1 . Tips for Maximizing Savings at Your Local Clearance (清仓) Food Store

     Shopping for groceries can be expensive, especially in this global economic climate. If you are catering to a large family or on a tight budget, the battle to save on groceries becomes twice as hard.     1    ? These tips may help you.
Create a shopping list

List what you need before heading to your local clearance food store. It should help avoid unnecessary purchases and ensure you only buy what you need.

Look for Deals
           2    , so take advantage of them. Typically, these items are priced much lower than regular-priced ones, and you can find some great deals. Check out the clearance section to find the best deals. This area is often located at back or side of the store.
Buy in Quantity

Buying in quantity can save you more money at clearance food stores. A safer bet would be deals on buying items in large amounts, such as canned goods, pasta, or rice.     3     .

Compare Shops

Just like with regular grocery stores, you should always compare prices at different clearance food stores. Some stores will offer better deals, so it pays to shop around.    4    .

Look for Coupons

Check for coupons that you can use at your local clearance food store.    5    . With them, you can get a chunk off your total groceries bill, saving you more money.

In conclusion, shopping at a local clearance food store can be your savings hub if you’re armed with the right information. So, what are you waiting for?

A．Different stores may have a wide range of goods

B．Cheap food stores often offer weekly and monthly deals

C．These items have a longer shelf life meaning longer storage

D．But how to save when you shop at your local clearance food store

E．Check for stores that are offering discounts, and settle for the best deal

F．So why not visit your local clearance food store where you can save more

G．These can be in local newspapers or magazines, or search for them online

2 . Nowadays, our lives depend a lot on access to technology. Home workers need laptops, printers and telephones to finish their daily work. Children need computers and Wi-Fi to complete their homework.     1     Hopefully, there are things you can do to cut costs and save yourself some money.

Think about what you need.     2     And then get a device that will cover those needs rather than a more expensive one that has features you won’t use. Consider the storage, capabilities and features you need in relation to the purpose you will be using the device for.

    3     Wait for shopping sales to see if you can get a good deal, but at the same time don’t be misled by overhyped（过度炒作的）sales prices that don’t really save you that much money. Check a device before a sale as well as during to see if you are actually getting a bargain or not.

Trade in your old devices. When you’re looking to buy something new, you can trade in your old devices.     4     You can check how much money you can get for your device beforehand to see what you would need to add to purchase something new. Not only does this save you money, but it’s good for the environment too as the old device you trade in can be recycled.

Check reviews. Read reviews for whatever you are considering buying, regardless of the price.     5     If you’re going to spend a lot on something that will only need to be replaced in a couple of years, is it really worth the expense?

A．Wait for sale seasons.

B．Look for student discounts.

C．Compare prices from different retailers.

D．However, they’re never going to be especially cheap.

E．This will help ensure you are getting value for your money.

F．It can take off some of the money for your next piece of tech.

G．Make a priority list of the features and specifications you really need.

3 . Going away for your mini break? Bring these long weekend essentials to make the most of the leave.

ECCO Offroad Athletic Sandals, £ 59.38

Whether you’re off on a city break or exploring beaches, chances are you’re getting your steps in this holiday, which will be hard going on your feet. These ECCO sandals are specially designed and most comfortable when hiking, with an EVA footbed and ECCOFLUIDFORM design offering extra cushioning (减震) and flexibility.

Kindle(2022 release), £ 84.99

Every travelling bookworm’s best friend is now smaller and lighter, at just six inches screen width. With 16GB storage, you can download thousands of books to keep you busy on any long holiday journeys, and the battery life now lasts up to six weeks on one single charge, but may vary depending on use.

PowerAdd Portable(便携式的)Charger Power Bank, £15.99

Portable chargers have gained popularity recently, but this one is genuinely pocket-sized without any loss of the charging power. The power bank itself can be fully charged within a speedy two hours, and delivers roughly two charges for an iPhone 15. At10.5cm length, and 99g weight, you can easily slip this into your bag without feeling weighed down.

Lixada Sling Chest Bang, £29.99

Give yourself some extra pence of mind with this anti-theft crossbody bag, which helps you keep your valuables secure and within easy reach. The chest bag has an extreme slim design at less than half an inc h thick, which makes it lightweight and easy to fit under your clothes.

1. What is an advantage of ECCO Offroad Athletic Sandals?

A．Reasonable price.	B．Light weight.
C．Great comfort.	D．Maximum security.

2. Which product best suits people with low battery anxiety?

A．ECCO Offroad Attletic Sandals.	B．Kindle(2022 release).
C．PowerAdd Portable Charger Power Bank.	D．Lixada Sling Chest Bag.

3. Who will be more interested in the text?

A．Holiday makers.

B．Bag lovers.

C．Nature explorers.

D．Electronics enthusiasts.

4 . IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

The rice cooker can be used by children aged from 8 years and above and persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities or lack of experience and knowledge if they have been supervised/instructed and understand the hazards involved, Children shall not play with the appliance. Cleaning and user care shall not be done by children unless they are older than 8 and supervised. Keep the appliance and wire out of reach of children under 8 years.

