Question

Ten years ago, many people thought that the age of the physical book(紙質(zhì)書) was coming to an end. The objects that had been the companions(伙伴) of millions of readers for hundreds of years were about to die out. Soon, we’d all be reading on little electronic screens and laughing at the memory of places called “l(fā)ibraries” and “bookshops”.

But it seems not true about the idea of the death of the physical books. At least in the UK, as The Guardian noted, sales of e-books are falling while sales of paper books are rising. More surprisingly, it’s young people who are buying the most physical books. More than 60 percent of 16-to-24-year-olds preferred print books to e-books. The most popular reason given was: “I like to hold the product.”

Books become very personal objects to lovers of reading. It often starts with the way they get them. Many buyers of books like to write down their name on the inside cover when they've bought one. And we carry books around with us everywhere.

If there’s a mark made on the pages from coffee or food, it doesn’t matter. These accidents make the book – our book – even more personal. It’s as if readers of physical books make friends with them.

Of course, some could say that the devices on which people read e-books, like Kindles and iPads are also objects that we like. But it isn't quite the same. A Kindle, can hold as many pieces of writing as a whole library. But a story we remember from our time turning its pages in our favourite armchair enters our memory forever. Physical books are as valuable to some readers as items of jewelry or photographs of family members.

This “friendship” people develop with books isn’t just about feelings. Research has shown that readers remember more information read from physical books than electronic ones.

However, there’s no doubt e-books are here to stay. They aren’t simply a “here today, gone tomorrow” thing. But it’s also certain that physical books, which have been in production since the fifteenth century, are here to stay, too.

1.What can be inferred from the passage?

A. Physical books will soon no longer be made.

B. Sales of e-books and print books are both rising．

C. Lovers of physical books are mostly old people.

D. Physical books are making a comeback in the UK.

2.Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a feature of physical books?

A. Readers can form a very close relationship with their books.

B. Physical books may carry readers’ valuable memories.

C. Readers get more information from physical books than e-books.

D. It is easier for readers to make notes on physical books.

3.Why did the author write this article?

A. To explain why physical books will not disappear soon.

B. To describe different reading tastes in the UK.

C. To explain what makes physical books personal.

D. To recommend that readers read more physical books.

Answer 1