Questions 196-200 refer to the following news and
note. Now it seems America’s love affair with Barbie
may be coming to an end-US sales of Barbie fell 15% in the first quarter this
year, which combined with other problems to see overall profits at the Barbie
maker Mattel slump by 73%. Barbie’s career has spanned hundreds
of jobs, and her makers have striven valiantly to keep up with the latest
trends. Barbie now uses computers and sends text messages on her mobile phone. A
Barbie-branded range of designer clothes for girls, and branded perfume are also
in the pipeline. But Mattel’s attempts to keep pace with modern
life have not always gone down well with customers. One letter to the New York
Times following Barbie’s split from long time partner Ken complained that "the
breakup—discourages-even insults-permanence and commitment".
Meanwhile, Barbie has some hip new rivals on the scene. MGA Entertainment’s
Bratz doll come in a range of different ethnic groups, and boast fashions
described as "totally dangerous, totally ferocious and totally cruel". They have
won two Toy Industry Association’s Toy of the Year Award,and figures suggest
rising sales are eating directly into sales of Barbie. But
analysts say with thought and investment Barbie could still have a future
ahead. Note Feb.
19th Dear Carol, Have you seen the news on TV
The American toy maker Mattel will come to Beijing the day after tomorrow. And
they will have a Barbie Toy Exhibition in the National Exhibition Center. This
morning, I booed two tickets on the internet and I hope you can go with me
together to see the exhibition. From it, we can understand the development of
Barbie industry in America. The National Exhibition Center will be opened at 9
that morning, and I will wait for you in front of the center. If you are not
convenient on that day, you can contact with me on the telephone number
5673490. Best wishes
Yours, Oliver On what day will Carol and Oliver go to see the exhibition