1 . 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

2 . 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.

4 . More and more online shopping platforms now offer consumers a detailed look into products’ historical prices. But how does this information influence buying decisions?

To explore this question, we conducted a series of experiments with a total of more than 5,000 business school students and working adults. We measured the impact of different kinds of price shifts on people’s interest in purchasing products and identified several consistent trends:

First, when consumers saw that the price today was lower than it had been in the past, they were more likely to buy now, because the current price seemed like a good deal.

However, the picture gets more complicated when you consider the frequency of historical price shifts: In our studies, we found that if consumers were shown at least three changes in the same direction, they were likely to assume the price would continue to move in the same direction. While if they were only shown one or two changes in the same direction, they expected the price to change in the opposite direction.

So what does this mean for sellers? It may be tempting to slowly lower the price over time. However, our data shows that this can lead consumers to assume that the price will continue to fall, making them hesitant to buy. But if they just see a single price drop, they ‘re more likely to expect a reversal in the near future, pushing them to buy the product now.

Our findings can also help buyers make more informed decisions about whether and when they choose to make a purchase. As with any irrational bias (非理性的偏见), awareness of the natural tendency to expect trends to continue and single large changes to reverse can help consumers question this assumption before acting on it. Instead of letting this arbitrary (武断的) expectation guide buying decisions, consumers may benefit by doing a bit more research around the underlying factors driving price shifts. Buyers may also benefit from learning more about a product’s longer-term price history, fluctuations (波动), and typical industry-wide price ranges, to avoid being disproportionately influenced by near-term price changes. It’s also always a good idea to think about both how urgent your need for a given product is, and your own risk tolerance for a potential price increase, as this can affect whether it’s worth it for you to wait and see if the price falls.

Of course, there are countless factors that influence both consumers’ decisions around whether and when to buy and sellers’ decisions around how to price their products. But it’s important for both sides to recognize the key role that expectations play in influencing these decisions.

1. Which of the following is true about the experiment?

A．It proves that people’s interest in the product drives the purchasing behavior.

B．E-commerce platforms turn to it to connect with customers and boost sales.

C．It’s designed to figure out the purchasing decision process based on pricing.

D．Business school students make up the whole control group for comparison.

2. Which of the following price trends might tempt consumers to buy on May 8^th?

A．	B．
C．	D．

3. Consumers are advised to      .

A．decide on the assumptions that long-term price trend will continue

B．research longer-term price history, price ranges and hidden factors

C．put off the purchase for better deals because of the unsustainable market

D．cooperate with sellers while putting aside the personal risk and urgency

4. What does the passage mainly talk about?

A．How do price changes influence buying decisions?

B．Why should products’ historical prices be shown?

C．When is the best time for consumers to purchase?

D．What do businesses need to price their products?

6 . While you may be a master of buying Secret Santa gifts or white elephant gifts, shopping for a college student can be quite tricky. Whether you’re shopping for a soon-to-be graduate or a college freshman, our guide has you covered on the best gifts for college students.

For the goal setter: Ban.do 12-month Planner

Gifts for college students that help them achieve their academic targets are always a good idea. This 12-month planner includes year, month and week views to keep classes and extracurriculars organized; while the handwriting on the cover (endless possibilities) provides positive inspiration. There’s also fun artwork, a coloring page and stickers to customize (定制) their planner.

For the tech lover: Apple 10.2-inch iPad

If your college student is glued to their laptop, the addition of an iPad will be a welcome one. It has ten hours of battery life, two cameras and a wide 10.2-inch display that’s perfect for note taking, movie watching and snapping photos. This useful tech gift also pairs with a set of AirPods or an Apple Pencil to help maximize its usage.

For photograph beginners: Fujifilm Instax Mini Link Smartphone Printer

Got a teen who’s always taking photos with their iPhone or camera? Fujifilm Instax Smartphone Printers will definitely delight everyone. It’s one of the greatest gifts for photographers because it allows them to easily print their favorite shots with just the click of a button.

For the coffee lover: Ember Temperature-Controlled Coffee Cup

Future programmers can keep their Joe warm with this app-controlled smart cup. Coffee stays hot for up to 1.5 hours, or all day when paired with the included charging coaster(杯垫). You can even select the exact temperature you prefer. It’s a thoughtful and useful gift for coffee lovers.

Stop hunting for the best products and deals — get our latest information on secret sales and discounts, gift ideas for everyone and can’t-miss products.

1. Who is the most likely intended receiver of a Ban.do 12-month Planner?

A．A soon-to-be graduate with a gift for art.

