Directions: In this section, you will hear a passage three times. When the passage is read for the first time, you should listen carefully for its general idea. When the passage is read for the second time, you are required to fill in the blanks numbered from 36 to 43 with the exact words you have just heard. For blanks numbered from 44 to 46 you are required to fill in the missing information. For these blanks, you can either use the exact words you have just heard or write down the main points in you own words. Finally, when the passage is read for the third time, you should check what you have written.

　　Holiday shopping is an exciting and (36) thing to do for many people. They love the crowds, the time spent picking out that (37) gift for a loved one.

　　Then there are those of us who hate crowds. Robb Empson used to be one of those (38) holiday gift buyers. Not anymore. The 50-year-old man checked off his (39) gift list two weeks ago—shopping online. Knowing he doesn’t have to visit (40) during the crowded holiday season is a “wonderful feeling,” said Empson, who has been full of (41) online shopping for several years. This year, he spent about 700 dollars on a (42) holiday gifts from Amazon. com. (43) , Internet holiday sales grew 28 percent last year and 54 percent in 2000.

　　(44) .

　　Many are turning to online shopping as an alternative. The idea of shopping in your soft loose clothes you wear at home is pretty cool to those who hate shopping. The perfect gift is out there; one needs merely to surf the Web.

　　(45) .

　　With the click of a mouse, consumers can send flowers and gifts to distant relatives. Shopping online can be safe and convenient. Consumers need only to know the rules and to take steps to protect themselves. (46)