Roborock Q5+ iLifeV3s Pro Robot Eufy RoboVae 11S iRobot Roomba S9+ Samsung Jet Bot Al+
Roborock Q5+
Roborock’s midrange model overcomes most of the limitations of robot vacuums. It’s easy to clean, maps rooms flawlessly, and goes far on a charge. It doesn’t sense when its bin is full but can follow voice commands.
Price:$500. roborock.com
Source: Wired
iLifeV3s Pro Robot
A budget alternative, this machine “outperformed much more expensive vacuums.” You control it with a remote, not an app. But it’s thorough, avoids obstacles, and has no brushes that would require regular cleaning to remove fur and hair.
Price: $165, iliferobot.com
Source: Better Homes &Gardens
Eufy RoboVac 11S
This budget option is “surprisingly thorough.” It cleans more randomly because it doesn’t map your space and it doesn’t empty its own bin. But it’s quieter than its smart rivals and “a great value for light everyday maintenance.”
Price: $140. eufy.com
Source: Wall Street Journal
iRobot Roomba S9+
Roomba’s top-end model can’t match the cleaning power of a traditional vacuum, but it has few robotic rivals on that score. Another plus: The bin is automatically emptied into a disposable bag in the docking station.
Price: $799, irobot.com
Source: Consumer Reports
Samsung Jet Bot AI+
Though this pricey vacuum delivers “below average” cleaning performance, it’s good-looking, gentle on furniture, and is “packed full of features.” It can even double as a patrolling security camera that will live-stream to your phone.
Price: $1,300, samsung.com
Source: Tom’s Guide
1. Which of the following features belongs to iLifeV3s Pro Robot?| A．It is controlled by a remote. | B．It makes no noise when cleaning. |
| C．Its brushes needs no maintenance. | D．Its camera works as a monitor. |
| A．Roborock QS+ | B．Eufy RoboVac 11S |
| C．iRobot Roomba S9+ | D．Samsung Jet Bot AI+ |
| A．Its appearance. | B．Its function. |
| C．Its price. | D．Its source. |
2 . SUBSCRIPTION OFFER
Buy a subscription for you or as a gift today
A magazine subscription makes the perfect gift, a gift that keeps on giving the whole year
Why subscribe to Reader’s Digest?
Reader’s Digest Magazine is bursting with stories, news, advice, recipes, reviews, tips and jokes. Each issue is also packed full of puzzles and competitions offering you chances to win some great prizes.
SUBSCRIBE TODAY FROM AS LITTLE AS £22. 99
Claim immediate subscriber benefits including:
Discounted travel club offers with Tripbeat—save up to 60% off LAWN GONE 600, 000 hotels, plus preferential rates on flights, car hire, activities and more.
A saving of over 50% OFF the usual £47. 88 retail price. And what’s more, we will deliver it direct to your or gift receiver’s door every month for free!
It’s only £22. 99 for a full one-year subscription paid by direct debit.
I want to subscribe to Reader’s Digest Magazine for just £22. 99 for 12 issues. I understand I can cancel my subscription at any time by contact customer services. If I want to continue to subscribe after my first 12 issues I need do nothing and my subscription will automatically be renewed at the low rate of 24.99 every 12 issues until I decide otherwise. Name: ______ Address:_______ Postcode:______ Telephone:______ Email:_______ |
Return your completed form to:
Reader’s Digest, The Maltings, West Street, Bourne PE10 9PH
Or call us today at 0330 333 2220
Data protection: From time to time Reader’s Digest may contact you with details of its products and services. Please tick here if you object to receiving such information.
1. Which of the following is a bonus of the subscription?| A．Some great prices. | B．Discounted restaurant offers. |
| C．Flight priority. | D．Free delivery. |
| A．£ 22.99. | B．£ 24.89. | C．£ 24.99. | D．£ 47.88. |
| A．By ticking the box. | B．By writing a note. |
| C．By sending an E-mail. | D．By calling the magazine. |
3 . Simpleness. Saving. StauerSMART Best value for Smartwatch. Only $99!
Smarten up
Some smartwatches out there require PhD to operate. Why-complicate things? Do you really need your watch to pay for your coffee? We say keep your money in your pocket, not on your wrist. StauerSMART gives everything you need and cuts out of the staff you don’t, including a zero in the price.