B．A college freshman good at handwriting.

C．A junior college student who enjoys planning.

D．A senior college student with regular extracurriculars.

2. How will an Apple 10.2-inch iPad function best?

A．When connected to a laptop.

B．When charged for ten hours.

C．When paired with Apple products.

D．When equipped with a 10.2-inch display.

3. What do the last two gifts have in common?

A．They can be charged by cellphones.

B．They can be controlled by cellphones.

C．They meet individuals’ different requirements.

D．They are designed for students with IT-smart brains.

7 . 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.

2. What view do scientists hold towards thrift shopping?

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.

3. Why do second-hand stores make us feel guiltless according to Fitzpatrick?

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.

4. Which is suggested about thrift shopping according to the text?

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.

8 .

An Anthology (选集) of Aquatic Life(DK Children’s Anthologies)
Author: Sam Hume ★★★★☆206 ratings Buy new: $26.90 Free delivery: on orders over $28.00 shipped by Amazon.com Buy used: $15,88, $3.98 delivery March 18-August 17	An Anthology of Aquatic Life is a stunning ocean encyclopedia for young readers to explore, with reference pages packed with fascinating information. From the deepest, widest ocean to the tiniest puddle, this beautiful book takes young readers on a spellbinding journey through the aquatic world. Stunning photography and gorgeous illustrations complement storybook descriptions about each life form, and children can uncover hundreds of fascinating facts as they read.
It arouses your child’s curiosity as they: -Explore detailed photographs and striking illustrations of nature in action. -Reveal fun facts and myths about how a range of animals and plants adapt to their environments. -Uncover more than 100 aquatic life forms, each with stunning images and captivating information. This ocean encyclopedia for children is the perfect blend of storybook style text with out-of-this-world illustrations. Compared with reading alone, reading the book with families doubles the pleasure as family ties are strengthened through exploring the unknown together. Explore the diversity of the animal kingdom while uncovering: -Stunning Jacket Detail: gold book cover &luxury metallic gold edges. -Striking photography &illustrations inside. More in the Series An Anthology of Aquatic Animals is part of the beautiful and informative Anthology series. Complete the series and cultivate your child’s curiosity as they explore the natural world with The Wonders of Nature or let them walk with the dinosaurs in Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life. For more information, please click here.

1. What is the lowest price for a second-hand book?

A．$15.88.

B．$3.98.

C．$26.90.

D．$28.00.

2. What’s the major benefit of An Anthology of Aquatic Life?

A．Promoting the skills of telling stories.	B．Boosting curiosity about underwater life.
C．Acquiring the capability of photography.	D．Increasing the knowledge of dinosaurs.

3. Where do you think the passage is taken from?

A．A brochure.

B．A website.

C．A textbook.

D．A report.

10 . The gift that never stops giving

People are going for gifts that are reused time and time again, (while also saving money), gifts that have recyclable packaging, or the recyclable elements included within them. One of the best options is to go for a green hamper (篮子).

Gift hampers can be reused

The fact that green items are frequently reusable is one of their main advantages. With a green hamper, you can reuse everything that was inside of it, including the container. Many green hampers are available in wicker (柳条) baskets, allowing you to keep the present for a long time and reuse it for other purposes.

Gift hampers are eco-friendly

A lot of people are worried about the environment and reducing CO² emissions (排放). This is why green hampers are becoming more popular. Typically, businesses that sell green baskets will guarantee that the items inside them were manufactured by hand or in facilities with minimum CO² emissions. However, the wicker baskets are more breakable items.

How to reuse wicker baskets

Why not keep a selection of potted plants in your wicker basket? This will look great in your dining room. With a wicker basket, for instance, place individual toiletries, towels, and blankets on the hamper for presentation in your guests’ rooms. You can give your visitors a warm, “hotel inspired” feeling.

Giving someone an awesome gift hamper that is also eco-friendly conveys a unique message to the recipient because there are so many options for gift baskets, you can fill them as you choose. This is why green hampers in particular are dominating the market.

1. What is probably the concern of people who choose hampers?

A．Comfort.

B．Expense.

C．Security.

D．Beauty.

2. Which can best describe the advantages of green hampers?

A．Reusable and tough.	B．Popular and costly.
C．Multipurpose and recyclable.	D．Ever-lasting and eco-friendly.

3. What is the author’s attitude to the popularization of green hampers?

A．Favorable.

B．Intolerant.

C．Doubtful.

D．Unclear.