Question

Directions: Read the passage carefully. Then answer the questions or complete the statements in the fewest possible words.

Collector’s Corner

People collect a wide variety of things, from the obvious ones like stamps or coins, to the less common ones, such as beer bottles. Some collector’s spend hours looking through junk shops and build a collection for a few pence per object, while other collectors might spend thousands of pounds on antiques, fine china or rare paintings.

Some people collect for money, but most people do it for fun. Collecting is basically illogical. If you simply want to listen to Elvis Presley’s first record, you can get a copy at most record shops. A collector, however, will want to own an original 1955 disc, and will be willing to pay for it.

What makes an item valuable? Rarity(罕见) and conditions are the most important factors. A coin or stamp which is worth hundreds in perfect condition might be worth only pence in average or poor conditions.

What should you collect? Most collectors begin acquiring things which interest them, and as the collection grows, knowledge of the subject grows. If you want your collection to grow in value, it is probably best to avoid things which are sold especially for collectors. Nearly everybody who buys a set of new coins or stamps will keep them in perfect condition, so that the new coins or stamps will never become rare. The most valuable items are often things which were widely available, but which were usually thrown away after use, such as Coca-Cola bottles or toy cars. An interesting collection can be started very cheaply.

(Note: Answering the questions in NO MORE THAN TEN WORDS.)

1.What are the two reasons why people collect things according to the passage?

2.What makes a collection valuable?

3.If you want your collection to grow in value, you’d better collect things which __________.

Answer

1. They do it for money or for fun.

2. Rarity and condition.

3. were widely available, but usually thrown away after use.

【解析】

这是一篇说明文。说明了人们收藏东西的原因主要是处于钱或者乐趣，以及藏品值钱的因素为罕见性和完好性。最后说明了要想藏品增值应该收藏怎么样的物品。

1.根据第二段第二句“Some people collect for money, but most people do it for fun.”可知有些人收集是为了钱，但大多数人是处于乐趣。故人们收集东西的两个主要原因是为了钱或者处于乐趣。故答案为They do it for money or for fun.。

2.根据第三段第二句“What makes an item valuable? Rarity(罕见) and conditions are the most important factors.”可知收藏品值钱的两个因素为罕见性和完好情况。故答案为Rarity and condition.。

3.第四段倒数第二句“The most valuable items are often things which were widely available, but which were usually thrown away after use”可知要想藏品增值，最好去收藏那些随处可见，但往往在使用后就被扔掉了的东西。故答案为were widely available, but usually thrown away after use.。