英语听力精选进阶版 6262（在线收听）

Britain is sometimes called a nation of collectors. This is never more true than when a royal wedding is about to take place.

Plates, T-shirts, a comic book, stamps... there is no end to the pile of royal memorabilia being created in celebration of Prince William and Kate Middleton's upcoming marriage.

Some of the merchandise has been officially endorsed by the royal couple. A range of commemorative English china has been made by the Royal Collection in Stoke-on-Trent using traditional methods. Official stamps featuring the couple will be released by the Royal Mail on 21 April.

But that hasn't stopped entrepreneurs and companies from cashing in on the event with tonnes of unofficial Kate and Wills knick-knacks.

Even the most avid collectors won't be able to purchase everything on offer, so their task is to work out which of the souvenirs will hold their value.

Not all of the trinkets will be equally collectable... or drinkable! Moodley's microbrewery in Kent have unveiled their celebration beer, Royal Match.

The head brewer and owner Yudhistra Moodley explained that there was a tradition of brewers being associated with royal events, saying "Beer, royal events – they go hand in hand, it's a nice thing to do."

This time there will also be a less tangible memento from Kate and Will's big day. Within hours of the wedding, a recording of the ceremony will be available for download, with ￡1 from each sale going to the Prince's charitable trust.

Glossary 词汇表

collector 收藏家 

memorabilia 纪念品 

merchandise 商品 

to be endorsed by someone 同意/签字 

commemorative 纪念的 

official 官方 

to cash in on something 利用某种机会赚钱 

knick-knack 小装饰品或小艺术品 

avid 热情的 

souvenir 纪念品 

to hold its value 保值 

trinket 小装饰品 

collectable 有收藏价值的 

celebration beer 新庆酒 

to go hand in hand 很配套 

tangible 有形的 

memento 纪念品 

charitable trust 慈善基金