Question

    In recent years, China has witnessed the growth of luxury (奢侈品) brands. In this market, Chinese consumers are now the largest spenders. It’s clear that a new generation of young, materialistic people is increasingly relying on luxury brands to improve its self-image.

I am a fashionist too, at least in spirit---I love to look at clothes and shoes. But I don’t understand why people spend lots of money on designer labels.

When a young woman buys a handbag that costs two months of her salary, that’s a scary thing.

What’s interesting is that scientists have found that having luxury things doesn’t lead to happiness.

Study after study has shown that although we want material things, when we get them we don’t suddenly become “happy” people. In fact, a series of studies by Leaf Van Boven at the University of Colorado, US, has shown that individuals who spend money on travel and similar experiences get more pleasure than those who invest it in material things. That’s because experiences are more easily combined with a person’s identity. If I travel to Yunnan, that adventure affects how I think in the future. My memories become a part of me.

Moreover, as Van Boven has observed, young people who pursue happiness through “things” are liked less by their peers. People prefer those who pursue happiness through experiences.

It’s natural to want to express yourself through your appearance. So my advice is: create a look that isn’t tied to a designer label. Convey your own message. Take some lessons from the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He was always in Levis jeans and a black turtleneck. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, routinely appears in hoodies and sneakers. These people, successful people, have style. You don’t have to break the bank to send a message about who you are.

Take a trip. Go out into the world. Then come back and confidently create your own signature look.

1.What can we infer from the first three paragraphs?

A. The author enjoys buying luxury brands herself.

B. The author agrees to spend money on material things.

C. The author is critical of youths tying their looks to designer labels.

D. The author finds it natural for fashionists to follow fashion trends.

2.Leaf Van Boven’s studies showed that ______.

A. traveling changes a person’s identity greatly

B. people dislike those who love luxuries

C. experiences can bring people more happiness than luxuries

D. luxuries have a negative effect on people’s happiness

3.What is the author’s advice on expressing oneself?

A. Be selective about designer labels.

B. Create your own personal unique style.

C. Choose styles that are simple and comfortable.

D. Try styles like Mark Zuckerberg’s.

4.The main purpose of the article is to ______.

A. persuade readers to invest in experiences instead of luxuries

B. prove how luxury leads to an unpleasant life

C. tell how to express yourself through appearances

D. report on a series of studies about luxuries and happiness

Answer

1.C

2.C

3.B

4.A

【解析】

青年人越来越依赖奢侈品来提升个人形象。这是很可怕的事情。我们应该出去旅行，去世界各地看一看，多体验多经历，自信来自于眼界。

1.推理判断题。根据前三段的内容得知青年人越来越依赖奢侈品来提升个人形象。这是很可怕的事情。故选C。

2.推理判断题。根据In fact, a series of studies by Leaf Van Boven at the University of Colorado, US, has shown that individuals who spend money on travel and similar experiences get more pleasure than those who invest it in material things.得知Leaf Van Boven研究表明旅行和相似经历比奢侈品更能给人带来更多快乐。故选C。

3.推理判断题。根据It’s natural to want to express yourself through your appearance. So my advice is: create a look that isn’t tied to a designer label. These people, successful people, have style.得知作者建议我们创造独特唯一的风格。故选B。

4.推理判断题。根据In fact, a series of studies by Leaf Van Boven at the University of Colorado, US, has shown that individuals who spend money on travel and similar experiences get more pleasure than those who invest it in material things得知作者通过Leaf Van Boven研究劝告公众不要依赖奢侈品而要通过经历来提升个人形象。故选A。