Forty of us — each with black rubber suits and flippers, glass-windowed face masks, snorkels, lead-weighted belts and spearfishing guns — were waiting for the judge’s 9:00 a.m. whistle (哨子) to announce that the annual South Australian Spearfishing Championship competition had begun. We all had five hours to bring the judges a bag of fish. The winner would be determined both by total weight and by number of different species.
By 12:30, when I dragged a heavy catch of fish to the beach, I could see from the other piles that I must be well up in the competition. I had 27 kilograms of fish on shore, including 14 species. It was now 12:35, and the contest closed at 2:00 p.m. On my last swim I had spotted quite a few large fish near a big, triangular-shaped rock I was sure I could find again.
Two of these fish were dusky morwongs, or “strongfish.” Either of these would be large enough to tip the scales (天平) in my favour. I decided. I swam out to the spot I’d picked. After several deep breaths, I held one, turned over and dived.
I advanced forward, hoping for a closein shot, but…
Then something huge bit me with strong force on my left side and pulled me through the water. Now the “thing” was pushing me forward with wild speed. The pressure on my back and chest was heavy, and I felt as if my insides on my left were being squeezed (挤) over to my right side. I had lost my face mask and couldn’t see in the dark. My spear gun was violently knocked out of my hand. How can I describe the sudden silence? A shark had me in its jaws (嘴).
Its teeth had closed around my chest and back, with my left arm over its head. I was being pushed face down ahead of it as we raced through the water. I stretched (伸长) my arms out behind and felt for the monster’s head. Suddenly, magically, the pressure was gone. The creature had relaxed its jaws. As I pulled my arm loose from the shark’s teeth, I felt pain I could have never imagined. But I had succeeded in freeing myself.
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。
Now there were noises, familiar voices and the boat I had been expecting would come.
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After I got recovered, I developed the idea for a protective steel cage that could be lowered into the water.
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I’ve been working part-time as a babysitter in the past several weeks because I want to get a new cellphone. So far I’ve saved about 180 dollars. Yesterday afternoon, my eight- year-old sister Lily came to me while I was doing my homework in my room. “Jenny, can I borrow 10 dollars from you?” she asked. “No,” I said, thinking I myself needed more money for a new cell-phone.
Lily looked disappointed and left my room. About half an hour later, my friend Lisa called me and asked if I wanted to go skating with her. Since I had finished my home- work and had no plans for the rest of the day, I said I would go. Before I left, I got changed and put a $20 bill on my desk. Then I walked out of my room. In the sitting room I saw Lily watching TV on the couch.
“Are you going out?” she asked.
“Yes. I’m going skating with my friend Lisa. I’m coming back in about two hours,” I answered and hurriedly went out. I had great fun skating with Lisa and her two friends Mary and Anna. After we finished skating, Lisa suggested that we should have supper at a restaurant together. But I refused because I didn’t take any money with me. Besides, I wanted to save every coin for a new cellphone.
Lisa didn’t insist. She went to eat with Mary and Anna while I returned home. When I entered the house, I saw nobody there. I went to my room to get some clothes for a shower. However, after I entered my room, I noticed that the $20 bill on my desk was gone. I searched everywhere for it but in vain. I suddenly remembered that Lily had asked me for 10 dollars. And I didn’t give her the money.
So I thought she must have taken the $20 bill away. I became angry, rushed out of my room and looked for her everywhere in the house, but I couldn’t find her.
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。
Suddenly, the door opened and Lily entered the house, with a box in her hand.
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Just then, my mother came in looking at both of us in surprise.
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Every Saturday, Bibi hung out at her grandma’s laundry and dry-cleaning store while her mom worked. Bibi loved being with her grandma, but she wanted to do more than just draw and read. “How about I write down what people bring in and pin a number to it?” Bibi offered. With Grandma nearby, she did fine. But the next order was an enormous bedspread. Bibi checked it in, but when she went to lift it off the counter, it wouldn’t move. She tried moving it, but it toppled over on her. “I’m OK!” She giggled from under the soft material. Grandma lifted the bedspread off her and smiled. “Why don’t you draw for a little while,” she suggested. “You’re such a good artist”. Bibi sighed. “But I wanted to help you.” Grandma didn’t want her to handle the hot presser or the iron. She could put the stiff cardboard into the ready washed shirts, but that was about it. “Why don’t you draw a picture of more customers coming in?” Grandma joked. “Maybe that would help!”
Bibi went outside. It was a clear fall day. The last leaves were starting their lazy drift to the ground. She spotted her babysitter, Stephanie. Stephanie was painting big letters on the window of the hardware store. “Stephanie!” Bibi called. “You’re going to get in trouble.” Stephanie laughed. “The high-school cheerleading (啦啦队) is painting windows for our football game next weekend. Some of the shop owners said we could.”
“Does that paint wash off?” Bibi asked. “Yep. It’s just cornstarch (玉米淀粉), soap, and food coloring,” said Stephanie. Bibi saw other kids from the high school painting designs on windows up and down the street. GO, TIGERS said the window of the nail salon in huge letters. HEAR US ROAR! said the window of the milkshake shop. “I can help you!” Bibi called to Stephanie, her heart beating fast. “I can draw!” “Sorry, Bibi,” Stephanie said. “I’m out of paint, and I have to get home. Thank you, though!” Bibi was so disappointed. She stared at Grandma’s windows. They were bare.