Keep an eye on your watch with heart rate, blood pressure and sleep monitoring capabilities. Track your steps and calories burned. Set reminders for medicine and appointments. StauerSMART supports Android 4. 4+, ios 8. 2&Bluetooth 4. 0+ and uses Bluetooth technology to connect to your phone. When a notification or alert arrives, a gentle buzz lets you know right away.
When it comes to battery life, StauerSMART has one of the most efficient batteries available giving you up to 72 hours of power. Most smartwatches need to be charged every 24 hours. StauerSMART can get you through a three-day weekend without needing a charge.
This is the smarter smartwatch. And, át, only $99, the price is pretty smart too.
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
Try StauerSMART risk-free for 30 days. If you aren’t perfectly happy, send it back for a full refund of the item price.
Offer Code Price $99+S&P Save $200
You must use the offer code to get our special price.
Your offer code: STW173-01
Please use this code when you order to receive your discount.
Address:
Stauer 10141 Southcross. Drive Ste 155, Dept STW173-01
Burnsville, Minnesota 53337 www, stauer. com
1. What can StauerSMART do?| A．Listen to music. | B．Pay for a product. |
| C．Give reminders for medicine. | D．Keep a watch over your mood. |
| A．Use the offer code. | B．Make an online order. |
| C．Make a call to the seller. | D．Send an email to the seller. |
| A．To advertise a new smartwatch. |
| B．To introduce a new smartwatch. |
| C．To explain how a new smartwatch works. |
| D．To illustrate how to use a new smartwatch. |
4 . You’ve heard of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday—they’re major shopping days. Now there’s another shopping day, and it’s called Secondhand Sunday, which is the brainchild of Poshmark, a social commerce marketplace that enables users to buy and sell clothing online, mostly used.
Poshmark asked global research firm Morning Consult to assess the secondhand market. It found over 90% of American adults say they would be willing to receive a secondhand or resold gift this season, but that only 34% are likely to buy them for others. This suggests a massive opportunity to close the gap—a task that Poshmark has undertaken with enthusiasm. Thus, Secondhand Sunday was born.
Poshmark is a platform on which individual sellers run their own shops and make extra cash. Secondhand Sunday has become a hit among them. While sellers have varying motivations for doing business, most are driven by the belief that buying secondhand items is important for the environment.
One such seller is Ashley Wheeler. Her husband worked as a truck driver at a landfill (垃圾填埋) site. They were both shocked at the amount of secondhand items that were getting dumped (倾倒), just because they were considered old or useless. Even when her husband asked to bring home items that still had value, he was rejected, because companies had paid the landfill site to deal with their garbage.
Wheeler said, “For us, that was a wake-up call. We realized it wasn’t just about us bringing our pre-owned items back into the market but finding other used items that companies were ready to deal with and help recycle back into use. That’s when we started to learn about Goodwill Outlets and other similar stores, where we source a majority of items. She now buys cast-off items from Goodwill’s “last chance” bins and resells them on Secondhand Sunday.
Amber McCasland, vice-president of Global Brand and Communications, said, “Secondhand Sunday is our first joint effort to change how people shop and gift during the holidays. The hope is that, instead of running out to buy new items as gifts, people will realize that it’s acceptable and even preferable to source used items instead.”
1. What drove Poshmark to start Secondhand Sunday?| A．The findings of an assessment. |
| B．The increasing shopping waste. |
| C．Booming gift-exchange seasons. |
| D．Buyers’ strong desire for old items. |
| A．The great demand for more shopping days. |
| B．Some local landfill sites’ generous donation. |
| C．Shoppers’ curiosity about running businesses. |
| D．The improved public environmental awareness. |
| A．Working as a truck driver at a landfill site. |
| B．Being rejected by some brand companies. |
| C．Seeing valuable used items dumped and landfilled. |
| D．Looking for secondhand items to resell. |
| A．Buy used items as gifts on holidays. |
| B．Be cautious of online shopping. |
| C．Donate used items to companies. |
| D．Form the habit of recycling waste. |
5 . Choosing a nice mountain bike for you is easier than learning how to ride it.