If the wire is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent, or someone similarly qualified, to avoid hazard.

SERVICE

The product isn’t user-serviceable. If it’s not working, read the instructions, check the plug fuse(保险丝)and main fuse. If it’s still not working, consult your retailer(零售商).

If that doesn’t solve the problem - ring Customer Service - they may be able to offer technical advice.

If they advise you to return the product to us, pack it carefully, include a note with your name, address,day phone number, and what’s wrong. If under guaranee, say where and when purchased, and include proof of purchase. Send it to:

Customer Service

Spectrum Brands (UK) Ltd

Fir Street, Failsworith, Manchester M350HS

email: support@russellhobs.com

telephone: 0345 658 9700

Please note: If you have purchased the product within the last 6 months, please contact the retailer first to deal with any matters relating to guarantee.

GUARANTEE

Faults affecting product functionality appearing within the guarantee period will be corrected by replacement or repair at our option provided the product is used and maintained in accordance with the instructions. Your legal rights are not affected.

Guarantee period = 2 years from first retail purchase.

To claim an extra 1-year guarantee, register your product online within 28 days of purchase.

Register at: www.rusellhobbs.co.uk/productregister/

Consumables are guaranteed only for their recommended lifecycle. Replacements are excluded and are only covered by a 1-year guarantee.

1. What can 9-year-olds do with the rice cooker?

A．They can clean or repair it alone.

B．They can use it with proper instruction.

C．They can play with it as long as it is not in use.

D．They can supervise their younger brothers who use it.

2. Jennifer bought a rice cooker 10 months ago and now there is something wrong with it, what can she do?

A．Call her retailer to extend the guarantee period.

B．Self-check the appliance before asking for help.

C．Email to support@russellhobbs. com for technical advice.

D．Return the cooker with contact & purchasing information without the recipe.

3. You can replace a faulty rice cooker in the third year from your purchase if.

A．it has been repaired by your retailer or a service agent

B．the product functionality hasn’t been affected seriously

C．you have registered the cooker online as soon as you buy it

D．its consumables are guaranteed for their recommended lifecycle

7 . Danone Portugal introduced a new yogurt named Juntos. For every pack of yogurt that a person bought, he would donate yogurt to a family in need. Danone had done its research. Increasingly, people say they want to buy from brands that give them a sense of purpose. Surely a yogurt that helped the needy would be appealing. But Juntos was a failure. Despite sinking millions into a marketing campaign, Danone pulled Juntos from the market only months after it was launched. Now the same product is simply marketed as a tasty yogurt.

What happened? To find the reason behind Juntos’ failure, Lawrence Williams and his colleagues did an experiment where they showed people some products and asked these people to pick one option. They reminded some to focus on the “purposeful and valuable” aspect while others were told to “enjoy themselves” and focus on “delight and pleasure.” They found that participants who prioritized meaning preferred the less expensive product when compared with people who put pleasure in the first place.

So why were meaning-seekers cheaping out? Lawrence Williams asked participants to explain their decision-making to find out. He learned that meaning-oriented people were not thinking about how the product they might buy could bring meaning to their lives. Instead, they were occupied with what else they could do with their money.

I am all for people making wise and strategic financial choices. But cheap products can create many problems. Inexpensive options often do not last as long as the higher-end ones. As a result, we shop more often, which is ultimately worse for our wallets. Plus, that spending pattern can do a greater damage to the environment. Thanks in part to fast fashion, people buy 60 percent more clothing today than they did 15 years ago. The fashion industry alone emits more greenhouse gases than international flights and maritime (海洋的) shipping combined.

So before you dive into your wallet for some deals, try not to fix only on what you are spending or saving. Think carefully about what you are buying, too.

1. What is the main reason for the failure of Juntos?

A．It ignored marketing strategies.	B．It priced itself relatively high.
C．It lacked a particularly good taste.	D．It focused on delight and pleasure.

2. What can be inferred about meaning seekers?

A．They frequent high-end stores.	B．They think products extend their lives.
C．They hesitate to make decisions.	D．They make more purchases with money.

3. How is Paragraph 4 mainly developed?

A．By giving some examples.	B．By listing numbers and data.
C．By explaining reasons.	D．By making some comparisons.

4. Which is the most suitable title for the text?

A．Innovation: a Product’s Life	B．To Buy or not to Buy
C．Meaning seekers or Quality-pursuers	D．Fast Fashion: a Hit to Your Wallet

8 . Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Sleep is supposed to be a natural thing, but if you wrestle with insomnia (失眠症), you may be tempted to try pieces of equipment that promise better sleep.     1    

“They’ve become the sleep tool to have,” says Alanna McGinn, founder and lead sleep expert at Good Night Sleep Site. “I’m a huge supporter of them because they can work so well.”

About 32 percent of Americans don’t get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.     2     Insomnia impacts as many as 35 percent of adults from time to time, while 10 percent have chronic trouble falling and staying asleep.

Choose one that’s around 10 percent of your body weight.     3     Inside is a layer of plastic, glass or metal balls surrounded by filling. McGinn says the blanket’s heaviness acts as a touch therapy called deep pressure stimulation. Just as wrapping babies tightly can send them to sleep, these blankets help your heart and breathing rates slow and your body release feel-good hormones, including serotonin (血清素).

