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Home exchanges are not new. At least one group, Intervac, has been making such an arrangement
easier since 1953. But trading online is gaining popularity these days, with several sites in operation,
including Home Exchanges. Founded in 1992, with about 28,000 listings, this company bills itself as the
world's largest home exchange club.
The annual fee is usually less than US$100. Members can access thousands of sites for apartments,
cottages, urban homes and farms around the world. Original contact is made through e-mail, with the
following communication usually by phone. Before a match is made, potential swappers tend to discuss a
lot.
However, the concept may sound risky to some people. What about theft? Damage? These are
reasonable causes for concern, but equally unlikely. As one swapper puts it, "Nobody is going to fly across the ocean or drive 600 miles to come to steal your TV. Besides, at the same time they're staying in your
home, you are staying in their home."
Exchange sites recommend that swappers discuss such matters ahead of time. They may fill out an
agreement spelling out who shoulders which responsibilities if a problem arises. It does not matter if the
agreement would hold up in court, but it does give the exchangers a little satisfaction.
Generally, the biggest complaint among home exchangers has to do with different standards of
cleanliness. Swappers are supposed to make sure their home is in order before they leave, but one
person's idea of "clean" may be more forgiving than another's. Some owners say if they come back to a
less-than-sparkling kitchen, it may be inconvenient but would not sour them on future exchanges.
1. The underlined word "bills" in Para. 1 can be replaced by ________.
A. replaces
B. contributes
C. advertises
D. participates
2. Home exchangers normally begin their communication ________.
A. through e-mail
B. by phone
C. through media
D. by letter
3. To deal with theft and damage concerns, exchange sites advise the swappers that ________.
A. one should ask a lawyer for some legal help
B. both parties should stay in the swapper's home
C. both parties should sign an agreement in advance
D. one should damage the home of the other swapper in return
4. According to the passage, which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. Members cannot access the sites for home exchanges without paying a yearly fee.
B. It is not necessary for the swappers to worry about household theft or damage.
C. Different swappers have different standards of cleanliness.
D. A less-than-sparkling kitchen will prevent swappers from future exchanges.
