Some people will do just about anything to save money. And I am one of them. Take my family’s last vacation. It was my six-year-old son’s winter break form school, and we were heading home from Fort Lauderdale after a weeklong trip. The flight was overbooked, and Delta, the airline, offered us $400 per person in credits to give up our seats and leave the next day. I had meetings in New York,So I had to get back. But that didn't mean my husband and my son couldn't stay. I took my nine-month-old and took off for home.
The next day, my husband and son were offered more credits to take an even later flight. Yes, I encouraged—okay, ordered—them to wait it out at the airport, to "earn" more Delta Dollars. Our total take: $1,600. Not bad, huh?
Now some people may think I'm a bad mother and not such a great wife either. But as a big-time bargain hunter, I know the value of a dollar. And these days, a good deal is something few of us can afford to pass up.
I've made living looking for the best deals and exposing (揭露) the worst tricks. I have been the consumer reporter of NBC's Today show for over a decade. I have written a couple of books including one titled Tricks of the Trade: A Consumer Survival Guide. And I really do what I believe in.
I tell you this because there is no shame in getting your money’s worth. I’m also tightfisted when it comes to shoes, clothes for my children, and expensive restaurants. But I wouldn't hesitate to spend on a good haircut. It keeps its shape longer, and it's the first thing people notice. And I will also spend on a classic piece of furniture. Quality lasts.
1.Why did Delta give the author's family credits?
A. They took a later flight.
B. They had early bookings.
C. Their flight had been delayed.
D. Their flight had been cancelled.
2.What can we learn about the author?
A. She rarely misses a good deal.
B. She seldom makes a compromise.
C. She is very strict with her children.
D. She is interested in cheap products.
3.What does the author do?
A. She's a teacher.
B. She's a housewife.
C. She's a media person.
D. She's a businesswoman.
4.What does the author want to tell us?
A. How to expose bad tricks.
B. How to reserve airline seats.
C. How to spend money wisely.
D. How to make a business deal.
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项(A、B、C和D)中,选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
In 2012, I had just recovered form a serious illness when I received an invitation to a writer's conference in Orlando, Florida. My family persuaded me that a(n) might be just what the doctor ordered, so off I .
Arriving in the Sunshine State was rather tiring, but I to catch a taxi to my and settle in. Next morning, I took another to the shopping centre to buy a few souvenirs. I went to a cafe to have lunch, but all the tables were . Then I heard a friendly voice saying, "You can my table."
I gratefully sat down with the lady and we had a happy lunch together. As the drew to a close she asked how long I would be in Orlando. I had already told her that I hadn't a car, and hadn't realised how taking taxis would be, After a while she said, "My dear, don't use any more taxis. I'm retired and it would be my pleasure to you wherever you wish." I told her that I couldn't put her to that ,but she brushed aside my protests (反对)。She asked me where I was and next morning she was waiting at my apartment at the time to take me to Disney World. She spent some time with me before leaving me to alone. At the end of the day, she to take me back to my accommodation. I her money but she refused to take any.
I'll never forget that wonderful lady who, through her , filled my brief holiday in Florida with wonderful memories.
1.A. holiday B. ceremony C. operation D. experiment
2.A. kept B. went C. dropped D. knocked
3.A. intended B. promised C. managed D. deserved
4.A. hospital B. company C. university D. accommodation
5.A. colleague B. passenger C. suitcase D. taxi
6.A. Instead B. First C. Later D. Once
7.A. classified B. occupied C. decorated D. painted
8.A. share B. reserve C. set D. possess
9.A. old B. poor C. innocent D. stubborn
10.A. journey B. meal C. speech D. interview
11.A. donated B. repaired C. hired D. guided
12.A. convenient B. worthwhile C. unfortunate D. expensive
13.A. inspire B. entertain C. call D. drive
14.A. business B. argument C. trouble D. challenge
15.A. working B. staying C. moving D. shopping
16.A. appointed B. limited C. favourite D. regular
17.A. digest B. explore C. perform D. calculate
18.A. forgot B. refused C. returned D. preferred
19.A. sent B. lent C. offered D. owed
20.A. confidence B. dignity C. curiosity D. kindness
— How about dinner tonight? It's on me.
— ______ .
A. You are welcome B. Oh, I'd like to
C. Well, I'm afraid so D. That's all right
She ______ someone, so I nodded to her and went away.
A. phoned B. had phoned
C. was phoning D. has phoned
I'll be out for some time. ______ anything important happens, call me up immediately.
A. In case B. As if
C. Even though D. Now that
— I hope to take the computer course.
— Good idea. ____ more about it, visit this website.
A. To find out B. Finding out
C. To be finding out D. Having found out