We might like to think we're not influenced by other people, but a new study into the group-buying mechanisms（机制） - like those used on coupon（优惠券） sites such as Groupon and LivingSocial - reveals that telling buyers who come later to the offer how many have already signed up increases the number of purchasers.
Researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management wanted to understand why group buying sites that have entered the market recently have enjoyed greater success than those operating a decade ago, such as Mercata and MobShop.
Earlier attempts typically left potential buyers waiting for days before confirming whether or not they had got the offer they had signed up for.
“We think one of the reasons group-buying has been successful recently is because of the short time horizon,” says Rotman Professor Ming Hu, who co-wrote the study with Professor Mengze Shi and PhD student Jiahua Wu. “It allows for a herding effect.”
Another reason is the use of an information structure that discloses to later arrivals how many have already signed onto the deal.
Researchers looked at two ways of designing the purchasing mechanism for a group buy:a simultaneous mechanism, where no one knows how many buyers have come before them, and asequential（连续的） mechanism, where a second group of buyers has the advantage of knowing the size of the first group.
The researchers' analytical（分析的） model shows the most successful mechanism is the sequential one because it eliminates uncertainty for those coming later to the deal, and improves the confidence of those who sign on early, as they're able to track the numbers of those who come after them.
“That boosts confidence,” says Professor Hu, who teaches operations management. Deals for "luxury" services, versus everyday items, work better in a group buy scenario（方案） because they offer consumers a greater benefit.It can be learned from the text that ______.
| A．the short time horizon is the reason why group-buying has been successful. |
| B．a simultaneous mechanism is where a group of buyers has the advantage of knowing how many people have signed up. |
| C．a sequential mechanism allows a herding effect which boosts the confidence of the buyers. |
| D．researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management carried out an experiment about why group buying sites entered the market successfully, such as Mercata and MobShop. |
The underlined word “eliminates” in paragraph 7 probably means“______”.
| A．to become or to make something greater in amount, number, value |
| B．to remove or get rid of something |
| C．to deliberately not include something in what you are doing or considering |
| D．to make something known to somebody |
What can be the best title for the passage?
| A．Secret for marketing success – boosting confidence. |
| B．Secret for group-buying mechanism—herding effect. |
| C．Comparison between a simultaneous mechanism and a sequential mechanism. |
| D．What others do influences our decisions. |
We lived in a very quiet neighbourhood. Early one evening, my wife asked me to go to the to get some soft drinks. My daughter Holly had just got her permit, so I asked her to drive my truck for the shopping instead, as a chance of .
While we were waiting for Holly, my son talked about how much he liked my truck, and I told him I enjoyed having it, too. But I was more or less about Holly. Just then, we heard a loud noise outside. My son looked out and , “Daddy! Daddy! Holly … Truck!”
“Oh, my God!” I ran to the door, I found that the truck had been brought to a stop.
The had happened in our own driveway. With experience, Holly had my truck hit our garage wall. , Holly was unhurt, but when I reached her, she was crying and saying, “Oh, Dad, I’m sorry. I know how much you this truck.” I held her in my arms as she cried.
I remember how Holly was the night she had my truck damaged, and how I her. The repaired truck reminds me of what really in my life. One day, when Holly her life, she will certainly know that I love my a thousand times more than anything else.
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Once I came to the city near my hometown to find a job. I met all kinds of and so I used up all my money soon.
One day, I a bus quietly at dusk when most people got off work. Suddenly, a cried loudly, “Someone has my money!” I felt , because his money was in my hand. Some people suggested the bus be driven to the police station, but some were against it because they were in a hurry to go back home. The whole bus was very . The driver then the bus by the road and turned on the lights to search for the money. At that time, one passenger said, “Turn off the lights and give the thief a chance to take out the money.” Then the bus got . When I was still struggling in mind whether to take out the money or not, the lights were on again. There was no on the floor. Someone said again, “Give him one more chance.” Then the lights were off again. My heart kept beating fast. The lights were on again but they got the same . The passengers were in heated discussion again. At that time, someone said again, “Give him the last chance!” Suddenly I felt awakened and took out all the money when the lights were off again.
For many years I have felt grateful to the one who gave me three chances to my mistake.
When the first and second opportunities come, you may not be prepared well or don’t have enough to act. When the third opportunity comes you should know clearly what you should do.
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My name is Nick Vujicic．I was born without any limbs（四肢）．But one of my most _ videos on YouTube shows footage（视频片段）of me skateboarding, surfing, playing music, and best of all, hugs from all smts of great people．
All in all, those are pretty ordinary that just about anyone can do, right? So _ do you think that video has been viewed millions of times? My theory is that people are to watch it because in spite of my physical limitations, I'm living I have no limits．
People often expect someone _ a severe disability to be inactive, maybe even angry．I like to _ them by showing that I lead a very adventurous and fruitful life．
Among the hundreds of _ on that video, here's one typical remark: "Seeing a guy like this being happy makes me wonder why I feel for myself sometimes---or feel not funny enough, or whatever． How can I think thoughts like that when this guy is living without limbs and still being happy ! ?"
