Answers

1.  ___________ , I would like to begin by saying that the company profits are up on last year's figures.

A   To begin at Wrong – you can say 'To begin with' but not 'To begin at'
B   First of all Correct – this is one way to start a meeting, speech or presentation
C   And start with Wrong – you can say 'To start with' but not 'And start with'
D   And for starters Wrong – you don't need 'And' here.
 

2.   ___________ about the plans for next month's meeting?

A   Can I hear you Wrong – this is not a way to ask someone a question
B   Can I clarify you Wrong – you can clarify a subject but not a person
C   Can I ask you Correct – the speaker is asking someone to talk about the plans for next month's meeting
D   Can I include you Wrong – you can 'include someone in plans', but you can't 'include someone about plans'
 

3.   ____________ , but I just wanted to clarify a couple of points before continuing.

A   Sorry to hold the meeting up Correct – 'to hold up' means 'to delay'. The speaker is apologising for the interruption – this is a polite way to make a point or ask a question.
B   Sorry to hold the meeting down Wrong – you can't say 'hold a meeting down'
C   Sorry to hold the meeting around Wrong – you can't say 'hold a meeting around'
D   Sorry to hold the meeting along Wrong – you can't say 'hold a meeting along'
 

4.   ___________ that all of the staff members should have an opportunity to give their opinion about the company review.

A   I don't feel very strongly Wrong – this is grammatically correct, but why would someone speak if they didn't feel strongly about something?
B   I am feeling quite strongly Wrong – use the present simple tense for describing your thoughts and feelings
C   I am feeling more strongly Wrong – use the present simple tense for describing your thoughts and feelings
D   I do feel quite strongly Correct – the speaker is saying this to show that he really believes what he is about to say