UNIT 13 HOBBIES
A. PHONOLOGY
Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from those of the rest.
a. occupy b. simply c. accompany d. hobby
a. practised b. stamped c. indulged d. accomplished
a. collect b. common c. modest d. accomplish
a. friends b. tunes c. clubs d. stamps
a. collected b. discarded c. watched d. wanted
Choose the word which has a different stress pattern.
A. survey B. vibrate C. keyboard D. repair
A. replacement B. conference C. advertising D. workstation
a. variety b. Australia c. accompany d. interesting
a. occupy b. regular c. relative d. another
a. collect b. indulge c. hobby d. admire
B. READING COMPREHENSION
I. Read the passage carefully and choose the correct answer.
Stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects, such as envelopes or packages with stamps on them. It is one of the world`s most popular hobbies, with estimates of the number of collectors ranging up to 20 million in the United States alone.
Many collectors enjoy accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the creation of a large or comprehensive collection generally requires some philatelic knowledge. This is especially important for those who intend to spend large amounts for stamps.
Stamp collectors are an important source of revenue for some small countries that create limited runs of elaborate stamps designed mainly to be bought by stamp collectors. The stamps produced by these countries far exceed the postal needs of the countries.
Some collectors, observing the generally rising prices of rare stamps, have taken to Philatelic Investment. Rare stamps are among the most portable investments, and are easy to store. They offer an attractive alternative to art, other collectible investments, and precious metals.
Stamp collecting .
a. does not consist of collecting envelopes b. is not rather popular
c. is popular in the USA d. is a rare hobby
The word accumulating has a close meaning to .
a. estimating b. purchasing c. counting d. collecting
According to the passage, .
a. there are some people who spend a lot money on stamp collecting
b. all stamp collectors are interested in tiny details of a stamp
c. about 20 million people in the USA are not interested in stamp collecting
d. stamp collecting needs no knowledge
Which sentence is true?
a. All stamps are created for the postal needs.
b. There are stamps created to be bought by stamp collectors.
c. Stamps cannot bring revenue.
d. Elaborate stamps are designed for postal needs.
Stamps .
a. cannot be invested b. are easy to store
c. are not easy to store d. are unportable investments
II. Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
I am often asked (1)_________advice by people who have inherited or been given a stamp collection and now want to sell it. Here are some pointers that I have put together. First of all, don`t get your hopes up. Many people see boxes or albums (2)___________ oId stamps and think "bonanza"! The reality is that the vast majority of stamps are common and are (3)_____________very little - even very old stamps. It`s also true that most collectors pursue the hobby for (4)___________and not as an investment. So, don`t order that new BMW just yet! (5)______________, there are exceptions and some collections can be worth a great deal.
How can you get an idea of a collection`s value? The (6)____________way is if the original collector left some records that detail the contents of the collection and its value. If the collection was insured, the amount of insurance that was taken out can be a guide. Be (7)_________, however, that collectors value their collections at retail - what it would cost to replace the collection bought (8)__________stamp dealers. There`s also a natural (9)______________for a collector to exaggerate a collection`s value. When you go to sell the collection, don`t be surprised if you are offered only 10-20% of the value of the collection or even (10)_________.
A. to B. on C. for D. about
A. many of B. plenty of C. most of D. full of
A. worth B. worthy C. trust-worthy D. to worth
A. enjoyed B. enjoyment C. enjoying D. to enjoy
A. And B. But