Question

The tough economy is bringing new shoppers to the secondhand market.Plato's Closet in Charlotte,NC is a private company,which mainly buys and sells used clothes.While Charlotte has outstanding secondhand stores offering high-end and graceful brands for women,most of their stock applies to adults.Plato's closet targets teens and those in their 20s.

Plato's Closet,with stores in Matthews and the university area,sells clothes and accessories（装饰品）that are currently popular at about one third the retail（零售）prices.

The two hottest brands,for buying and selling,are Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch.Even though the offerings tend to be suitable for young people,there are a variety of shoppers at Plato's Closet of varying ages.Women in their 30s,40s,and older could easily find a purse,jacket or piece of jewelry they like.

If you are selling

Unlike higher-end resale stores which usually work on consignment（寄售）,Plato's Closet buys on the spot.

Items can be gently used,but must be in very good condition.

Clothes should be less than two years old and styles should be the same as those still being sold at the shopping center.

There is no negotiation;prices are set company-wide.If what you sell amounts to $30 or less,they'll give you cash.More than that,you'll get a Visa cash card.

Secondhand success

Don't get discouraged if you can't find something on your first trip.Resale shops are always getting new lists of goods and change their styles with each season.

Be sure to check each piece carefully before buying.

Price comparison

Jackets: New York & Company black blazer,$12; retail: $37.

Pants: Express Editor-style pants,$12; retail: $69.90.

Shoes: Nine West black peep-toe pumps,$12; retail: $89.

Jewelry: Necklaces,$3-$5; retail: $18-$30.

1.Plato's Closet is different from other secondhand stores in that      .

A. its offerings are more expensive

B. its target customers are young people

C. its stock mainly applies to female adults

D. it only offers high-end brands for women

2.If you want to sell something at Plato's Closet,you      .

A. are surely paid by cash    B. can bargain with buyers

C. should sell on consignment    D. should make sure it's in good condition

3.If you buy a pair of Express Editor-style pants in Plato's Closet,you can save      .

A. 57.9 dollars    B. 15 dollars

C. 77 dollars    D. 25 dollars.

Answer

1.B

2.D

3.A

【解析】因为经济下滑，一些出售二手产品的商店变得更受欢迎，本文介绍了Plato's Closet的一些细节情况。本文特别注重对细节题的考查，4题都是细节题，提醒考生在以后的阅读中狠抓细节的理解。

1.细节理解题。根据第一段第四行most of their stock applies to adults. Plato's Closet targets teens and those in their 20s.说明大部分这样的商店都针对成年人，而Plato's Closet更多是针对年轻人和20多岁的人。故选B。

2.细节理解题。根据“Items can be gently used,but must be in very good condition.”可知，如果你想要出售一些东西，你必须使它性况良好。故选D。

3.细节理解题。根据文章倒数第三行Express Editor-style pants, $12; retail: $69.90.可知零售价格为$69.90而在Plato’s Closet中价格为$12;故可以节省57.9 dollars。故选A。