2. 外语
  3. The increasing Americanization of Japanese life is evident in many ways. One such way is the growing popularity of credit cards.

The increasing Americanization of Japanese life is evident in many ways. One such way is the growing popularity of credit cards.

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问题     The increasing Americanization of Japanese life is evident in many ways. One such way is the growing popularity of credit cards. Traditionally, in Japan, cash was the preferred form of payment in all daily purchases. Buying things on credit was seen as something to be avoided at all costs. This was especially true among the older generation who were not accustomed to the buy-now-pay-later ethic. On the other hand, Americans are well used to this form of paying for goods and services. Credit cards, along with checks, are relatively safe and easy to use. They are also now considered as a common form of identification, the other form of ID being a driver’ s license. In fact, when renting a car in America, a credit card is required as an ID and, in addition, is the preferred form of payment. Many companies will not even accept cash on car rentals.
    Credit cards offer Japanese consumers a number of conveniences. Customers can get discounts on certain items. Their names may be entered in lotteries where they can win cash prizes. Perhaps most importantly, though, easy credit is offered to borrowers. Those needing a loan, especially if they are young, can borrow money easily. These advantages have made credit cards increasingly popular and some of the traditional bias against them is being dispelled, especially among young people, who often have a number of different cards.
    However, there are definite disadvantages to using credit cards. The availability of easy credit may be one thing, but the high interest rates charged by card companies is quite another. In 2000, there were about 230 million credit cards in use in Japan; there were also about 140,000 bankruptcies. Many people were unable to control their credit card spending, and as a result, they went into debt.
    Young people are especially vulnerable to the temptations of having a credit card. They often cannot resist spending money on expensive brand-name clothes, high-tech audio and video equipment, and luxurious trips abroad. It’ s easier in stores, restaurants, gas stations—almost anywhere—to pay with a simple piece of plastic rather than carrying cash. We thus lose all sense of the value of money and easily fall into debt. Once this happens it may cost us more than money. Excessive debt due to uncontrolled spending has led to the breakup of families, divorce, and in some cases even suicide.
The most important service credit card companies offer is______.
选项 A、easy credit to borrowers
B、discounts on certain items
C、lotteries and cash prizes
D、ease in obtaining additional cards
答案A
解析 细节题。短文第二段指出Perhaps most importantly，though，easy credit isoffered to borrowers．即最重要的是．信用卡持有者很容易获得贷款。故选A。
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