each season, the Household plan adds priority scheduling, and the Full Home plan includes a room-by-room inspection twice a year. Plan members also save on labor for any additional work they request. To celebrate our spring promotion, which begins on April 3, we are offering a free in-home consultation every Saturday. During the visit, one of our technicians will walk through your home and suggest the plan that suits it best. Reserve your appointment before April 24 to lock in this season's rates. Hollowell Home Repairs, 52 Brayton Street. Visit www.hollowellhome.example to request your first visit today.

Tolliver Clock and Watch Workshop Restoring fine mechanical timepieces for collectors and households Tolliver Clock and Watch Workshop specializes in the repair and restoration of mechanical clocks and watches, from pendulum wall clocks and mantel clocks to hand-wound and automatic wristwatches. We have served the district for more than twenty-five years. Restoration of older pieces often requires small parts to be made by hand on site. Please note that we do not service battery or quartz movements, and we do not carry out jewelry or eyeglass repair. Our benches are dedicated entirely to spring-driven mechanisms. Services and turnaround Service Typical turnaround Cleaning and oiling 2 weeks Full movement overhaul 6 weeks Every completed repair carries a full twelve-month guarantee covering both parts and labor. Before you visit All items must be brought to the workshop in person; we cannot accept timepieces sent by mail. We recommend bringing any original winding keys or paperwork, although this is not required. A written estimate is prepared for every item, and work begins only after you approve it. To arrange a repair, telephone the workshop during opening hours. When you call, please tell us the make and movement type of your timepiece so that we can set aside enough time at the bench.

Weekend Sale Planning Members: Gregory Sloane, Vincent Marsh, Deborah Quinn, Carla Bishop Gregory Sloane [9:02 A.M.]: Morning, everyone. Head office just approved our chain-wide weekend sale on running shoes, fitness equipment, and camping gear. Which branches should we include? Vincent Marsh [9:04 A.M.]: Great news. How many of our stores will actually run it? Gregory Sloane [9:05 A.M.]: Of our 40 locations, 28 will host the sale. The other 12 are too small to add the extra floor displays, so they will sit this one out. Deborah Quinn [9:07 A.M.]: That makes sense. When do we launch? Gregory Sloane [9:08 A.M.]: I would like everything ready so we can open the promotion three weeks from Friday. Can each of you be set by then? Vincent Marsh [9:09 A.M.]: That works for me. Carla Bishop [9:10 A.M.]: I already briefed the four sales associates I hired last month, so my store is prepared. Deborah Quinn [9:12 A.M.]: The timing is fine on my end as well. Deborah Quinn [9:13 A.M.]: I will walk my own team through the new display layout tomorrow morning. Gregory Sloane [9:14 A.M.]: Wonderful. Thank you all. Vincent Marsh [9:15 A.M.]: One more question — when do we expect the whole campaign to wrap up? Gregory Sloane [9:16 A.M.]: We plan to roll it out in stages across the participating stores over about four months.

Bramwell Accounting Partners January 14 Dear Valued Client, Thank you for your continued trust in Bramwell Accounting Partners. --[1]--. Over the past year we have looked closely at how our Marbury office can serve you, and we are pleased to report two results. We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Whitcombe as manager of the Marbury office. --[2]--. Mr. Whitcombe joins us from Prescott Financial Services, where he advised the owners of growing companies. A certified public accountant, he brings more than fifteen years of experience to his new position. We are also launching a dedicated advisory service for our small-business clients. --[3]--. Beginning March 1, this service will provide guidance on budgeting, cash flow, and long-term financial planning to any client who operates a registered business. To arrange your first session, please telephone the office or reply directly to this letter. We remain committed to supporting you at every stage of your work. --[4]--. Should you have any questions about either announcement, a member of our staff will be glad to help. Sincerely, Katherine Boyd Managing Partner, Bramwell Accounting Partners

Grace Holloway [9:05 A.M.]: Morning, everyone. We send files to the printer on Friday, so I want a clear picture of where issue 48 stands. Any concerns before then? Miles Barton [9:07 A.M.]: The main interview still needs one more read for accuracy. Could we hold that page a little longer? Grace Holloway [9:09 A.M.]: If you need more time on the interview, I can move it to the back section and run the travel feature up front instead. That buys you until tomorrow afternoon. Iris Feldman [9:12 A.M.]: Works for me. I've already reflowed the two-page spread and placed the new photographs, and the cover is nearly finished. I'm just waiting on a final headline before I lock it. Desmond Park [9:15 A.M.]: One real problem, though. The recipe column arrived without its ingredient list, so nearly half a page is empty. The contributor sent only the cooking steps. Grace Holloway [9:17 A.M.]: That can't go out incomplete. I'll write to the contributor right now and ask for the rest. Miles Barton [9:18 A.M.]: And if nothing comes back by noon, I can draft a short sidebar to fill the space. Grace Holloway [9:20 A.M.]: Perfect. Same routine as every issue. Let's regroup here at three o'clock to confirm every page is placed before the files go out. Thanks, all.

