Question

A. (1)In many companies, an invisible barrier still keeps women from reaching the executive suite. (2)What are the reasons for this barrier? (3)Researchers have found that most women tend not to be in the “pipeline” that leads to the top—marketing, sales, and production—positions related to the corporate bottom line. (4)Instead, women are more likely to be working in human resources or public relations. (5)Some say the reason women aren’t in the “pipeline” positions is the male corporate culture. (6)Men, who dominate the executive suite, tend to stereotype potential leaders as people who look like themselves. (7)They also stereotype women as better at providing “support.” (8)Another fundamental reason for the barrier to women’s entering the executive suite is that most women—even those who are in pipeline positions—lack mentors, successful executives who will take an interest in them and teach them the ropes.

A2. Which statement best expresses the main idea of the selection?

a. Women are more likely to be working in human resources and public relations than in marketing, sales, and production.

b. Some say that women aren’t in the “pipeline” positions because of the male corporate culture.

c. There are two main reasons that keep women from reaching the executive suite.

d. The barrier that keeps women from reaching the executive suite is invisible.

Answer 1

Answer A20 The statement that best expresses the main idea of the selection is

b) Some say that women aren't in the "pipeline" positions because of the male corporate culture.