Some time ago, ___________ old businessman had a large store in Boston. He wanted a boy to work for ___________, and he put an advertisement ___________ the newspapers. The next morning, many boys came to the old man’s office, asking for the job.

There was a post (柱子) by his desk, and there was a nail (钉子) in it. He ___________ out a walking stick and said, “Everyone has three chances. If anyone can hit that nail on the head with this stick more than once, I ___________ him the job.”

The boys thought it was very easy. They all tried, but nobody could make it. So the old man said, “I’m sorry I can’t take any of you,” and they left.

He kept the advertisement in the papers, and the next morning, ___________ more boys came, and among them he saw a thin boy who had been there the day before. The boy hit the nail successfully for three times. The old man felt surprised and asked ___________. “Yes,” said the boy, “I failed yesterday, but I thought that ___________ I kept on trying for a while, I could do it. So I went home and practiced ___________ a nail with a stick till I could do it, and I got up very early this morning, and tried again.”

The old man said, “You are the boy for me,” and gave him the job. Whatever the boy had to do, he tried to do his best. It was not very long before he became the ____________ clerk in the store.

Once a friend of mine invited me to help serve dinner at Tent City. A number of tents had been set up for the homeless people there.

My husband was not free to help me ___________ our two sons, so I took 9-year-old Tony and 5-year-old Toby with me. Many of the people we ___________ had missing teeth or wore dirty clothes. My sons had a lot of ___________ like “Why don’t they buy food like us?” or “Why don’t they have homes?”. What they saw challenged their ___________ ideas about how people lived in the world. We talked about the ___________ why people ended about up in that kind of situation.

I was worried that my sons would make too much noise. But to my ___________, the people we served were quite thankful that I had brought them. Many said how fun it was to have ___________ children around.

After dinner, I saw Tony sitting together with several old men. He was ___________ to these people who were talking about sports. To be honest, I had ___________ realized that he was such a good listener. When some old men returned to their tents, I heard Tony say to them, “Thanks so much for having dinner with us.” I could see that they were ____________ by his simple words. I hugged him tightly (紧紧地) because what he said had touched me too. To treat people with respect (尊重) is really a good manner.

Some students are sharing their ideas about dream jobs in class.

Jacob: I’d like to be a mountain-climbing guide for several reasons. Number One, mountain climbing is very exciting. Mountain-climbing guides get to climb tall, dangerous mountains, right? Number Two, I enjoy working outdoors and helping others. Number Three, mountain-climbing guides travel widely and meet many fun people.   

Fred: My choice is to be an animal doctor. Why?I like animals. Animals bring a lot of joy to our lives, but they ask for little in return. I also enjoy helping animals and their owners feel better. Pet owners are happy when their pets are well. Finally, animal doctors get to work with other people who like animals!

Anne: Ha, my dream job? An accountant(会计)! I think in’s interesting. I’m good at numbers, you know, and I also like helping people manage their money. Good accountants are well paid, and I want to manage my own money, of course. But the most important of all, accountants mostly work alone, and I like to work alone.   

Jessica: I’d like to become an animator(动画片制作者) and make films like Toy Story, Shrek, and Cars. You see, I love drawing and I love working on computers. I’d like to help people relax and enjoy their life. Animators can make a lot of money, too.

We know a healthy body is very important. But we don’t know a healthy body is necessary for a healthy mind. So if we want to have a sound mind, we must first have a sound body. This is very important. Only by keeping ourselves healthy and strong can we feel vigorous (有活力的) in studying and working and live a happy life.

To keep ourselves healthy, exercise is the best way. When we take part in outdoor sports, we are close to nature and at the same time we can take in fresh air. The beauty of nature will keep us clear-headed. And sports help to give out the wastes in the body. Sports can also make us have a good appetite (胃口). As a result, we can become strong.

I get up early every day. When the alarm clock goes off, I jump from the bed to the floor. Then I take an active part in exercise and enjoy good health. I hardly get sick even if I work a whole day.

As we know, the physical health is important to our sound mind. Without it, the health of our minds is just like a castle in the air. Only with a healthy and strong body can we live a vigorous life. And I will keep on taking exercise to have a longer and better life.

I had problems behaving when in Grade Seven. My mind was never on my study and I often played tricks on classmates. I ever pulled a girl’s hair on the school bus to get her attention. As a result, I was sent to the principal’s (校长) office. Although I hated going there, I did not hate the principal, Mr. Rateliff.

Mr. Rateliff was a kind, elderly man. When he spanked (打屁股) me for putting some ants into a classmate’s pencil box, it didn’t hurt at all, but it did hurt my feelings. I thought so much of him and moments like that. I seemed that I was hopelessly bad. When I got called to Mr. Ratifs office for the sixth time, I had no idea what I had done I felt disappointed as I walked down there. I went into his office, sat down, and looked at the floor. Then he said, “Kevin I’ve heard you’ve been behaving really well lately. I want you to know how proud I am of you, and I just called you down to my office to give you a peppermint.”

“Really?” I was surprised.

“Yes. Now you can take that peppermint and go back to class.”

I carried the peppermint with me as if it was a gold coin. When I got into my classroom, I bragged (吹嘘) to my classmates about my turnaround, excitedly. I wasn’t so bad after all.

Mr. Rateliff was really kind. He made me realize that I was just a kid who had problems with behavior. He bought some peppermints and took the time to notice me when I got something—anything—right. Mr. Rateliff gave me some hope by giving me some love I will just remember him for the rest of my life.