Decide how you are going to use your new mountain bike.
Are you a new rider who simply wants to travel outdoors on the weekend, weather permitting? Do you plan to test yourself on the rough roads, every day, rain or shine? Or are you going to use your new mountain bike to ride to and from school or work?
Visit your local bike shops.
Any good bike shop will stock a wide range of quality mountain bikes in all price points and sizes. Your local bike shops will carry more than one brand of bicycle. Not only will they sell you a mountain bike that suits your needs, but they will service what they sell.
Don’t be bashful (羞怯的).
Tell your salesperson how you intend to use your new mountain bike, and how much you are willing to spend. Your salesperson will show you a selection of models and brands accordingly. He or she will also help you determine the right size for you.
All good bike shops let customers take test rides. There’s a good reason for this beyond “try-before-you-buy’’ salesmanship. Since you already know your price range and find the right size, you now have to find out which brand you ride best. They want you to be happy with your purchase. After only a few lest rides from more than one bike shop, the right mountain bike will choose you.
| A．Here are some advice on the riding skills |
| B．Be honest about your intentions |
| C．Keep these tips in mind |
| D．Stay safe when taking a test ride |
| E．Visit at least a few shops |
| F．You may ask more without any sense of shyness |
| G．Take a test ride |
6 . Fathers are the best. Sometimes dads can be hard to shop for—as it feels like they have everything. But surely they are missing out on something and that’s exactly where our list of extraordinary gifts comes in.
Thermocare Blanket
Perhaps your dad needs the perfect warm blanket on those freezing winter days. If so, he’ll love the Thermocare Blanket. Made from soft and comfortable material, this blanket is perfect to settle oneself into. Plus, its smart design means your dad can easily wrap it around himself. Temperature can be shown on a small digital screen and stay at a certain level.
$66.89 at amazon.com
MerryTime Modern Set
This decent 14-piece tea set, including an electric teapot, six cups, six plates and a metal storage stand, will help host a proper high tea event. The smooth appearance will make it a great home decoration, and it’s also very easy to hold, store and wash. Your dad will surely enjoy having guests with this set on the table.
$69.90 at Walmart
CATCH: 3 Classics
This stylish wireless charging stand features a 10W output so that your dad can charge devices quickly and easily—just place the devices on the stand and press the button to start charging. This most popular choice is made from good-quality materials that will last for years.
$70.00 at Walmart
Bonding Lamp
These electric devices are a great way to keep your loved ones close by, no matter where they are. They also help bridge any gaps between the two of you. Whether you’re missing your dad or just want to show him how much you care, just touch your lamp at hand, and the other lamp in your dad’s range will light up automatically, letting him know you’re thinking of him.
$128.00 at amazon.com
1. Which gift is used for a father to host his friends?| A．Thermocare Blanket. | B．MerryTime Modern Set. |
| C．CATCH: 3 Classics. | D．Bonding Lamp. |
| A．They work by electricity. | B．They have lower price online. |
| C．They are environmentally friendly. | D．They can make good home decoration. |
| A．A father who is keen on fashion. | B．A blogger who provides advice on gifts. |
| C．A family that shop for daily necessities. | D．A daughter who is browsing for Father’s Day. |
7 . Imagine you bought a new shirt and did not intend to buy a new jacket,however,you suppose that the new shirt makes the old jacket look worn. You weaken and buy a new jacket, new trousers,even new shoes.Before you realize it,you have a whole new wardrobe.And maybe an empty bank account.
This is called the Diderot Effect. Denis Diderot,a well-known French philosopher,was the co-founder and writer of Encyclopedia. However，he was too badly off to afford a dowry(嫁妆)for his daughter. His only valuable possessions were books. Hearing of Diderot’s financial troubles,Catherine the Great,the Empress of Russia, offered to buy his library at a high price. Shortly after this lucky sale，Diderot acquired a new dressing gown(长袍)which had a huge effect on his life. As he wrote in the article in 1769, the new dressing gown made his other belongings seem old and unattractive. Thus, he began replacing them.
