CRI听力:New School Term Economy

In a bookstore in Ningbo city, many students who are selecting text-books say they want to buy some extra-curricular materials.

General Manager of the bookstore, Fan Jinjian says the time leading up to the new school term is usually the peak season of sales for the bookstore.

"Before the new school term starts, most parents want to prepare some prep' books. Currently, we are seeing an increase in such sales."

One parent, Mrs. Jin says she believes prep' books are very important in helping students improve their studies.

"Almost all of these exercise books that I have bought can be used in my child's study. I believe they are very beneficial. He is only a grade-one student, so I want him to read more extra-curricular books."

Apart from these books, some electronic products such as laptops, mobile phones and specially designed learning devices have also become "best sellers" among the student market. However, most parents admit they are not sure whether these products help to improve their child's studies.

In one stationer in Shanghai, an array of electronic products are being snapped up by students and parents. Prices usually range from 1000 yuan to 2000 yuan. One parent says she is choosing a video learning device for her daughter, despite having no idea whether the device is effective or not.

"My daughter asked me to buy her one, but I don't know what it is exactly. Anyway, I work here in the city because of my daughter."

Another parent, Mrs. Du is selecting a laptop for her daughter, as her daughter prepares to enter college in the new term. She paid about 6,500 yuan for a laptop.

Although the price is a little steep, Mrs. Du says as long as she can afford it, she is willing to pay such prices for her only daughter.

Unlike Mrs. Du, other parents say it's right that students prepare for their new school term by buying the things they need, but advise against blindly meeting the demands of children. This not only creates a financial burden for the parents, it also gives children the bad habit of comparing themselves to their peers.

For CRI, I am Zhang Wan.