Collector’s Corner
People collect a wide variety of things, from the obvious ones like stamps or coins, to the less common ones, such as beer bottles or bus tickets. Some collectors spend hours looking through junk shops and build up a collection for a few pence per object, while other collectors might spend thousands of pounds on antiques, fine china or rare （稀有的） paintings.
Some people collect for money, but most people do it for fun. Collecting is basically illogical. If you simply want to listen to Elvis Presley’s first record, you can get a copy at most record shops. A collector, however, will want to own an original 1955 disc, and will be willing to pay for it.
What makes an item valuable? Rarity and condition are the most important factors. A coin or stamp which is worth hundreds in perfect condition might be worth only pence in average or poor condition.
What should you collect? Most collectors begin acquiring things which interest them, and as the collection grows, knowledge of the subject grows. If you want your collection to grow in value, it is probably best to avoid things which are sold especially for collectors. Nearly everybody who buys a set of new coins or stamps will keep them in perfect condition, so that the new coins or stamps will never become rare. The most valuable items are often things which were widely available, but which were usually thrown away after use, such as Coca-Cola bottles or toy cars. An interesting collection can be started very cheaply.
One collector has started a collection of 1950s and 1960s ball-point pens. At the moment it’s worth nothing, but she predicts it will one day be valuable. Ball-points were widely available, and were made in a large range of colours and styles. They were often designed to be thrown away when they were empty. Many people aren’t willing to throw away used pens, and put them in a drawer or box, perhaps hoping they might work again one day. So it is possible to find unusual examples, made thirty years ago or more, for nothing.
【小题1】For what do most people collect things? （不多于2个单词）【小题2】What makes a collection valuable? （不多于3个单词）
【小题3】What does the example in the last paragraph show? （不多于6个单词）