According to many social scientists,it resulted from a psychological need for our possessions to go together and to reflect our self-image. In 1988, anthropologist Grant McCracken coined the term “the Diderot Effect” to describe this need and its influence on consumerism.
Marketers utilize this need by displaying products in what McCracken calls Diderot Unities. An example is the Swedish furniture company IKEA, whose marketing uses two kinds of Diderot Unities in its shops, website and catalogue. One is dividing items like lamps and rugs into various furniture “families”. The other is displaying items in fully furnished rooms. Shops count on all of these to create the Diderot Effect, making the buyer want the entire package.
We may occasionally give in to the Diderot Effect,but knowing it exists can help us resist it so we don’t regret our purchases. Before buying something, ask yourself, is it necessary? Then, buy items that match what you already have. And remind yourself that a new chair won’t transform your bedroom into a showroom!
1. What can we infer about Denis Diderot from paragraph 2?| A．His belongings were out of style. |
| B．He showed interest in nothing but books. |
| C．He kept on buying new items after the lucky sale. |
| D．His new dressing gown landed him in financial troubles. |
| A．To improve their social status. |
| B．To show off their beauty and elegance. |
| C．To make their belongings better matched. |
| D．To cater for the needs of family members. |
| A．Get rid of. | B．Ignore. | C．Affect. | D．Take advantage of. |
| A．Keep an eye on your bank account |
| B．Embrace Minimalism: less is more |
| C．The Diderot Effect: a two-edged sword |
| D．Have you ever given in to the Diderot Effect? |
8 . A few years ago, I went shopping with a friend for a new motorcycle. He didn’t have a particular brand or model in mind except two standards. A big engine—since too much horsepower is never enough—and since he’s tall, a relatively relaxed riding position.
I suggested a Hayabusa, which met his standards or an XS-14R. Both were within his budget, especially the Hayabusa since the dealer was offering a $2,500 discount on a previous year’s model.
He rode them both and loved them both. But then he became very interested in a ZX-6R KRT—a great motorcycle, sure, but with a much smaller motor and a riding position that made him look like a contorted mantis (变形的螳螂). It seemed like a strange choice.
I felt puzzled until it hit me. The purchase of any motorcycle 750cc and under came with a free helmet (头盔). Since my friend also wanted a new helmet, getting one for free was extremely attractive. After all, the math didn’t work. We eventually negotiated $3,200 off the price of the Hayabusa. The free helmet was only worth $250. However, my friend’s final decision was ZX-6R KRT with a free helmet.
A 2017 study published in Marketing Science found that people tend to significantly overvalue “free”. When faced with a choice of selecting one of several available products, people will choose the option with the highest cost-benefit difference; however, decisions about free (zero-price) products differ, because people do not simply take away costs from benefits but instead, consider the benefits associated with free products to be higher.
Two months later, my friend traded in his 6R for a 14R. But I don’t think badly of him. We’ve all been blinded by the power of “free”. So whenever something is free, stop and consider the intention, and see “free” as a reason to do even more math.
1. What kind of motorcycle did the author’s friend intend to buy?| A．A good second-hand one. | B．A previous year’s Hayabusa. |
| C．A highly fashionable XS-14R. | D．A powerful and comfortable one. |
| A．Its price. | B．The motorcycle’s 750cc engine. |
| C．Its free gift. | D．The motorcycle’s classical design. |
| A．To offer his friend a better purchase plan. |
| B．To stress the importance of negotiating skills. |
| C．To tell readers how to get more zero-price products. |
| D．To explain why his friend made such an unwise choice. |
| A．It’s time to stop doing the math. | B．“Free” is sometimes the worst deal. |
| C．Getting something for free is so fun. | D．We all love to buy something on sale. |
9 . Online grocery delivery has skyrocketed (飞涨) all over the world. Since COVID-19 cases have been declining, new companies such as Zapp, GoPuff, or Getir have entered the grocery delivery market with a mission to permanently change consumer habits. These rapid grocery delivery services make a novel promise: Groceries can be delivered within minutes to your door. This option sounds great to busy parents who cannot leave their children alone to pop into the store or people who have guests and urgently need a few extra beers without leaving the house. However, shoppers should watch out for the allure (诱惑) of rapid delivery whenever possible.
