Worth Collecting

11/11/2023 8:47:27 AM
Image: istockphoto.com

Do you know?

  • An estimated 20 million people collect stamps in America. Philately is the study and collection of stamps and is considered the world’s oldest formal collecting hobby.
  • Stamp collecting is not only a fun hobby but also a helpful educational tool. It broadens knowledge about history, art, culture, and various other subjects.

Let's delve into this age-old yet fascinating pastime.

Let's learn some new words before you read the passage:

Listen and complete the passage.

assess adhesive print run issued determine


Stamp collecting is a hobby with a rich history spanning over a century and a half. This trend started shortly after the introduction of postage stamps - stamps with glue on the back - in London in 1840. Today, Boys’ Life magazine reports stamp collecting is the most practiced hobby in the world.

Individuals engage in stamp collecting for a variety of reasons. Many people collect stamps simply for enjoyment. They might focus on stamps featuring animals, famous individuals, or choose to collect all the stamps by a specific country. Other collectors seek out stamps they believe will increase in value down the road.

To the potential worth of a stamp and decide if it's worth adding to their collection, these collectors pose three critical questions. The first question they consider is the number of copies made of a particular stamp. Following this, they how popular the stamp is among collectors. The third and final factor is the condition of the stamp. Stamps characterized by a limited , a widely admired picture or design, and maintained in excellent condition can be worth a lot of money. For example, in 1980, a one-cent stamp from British Guinea issued in 1856 was sold for a remarkable $935,000!

Read the passage and answer the questions.

Worth Collecting

Image: istockphoto.com

Stamp collecting is a hobby with a rich history spanning over a century and a half. This trend started shortly after the introduction of adhesive postage stamps - stamps with glue on the back - in London in 1840. Today, Boys’ Life magazine reports stamp collecting is the most practiced hobby in the world.

Individuals engage in stamp collecting for a variety of reasons. Many people collect stamps simply for enjoyment. They might focus on stamps featuring animals, famous individuals, or choose to collect all the stamps issued by a specific country. Other collectors seek out stamps they believe will increase in value down the road. To determine the potential worth of a stamp and decide if it's worth adding to their collection, these collectors pose three critical questions.

The first question they consider is the number of copies made of a particular stamp. Following this, they assess how popular the stamp is among collectors. The third and final factor is the condition of the stamp. Stamps characterized by a limited print run, a widely admired picture or design, and maintained in excellent condition can be worth a lot of money. For example, in 1980, a one-cent stamp from British Guinea issued in 1856 was sold for a remarkable $935,000!

What is the main topic of the passage?

  • The evolution of postal services
  • The economic impact of stamps
  • The pastime of stamp collecting
  • The most expensive stamps ever sold

According to the passage, which of the following is true?

  • People have collected stamps since the early 19th century.
  • The first stamps were designed and published in America.
  • Boys’ Life is a magazine for distinguished philatelists.
  • The first philatelist used to be a member of a royal family.

What may NOT be a reason why people become philatelists?

  • To make an investment
  • To study the history of a country
  • To boost their excitement
  • To create art using stamps

Why was the 1856 British Guinea stamp sold at a high price?

  • It was considered rare and excellent in condition.
  • It was created by a unique printing technique.
  • It was signed by a famous historical figure.
  • It was the first stamp ever issued in England.

Build your vocabulary by learning these intensive phrases/idioms:

A skilled and dedicated employee like John is _____ to the company.

  • on the same page
  • worth his weight in gold
  • off his trolley
  • fixed in his ways

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first one, using the word in a bracket. You must use between THREE and FIVE words, including the word given. Do not change the word given.

Ever since I started working in the IT department, I haven't been using my writing skills. (DUST)

=> My writing skills have  since I got this job in the IT department.

Choose the sentence that is CLOSEST in meaning to the sentence given.

It is obvious that if you show friendliness, others will respond in kind.

  • It stands to reason that if you are friendly to people, you will get back the same thing.
  • When it comes to treating people nicely, you clearly know how to do it right.
  • Once in a blue moon, you meet someone who will respond to you in kind.
  • It is obvious that you will be over the moon if you show others your friendliness.