AROUND THE REGION Chess Championship to Return This Autumn Regional association invites players of every level to compete in Riverton By Colin Ashby, Community Affairs Correspondent RIVERTON — September 18 The Selby District Chess Association will hold its annual Selby Open Championship at Riverton Civic Hall this autumn, and organizers say they expect one of the strongest turnouts in years. The event is open to players of every skill level, from schoolchildren trying competitive play for the first time to seasoned club members. For more than a decade the association has served the wider county, and alongside the championship it also runs regular monthly tournaments in the neighboring towns of Hadleigh and Penhurst. "We want this championship to reach every corner of the region, not simply one town," said Malcolm Frost, the association's president. He added that membership has climbed steadily each year and that newcomers are always welcome. Entries close on October 6, and the championship itself is scheduled for Saturday, October 14. The entry fee is fifteen dollars, which covers all rounds and a light lunch. Interested players may sign up in person at the association's office on weekday afternoons or by telephone during the same hours. ---------------------- Strong Field at Selby Open Championship Continuing our coverage of the region's amateur competitions By Teresa Colgan RIVERTON — December 9 The Selby Open Championship was held at Riverton Civic Hall on Saturday, December 6. The contest drew more than 120 players, the largest field it has ever recorded, and spectators filled the hall throughout the day. Organizers reported that every scheduled round finished on time despite the crowded program. In the Open division, Carol Sutton captured first place after a tense final round that lasted well past the afternoon. The junior title went to Simon Hale, a newcomer competing in only his second tournament. Chief judge Raymond Delaney praised the overall standard of play, while association president Malcolm Frost thanked the many volunteers who kept the long day running smoothly. Full standings for every division will be posted at the association's office and on its website by December 20, where players may also find details of next year's calendar.

Community Spotlight By Frances Doyle The Larkmead Community Craft Center is looking for a few extra pairs of hands, and it hopes local hobbyists will answer the call. A Familiar Face Leading the effort is Estelle Monroe, who spent more than fifteen years teaching art at a nearby secondary school before retiring three years ago. Since then she has volunteered at the center every week, and this autumn she takes charge of its expanding beginner workshop program. The classes draw dozens of residents each month, from schoolchildren to retirees, and Monroe says the waiting list keeps growing. Lending a Hand To keep pace, the center needs volunteer assistants who can support newcomers during sessions. Assistants set out materials, answer simple questions, and encourage first-timers who feel unsure. The program is meant to welcome enthusiastic hobbyists rather than trained professionals, and Monroe stresses that a friendly, patient manner matters far more than any formal qualifications. There is one practical condition: because assistants work alongside beginners at the worktable, the center asks that each volunteer already practice at least one craft of their own. Anyone interested can complete a short interest form, available at the front desk or on the center's website. Have a hobby you love to share? Larkmead wants to hear from you. ---------------------- Volunteer Assistant Interest Form Reference: VA-2025 Your details Name: Trevor Nolan Phone: 555-0148 E-mail: t.nolan@example.com Availability (select all that apply): [X] Weekday mornings [ ] Weekday evenings [X] Saturday mornings [ ] Sunday afternoons Which crafts do you practice? I have been quilting and hand-sewing for nearly ten years, mostly at home in the evenings. I still keep a project going on my worktable at all times. Why would you like to volunteer? I am not trained in any formal way, but over the years I have shown several friends and neighbors how to start their first quilt around my kitchen table. I would enjoy doing the same for beginners here, and I have plenty of free time now. Declaration Please note: all volunteers are asked to attend a one-hour orientation session before assisting at their first workshop. By submitting this form, you agree to attend.

To: Daniel Rowe, Birchwood Pantry From: Helen Whitaker, Cranleigh Fine Foods Date: 2 September Subject: Autumn Restock — Birchwood Pantry: seasonal display refresh Dear Mr. Rowe, I am sorry to tell you that I will not be able to visit the shop in person this year to help you arrange the autumn display, as I usually do. I have recently transferred from our Portsea depot to the company head office, and my new duties now keep me at the desk rather than out on the road visiting stockists. To make the setup as easy as possible, I have enclosed a short guide showing how last season's shelves were arranged, together with a few suggested groupings for the products in the new range. It was always a pleasure to work alongside your team, and I am sure the display will look wonderful. Please do call the head office if you would like any further advice. With best wishes, Helen Whitaker Regional Sales Representative, Cranleigh Fine Foods Enclosure: Display setup guide ---------------------- To: Ms. Deakin, Cranleigh Fine Foods From: Daniel Rowe, Birchwood Pantry Date: 5 September Subject: Re: "Autumn Restock — Birchwood Pantry" | Order AR-4471 Dear Ms. Deakin, Thank you for confirming that our autumn order will arrive on the fourteenth. To be ready for it, I have already cleared and cleaned the two front shelves and printed new price labels for the whole range. I understand from Helen's note that the olive oil will not be sent from your warehouse but will instead be shipped directly from Highford Estate. The estate has since confirmed the dispatch to both of us by e-mail. Please let me know as soon as possible if the delivery time changes, so that I can arrange for staff to receive it. Kind regards, Daniel Rowe Owner, Birchwood Pantry Kettleby ---------------------- Cranleigh Fine Foods Head Office: Alderton Autumn Season Trade Range for Stockists Product Sourced from Pack size Trade price Cold-pressed olive oil Highford Estate, Denby valley 6 x 500 ml $54.00 Quince preserve Templeton Orchard, Colwyn 12 x 220 g $38.00 Fig and walnut chutney Templeton Orchard, Colwyn 12 x 200 g $42.00 Wildflower honey Halcombe Apiary, Pennard 8 x 340 g $46.00 Sea-salt crackers In-house, Alderton kitchen 10 x 150 g $30.00 Orders above $200 are delivered free of charge within the delivery region. Smaller orders are subject to a flat delivery charge of $15, added at dispatch. All figures are trade prices for the autumn season and are reviewed again in spring.

