【正文】 rity of Being SOHO Today, researchers and marketers have identified a segment that is now labeled SOHO, which gives a strong impetus to America’s economic growth and has created most of the new jobs in the last 20 %of panies provided 6 million of the jobs that were added to the economy between 1991 and 1995. Small businesses account for over 90% of all businesses in the ., with an economic output greater than that of Germany or France or the UK. Reportedly, homebased workers earn more money. The 46 million homebased workers in the United States, including a large number of women working at home in an attempt to better balance work and family, earn 28% more than the average office workers, and spend less time earning their pay. Of course this is due, in part, to the fact hat more and more experienced and aggressive workers tend to start their own businesses. Remember, going into business on your own, for form a home office may mean harder work. But it can also mean more independence, more challenge, and better results. In the long run, it may mean more money of you and your family. In a word, starting your own business means freedom, growth, experimenting and learning. If you are successful, you won’t have to go and ask for a rise or accept what you’re given or worry about being fired when a younger colleague es along. You will have the freedom to enjoy the profits that e form your growing business. Good luck and enjoy the journey. Questions: 1. Many people have no choice but to set up homebased businesses because large corporations are expanding. 2. The term SOHO, which means ―Small Office/Home Office‖, originates in New York. 3. Many homebased business owners failed to take into account the possible expansion of their businesses. 4. It is highly remended that we make a separate room as the office so as to avoid distractions. 5. It is very important to provide the employees with the best working environment. 6. America’s small businesses are very productive, but their economic output is smaller than that of Germany. 7. The number of homebased workers in the United States has reached 46 million. 8. Small businesses make up ________________________of all business in the . 9. The SOHO workers earn more money than the average office workers partly because more and more experienced and aggressive workers tend to ___________________________. 10. We can achieve ________________________ and better results by starting your won business. Section B Careful Reading (30%) Directions: In this section, there are 3 passages. Each passage is followed by some questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. You should decide on the best choice and mark the corresponding letter on the Answer Sheet with a single line through the center. Passage One Questions 11 to 15 are based on the following passage. The best kept secret in San Diego is waiting to offer you a delightful getaway — without leaving town. Less than three years ago, the Parisi Hotel was just an office building above the shops on the corner of Prospect Street. Now, that valuable space is an intimate luxury hotel — with several rooms overlooking the ocean. You’ll be amazed when you enter from the corner and ascend the curving staircase to the secondfloor lobby. It will take you into a different world. What will you find when you enter the large contemporary lobby is a handsome and peaceful space that was designed with a hint of Tuscany in its modern Mediterranean (地中海式的 ) style. The lobby has a large fireplace with fortable sofas in warm neutral colors surrounding it. You’ll feel relaxed just sitting there — with its skylight overhead letting in the morning sun. All the rooms are more like suites (套房 ), with large fortable beds, beautiful baths and stylish customdesigned furnishings and art throughout. The Parisi Hotel is the perfect place for seniors because it’s quiet and restful — with only 20 rooms. You won’t find many hotels like this in the center of a tourist town. The shops are all around you. Likewise for some of the city’s best restaurants, you will never have to take your car out of the garage during your stay. And, by the way, the underground parking lot at the Parisi Hotel is free for hotel guests. Once you stay at this little gem (珍品 ), you’ll want to return again and again. I know we do. It’s a perfect place for seniors. Rates for standard suites begin at $275. You can call the hotel for reservation at (858) 4541513. The Parisi Hotel is located at 1111 Prospect St. right across from La Valencia. 11. The Parisi Hotel is described as _________. A. a luxury hotel with fortable faciliti