Read the text. Then choose the correct answer to questions 30-32

d) the West experienced a period of unparalleled economic boom
17. It is emphasized in the passage that rising oil prices in 1974 and 1980 ..............
a) opened the way to ruin of many Western economies
b) had actually very little impact on world economies
c) provided the West with the opportunity of developing alternative fuels
d) was a direct result of the growing inflation in the West
18. It is shown in the passage that the economic recession in the mid-1970 was largely due to the fact that............. .
a) most Western countries ignored their balance of payments policies
b) there was a high rate of unemployment in the West
c) Western economies failed to maintain good industrial relations
d) Western economies were increasingly dependent upon oil imports
Tavi Fabrics is a Portuguese textile and clothing firm which, until recently, employed about 300 workers and had a turnover of 6 million pounds. Now, however, Tavi is facing serious problems. In the last two years its fabric sales have remained steady, but profits have declined sharply. This is because Pakistani and Italian suppliers have been forcing prices down. In the ready-to-wear market, the condition is much worse. Competition is cut-throat. Exporters from 24 low-cost countries are fighting for a share in the European market. Tavi is suffering from this competition. The stores are now bargaining hard over prices, and Tavi has already lost two important orders.
19. The passage shows the case of a textile firm which, ............. .
a) in recent years, has recovered its lost markets by introducing drastic measures
b) on the whole, has been showing a steady improvement in its position
c) owing to fierce international competition, is having 10 struggle to survive
d) quite unfairly, has laid off more than half of its work force
20. We can conclude from the passage that the area which has been hit worst by international competition ............. .
a) is that of fabric sales in which Tavi has made great profits
b) has been textile industries of India and Pakistan
c) is the home market itself in which Tavi wed to be in the lead