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 or bus tickets. Some collectors spend hours looking through junk shops and build up a collection for a few pence per object, while other collectors might spend thousands of pounds on antiques, fine china or rare （稀有的） 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 and condition 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 condition.
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.
One collector has started a collection of 1950s and 1960s ball-point pens. At the moment it’s worth nothing, but she predicts it will one day be valuable. Ball-points were widely available, and were made in a large range of colours and styles. They were often designed to be thrown away when they were empty. Many people aren’t willing to throw away used pens, and put them in a drawer or box, perhaps hoping they might work again one day. So it is possible to find unusual examples, made thirty years ago or more, for nothing.
1. For what do most people collect things? （不多于2个单词）2. What makes a collection valuable? （不多于3个单词）
3. What does the example in the last paragraph show? （不多于6个单词）
相似题推荐
【推荐1】How to Find Your Hidden Talents
Many of us are still in search of the talents that are hidden within us. Finding the talents that sets you apart from others needs observation and analysis of one’s own self. If you want to learn how to find your talents, the tips provided in the following lines will surely come handy.
Try out different things. If you want to find out your dexterity (灵巧）in each of the things that interest you, then try them out.
Find your passion.
Improve yourself. Read lots of books and learn from people. One of the best ways to learn something is to teach. Therefore, teach what you have learnt.
Know your limits. In the process of finding your strengths and talents, you should not ignore your weakness as well.
| A．Find your interests. |
| B．Know your strengths. |
| C．Find out the things you are not good at. |
| D．You may be a person of various interests. |
| E．Carry out experiments and explore things. |
| F．This will help increase your depth of knowledge. |
| G．It needs observation and analysis of one’s own self. |
Sophie and Miles sat on the shore watching their cousin surf.Kerry was a few years older than Sophie and Miles,and she had started surfing almost before they were able to walk.
Kerry rode a wave into shore,and then jumped off her board and ran over to where Sophie and Miles were sitting.”Are you two.ready to give it a try?”she asked.
Miles took a deep breath and nodded.He was worried about looking silly in front of his cousin,but he had a feeling he was going to love surfing.He expected it to feel like riding his bike down a hill without using the brakes(刹车).
“Don’t go out too far!”shouted Mrs.Taylor,and Sophie cheerfully waved back to her parents.Sophie was usually good at the things she tried.She learned quickly and wasn’t afraid to dive in,even if she had never done something before.Miles admired these characteristics in his sister,but knew he just wasn’t as adventurous as she was.
“Okay,”Kerry began,"I’m going to start you two out on longboards.They are easier to handle,especially for beginners.”Here are some tips.First,never paddle(划桨，划动)your surfboard out farther than you can swim back without it.Know what weather conditions to expect.Never surf alone,and always remember your limitations.Don’t forget that,for the ocean isn’t something to take lightly.”Kerry paused for a moment and looked at the serious expressions on her cousins’ faces.
“Now for the fun part,”Kerry said,"You need to position yourself in the center of your board,between the nose and the tail.When you’re positioned the right way,the nose should be a couple of inches above the water’s surface.When a wave catches the tail of the board,start paddling.Try to remember the sweet spot on your board,because you’ll want to position yourself the same way each time you go out.”
Sophie smiled widely at Kerry.”I had no idea that surfing was so technical.I thought you just catch a big wave and try to ride it without falling off.”
1. When did Kerry start surfing?2. Why did Miles take a deep breath?
3. What is the difference between Sophie and Miles in character?
4. Why did Kerry make her cousins begin with longboards?
5. What conclusion could be drawn from Sophie’s words in the last paragraph?
【推荐3】In class, students are sharing their dream jobs.
Jacob: I'd like to be a mountain-climbing guide for several reasons. Number One, mountain climbing is very exciting. Mountain-climbing guides get to climb tall, dangerous mountains, right? Number Two, I enjoy working outdoors and helping others. Number Three, mountain-climbing guides travel widely and meet many fun people.
Fred: My choice is to be a vet (兽医). Why? I like animals. Animals bring a lot of joy to our lives, but they ask for little in return. I also enjoy helping animals and their owners feel better. Pet owners are happy when their pets are well. Finally, vets get to work with other people who like animals.
Anne: Ha, my dream job? An accountant (会计)! I think it's interesting. I'm good at numbers, you know, and I also like helping people manage their money. Good accountants are well paid, and I want to manage my own money, of course. But the most important of all, accountants mostly work alone, and I like to work alone.
Jessica: I'd like to become an animator (动画片制作者) and make films like Toy Story, Shrek, and Cars. You see, I love drawing and I love working on computers. I'd like to help people relax and enjoy their life. Animators can make a lot of money, too.
1. Jacob's dream job is to be ________.| A．a vet | B．an animator |
| C．an accountant | D．a mountain-climbing guide |
| A．The job is interesting. | B．The job is well paid. |
| C．She is good at numbers. | D．She likes to work by herself. |
| A．They enjoy working outside. | B．They enjoy offering help to others. |
| C．They hope to meet fun people. | D．They hope to make a lot of money. |
