This new stepsister (继妹) was really annoying me. She wouldn’t stop talking. What was Dad trying to prove with this family vacation? We couldn’t quickly become the perfect family. I just became a teenager, and Christina was eight.
Dad and I finished putting up the large tent (帐篷) he’d just bought. I walked back to the car to get my backpack. Getting my backpack out of the car, I knocked a pink backpack to the ground. Before I could pick it up, Christina appeared.
“Why’d you throw my backpack on the ground?” She picked the pack up and went into the tent before I could say anything.
After lunch, Dad suggested I take Christina to see redwood trees. He took out a map and circled on it where there was a stand of big redwood trees. I put the map into my pocket, and then set off down the road at the edge of the campground. When I looked back at Christina, all I saw was a pink ball cap. I shook my head. Dad and my new stepmom were crazy if they thought we’d quickly develop a relationship of trust. I was not cut out to be a big brother.
Christina walked quietly behind me. “She doesn’t want to be here either，”I thought.
Reaching a small round hill, we climbed the switchback (之字形坡路) to its top. Christina kept up. We passed a large rock at the top and started down the other side. I looked around and could see the tops of redwood trees popping out above the forest canopy (树冠层). I pointed them out to Christina and saw a smile light her face.
Before I knew it, she took hold of my hand and pulled me down into the field. Then I saw it, sitting on a rock in the middle of the field: a young bear. I held Christina’s hand tightly.
“Ow! Why’d you —”
I pointed to the young bear.
“Can we get closer and pet it?” Christina asked quietly.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右;2．请按如下格式作答。“No,” I said quietly, “stay near me and don’t talk.”
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Once we got to the redwood trees, Christina forgot all about the young bear and became happy.
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My family had a hard time when I was in Grade 11. My parents lost their jobs during the Depression. Dad was too ill to work outside, while Mum had a tough time raising us kids on her own in our small community. We relied on our community assistance to keep us clothed, and although our clothes were secondhand, we thought they were beautiful.
Looking back, I realize what Mum went through for sending us kids to school. Every morning she would put a new piece of cardboard in our shoes, because our shoes were worn out. Moving house constantly was typical for my family during the period. Rent was twenty-five dollars a month, but Mum couldn’t pay it. These were hard and sad years, but we never complained.
The new year was approaching, and we were entitled (享有)to a twenty-five dollar fund for social services. Mum said that instead of buying food, she would use the money to pay back rent, making sure we all had a roof over our heads for a little while longer. She told us then there would be nothing for the new year.
Unknown to Mum, I had been removing snow and doing odd jobs to earn enough money to buy a new pair of shoes. I knew exactly which shoes I wanted. They were made of genuine leather and they had a price of twenty-three dollars. Well, the big day came on the last day of that year. I was very excited, as I was hurrying up to catch the bus. It was only a half-a-mile walk, but on the way I noticed a house with lights and decorations. It was then that I realized in our house, we had no lights, no decorations, nor any money for goodies (好吃的东西). I knew then that we would have no delicious food for the new year, and I felt sad.
As I continued walking, I began to feel confused. I was sixteen years old, and I was feeling a strange sense of guilt. Here I was going to buy a new pair of shoes while Mum was home in tears. She would be trying to explain to us why there were no presents.
注意：
1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
I thought how I ought to use the money I had earned.
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Soon I got to my house with the groceries (食品杂货).
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Christmas was approaching, and I had absollutely no idea what to get for my wife. As usual, I had left my holiday shopping until the last minute. I always had the feeling that the perfect gift would somehow appear at the right time, although this didn’t always happen. This year I didn’t have any good ideas.
We had just moved to Italy. Donna was away attending a conference, so I had the rest of the week to work on the house and figure out what to get her as a Christmas gift before she got back.
My house companion (伴侣) while Donna was away was her cat, Princess. I was keeping Princess indoors in our new home until she became familiar with the place and then planned to slowly introduce her to the great outdoors.
However, one day as I was bringing in some groceries, to my shock and horror I suddenly found she was gone. Donna would be back in a few days and it would ruin Christmas for both of us if Princess was not back by then, safe and sound. Donna had already excitedly told me over the phone that she had found several fun toys and delicious snacks for Princess as Christmas gifts. She couldn’t wait to get back and wrap them up.
I was in big trouble. I had to find Princeess—and fast. So, I made a poster with her description and a hurried sketch (素描) of the cat that I personally drew because I couldn’t find a photo of her anywhere. I was sure my wife had hundreds on her phone, but I didn’t dare ask her for one. I didn’t want her to know that her precious cat had escaped.
Donna’s happy daily calls continued, as did my daily searches for Princess. I still hadn’t mentioned anything about the disappearance to my wife. I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It would destroy her.
Finally, the day came for my wife to return.
注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
I picked up Donna at the Venice airport but still didn’t have the courage to tell her what had happened.
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Just as I was about to break the bad newsabout Princess’s disappearing, guess who appeared walking up the driveway?
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Amy loved drawing, but her grandmother Bonnie was opposed to it, who thought those strange things Amy drew were not going to help her in the future. One day, when they were eating dinner at the table, the doorbell rang.
Amy answered the door to see a well-dressed man standing at the door. “Oh my God, I know you! Mr Henderson?” Amy said gladly. “You are my favorite cartoonist (漫画家)! Wow! Hello, sir!” Then she led Mr Henderson into her house.
Mr Henderson was a famous New York-based cartoonist. He worked for an art magazine.
“I received a letter with some samples (样本) of your artwork, Amy. And I must say I was so impressed by your talent. In fact, I wrote you letters, but In ever got a reply,” Mr Henderson said to Amy. “If I hadn’t visited you today, you might have missed out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
“You sent me letters?” Amy wondered aloud. Amy noticed Bonnie sat uneasily in her seat, and she realized why the letters had never reached her. Her grandmother kept them hidden from her. Mr Henderson continued, “We are accepting applications for our arts training program this summer. I would personally teach the students the art of cartoons and everything related. For that, you need to pass a drawing test. If everything goes well, you will be able to learn from me later and pursue your dream for art.”
Amy was excited about the news, but Bonnie refused and said angrily, “You are wasting our time, sir. Please leave.”
“But ma’am, this can really shape your granddaughter’s career,” Mr Henderson sad. “And if you’re concerned about the money, please don’t be. The committee will cover all the costs. A gifted childlike Amy can greatly benefit from the program.” Then Mr Henderson pulled out a file from his document case and gave it to Amy. “It’s a test assignment I know your grandmother is against it and things are tough, but I hope you’ll be able to do it,” he added as he left the house.
Amy couldn’t contain her excitement after Mr Henderson’s visit.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Amy’s strong love for drawing deeply touched Bonnie.
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