大学英语（四）复习题一、阅读理解Passage 1When economic times are fierce it is generally thought that the pawn-broking industry flourishes. Lynad Damario. Regional director of Albemarle & Bona said “There are increasing numbers of people from all walks of life who are finding themselves in a situation where the banks are unable to help, so our business is growing ,” That unwillingness by banks to lend has helped earn the U.K’s biggest pawnbroker a 47 per cent rise in profits.At a time when the price of gold is rising in value, it is probably unsurprising hthat sales of second hand jewelry accounted for 75 per cent of the firm;s total sales. Harvey & Thompson, one of Britain’s biggest pawnbrokers, has seen business increase by 11per cent in recent months. A spokeswoman for H & T. said that consumers are more aware of the idea of selling their possessions because of the popularity of online sales. People are more aware now that they can raise cash by selling things they don’t need.Pawnbrokers give customrs money in return for an object which is held as security until the customer pays off the loan plus any interest charges. No credit checks are needed and once the item is valed and a rate of interest agreed, the customer can leave with the money Jewelry and watches are pawned most often.According to the Natioal Pawnbrokers Association, around 88per cent of pawned goods are recovered. But what if the worst happens and you are unable to pay for the item at end pf the loan period? You can usually extend the length of borrowing. If you cannot do this, as a last resort, the pledge will get sold off, but it is generally not in the pawnbroker’s interest to do so. Particularly as m...
