A
Young people are perhaps betterknown for spending money than saving it.But some new banking websites are seeking to change that.These websites offer young people the information and tools they need to watch over their money.The websites also let the users share their financial experiences with other young people.
Nineteenyearold Alix Scott has been working at a store this summer.She is saving money to pay for college next year.“I have to save for all my college money because my parents can't afford to cosign on loans.So，I have to rely on my own savings.”
But instead of putting her money in a local bank，Miss Scott began using SmartyPig，a webbased banking service.
SmartPig was developed by Michael Ferrari with a friend in 2007.It is really all about helping people save for very specific goals，such as a wedding，a vacation or an iPhone.
Michael Ferrari said : “For example，you want to save five thousand dollars for a vacation in three years.SmartyPig will actually calculate how much money you need to save every month.You don't have to move from your existing bank，we'll actually go in and withdraw those funds on the day you specify every month and we'll put it into your SmartyPig account，where it'll earn interest，as well.”
SmartyPig also enables outsiders to add money to the accounts of its users.“Perhaps a holiday is coming up or your birthday is coming up，and rather than getting a gift，your friends，your family can actually contribute to any of your SmartyPig goals.”Mr.Ferrari said.He believes that as technology continues to develop，more and more people will use the electronic banking sites.
A growing number of young people have shown an interest in online banking sites like SmartyPig.They say they like the ease of operation and services the sites offer.These personal finance websites offer tools that help users follow their spending，set up a budget，and combine their investments.And they all involve social media，which interests young adults who are already at ease about sharing their personal information online.
【语篇解读】 年轻人可能更为大家熟知的是花钱而不是存钱。但一些新的银行网站正试图改变这种状况。这些网站为年轻人提供理财的信息和工具，同时还允许用户与其他年轻人分享自己的理财经验。
1．Which of the following is TRUE of Alix Scott?
A．She can't afford her college education.
B．She has received a student loan.
C．She prefers online banking services to local banks.
D．She has been working parttime at weekends.
C [细节理解题。根据第三段“But instead of putting her money in a local bank，Miss Scott began using SmartyPig，a webbased banking service.”与当地银行相比，Miss Scott更喜欢网上银行。故选C。]
2．What do we know about SmartyPig?
A．It was created in 2008.
B．It offers the best rate.
C．It was founded by Michael Ferrari alone.
D．It is a tool for helping consumers save money.
D [细节理解题。根据第四段“SmartPig was developed by Michael Ferrari with a friend in 2007.It is really all about helping people save for very specific goals，such as a wedding，a vacation or an iPhone.”SmartPig是帮助消费者存钱的工具。故选D。]
3．According to the text，users of SmartyPig ________．
A．can share their experiences of saving money
B．need to put their money in their SmartyPig account
C．have access to low rate loans
D．Can often receive free gifts from SmartyPig
A [推理判断题。根据第五段“For example，you want to save five thousand dollars for a vacation in three years.SmartyPig will actually calculate how much money you need to save every month.You don't have to move from your existing bank，we'll actually go in and withdraw those funds on the day you specify every month and we'll put it into your SmartyPig account，where it'll earn interest，as well.”比如你想在三年内节省五千美元的假期费用。SmartyPig事实上将为你计算每月节省多少钱。你不必从你现有的银行中转移，我们会在你指定的每一个月的那一天提取这些资金，我们把它放进你的SmartyPig账户。可知SmartyPig的使用者会体验存钱的经历。故选A。]
4．The last paragraph mainly talks about________．
A．how to save money on SmartyPig
B．why young people like online banking sites
C．what SmartyPig should do to improve its services
D．how online banking sites differ from traditional banks
B [主旨大意题。根据最后一段第一句“A growing number of young people have shown an interest in online banking sites like SmartyPig.”越来越多的年轻人对网上银行的业务表现出兴趣。故选B。]