While a one-time rapid delivery is certainly harmless for the shopper and the whole market, repeatedly using such services will ultimately harm grocery shops and corner shops. So far, rapid delivery companies have been backed by capital fund (资金) to finance their costs，but they need to be profitable in the long run to survive. So they will push up prices and gradually cancel promotions once their capital funding has dried up. Last week, a delivery company was reported to have shut down after running out of cash, leaving its workers jobless. We should think about the serious outcome that may come up, such as much less lively cities that miss the small shops and delivery workers who face tight deadlines and little job security.
As consumers,we often think that our daily decisions are harmless. Just as one doughnut (甜甜圈) doesn’t compromise our healthy diet and one skipped workout doesn’t affect our fitness,one rapid delivery will not harm the little shops that make our neighborhood lively. Research shows that consumers who perform a behavior regularly for about six weeks have created a habit. So ordering rapid delivery every day will hurt our neighborhoods and make us poorer once prices increase.
Thus, approach the rapid delivery option as you would refuse to accept any other allure. Be careful not to create a habit that you might later come to regret.
1. What makes rapid grocery delivery appealing to consumers?| A．Saving time and energy. | B．Avoiding disease exposure. |
| C．Following the global trend. | D．Buying highly desirable goods. |
| A．Job market will be less completive. |
| B．Delivery services will make more profits. |
| C．Local commercial business will be promoted. |
| D．Small shops and delivery workers will be hurt. |
| A．To explain the harm of bad habits. | B．To make the argument more persuasive. |
| C．To add some background information. | D．To stress the value of decision-making. |
| A．Delivery companies will change how we shop |
| B．How can we manage to avoid being cheated online? |
| C．Shoppers should try to resist the allure of rapid delivery |
| D．How do grocery delivery companies affect small stores? |
10 . As thrift was introduced into mainstream pop culture, young people started going to thrift stores for cheaper, fashionable finds. Gen Z consumers state that sustainability is an important factor while making buying decisions. Many choose to shop for a second-hand or resale item of eco-friendly products. Thrift shopping may have once been on the to-do list of people in poverty. But now a rise in eco-conscious thinking has caused young people to pop to thrift stores.
However, scientists recently have come to realize such trendy sustainable practices could actually be less rosy than expected.
Actually, the root of this sustainability dilemma is not only assessing what you use in your life, but the overconsumption. “Buying piles of second- hand clothing doesn’t help to build a sustainable future or challenge our addiction to shopping whenever we want them,” says Anna Fitzpatrick, a project coordinator at the Sustainable Fashion’s Centre. In some cases, the very existence of second-hand stores can give us a false sense of guiltlessness. Fitzpatrick adds, “we can clear out our entire wardrobe by leaving what we don’t want at a second-hand store with the hope that it’ll be put into good use. Instead of buying less, we trick ourselves into thinking we can shop our way out of the problem by donating again and again.”
While shopping second-hand may seem like fun, or even an adventurous activity for fashion lovers, it’s absolutely essential for people of limited budget. With thrifting reaching new levels of popularity, a great many people are noticing a rise in prices at their local thrift stores. This can influence those who rely on the used market for everyday wear.
“Actually, they aren’t shopping in second-hand shops to be sustainable or cool—they’re doing it out of necessity,” says Fitzpatrick. So, when you walk into a thrift shop or really any store, it’s important to ask yourself whether it is necessary. While buying second-hand used to be economical and sustainable, it’s now about consumption and staying on trend. Just remember, when it comes to your wardrobe, less is more helpful for society and the planet.
1. Who has become the mainstream thrift store shoppers recently?| A．Fashion followers. | B．Lower-income individuals. |
| C．Young environmentalists. | D．Green initiative scientists. |
| A．It is a virtue of thrift. | B．It is sustainable action. |
| C．It challenges addiction to shopping. | D．It comes with worrying effects potentially. |
| A．They can cut down our living expenses. | B．They give us good excuses for the waste. |
| C．They are responsible for the environment. | D．They provide affordable items for the poor. |
| A．Restrict the desire of overconsumption. | B．Feel free to purchase the things you like. |
| C．Make contributions to society by donating. | D．Keep away from cheap and fashionable finds. |
