Read the following passage, and answer the questions.
Use the words provided below each question.
Have you ever bought anything online? Or have you ever gone “window shopping” on websites? If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the fastest growing consumer habits in the world.
Just a few years ago, people were not very familiar with Internet technology. They were worried about making a purchase online. But now people can buy nearly everything on the Internet. From 1999 to 2002, electronic commerce, or e-commerce, grew by 29 percent annually. This is not only due to an increase in the number of people trusting the Internet; it is also because more people have Internet access. In 1997, less than 20 percent of Americans had Internet access at home. In 2001, that number increased to more than 50 percent. As more people have gained online access, they have begun shopping online more often.
The Internet has created a convenient way for business people to locate items they need and to get them at the best prices. In the past, owners of most businesses bought their supplies locally. Now, business people anywhere in the world can shop on the Internet to find the best deals. For instance, the owner of a restaurant in a small town that wants to buy uniforms for employees can compare items from New York, Chicago, and other cities. In this way, he or she often can choose from a wider variety of items at lower prices. If you are one of the few people who haven’t tried online shopping yet, you’re likely to be an online shopper eventually!
annually: every year
access: availability; ability to use; right to use
locate: to find
eventually: at last; in the end
1. According to the reading passage, what can restaurant owners in a small town do?
buy, uniform, employee, compare, Chicago
Your answer may begin like: They can buy uniforms on the Internet for their ....
2. What are some Internet shopping tips?
price-comparison site, buyer review, trust, coupon
Your answer may begin like: First, get the best deal by using price-comparison sites. Second, ....