I found happiness when I realized that imperfect I may be, I am the perfect Nick Vujicic． I'm designed Cod's plan．That's not to say that there isn't for improvement．
I'm always trying to be better so I can better _ the world!
I do believe my life has no _．I want you to feel the same way about your life, no matter what your challenges may he． As we our journey together, please take a moment to _ any limitations you've placed on your life．Now think about what _ would be like to be those limitations．What would your life be if anything were possible?
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We all know what it is like to be unable to turn your head because of a cold in the muscles of your neck, or because an unexpected twist has made your neck ache and stiff. Your whole body feels tight. The slightest move makes you jump with pain. Nothing could be worse than a pain in the neck. That is why we use phrase to describe some people who give you the same feeling. We have all met such people.
One is the man who always seems to be clapping his hands—often at the wrong time—during a performance in the theater. He keeps you from hearing the actors.
Even worse are those who can never arrive before the curtain goes up and play begins. They come hurrying down to your row of seats. You are comfortably settled down, with your hat and heavy coat in your lap. You must stand up to let them pass. You are proud of your self-control after they have settled into their seats…Well, what now…Good God, one of them is up again. He forgot to go to the men’s room, and once more you have to stand up, hanging on to your hat and coat to let him pass. Now, that is “a pain in the neck.”
Another, well-known to us all, is the person sitting behind you in the movies. His mouth is full of popcorn; he is chewing loudly, or talking between bites to friends next to him. None of them remain still. Up and down, back and forth, they go for another bag of popcorn, or something to drink.
Then, there is the main sitting next to you at a lunch counter smoking a smelly cigar. He wants you to enjoy it too, and blows smoke across your food into your mouth.
We must not forget the man who comes into a bus or subway car and sits down next to you, just as close as you will let him. You are reading the newspaper and he leans over and stretches his neck so that he can read the paper with you. He may even turn the paper to the next page before you are ready for it.
We also call such a person a “rubberneck”, always putting out his neck to where it does not belong, like neighbors who watch all your visitors. They enjoy invading your privacy. People have a strong dislike for rubbernecks. They hate being spied upon.Where can you find this passage?
| A．Medicine dictionaries. | B．A travel guide. |
| C．Social science books. | D．Students text books. |
How do you feel when late comers walk back and forth in front of you in a cinema?
| A．Disturbed. | B．Ignored. | C．Bored. | D．Relaxed. |
A “rubberneck” often .
| A．says bad words behind people |
| B．quarrels face to face with neighbors |
| C．bargains the price with sales women |
| D．asks about other people’s business |
Which of the follow is “a pain in the neck”?
| A．Someone who helps you find your seat in a movie theatre. |
| B．Someone who smokes in a smoking section on a train. |
| C．Someone who throws trash out of his car window on the highway. |
| D．Someone who goes to the doctor for his severe pain on the neck. |
Dear Friend,
The recent success of children's books has made the general public aware that there's a huge market out there.
And there's a growing need for new writers trained to create the $3 billion worth of children's books bought each year ... plus stories and articles needed by over 650 publishers of magazines for children and teenagers.
Who are these needed writers? They're ordinary folks like you and me.
But am I good enough?
I was once where you might be now. My thoughts of writing had been pushed down by self-doubt, and I didn't know where to turn for help.
Then, I accepted a free offer from the Institute to test my writing aptitude（潜能）, and it turned out to be the inspiration I needed.
The promise that paid off
The Institute made the same promise to me that they will make to you, if you show basic writing ability:
You will complete at least one manuscript（手稿） suitable to hand in to a publisher by the time you finish our course.
I really didn't expect any publication before I finished the course, but that happened. I sold three stories. And I soon discovered that was not unusual at the Institute.
Since graduation, I have authored 34 nationally published children's books and over 300 stories and articles.
Free test and brochure
We offer a free aptitude test and will send you a copy of our brochure describing our recognized home-study courses on the basis of one-on-one training.
Realize your writing dream today. There's nothing sadder than a dream delayed until it fades forever.
Sincerely,
Kristi Holly, Instructor
Institute of Children's LiteratureFrom the first three paragraphs, we learn that_____.
| A．children’s books are usually bestsellers |
| B．publishers are making $3 billion each year |
| C．magazines for teenagers have drawn public attention |
| D．there is a growing need for writers of children's books |
When finishing the course, you are promised to_____.
| A．be a successful publisher |
| B．become a confident editor |
| C．finish one work for publication |
| D．get one story or article published |
Kristi Holly mentions her experience mainly to_____.
| A．prove she is a good instructor |
| B．promote the writing program |
| C．give her advice on course preparation |
| D．show she sold more stories than article |
The car，running along the welllit road now sank in darkness.I broke the ____ on purpose，____ that the driver was too tired to drive.“When do you go back home in the evening？”“9 o’clock after this ____.” “Then when do you come out in the morning？” I ____ another question.“9 o’clock，too—just as if I worked at an office.” His __ surprised me，because every time I ride a taxi，what I ___ from the driver are only complaints that they have to work from morning till night，it’s hard to earn money and they’re often ___ by the police，or that their leaders are seated lazily，___ the fruits.But this driver told me，“I find it ____ to be a section chief as I was before.I like driving just for ____.It’s fortunate that I hardly drive ____ a passenger.So I earn two or three thousand yuan a month with ease.Yes，I never ____ an empty taxi.If it goes southward，I go northward.If it goes along a ____，I turn into a narrow street.”
