The Price of a Dream
I grew up poor.We had little money, but plenty of love and attention.I understood that no matter how poor a person was, they could still afford a dream.My dream was athletics.
By the time I was sixteen, I was good at baseball and football.My high-school coach was Ollie Jarvis.He not only believed in me, but taught me the difference between having a dream and showing conviction(信念).
One summer a friend recommended me for a summer job.This meant a chance for money in my pocket — cash for dates with girls, certainly, money for a new bike and new clothes, and the start of savings for a house for my mother.
Then I realized I would have to give up summer baseball to handle the work schedule, and that meant I would have to tell Coach Jarvis I wouldn't be playing. I was afraid of this, but my mother said:“If you make your bed, you have to lie in it.”
When I told Coach Jarvis, he was as mad as I expected him to be.“Your playing days are limited.You can't afford to waste them, ” he said.
I stood before him with my head hanging, trying to think of the words that would explain to him why I dream of buying my mom a house.
“How much are you going to make at this job, son?” he demanded.
“Three point twenty-five an hour,” I replied.
“Well, ” he asked, “is $3.25 an hour the price of a dream?”
That question exposed the difference between wanting something right now and having a goal.I devoted myself to sports that summer, and within the year I was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates to play rookie-league ball, and offered a $20, 000 contract.I signed with the Denver Broncos in 1984 for $1.7 million, and bought my mother my dream house.
27. Why was the writer grateful to Coach Jarvis?
A.Because Coach Jarvis made him set a goal. |
B.Because Coach Jarvis supplied him with new clothes. |
C.Because Coach Jarvis gave him financial support. |
D.Because Coach Jarvis helped him show conviction. |
28. What did the writer want to do when he was offered a job?
A.Balance summer baseball and the work schedule. |
B.Refuse the job offer for summer baseball. |
C.Give up summer baseball for the job. |
D.Ask his coach Jarvis for advice. |
29. Which of the following can replace “If you make your bed, you have to lie in it.”?
A.You must eat the bitter fruit of your own making. |
B.Believe in yourself, but above all be patient. |
C.You must rely on yourself first, then others. |
D.A good beginning makes a good ending. |
30. What did the writer do at the end of the story?
A.He failed to buy his mother a house. | B.He succeeded as a sportsman. |
C.He became a successful businessman. | D.He made some money in the summer job. |