Internet Shopping

Internet shopping isa new way of shopping. Nowadays,you can shop for just about anything from yourarmchair. All you need is a computer which is linked to the Internet.

Shopping on theInternet is becoming increasingly popular. In the United States,people spent overU.S. $2.5 billion on Internet shopping in 1998.This figure is expected to

reach U.S.$11billion by the year 2004.

People can shop fora variety of products on the Internet.Physical products include items such asbooks,CDs,clothes and foods.These types of products are the most common

purchases throughthe Internet.You can also buy information products such as on-line news ormagazine stories,or you can download computer software through the

Internet.Servicessuch as booking airline tickets,reser-ving hotels or renting cars are also availableon the Internet.You can also go shopping on the Inter-net for entertainment

services and takepart in on-line games.

Internet shoppingoffers a number of benefits for the shopper. The most important advantage isconvenience.You can shop whenever you like as the on-line shops are open 24

hours a day and youdon't have to queue with other shoppers at the check-out counters.Secondly,itis easy to find what you are looking for on the Internet.Even out-of-print

books may be orderedon line.Finally,it is often cheaper to buy goods through the Internet,and youcan tell the shop exactly what you want.

The maindisadvantage of Internet shopping is that you cannot actually see the productsyou are buying or check their quality.Also,many people enjoy shopping in thecity

and miss theopportunity to talk to friends.Some people are worried about paying for goodsusing credit cards,so Internet companies are now finding ways to make on-line

payment safe.

Internet shopping issure to become more and more popular in the years ahead.It promises to changethe way we buy all kinds of things一from tonight's dinner to a new car.

The disadvantagesof Internet shopping include all of the following EXCEPT that________.

A.customs cannotactually see the products they are buying

B.customs cannotcheck the product's quantity they are buying

C.many peopleenjoying shopping in the city miss the opportunity to talk to friends

D.some people areworried about paying for goods using credit cards