A. WATCHED B. PUSHED C. IMPROVED D. STOPPED IV. READ THE PASSAGE AN...

9. A. watched

B. pushed

C. improved

D. stopped

IV. Read the passage and answer the following questions.

Stamp collecting is the collecting of postage stamps and related objects, such as envelopes or packages with

stamps on them. It is one of the world's most popular hobbies, with estimates of the number of collectors ranging up to

twenty million in the United States alone.

Many casual collectors enjoy accumulating stamps without worrying about the tiny details, but the creation of a

large or comprehensive collection generally requires some philatelic knowledge. This is especially important for those

who intend to spend large amounts for stamps.

Stamp collectors are an important source of revenue for some small countries that create limited runs of elaborate

stamps designed mainly to be bought by stamp collectors. The stamps produced by these countries far exceed the

postal needs of the countries.

Some collectors, observing the generally rising prices of rare stamps, have taken to Philatelic Investment. Rare

stamps are among the most portable of tangible investments, and are easy to store. They offer an attractive alternative

to art, other collectible investments, and precious metals.