Sometimes the questions come before the reading passage and sometimes they come after it, but it makes no difference to what you do - survey the text, analyse the questions, return to the text.  Allow yourself no more than seven minutes.

Answer these questions about the purpose of the paragraphs in this text.

Hi-tech connections

Paragraph A
Over the past fifteen years, information technology (IT) has become an essential part of the managerial vocabulary of a great many businesses.Today, however, telecommunications is rapidly becoming as important as the computer industry.  This can be attributed to the liberalisation of world markets, which has created an explosion in the development and availability of advanced communications services.

Paragraph B
In many instances, communications systems are being used to enable companies to implement new strategies. One such strategy is the move towards more globalised business.  Obviously, setting up an office overseas is not simply a matter of identifying potential markets. Logistics, such as establishing links for the vital flows of information between a company's head office and its overseas subsidiaries and suppliers, are equally important.  Not surprisingly, sophisticated communications systems play a fundamental role in connecting business operations.

Paragraph C
One such system is the Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), which enables companies to send and receive high speed data, fax transmillions and ordinary voice calls, as well as images for video-conferences, over international digital telephone networks.  The network also enables businesses to offer their services on a worldwide scale.  One such offering is the new International Dealerlink.  This is a voice-only, private circuit service jointly offered by BT and France Telecom. It can meet the special communications needs of the finance community by providing a fast and cost-effective link between the two financial centres.  The service also opened between the UK and The Netherlands at the end of January.

Now complete the sentence and answer the questions.