1 . Years ago, I bought a blouse. That same day, I considered putting it on, but for no particular reason decided not to. That weekend, I again considered wearing the blouse, but the occasion didn’t seem special enough, so again, I passed. Fast forward to today. I have never worn that blouse.
What happened here? Why do people own so many unused possessions, treating them as though they are too special to use? To find out, I ran an experiment in which participants imagined buying a bottle of wine. We had half of the participants imagine considering opening it one night, but deciding not to. Then when we measured how special the wine seemed, and participants intentions to open it later we found that those who had imagined holding off on opening it were in fact less likely to intend to open it later. When asked the reason, most assumed they were waiting for a future occasion to open it a more special occasion.
Why do people fall into this mental trap? Prior research points to a recipe for what psychologists term “specialness spirals”. When you give up using something, if you believe that you are waiting to use it, the possession will start to feel more special. And as you search for the right occasion day after day it becomes more tempting (吸引人的) to hold out for a future occasion. The less you use it, though, the more special it feels, and the cycle continues. Ultimately, the likelihood (可能性) of using the possession becomes rarer and rarer. The more this happens, the more stuff you have lying around.
How can you fight specialness spirals? Try committing in advance to using an item on a specific occasion. When buying a dress, tell yourself you’ll wear it this weekend. Or when purchasing a candle, plan to light it that day. This strategy encourages you to actually enjoy your possessions.
1. Why has the author’s blouse sat unworn for many years?| A．She forgot where it was put. | B．She soon grew to dislike it. |
| C．She had no other clothes to match it. | D．She failed to find a right occasion to wear it. |
| A．Discuss how to deal with the wine. | B．List reasons for drinking the wine. |
| C．Decide whether to drink the wine. | D．Evaluate the quality of the wine. |
| A．They result from an optimistic attitude to the future. |
| B．They help explain the psychology of delayed rewards. |
| C．They can attract people into shopping traps. |
| D．They can lead to a collection of unused stuff. |
| A．To describe a purchase experience. | B．To explain a psychological phenomenon. |
| C．To criticize a wrong consumption concept. | D．To encourage people to prepare for a rainy day. |
2 . Featured Bike Tours in Italy
Lake Como & the Italian Lake District
Italy’s Lake Como tour is deeply loved by cyclists. Among dramatic hills and waters, riding is relatively easy along flat bike paths and breathtaking valleys. The beautiful waters of three major lakes-Garda, Iseo and Como are never far from sight as you sample good wines in Franciacorta.
Daily Mileage: 7 — 32 miles
Cycling Level: Moderate (中等的)
Cost: $395
Tuscany, Lucca to Siena
On this self-guided bicycling vacation, you’ll ride from Lucca to Siena at your own pace. Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s hometown of Vinci Ride into the famous wine region of Chianti. Stay in welcoming hotels along the way.
Daily Mileage: 3 — 40 miles
Cycling Level: Moderate / Challenging
Cost: $265
Valleys of the Sodomites
Road cycling the Sodomites was never easier, as you ride along mostly flat or downhill bike paths. Along the way, you’ll explore historic cities, and meet an ancient culture found nowhere else on Earth. You’ll also be fueled by local meals and end each day in 4-star accommodations!
Daily Mileage: 4 — 36 miles
Cycling Level: Easy
Cost: $595
Coastal Villages of Tuscany
Tuscany’s amazingly beautiful coast begs to be explored by bicycle Beautiful towns dot (星罗棋布于) the countryside, surrounded by trees that hug the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the end of each day, you can relax in the natural pool and springs of an Etruscan caldarium (高温浴室).
Daily Mileage: 8 — 39 miles
Cycling Level: Moderate
Cost: $475
1. What can cyclists do during the cheapest tour?| A．Bathe in natural springs. |
| B．Enjoy beautiful lake scenes. |
| C．Stay in 4-star accommodations. |
| D．Visit Leonardo da Vinci’s hometown. |
| A．Lake Como & the Italian Lake District. |
| B．Tuscany, Lucca to Siena. |
| C．Valleys of the Sodomites. |
| D．Coastal Villages of Tuscany. |
| A．7 — 32 miles. | B．3 — 40 miles. | C．4 — 36 miles. | D．8 — 39 miles. |
1. Who is the speaker?
| A．A sales assistant. |
| B．A volunteer firefighter. |
| C．A house designer. |
| A．He saved her dog. |
| B．He cleared up her house. |
| C．He got her a pair of shoes. |
| A．It’s worthwhile. |
| B．It’s demanding. |
| C．It’s easy. |
1. What is the man probably doing?
| A．Promoting a product. |
| B．Hosting a program. |
| C．Conducting a survey. |
| A．Because of a school project. |
| B．Because of a health problem. |
| C．Because of her parents’ words. |
| A．See movies. | B．Read books. | C．Do exercise. |
| A．She becomes braver. |
| B．She sleeps better. |
| C．She concentrates more. |
1. What is Wing Wang good at about Chinese?
| A．Vocabulary. | B．Pronunciation. | C．Grammar. |
| A．Wing Wang. | B．Melody Weng. | C．Summer Sun. |
| A．She is a master guide. |
| B．She taught history before. |
| C．She knows Chinese music. |
| A．Tell her a site. | B．Find her a job. | C．Introduce her to a trip. |
1. Which race did the woman take part in?
| A．The three-kilometer one. |
| B．The five-kilometer one. |
| C．The ten-kilometer one. |
| A．Primary school students. |
| B．High school students. |
| C．College students. |
1. What date is it today?
| A．September 21. | B．September 23: | C．September 25. |
| A．Lack of money. | B．Lack of time. | C．Lack of interest. |
| A．How to make friends. |
| B．How to reduce stress. |
| C．How to keep fit. |
| A．Meet new staff. | B．Visit a market. | C．Talk to each team leader. |
| A．At home. | B．On a bus. | C．In a park. |
