【推荐1】Jack was a student of Grade 8. He got home at 4: 30 pm every day. He usually drank some milk and then did his homework.

One afternoon, Jack’s cousin came to his home. Jack was happy to see her. They played basketball and watched TV together. Jack had a wonderful time, but he forgot to do his homework. The next morning, his teacher asked him, “Why didn’t you do your homework?” Jack said, “Because I didn’t feel well.” The teacher thought it was true and asked how he felt.

After that, Jack felt sorry. He thought it wasn’t right to lie (撒谎). When it was time for lunch, his good friend Suguna came to him and asked, “Why don’t you eat?” Jack kept quiet for some time and then said, “Yesterday I played with my cousin and forgot to do my homework. But I lied to Miss Miller.” Suguna said, “Don’t worry. Let’s tell her the truth (实情).”

Jack and Suguna went to Miss Miller’s office. Jack said, “Miss Miller, I’m sorry that I lied to you. I forgot to do my homework yesterday.”

Miss Miller said, “I’m happy that you told me the truth. Remember that telling lies isn’t a good habit.”

Success is not a Destination (目的地)

Should people stop once they have achieved something? No! In life, they are always trying to make things better or have more of the same success.

Athletes are continuously competing to shorten time for races, increase heights or distances.

    1     Christian Barnard performed several successful heart transplants (移植). Other medical experts have achieved organ (器官) transplants. Throughout the ages, mankind has found treatment and cures for cancer and other diseases. A cure for AIDS might soon be discovered.

    2     Tina Tuner at 54 is still singing in abundance (丰富) and attracting sell-out crowds wherever she goes. Comedian George Burns, in his 90s, wants to perform at Caesar’s Palace when he turns 100.

Success does not belong only to the rich and famous.     3     Many successful people have had humble (卑微的) beginnings. Would you believe that actress Michelle Pfeifer of Cat was a supermarket checkout girl?

At work, we try for success, too.     4     Sometimes, it is not singing somebody’s praises or the promotion (提升) that makes it worthwhile. Often, ti is the inner thrill (一阵激动) and satisfaction of achievement, no matter how small it may be.

Aiming for success doesn’t mean you are greedy (贪婪地) or dissatisfied. It is all part of gaining new experiences.     5    

The journey to success has is road blocks, discouragement and distractions (令人分心的事). It takes great wisdom and achievement to overcome problems to move on successfully.

It was a pretty road, and the air was sweet with the smell of apple flowers. When Matthew arrived at the station, there was no train, and he thought he was early. How he wished he could notice the boy somewhere! However, he only saw a girl sitting at the end.

“The five-thirty train has gone, but there was a passenger for you, a little girl,” said the stationmaster.

“I’m not expecting a girl,” said Matthew, surprised. “It’s a boy I’ve come for.”

The stationmaster raised his voice, “Well, I guess there’s some mistake. But Mrs. Spencer came off the train with that girl. She said you and your sister, Marilla, were adopting (收养) the girl from an orphanage (孤儿院).”

The girl watched Matthew. She was eleven years old and dressed in a very old and very ugly dress. “I suppose you are Mr. Matthew Cuthbert of Green Gables?” she said in a clear, sweet voice. “I’m very glad to see you. I was afraid you weren’t coming for me.”

Matthew could not say there was a mistake; he would take her home and let Marilla explain everything. “I’m sorry I was late,” he said shyly. “Come along. The horse is over in the yard.”

“Oh, I’m very glad you came,” the girl said, “It’s wonderful I’m going to live with you and belong to you. I’ve never belonged to anybody-not really.”

The girl kept talking as they drove down the main road. “Isn’t it beautiful?” she said. “I used to imagine living here, but I never expected I actually would. Am I talking too much?” she went on. “People always tell me what I should do. If you say so, I’ll stop. I can stop, though it is a little bit difficult.

Surprisingly, Matthew was enjoying himself. He’d never expected that he would enjoy staying with a young girl. He said shyly, “Oh, you can talk as much as you like, I don’t mind.”

“I’m so glad. You and I will get along just fine.”

“We’re near home now,” Matthew said in a weak voice, looking away from the girl’s eyes. He did not think about Marilla or himself or the mistake. He thought only about Anne’s disappointment after discovering the truth.

Adapted (改编) from Anne of Green Gables