Because of its potential for cutting costs, the distribution step in the marketing process is receiving more attention. Distribution involves warehousing, transporting and keeping inventory of manufactured products. Take an everyday product like fabric softener. After it comes off the assembly line, it’s packed in cartons and trucked to warehouses around the country. When orders come in from retailers, the fabric softener is delivered to supermarket shelves. This is distribution.
　　Probably the most crucial area for controlling costs is inventory. Companies don’t want to overproduce and have unsold stock of their product piled up in warehouses. Wholesale companies and large retail chains employ several techniques for inventory control. This is where the computer revolution really had an impact. Computerized information systems give precise and up-to-date accounts of inventory on hand. And the field of distribution offers good entry-level jobs for persons with training in computer programming or data processing.
　　Overseeing the whole area of distribution is the distribution manager. This job is becoming increasingly important and can lead to an executive position.
　　1. According to the passage, why is the distribution step in marketing getting more attention?
　　A. It is where companies research and develop new products.
　　B. It is where companies can cut costs.
　　C. It is where employees can update their computer skills.
　　D. It provides jobs for college graduates.
　　2. Why does the writer mention fabric softener?
　　A. To advertise a new product.
　　B. To show how companies set the price of an item.
　　C. To explain why companies must keep costs down.
　　D. To illustrate how the distribution process works.
　　3. Why is inventory control so important?
　　A. It is essential for controlling costs.
　　B. It can lead to an executive position.
　　C. It helps companies overproduce.
　　D. It requires little or no training.
　　4. Why are computers important in distribution?
　　A. They can accurately report on inventory.
　　B. They provide good training in computer programming.
　　C. They make it easier for managers to supervise people.
　　D. They train people for executive positions.
　　5. What is this passage mainly talking about?
　　A. The use of computers for sale of products
　　B. The distribution step in the marketing process
　　C. Cost control in inventory of a product
　　D. Wholesale and retail chains of a product
　　参考答案：1. B　　 2. D　　 3. A 　　4. A 　　5. B

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