Half off usually unaffordable products?Only $49.99 for that $100.00 dinner?That’s the magic of Groupon,but for some small business owners the “great business” offered by Groupon can be equal to the kiss of death.How could that occur?

The math of Groupon seems simple at a glance,but upon further inspection the numbers don’t add up when it comes to smaller businesses.A Groupon typically offers a 50% discount on a product or service;then the remaining profit is divided between Groupon and the small business.While Groupon has already received the profit in advance,the merchant is left waiting for their cut.Those worrying numbers are assuming the price cut is 50/50,which,in some cases,is being generous.

When you break it down to numbers,a Groupon deal seems disastrous,but it’s not only the numbers small business owners have to worry about.The point of Groupon deals is to attract new and hopefully long term customers.Yet,does this actually happen?The majority of consumers buying the Groupon are there for the bargain and don’t return after using their Groupon.CFHS Junior Angelita Pope stated,“I love the deals offered by Groupon!They can really save you so much money.”However,she went on to say that she hadn’t returned once to any of the businesses after using her Groupon.

For some small businesses,the pressure lies with the responses of their loyal customers,who watch as new faces get the same product or service for half the price that they have been paying for years.When you break it down,Groupon indicates that the business offering the deal is not only willing to be flexible with their price,but also that their product or service isn’t worth the price they’re charging for.When combining these factors,it’s no wonder loyal customers are put off by the idea of their favorite shop offering Groupons.

Now I by no means say Groupons have bad effects on all businesses;however the storm of Groupon is actually a disaster for a small business.

1.What is good about Groupon?

A. It can offer a large discount.

B. It helps add up the numbers.

C. It can improve the quality of the product.

D. It brings small business owners more profit.

2.CFHS Junior Angelita Pope’s statement suggests that    .

A. small business owners needn’t worry about deals

B. people like using Groupon in the same business

C. the purpose of Groupon is to promote business

D. Groupon may not bring customers back

3.What does the underlined word “they” in Paragraph 4 refer to?

A. New faces. B. Loyal customers.

C. Groupon dealers. D. Small businesses.

4.What could be the best title for the text?

A. A new business trend—Groupon dealing

B. The development of a Groupon company

C. The effects of Groupon on small businesses

D. A fantastic shopping experience—Groupon

With the summer holiday just around the corner, it seems like everybody is busy planning their vacations. Here are some tips that can help you enjoy your holiday without emptying your pocket:

Travel off-season

Go to your desired destination while the demand is low and take advantage of huge discounts. During the peak season, the hotel and flight prices increase quickly, and you’ll likely spend more of your vacation time standing in line due to the rush of tourists.1.

2.

Websites can help you find discount hotel rooms. Look for places that do not charge extra for children if they use the existing bedding. Stay with the locals. If you and your family are going to stay for a longer period, renting a small apartment is a good choice.

Eat like a local

Why eat at big chain restaurants when you can experience something new?3.During your family trip, try new food where the locals eat. This will not just save money, but also provide you with a new and different experience. For smaller meals and snacks, avoid restaurants and try street food or other takeout.

Don’t hesitate to bargain

Tourist- heavy places are known for overcharging for just about everything. Clothes, travel goodies, souvenirs, etc. are very expensive at these places.4.Bargain hard to get the best price.

Choose local transportation

5.Instead, take buses, railways or subways, which are always cheaper. If you are planning to stay for a while, you can consider renting a car. Hiring a car is much easier than carrying your bags everywhere if you are moving around a lot.

A. Save on hotels.

B. Surf the Internet while traveling.

C. Therefore, avoid buying anything there.

D. So it’s best to find out when the off-season starts.

E. Planning your meals is another way to reduce your travel costs.

F. For this reason, you shouldn’t feel ashamed to ask for bargains.

G .As a tourist, avoid taking taxis whenever possible, since they are expensive.

The Intelligent Transport team at Newcastle University have turned an electric car into a mobile

laboratory named “Drive LAB” in order to understand the challenges faced by older drivers and to discover where the key stress points are.

Research shows that giving up driving is one of the key reasons for a fall in health and well-being among older people, leading to them becoming more isolated(隔绝) and inactive.

Led by Professor Phil Blythe, the Newcastle team are developing in-vehicle technologies for older drivers which they hope could help them to continue driving into later life.

These include custom-made navigation(导航) tools, night vision systems and intelligent speed adaptations. Phil Blythe explains: “For many older people, particularly those living alone or in the country, driving is important for preserving their independence, giving them the freedom to get out and about without having to rely on others.”

“But we all have to accept that as we get older our reactions slow down and this often results in people avoiding any potentially challenging driving conditions and losing confidence in their driving skills. The result is that people stop driving before they really need to.”

Dr Amy Guo, the leading researcher on the older driver study, explains, “The Drive LAB is helping us to understand what the key stress points and difficulties are for older drivers and how we might use technology to address these problems.

“For example, most of us would expect older drivers always go slower than everyone else but surprisingly, we found that in 30mph zones they struggled to keep at a constant speed and so were more likely to break the speed limit and be at risk of getting fined. We’re looking at the benefits of systems which control their speed as a way of preventing that.

“We hope that our work will help with technological solutions(解决方案)to ensure that older drivers stays after behind the wheel.”

1.What is the purpose of the Drive LAB?

A. To explore new means of transport. B. To design new types of cars.

C. To find out older driver’s problems. D. To teach people traffic rules.

2.Why is driving important for older people according to Phil Blythe?

A. It keeps them independent. B. It helps them save time.

C. It builds up their strength. D. It cures their mental illnesses.

3.What do researchers hope to do for older drivers?

A. Improve their driving skills. B. Develop driver-assist technologies.

C. Provide tips on repairing their cars. D. Organize regular physical checkups.

4.What is the best title for the text?

A. A New Model Electric Car B. A Solution to Traffic Problem

C. Driving Service for Elders D. Keeping Older Drivers on the Road

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