问答题
In this question, you will read a short passage, then listen to a lecture on the same topic, and then speak in response to a question about what you have read and heard. After you hear the question, you have 30 seconds to prepare your response and 60 seconds to speak.
Read the following passage from a textbook.
THE UNIFORMITY OF GOODS
Starting in the nineteenth century, there was a movement toward uniformity in the manufacture of American goods. Manufacturers aimed to provide a common experience so that all Americans could enjoy ready-made goods that were similar in style, material, quality, and price. Manufacturers expanded their production capabilities to regularize production and create uniform goods. The uniformity of products, or the belief that products were similar to others of the same type, generally satisfied customers. Uniformity was achieved in several ways, chiefly through machine-based production, the establishment of standard sizes, and the establishment of brand names.
Define the uniformity of goods, and explain how the examples given by the professor contributed to the uniformity of goods.
【正确答案】
【答案解析】Key points:
● The uniformity of goods is when manufactured products are similar to others of the same type in style, material, quality, and price.
● Uniformity of goods is achieved by establishing standard sizes. The professor gives the example of the clothing industry, which standardized the sizes of soldiers" uniforms during the Civil War. The women"s shirtwaist (blouse) was also produced in standard sizes.
● Uniformity is achieved when goods are mass-produced by machinery. The clothing industry used new sewing machines to increase production of men"s and women"s clothing.
● Uniformity is achieved by the establishment of brand names, such as brands from department stores and mail-order catalogs. Both men"s and women"s clothing became available in well-known brands.
[听力原文]
On the topic of uniform goods, let me say something about the clothing industry. The greatest factor in the formation of the men"s clothing industry was the Civil War, which created a huge demand for soldiers" uniforms. The army had to outfit thousands of men, so this prompted the government to specify measurements to the manufacturers, which led directly to the standardization of sizes.
After the war, there was a great demand for civilian clothing for all the returning soldiers. Manufacturers increased production, with the help of standard sizes and new sewing machines, they could produce clothing to fit most of the male population. By the beginning of the twentieth century, most American men were completely clothed in mass-produced, ready-to-wear garments in standard sizes. Men could buy suits, shirts, hats, and shoes with well-established brand names, like those from department stores and mail-order catalogs.
In women"s clothing, eventually every article of clothing was available ready-made with an established brand on the label. One of the earliest mass-produced garments for women was the shirtwaist. Today we call it the blouse. The blouse was machine-made in standard sizes and in a variety of fabrics, making it convenient and affordable for most women.
Define the uniformity of goods, and explain how the examples given by the professor contributed to the uniformity of goods.