In Taiwan, 7-Eleven convenience stores can be found on almost every street corner. With over 84,600 stores across 20 countries, 7-Eleven has more locations than any other retail business on Earth. For millions of people, the chain is an important part of daily life, providing coffee, quick meals, and essential items for those __1__.
The history of 7-Eleven began nearly 100 years ago in Dallas, Texas. In 1927, the Southland Ice Company began selling blocks of ice that were used to keep fridges cool. Shortly after opening, the company __2__ its offerings to include groceries like milk, eggs, and bread. The stores were originally called “Tote’m Stores” because customers would “tote” their purchases home in bags.
在臺灣，幾乎每個街角都看得到7-Eleven便利商店。7-Eleven在全球二十個國家擁有八萬四千六百多家門市，比世界上其他任何零售商的據點都還多。對數百萬人來說，這間連鎖店是日常生活中重要的一部分，提供咖啡、便餐以及必需品給那些忙碌的人。
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7-Eleven的歷史始於將近一百年前德克薩斯州的達拉斯市。1927年時，南方製冰公司開始販售用於冰箱保冷的冰塊。開業不久後，該公司將提供的商品擴增至包括牛奶、雞蛋和麵包等雜貨。這些商店最初被稱為「Tote’m Stores」，因為顧客會用袋子將購買的商品「搬（tote）」回家（編按：Tote’m為Tote them的縮寫）。
Words in Use
1. empire n. 帝國
The game company is building a massive virtual empire.
這家遊戲公司正在建立一個龐大的虛擬帝國。
2. convenience n. 便利，方便
Many people appreciate the convenience of mobile payment apps.
許多人都喜歡行動支付應用程式的便利。
3. essential a. 必要的，不可或缺的
Good communication is essential in any relationship.
良好的溝通在任何關係中都是不可或缺的。
Practical Phrases
1. pave the way for. . . 為……鋪路
The agreement will pave the way for better relations between the two countries.
這項協議將為兩國之間更融洽的關係鋪路。
2. transform A into B 將A轉變成B
The countryside has been transformed into a popular tourist destination.
這個鄉村地區已經被轉變為熱門的旅遊地點。
To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）
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聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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