Community News By Gordon Pyle The Bramford Historical Society will open its new Local History Center to the public next Saturday, offering residents a permanent home for the town's records, photographs, and everyday objects. The center occupies the former Trescott Flour Mill on Bell Lane, a stone building that stood empty for nearly twenty years before volunteers restored it over two summers. The ground floor holds a reading room and a small exhibit gallery, and the upper floor has been fitted out for workshops and document storage. "A history center is only as rich as the community that fills it," said Ronald Ashworth, the society's director. "I would encourage every household in Bramford to look through their attics and drawers and donate old letters, maps, and family photographs, so that the collection reflects the whole town." Residents who wish to take part may bring items to the center throughout opening week or ask a volunteer about lending materials for copying. To learn more, call the society office at 555-0148. ---------------------- Date: October 3 To: Opening-Week Volunteers From: Cynthia Barlow, Volunteer Coordinator Subject: Duties during our first week Thank you all for signing up to help during the center's first week. Please keep the following points in mind. 1. Arrive fifteen minutes before your session to set out chairs and materials. 2. Direct visitors who bring items for donation to the reading room, where they can complete a short form. 3. The session on caring for old documents may only be led by a volunteer who currently holds an archival preservation certificate, as fragile items will be handled directly. I spent several summers helping to clear the old Trescott Flour Mill before its restoration began, so I know the upper floor well. If you are unsure where anything is kept, please ask me. Cynthia Barlow Volunteer Coordinator ---------------------- Session Focus Facilitator Qualification status Opening Talk Overview of the town's history Ronald Ashworth Not required Caring for Old Documents Techniques for protecting fragile papers and photographs Diane Foskett Certificate expected in spring Mapping Old Streets Reading historic district maps Harold Craven Holds archival preservation certificate Recording Memories Collecting spoken accounts from longtime residents Beatrice Nunn Holds first-aid certificate Qualification status lists the training each facilitator has completed.

To: Furnishings Procurement Panel From: Bernard Osgood Subject: Supplier evaluation for the seasonal textiles line Date: July 14 CC: Regional Buying Office Reference: Project TX-118 Dear panel members, Our review of the two shortlisted mills is nearly finished. Both were measured against our three procurement criteria: dependable delivery schedules, competitive unit pricing, and consistent fabric quality across large orders. Pelham Loom Works offered the lower unit price, but its lead times were longer and quality varied between sample batches. Ashgrove Weaving Co. matched our quality standard on every sample and quoted firm delivery dates, though at a slightly higher rate. For a line we intend to restock throughout the year, I recommend that we partner with Ashgrove Weaving Co. I will circulate the draft contract terms and a delivery timetable next week. Please send me your written approval before then. Bernard Osgood Lead Buyer, Home Textiles Department Direct extension 2245 ---------------------- Havenbrook Home Partners with Ashgrove Weaving Co. for New Textiles Range BRENTON, August 20 — Havenbrook Home announced today that it has selected Ashgrove Weaving Co. as the supplier for its new seasonal textiles range, which will reach all Havenbrook stores this fall. Ashgrove Weaving Co. began as a small family workshop in Marlstead and spent its early years producing woven goods from a rented mill in Kingsford. After steady growth, the company moved its operations to a modern facility in Calverton, where it is based today. To introduce the range, Havenbrook Home will host the Autumn Living Showcase on October 6 at its Brenton flagship store. Visitors can view the full collection and meet the design team, and admission is free. For interviews or images, please contact the Havenbrook Home communications office. ---------------------- Rowanfield Event Services Invoice #4472 Date issued: October 22 Bill to: Havenbrook Home, Brenton Event: Autumn Living Showcase Event date: October 20 Venue: Havenbrook Home flagship store, Brenton Guests served: 140 Description Quantity Unit rate Amount Main hall rental 1 $900 $900 Catering per guest 140 $18 $2,520 Event staff (hours) 20 $25 $500 Audio and display setup 1 $380 $380 Subtotal $4,300 Tax $344 Total due $4,644 Payment is due within 30 days of the issue date.