His words showed his ____ with his life and the pride he ____ in his job.Such feelings are so rare among people nowadays as oxygen in high ____.As an ancient saying goes，“Neither joy in material ____ nor grieve(悲痛) over personal setbacks.” How many people nowadays can show high ideals by ____ living and go far with a calm mind？I couldn’t help feeling ____ when finding such a state of mind in a stranger on a cold ___.
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| A．angry | B．content |
| C．dangerous | D．curious |
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阅读下面短文，从短文后所给各题的四个选项（A、B、C和D)中，选出可以填入空白处的最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
People usually get into a hard life and are unable to escape from themselves.
There was once a poor and disappointed salesman complaining every day that there was no for him to display his ability and the was often pulling his legs.
At Christmas Eve, every family their houses with lanterns and streamers and it was very everywhere. But he was alone sitting in a bench in a park and recalling the past. It was on the same day last year when he was also alone his Christmas day away, new clothes, new shoes, let alone a new car and a new house.
“Damn! I have to spend this Christmas day with these old shoes again. ” he and began to take off the old shoes. , he glanced at a young man in a wheel chair passing by him with his hands strugglingly pushing the wheel forward. It him that he was so lucky to have shoes to wear while that man did not even have the . Afterwards, the sales man did anything with a calm and cherished every opportunity to improve himself. He worked hard and tried his best to make progress every day. Several years later, he changed his life totally and became a millionaire.
If you look all around, you will find there are so many people who were born in the society but they are in life and never complain about the unfair destiny. They are also not to beg others’ giving. Instead, they constantly to make themselves stronger and more excellent to the society. By contrast, we should feel . We are born healthy, but we are with life; we complain about our colleagues and dissatisfy with our jobs.
Maybe all of us would feel afraid when we realize we have fallen into such state of life, but worse is that you even do not you have fallen into such a dangerous situation.
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Below are some classified(分类的) ads from an English newspaper.
●FOR SALE
Come to our moving sale — Plants, pottery, books，clothes, etc. Sat, Dec. 14th — 9a. m.---5p. m. 1612 Ferndale, Apt. 1. Call 800 4696.
Used fur coats and jackets. Good condition. $ 30 -- $ 50. Call 800 0436
Moving: Must sell. TV21, $ 50; AM/FM radio A/C or battery, $ 15; cassette tape recorder, $ 10. Call 800 0739
●LOST AND FOUND
Found: Cat, 6 months old, black and white markings. Found near Linden and South U. Steve. 800 4661.
LOST: Gold wire rim glasses in brown case. Campus area. Reward. Call 8002896.
FOUND: Nov. 8th — A black and white puppy in PackardJewett area. Call 8005770.
●PERSONAL
OVERSEAS JOBS—Australia, Europe, S. America, Africa. Students all
professions and occupations, $ 700 to $ 3000 monthly. Expenses paid, overtime
Sightseeing. Free information at Students’ Union.
The International Center plans to publish a booklet of student travel adventures. If you’ d like to write about your foreign experiences, unusual or just plain interesting, call us (800 9310) and ask for Mike or Janet.
●ROOMMATES
FEMALE ROOMMATE
WANTED: Own room near campus. Available December 1st. Rent $ 300 per month until March 1st. $ 450 thereafter. Call Jill for details, 800 7839.
●DOMESTIC SERVICE
Early hour wake up
Service: For prompt (on time), courteous (polite) wakeup service, call 800 0760.
●HELP WANTED
Babysitter — my home
If you are available a few hours during the day, and some evenings to care for 2 schoolage children, please call Gayle Moore, 800 1111,
Person wanted for delivery work. Own transportation. Good pay. Apply 2311 E. Stadium. Office 101, after 9 a. m.
Waitress wanted 10a. m. --2 p. m. or 10∶30 a. m. --5 p．m. Apply in person.
207 S. Main, Curtis Restaurant.
Help wanted for house cleaning 1/2 day on weekends. Good wages. Sylvan Street. Call 800 2817.Where will you post a notice if you need someone to look after your children?
A. PERSONAL. B. ROOMMATES
C. DOMESTIC SERVICE. D.HELP WANTED.A secondhand jacket will probably cost you________.
| A．$ 60 | B．$ 20 | C．$ 40 | D．$ 10 |
To have your travel notes published, you may contact________.
| A．Students’ Union | B．Gayle Moore |
| C．The International Center | D．LifePlanning Workshop |
If you want to have someone wake you up in the morning，you may call________.
| A．800 0760 | B．800 7839 | C．800 2817 | D．8005770 |
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