The authors most likely use the examples in lines 1–7 (“Every day, millions of shoppers hit the stores in full force—both online and on foot—searching frantically for the perfect gift. Last year, Americans spent over $30 billion at retail stores in the month of December alone. Aside from purchasing holiday gifts, most people regularly buy presents for other occasions throughout the year, including weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and baby showers.”) of the passage (“Every . . . showers”) to highlight the Choose 1 regularity with which people shop for gifts. recent increase in the amount of money spent on gifts. anxiety gift shopping causes for consumers. number of special occasions involving gift-giving.