问答题 Although credit cards are becoming a more acceptable part of the financial scene, they are still regarded with suspicion by many as being a major part of the "live now pay later" syndrome (综合征) . Along with hire-purchase, rental and leasing schemes, they provide encouragement to spend more money. Of course, it is only the foolhardy who yield (屈服) to the temptation to live, temporarily at least, beyond their means, and such people would no doubt manage to do so even without credit cards.
Advertising campaigns have, however, promoted a growing realization of the advantages of these small pieces of plastic. They obviate need to carry large amounts of cash and are always useful in emergencies. All the credit card organizations charge interest on a monthly basis which may work out as high as 25 per cent a year, yet judicious purchasing using a card can mean that you obtain up to seven weeks, interest-free credit. Using the card abroad, where items frequently take a long time to be included on your account, can extend this period even further.
It is worthwhile shopping around before deciding on a particular credit card. It is necessary to consider the amount of credit granted; interest rates, which may vary slightly; the number and range of outlets, though most cards cover major garages, hotels, restaurants and department stores; and, of course, what happens if your card is lost or stolen. A credit card thief may be sitting on a potential goldmine particularly if there is a delay in reporting the loss of the card.
However, if used wisely, a credit card can cost nothing, or at least help to tide you over a period of financial difficulty.

问答题 What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
【正确答案】People still have suspicion on credit card.
【答案解析】[解析] 第一段内容主要介绍了虽然信用卡越来越普及,但许多人依然心存疑虑,怀疑信用卡致使很多人过入不敷出的日子。
问答题 What can be the title for this passage?
【正确答案】How to use credit cards correctly?
【答案解析】[解析] 文中主要讲了信用卡的好处、如何选择信用卡、如何使用信用卡,这都是在提醒我们如何正确使用信用卡。
问答题 What else do you mean by judicious purchasing using a card?
【正确答案】You obtain up to seven weeks,interest-free credit.
【答案解析】[解析] 解答此题可根据第二段中的“All the credit card organizations charge interest on a monthly basis which may work out as high as 25 per cent a year,yet judicious purchasing using a card can mean that you obtain up to seven weeks,interest-free credit.”
问答题 What happened if your card is lost or stolen?
【正确答案】A credit card thief may use your card.
【答案解析】[解析] 根据文章第三段最后一句“A credit card thief may be sitting on a potential goldmine particularly if there is a delay in reporting the loss of the card.”可知,一旦你的卡丢失,信用卡窃贼可能会盗用你的卡。
问答题 What does the phrase "tide over" in the last paragraph mean?
【正确答案】to support through a difficult period
【答案解析】[解析] 最后一段主要讲信用卡能帮助持卡人暂时度过经济难关。tide over“克服,度过,度过困难时期”,英文解释为to support through a difficult period。