C

　　In recent years, China has witnessed the growth of luxury (奢侈品) brands. In this market, Chinese consumers are now the largest spenders. It's clear that a new generation of young, materialistic people is increasingly relying on luxury brands to improve its self-image (自我形象).

　　I am a fashionista too, at least in spirit - I love to look at clothes and shoes. But I don't understand why people spend lots of money on designer labels.

　　When a young woman buys a handbag that costs two months of her salary, that's a scary thing.

　　What's interesting is that scientists have found that having luxury things doesn't lead to happiness.

　　Study after study has shown that although we want material things, when we get them we don't suddenly become "happy" people. In fact, a series of studies by Leaf Van Boven at the University of Colorado, US, has shown that individuals who spend money on travel and similar experiences get more pleasure than those who invest it in material things. That's because experiences are more easily integrated into a person's identity. If I travel to Yunnan, that adventure affects how I think in the future. My memories become a part of me.

　　Moreover, as Van Boven has observed, young people who pursue (追求) happiness through "things" are liked less by their peers (同龄人). People prefer those who pursue happiness through experiences.

　　It's natural to want to express yourself through your appearance. So my advice is: create a look that isn't tied to a designer label. Convey your own message. Take some lessons from the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. He was always in Levis jeans and a black turtleneck. Mark Zuckerberg, founder of Facebook, routinely appears in hoodies and sneakers. These people, successful people, have style. You don't have to break the bank to send a message about who you are.

　　Take a trip. Go out into the world. Then come back and confidently create your own signature look.

8. What can we infer from the first three paragraphs?

A. The author enjoys buying luxury brands herself.

B. The author sees no point in spending money on material things.

C. The author is critical of youths tying their looks to designer labels.

D. The author finds it natural for fashionistas to follow fashion trends.

9. Leaf Van Boven's studies showed that .

A. traveling changes a person's identity greatly

B. people dislike those who love luxuries

C. experiences can bring people more happiness than luxuries

D. luxuries have a negative effect on people's happiness

10. What is the author's advice on expressing oneself?

A. Be selective about designer labels.

B. Create your own personal, unique style.

C. Choose styles that are simple and comfortable.

D. Try styles like Mark Zuckerberg's.

11. The main purpose of the article is to .

A. persuade readers to invest in experiences instead of luxuries

B. prove how luxury leads to an unpleasant life

C. tell how to express yourself through appearances

D. report on a series of studies about luxuries and happiness

　　Pollution's disastrous effects on the environment have become more obvious in recent years, leading to a movement to promote energy efficiency (效率), less reliance on fossil (化石的) fuels and a reduction in air and water pollution. Most scientists agree that such changes are necessary to protect our environment from further harm.

　　The construction industry consumes a large quantity of energy and resources and creates a huge amount of pollution. In the United States, building and development account for 39 percent of the country's total energy use, 12 percent of total water consumption, 68 percent of total electricity consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions (排放), according to the Environment Protection Agency.

　　Green buildings use less energy, water, create less waste and are healthier to live, work and go to school in than standard buildings. Builders of green buildings use techniques that use resources more efficiently during the entire building cycle - construction, restoration, operation, maintenance (维护) and demolition (拆毁) - than those who construct more regular buildings.

The environmental benefits of building green include the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, improved air and water quality, less waste flowing into streams and the conservation of natural resources. Green buildings can also result in lower operating costs because they typically use less energy and fewer materials and improve indoor air quality, improving