Advertising actually has a dual(双重的)function:to sell,as well as to inform.If you stop to think of it,advertisements(ads)provide information of almost everything in our household and immediate environment,from shampoo to fuel for cars.An obvious purpose is to inform consumers of new products and services as well as to remind them of established ones.Performance,price,value for money,quality and reliability are some of the main features mentioned in ads.
Yet there is another important side of advertising that should not be forgotten:choice.A number of ads for different brands of the same product,e.g.toothpaste,shampoo or washing powder allow the consumer to choose.Choice is an important part of buying.
In this busy day and age,there is little time for comparison shopping.To determine which product is the best to buy,and at the most competitive price,consumers these days rely on advertising in its various forms.This saves time and energy and makes shopping easier.
Few can deny that ads benefit the consumer since they encourage healthy competition.When companies compete for the consumer’s dollar,this is good for the purchaser of the product or service.Advertising tends to increase competition since it informs consumers of what is available.One company’s offer will be either matched or bettered by another company in its advertising.
It was unheard of ten years ago to buy products directly using a personal computer,but it has become a matter of course for some people to browse(浏览)the Internet,surf until they find an e commerce site and then select the product.Marketing products has been almost turned upside down by new ways of selling and buying.More than at any time in history,the choice of goods is unlimited.The whole world is a customer’s marketplace.For busy people like you and me,advertisements actually do us a favor.
41.What the writer of this passage wants to tell us most is that―――――――――.
A.advertisements benefit busy people in many ways
B advertisements encourage more business competitions
C advertisements provide main features of new products
D selling and informing are two functions of advertising
42.Which is least discussed in the passage as, one of the important sides of advertising?
A.To inform consumers of new products and services.
B To provide consumers with chances to choose.
C To increase healthy competition of companies.
D To change the way of selling and buying.
43.The “comparison shopping” refers to the behavior of .
A.comparing and buying a product at the lowest price
B.comparing and deciding which is the best to buy
C.relying on advertising and simplifying shopping
D.buying a product at the least competitive price
44.Healthy competition benefits consumers because―――――――――.
A it helps companies to compete for the market
B.it gets companies to improve their services
C.it provides them with the best products and services
D.it gives them many chances to choose their products
You may read the questions first.
HOW TO BOOK Booking opens for Beckett Shorts on 8 September. BY TELEPHONE For credit card bookings. Calls are answered. BOX OFFICE 01789 295623 9a.m.-8.p.m.(Mon.-Sat.) 0541 541051(24hours,7days, no booking charge). BY FAX For credit card bookings. Please allow at least 48 hours for reply, if required. BOX OFFICE 01789 261974 or 01862 387765 BY POST Please enclose(附上) a cheque or credit card details together with an SAE or add 50p to the total amount to cover postage. Please send to the Box Office,RST,Stratford-upon-Avon,CV376BB. Booking opens for all other plays on19 September. IN PERSON BOX OFFICE RST hall, 9:30a.m.-8p.m.(Mon.-Sat.) (6p.m.when theatres are closed). OVER SEAS BOOKING The easiest method of payment is by credit card. You can also pay by: Euro cheque (up to£500) you're your card number written on the back. PAYING FOR YOUR TICKETS CREDIT CARDS We accept Visa, Master Card, American Express and Diners Club. Please give the card number, name and address of card holder. CHEQUES Cheques and postal orders should be payable to: Royal Shakespeare Theatre. |
69. In which of the following ways of booking does one probably have to pay extra money?
A. In person. B. By telephone. C. By fax. D. By post.
70. One has to wait for 2 days or longer for a reply if he/she pays______.
A. in person B. by telephone C. by fax D. by post
71. What is a useful number to call at 11 a.m. Sunday?
A.01789 295623 B.0541 541051
C.01789 261174 D.01862 387665