Are they effective? A 2020 review study in the U.S. looked at eight previous studies and concluded that weighted blankets helped reduce anxiety — but not necessarily insomnia.     4     A randomized controlled study in Sweden looked at 120 people with insomnia and also depression or anxiety.     5     People with conditions such as diabetes or breathing issues, however, should check with their doctor before using one. “And if you’re someone who is a little afraid of an enclosed space, it’s probably not the best thing for you,” adds McGinn.

A．It recommends at least seven hours a night for adults.

B．Those who used a weighted blanket slept better and were less tired or anxious.

C．The study found a significant rise in the related symptoms.

D．But other 2020 research tells a slightly different story.

E．One that might sound a little weird but that has been known to work is a weighted blanket.

F．Dealing with such problems can be more or less tricky.

G．Weighted blankets range between two and 14 kilograms.

9 . This Genius Device Makes No Language “Foreign” Anymore

What Is NativePro?

NativePro is a Japanese high-tech invention that is taking the world by storm. It lets you communicate in more than 40 languages. The device that was previously used by government sand large corporations only is now available to you. You can use it when travelling, for business meetings or whenever you wish to say something in a different language.

How Does It Help You?

Choose the language in which you want to communicate before you press the “A” button and start talking. Then release the “A” button and your translator will automatically translate your speech into a selected foreign language.

Press button “B” and let your foreign friend speak. Then release the “B” button and your device will automatically translate his speech back into your native language

What Makes It So Special?

◇Portable design fits easily in your pocket.

◇It supports real-time translation and text translation is also available.

◇It provides fast and accurate two-way communication in over 40 languages·

◇with sound loud enough, it is comfortable to use in crowded places and hear clearly.

How Can I Buy The NativePro?

Order the NativePro translator from its official website. The regular price is $200 each.Rightnow, you can get a 40% discount off that.

1. What should you do at first when using the device?

A．Select a foreign language.	B．Talk in your own language.
C．Press and hold the “A” button.	D．Record what the foreigner says.

2. Which can best describe the device?

A．It is weighty but easy to use.	B．It needs users to speak loudly.
C．It offers instant two-way translation.	D．It is suitable for reading practice.

3. How much will you pay if you buy two now?

A．$160.

B．$200.

C．$240.

D．$400.

10 . With its smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich and creamy flavor, it’s easy to understand why so many people adore chocolate. Read on to find out which bars stand out.

Best for Dark Chocolate Lovers: HuKitchen Simple Milk Chocolate Bar

Dark chocolate lovers—this one’s for you. The Hu Simple Milk Bar is perfect for people who tend to like their chocolate a bit more bitter, but it still has a rich, slightly cocoa flavor that’s sweetened with coconut sugar. Basically, it’s the perfect combination of flavors for those who love an intense and complex chocolate experience but with some added creaminess.

Price at time of publish:$5.5 per 2.1-ounce bar

Best for Gifting: Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate 32%

While any chocolate bar is a giftable chocolate bar, Tony’s Chocolonely has the fantastic atmosphere of Willy Wonka’s chocolate, making it the perfect present for a chocolate lover. The creamy, smooth milk chocolate made with ethically sourced cocoa melts in your mouth for an overall dreamy experience. And just a heads up, it’s a thick one at six ounces.

Price at time of publish:$6 per 6.35-ounce bar

Most Candy Bar-Like: Côte D’Or Connoisseur Belgian Milk Chocolate Bar

In a group of people with wildly diverse tastes, one thing that we all agree on is that this is a chocolate bar for people who prioritize sweetness. This bar is made from not only Belgian cocoa but also Belgian milk to create a smooth and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Even with its complex and rich flavors, the note that comes through the most is sweet.

Price at time of publish:$6 per 6.29-ounce bar

Most Enjoyable: Lindt Milk Chocolate Classic Recipe Bar

Some folks love the richness, others are just okay with it, but we all agree that it has that classic chocolatey taste we all look for in a bar. The creamy texture is like a dream —it has a luscious mouth feel and leaves behind a velvety smooth aftertaste. Made with Swiss milk and cocoa, this bar gets top marks for being the richest milk chocolate bar we’ve tried.

Price at time of publish:$4.59 per 4.4-ounce bar

1. How is Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate 32%different from the other three?

A．It is the best-selling one.

B．It weighs more than 6 ounces.

C．It is a creamy and smooth milk chocolate.

D．It may be the best gift choice for a chocolate lover.

2. CôteD’ Or Connoisseur Belgian Milk Chocolate Bar may be liked most by a person______.

A．who likes bitter food	B．who prefers thick chocolate
C．who has a sweet tooth	D．who favors the richness of milk

3. If you have only $5 in hand, which chocolate can you buy?

A．HuKitchen Simple Milk Chocolate Bar.

B．Tony’s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate 32%.

C．Côte D’Or Connoisseur Belgian Milk Chocolate Bar.

D．Lindt Milk Chocolate Classic Recipe Bar.