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A Young Singaporean’s View Of Shanghai
Shanghai is seen as a“global business hub ”and it is only a matter of time before it becomes the“New York of the East”. The city has a population of close to 17 million which underlies its immense market potential. Depending on their spending powers, Shanghainese from different strata of society can take their pick from a wide range of choices — from paying three yuan for a bowl of traditional la mian to 20 yuan for a cup of cappuccino. Businesses can thus find a niche for themselves1 by catering to the needs of different groups of consumers.
First-time visitors to Shanghai will invariably first be captivated by the soaring skyscrapers that symbolise the metropolis’wealth and glamour. Across the skyline of Puxi is China’s tallest building — the 88 -storey Jin Mao Tower — in Pudong New Area .
The towering skyscrapers are signs of Shanghai's prosperity and the magnets that attract both local and foreign talent to converge on the metropolis. On the other hand, people are spoilt for choice by the variety of recreational and entertainment2 activities that demonstrate how colourful and interesting life is in Shanghai. It is no wonder that3 Chinese and overseas tourists are flocking to the city. The vast variety of merchandise alone may not be enough to make the tourists come back. But meticulous and excellent service will. The Shanghainese whom you see on the street will remind you of the congestion and apathy typical of a thriving city. Yet, step into any fast-food restaurant and you will be greeted with warm and friendly service from young waiters and waitresses. They will make you rethink what makes the city tick.
Just raise your hand and no matter how busy the waiters and waitresses are , someone will attend to you with a reply:“Right away! ”They speak clearly and know their job well and I’m only talking about ordinary service personnel4. This is a good indication of how competitive the young people in Shanghai are. Well, I did not come into contact with that many young people in Shanghai during my trip, but those whom I’ve met at fast-food restaurants and cafes no doubt struck me as highly-efficient, quick-thinking and full of drive5 . Young Singaporeans seem to lack the astuteness and dynamism that they possess.
It is true that a people's character is, to a great extent, shaped by the environment they live in. But if we rest on our laurels, we risk losing our vitality. And a city with little life will not be able to attract tourists, let alone retain its talent.
練習題：
Ⅰ. Fill in the bla nks with words from the passage:
1. Shanghainese from different can take their pick from a wide range of choices.
2. Businesses can thus find a niche for themselves by different groups of consumers.
3. Not surprisingly, tourists recognise it at once as a shoppers’paradise.
4. The Shanghainese whom you see on the street will remind you of thetypical of a city.
5. Young Singaporeans seem to lack the that they possess.
Ⅱ. Question :
Why does the author feel necessary to mention Jinmao Tower?
