Coca-Cola has created a publicity stunt (作秀) in Singapore — a vending machine (自动售货机) which gives out free cans of Coke in return for hugs. The whacky idea is part of the company’s Open Happiness campaign designed to attract young people in Singapore.
Students at the National University of Singapore were surprised to find that the soft drinks company had placed the machine in the schoolyard. But instead of the drinks brand’s logo (标志), the words “Hug Me” are written across its red-and-white logo. Instead of paying money, customers have to hug the drinks machine to receive a free can of Coke.
Public displays of affection are uncommon and have long been discouraged in Singapore, but are on the rise among young people. The move is part of a campaign created by the advertising firm Ogilvy & Mather, intended to let the youth to see the brand as a non-threatening friend.
Leonardo O’Grady, leader of the campaign, said, “Happiness is contagious (传染的). The Coca-Cola Hug Machine is a simple idea to spread some happiness. We want to spread happiness in an unexpected, creative way to attract not only the people present, but the audience at large.”
He hopes that it will encourage consumers to bring positivity, optimism and fun into their lives and to open a Coke, sharing a little happiness.
The machines have been such a success that there are plans to roll them out across Asia. Mr. O’Grady added, “The reaction was amazing — at one point we had four to five people hugging the machine at the same time as well as each other! In fact, there was a long line of people looking to give hugs.”
The underlined word “whacky” in Paragraph1 can be replaced by “______”.
A.free | B.strange |
C.uncertain | D.traditional |
What was the purpose of the campaign?
A.To help sell more Coca-Cola drinks. |
B.To display the famous logo of Coca-Cola. |
C.To tell the young Coca-Cola is their friend. |
D.To show Coca-Cola is especially generous. |
Leonardo O’Grady thinks that _______.
A.the Coca-Cola Hug Machine is the best advertisement |
B.the Coca-Cola Hug Machine can spread happiness |
C.the Coca-Cola Hug Machine should be open only to the students |
D.people who enjoy the campaign would buy more Coca-Cola drinks |
What can we infer from the passage?
A.The campaign has achieved good results. |
B.The campaign has cost Coca-Cola much money. |
C.The Coca-Cola Hug Machines will be seen worldwide. |
D.Coca-Cola focuses more on sharing happiness than on sales. |
The passage mainly tells us that ______.
A.it is quite simple to spread some happiness |
B.Coca-Cola soft drinks are popular in Singapore |
C.people in Singapore are more positive across Asia |
D.the Coca-Cola vending machine asks for hugs rather than money |