In most situations, the responses of bystanders (旁观者)like negative body language, uninvited comments or pieces of advice on a child’s angry behavior can add to the stress of the situation. But sometimes bystanders’ understanding, and sometimes their words or actions can make a positive difference. One mom experienced this first-hand.
This mom was obviously pregnant and traveling alone with her young son at the Los Angeles International Airport. Then things took a turn for the worse.
The boy, about 18 months old, according to Beth, a Facebook user, was running all over the place, kicking, screaming, and lying on the floor, unwilling to get aboard the plane. His mom did her best to calm him down, but Beth said, “She couldn’t pick him up because he was so upset. He kept running away from her, then lying down on the ground, kicking and screaming again.” Finally, the mom was at her wits’ end. She sat down on the floor next to her son, buried her face in her hands, and began to cry.
Then the most amazing thing happened.
A group of six or seven women, Beth included, circled around the mother and son and did something to help. Beth sang him the “Itsy Bitsy Spider”. Another offered an orange. Another gave him a toy she had on hand. Another helped get his cup out of Mom’s bag. Yet another tended to Mom by offering her a water bottle. With the help of these women, the kid and his mother calmed down and were able to board the plane.
And then life moved on. All of the strangers went their separate ways without speaking of what had happened. But Beth said it was something she’d never forget. “We were strangers, gathering to solve something,” she wrote. “It occurred to me that a circle of passers-by, with a mission, can save the world.”
24. What are the bystanders supposed to do according to the first paragraph?
A.Laugh at the parents. | B.Give parents some advice. |
C.Comment on the situation. | D.Be kind and offer assistance. |
25. What does the underlined part “was at her wits’ end” probably mean?
A.Made up her mind. | B.Felt worried and totally at a loss. |
C.Gave up and ran away. | D.Collected her thoughts and calmed down. |
26. Which of the following can best describe the scene in Paragraph 5?
A.Alarming. | B.Exciting. | C.Romantic. | D.Warm. |
27. What can be a suitable title for the text?
A.Strangers can help out. | B.Beth, a great mom. |
C.Women can save the world. | D.Let’s care for children. |