阅读理解。
Shi Fang spends more than 4,000 yuan a month shopping, but she rarely goes to the shopping
mall. "Why need a shopping mall if you have Taobao? I am a Taobaoer," says Shi, 28, a writer in
Beijing.
A growing number of Chinese Internet users like Shi have discovered the joys of online shopping.
The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) announced in December that more than 87
million Chinese made purchases on the Internet in the first half year, which means one out of four
Chinese netizens have online shopping experience.
It is estimated that the consumption from online shopping will reach more than 250 billion yuan
this year, and 80 percent of this is carried out through Taobao. com, China's fast-growing e-commerce
hub (枢纽) set up in 2003.
The biggest attraction for Shi Fang is the relatively low price for online goods, compared with those
in stores in bricks. Her favorite facial cream costs 1,680 yuan for a 30ml bottle in the local shop, but a
10ml sample of the same brand only costs 68 yuan online.
The Taobao instant messenger, a communication channel for buyers and sellers, also makes onlrne
shopping easier and ensures the overall experience for both parties Shi Fang regards it as a platform to
promote trust and keep contact.
"You can check the information easily. It is sweet that the owner will remember you once you have
regular chat with him or her through the messenger. You may receive some personalized service such
as getting more samples or certain discount," said Shi While some may question the security of online
purchases, Yang Fei, another Taobaoer, gave a thumb-up for Alipay, the Taobao payment method
started by Alibaba Group in 2004 in partnership with leading banks in China. It enabled her to make
a lot of purchases online.
"It's very safe and convenient. Unless you confirm the arrival and satisfaction about the purchase,
the shop owner will not get the money. You can also get the refund(退款) if you want to return the
purchase," she added.
1. According to the passage, Taobao is .
A. a website where people can buy different things
B. an Internet store where we can buy whatever we want
C. a website where people can make friends all over the country
D. a messenger through which people can bargain with each other
2. Which of the following is NOT the advantage of shopping online?
A. Personalized service.
B. Reasonable price.
C. Rich experience.
D. Its convenience.
3. It can be inferred from the passage that .
A. the consumption through Taobao. corn may be over 200 billion yuan this year
B. consumers won't get any samples because of the low prices
C. consumers can communicate with sellers mainly on the phone
D. one fourth of Chinese citizens have online shopping experience
4. Which of the following would be the best title?
A. The Taobao Messenger
B. Online Shopping Process
C. An Online Shopping Experience
D. A Booming Online Shopping Hub
