Question

In today's world of smart phones and laptops, most people have at least one time-telling thing with them. Since these digital products are so common, is time running out for the 500-year-old watch? According to some consumers, the answer is yes. New Jersey teenager Charlie Wollman says a watch is “an extra piece of equipment with no necessary function.” Many young adults think so and use their smart phones to tell time. It is said that fewer young people wear watches today than ten years ago. As a result, some people say that the watch industry is at a crossroads.

However, watchmakers optimistically say that watches redeem popularity when consumers reach their 20s and 30s. By then, they are willing to spend money on a quality watch that doesn’t just keep good time. Fifty years ago, watchmakers took pride in their products’ accuracy. But in recent years, the watch industry has changed itself into an accessory(配饰) business. And today, the image a watch conveys has become more important than the time it tells.

“Complications” — features that go beyond simple timekeeping — are an important part of a watch’s image. Today’s watches offer lots of features that meet almost any personality. These features include compasses, USB drivers, and even other functions that measure the effectiveness of golf swings!

Creativity also plays a key role in designing today’s watches. For example, Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash makes watches that don’t even look like watches. The company’s popular Shinshoku model uses different color lights to tell time. It looks more like a fashionable bracelet than a watch.

Whether a watch conveys fashion sense, creative talent or a love of sports, consumers want their watches to stand out. Nowadays, everyone has the same kind of gadget（小玩意） in their bags, so people want to make a statement with what’s on their wrists. Will this interest in wrist fashion last? Only time will tell!

1.What can we know from the first paragraph?

A. As most people see, watches are out of fashion.

B. Some people feel that watches have been of no use.

C. The watch industry will close down sooner or later.

D. There are so many choices of watches for teenagers today.

2.According to the passage, what image does a watch convey nowadays?

A. It simply tells time.

B. It appeals to many teenagers.

C. It has many complex functions.

D. It has an impact on creativity and imagination.

3.Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash is mentioned in Paragraph 4 to ________.

A. show why Shinshoku watches are popular

B. advertise Shinshoku watches made by Tokyoflash

C. tell that today’s watches need more imagination

D. make a comparison between watches and bracelets

4.What may be the best title for the passage?

A. Watches Tell More Than Time

B. Japanese Watches Stand Out

C. Watch Industry Is in a Bad Situation

D. Watches Are Becoming Less Popular

Answer

1.B

2.C

3.C

4.A

【解析】

试题分析：以前人们戴手表只是为了报时，他们追求的是手表报时的精确性；而现在的年轻人戴手表更多的是在乎手表的款式，因为手表可以展示人的个性。

1.】B 细节理解题。根据第一段的讲述以及New Jersey teenager Charlie Wollman says a watch is “an extra piece of equipment with no necessary function.”可知，因为智能手机和平板电脑的普及，很多人至少有一款可以告诉时间的产品，所以一些人觉得手表没有用了，故选B项。

2.】C 细节理解题。根据第三段提到These features include compasses, USB drivers, and even other functions that measure the effectiveness of golf swings.可知，现在的手表包括很多的功能，故选C项。

3.】C 细节理解题。根据第四段中Japanese watchmaker Tokyoflash makes watches that don’t even look like watches. The company’s popular Shinshoku model uses different color lights to tell the time. It looks more like a fashionable bracelet (手镯) than a watch.可知，文章提到Tokyoflash是为了表明现在的手表很时尚，更有想象力，故选C项。

4.】A 主旨大意题。文章是要告诉我们：以前人们戴手表只是为了报时，他们追求的是手表报时的精确性，而现在的年轻人戴手表更多的是在乎手表的款式，因为手表可以展示人的个性，故选A项。

考点：考查经济类阅读。