Question

While the U.S. is still debating about getting rid of the penny, Sweden is rapidly moving towards abolishing currency altogether. Though this may sound radical(过激的), it is a natural evolution in this digital society.

Sweden, which was the first European country to introduce banknotes in 1661, has just been working harder to convince its residents that digital payments are a safer alternative to carrying cash.

Over the years, the idea has gained popularity with residents, especially the younger generation that is much more comfortable with technology. Today many banks don’t even have ATMs and some have stopped handling cash altogether!

Tickets to ride public buses in most Swedish cities can only be purchased via cell phones. Numerous businesses are also moving towards accepting only digital payments. Even the homeless that sell street paper to make ends meet have to start accepting this mode of payment!

But despite its growing popularity, some people don’t like this radical idea. They include the homeless, elderly people as well as those living in rural areas who are still uncomfortable with mobile phones and computers. But the officials are confident that in the very near future, they will be able to convince everyone to move this safe and more cost-effective payment system.

Sweden is not the only country trying to abolish paper currency and coins. The movement is rapidly gaining ground in Denmark and Finland as well. In 2014, Israel announced a three-step plan to go cashless and just last week the vendors(小贩)of a popular street in Sydney declared they would stop accepting currency from customers. Whether this phenomenon spreads remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure—With increasingly advanced payment systems being introduced every day, pulling out cash is rapidly becoming “uncool”.

1.What can we infer from Paragraph 3 and 4?

A. Many banks in Sweden don’t have ATMs.

B. You don’t have to buy tickets when riding buses.

C. People don’t give the homeless money but food.

D. People can just take cell phones when shopping.

2.According to the passage, which information is RIGHT?

A. Sweden was the first country to get the idea to abolish currency.

B. The younger generation is opposed to the measures.

C. Bus fare can only be purchased via cell phones in most Swedish cities.

D. Banks in Sweden have stopped dealing with cash completely.

3.Which of the following can be the best title for the text?

A. An Advanced Country –Sweden

B. A Controversial Government Policy

C. Sweden to Influence the World’s Cash Payment

D. Sweden to Become the World’s First Cashless Society

4.Which of the following categories does this passage belong to?

A. Education.

B. Economy.

C. Travel.

D. Insurance.

Answer

1.D

2.C

3.D

4.B

【解析】本文是类科普文，本文主要讲瑞典等国家开始实行废除货币，开始实行数字支付，数字支付在年轻人之间很受欢迎，但也有一部分人如乞丐，老年人，农村居民等不愿意，但政府表明人们会慢慢接受这一改革。

1.细节理解题，根据文中“Today many banks don’t even have ATMs ”意思是几天很多银行没有自助取款机，但没有特指瑞典，故A错误，根据“Tickets to ride public buses in most Swedish cities can only be purchased via cell phones.”购买车票只能通过手机，但不是说不用买票。故B错误，根据“Even the homeless that sell street paper to make ends meet have to start accepting this mode of payment!”即使是无家可归的卖报人也得接受这一方式，故C错误，故选D。

2.推理判断题，根据Tickets to ride public buses in most Swedish cities can only be purchased via cell phones.意思是购买车票只能通过手机，以及文中大意推测。故选C

3.主旨大意题，文章主要讲废除货币，执行数字支付，以及文章第一句话“While the U.S. is still debating about getting rid of the penny, Sweden is rapidly moving towards abolishing currency altogether.”但美国正在谈论如何摆脱便士，瑞典已经在实行废除货币了，故选D。

4.细节理解题，文章主要讲货币以及纸币的问题，如“paper currency and coins.”涉及的是经济问题，故选B。