236. Their outward appearance seems rather appealing because they come in a variety of styles, textures, and colors.

译文　它们的外表似乎很能吸引人，因为它们的样式、材料和颜色都十分多样。

点睛　本句的主干是Their outward appearance seems...appealing...。because引导原因状语从句。

appealing意为“引起兴趣的，有吸引力的；动人的”。如：

They are busy creating more favorable local conditions appealing to the investment from foreign businessmen. 他们正忙于为当地创造更好的条件，以吸引外商前来投资。

texture意为“（材料等的）结构；质地”。如：

The range of color, pattern and texture is wide enough to suit everyone's needs and taste. 颜色、图案及质地的多样化足以使每一个人的需求和审美要求得到满足。

考点归纳　rather的用法较多，包括：

作形容词，意为“相当，有点儿”。如：

I'm feeling rather sleepy. 我有点儿困倦。

与would或had连用，意为“宁可，宁愿；与其……倒不如；而不是”。如：

1) He would rather play than work. 他宁可玩也不愿工作。

2) I'd rather you knew that now, than afterwards. 与其以后让你知道，不如现在就让你知道。

常与or连用，意为“更确切地说”。如：

He left late last night, or rather early this morning. 他昨夜很晚才走，更确切地说是今天清早才走。