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。
Suddenly an idea burst into Bibi’s head.
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When she was finished, Bibi went inside to get Grandma.
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Emily was a student, who was always shy and lacked confidence. She struggled to make friends and believed that she wasn’t good at anything. That started affecting her academic performance and overall happiness. She said to herself, “I’m a loser. I can’t get anything done.” She felt worried and tried to find solutions. However, unfortunately, all she had done was in vain.
One day, Emily’s teacher, Ms. Johnson, noticed her attitude and decided to help her regain her confidence. She said to Emily, “No one is born confident and strong. You have to make a change, so take the first step forward.” She encouraged Emily to participate in classroom activities and group projects. At first, Emily was hesitant, fearing that she would embarrass herself in front of her classmates. But with gentle encouragement and support from Ms. Johnson, she slowly started to overcome her fears. So she started to open up and take action to be better.
Ms. Johnson also noticed that Emily had a talent for writing. She suggested that Emily join the school newspaper team. Emily felt nervous about contributing her work, but the positive feedback from her peers and teachers improved her confidence. She saw that her unique views were value d by others. She started writing some essays to show everyone the desire for beauty in her heart. And the readers were amazed by her writings.
As Emily gained more confidence in her writing, she decided to take on new challenges. She joined the debate team, despite her fear of public speaking. With regular practice and guidance from her teammates, Emily gradually overcame her stage fright and found her voice in expressing her opinions. Obviously, she was successful in her speeches as well.
Outside of school, Emily discovered her passion for community service. She started volunteering at a local animal shelter, where she was able to make a positive impact on the lives of abandoned pets. The experience not only gave her a sense of purpose but also allowed her to connect with like-minded persons who shared the same love for animals.
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。
Over time, Emily’s confidence began to come out in other aspects (方面) of her life.
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At the end of her high school, Emily looked back on the journey she had taken.
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Steven Lippoth was an experienced fisherman who had been fishing on the sea for many years. He had planned on taking an 8-hour deep-sea fishing, which would (hopefully) harvest marlins and sailfish to land him a large amount of money. In his fishing village, the competition was high and Steven Lippoth was hoping to bring back enough fish.
Early in the morning, Steven Lippoth set out on a 24-foot boat with a small motor. Onboard were various fishing tools, a portable electronic radio, and a large icebox to hold the fish. The journey seemed like it would be as easy as he had hoped. Before long he had caught over 500 pounds of fish, almost overloading his icebox.
However, A few hours later, the journey took a turn for the worse. The sky was suddenly covered with dark clouds and in less than two minutes a terrible storm struck. A huge wave shook his boat violently. Steven Lippoth attempted to steer (驾驶) the boat back toward the coast, but it was impossible to see where the coast was in the rain. Frightened and shocked, he tried to keep the balance of the boat in order not to be overturned and thrown into the sea. When the storm finally cleared, Steven Lippoth was able to assess the damage. His motor was gone, the fishing net was damaged, and most of the portable electronics were damaged. There was enough power in the radio for Steven Lippoth to send a Mayday message to the coast guard, but it died before his location could be confirmed. The canvas (帆布) that was used to cover the icebox was torn. What made him a little relieved was that his fish were still there
Would the coast guard find him? What would happen if he had to spend the night on the sea? What should he do? He wondered. “I’m on my own now.” Steven Lippoth said to himself calmly.
注意：
(1)续写词数应为150左右；
(2)请按如下格式在相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:
Night fell, it became colder and colder.
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The next morning, the sound of a coastguard ship woke him up.
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“I’m sorry, but visiting hours are over,” the nurse said apologetically. “You can come back in the morning.”
My husband Eric had just got out of the operating room and was still struggling with being sick from the anesthesia (麻醉). I really wanted to stay with him until he was more comfortable, but I knew that the hospital’s visiting policies must be followed.
“I’ll take care of him before you get back, I promise.” The nurse handed me a piece of paper. “That’s my cell number. You can call or text me anytime tonight if you’re worried or just want an update.”
I thanked her and then turned to Eric. “Can I do anything for you before I leave?” He shook his head slightly without opening his eyes, and I could tell he was uncomfortable. “I can’t believe I have to leave while you’re like this,” I said, tears filling my eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
He patted my hand and signaled to me to leave. “I’ll be right here in the morning.” I said and headed to my car, still fighting tears. In my head, I knew that Eric wasn’t in danger, and he would be physically okay when I returned in the morning, but it still broke my heart that I couldn’t be with him when he needed me.
The hospital was a few hours from our house, so I was spending the night in a hotel. When I got to my room, I texted Eric’s nurse. She texted back, saying he was still sick to his stomach.
I sighed, feeling the worry rush in. What if getting sick caused his stitches (缝线) to break open? How much of the pain medicine was still in his system? What if he was in pain from his incision (切口)?
注意：1.续写词数应为 150个左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
I turned on the TV to shift my focus, but it didn’t work.
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Around midnight, I heard my phone receive a message.
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What Color Is a Hug?
When my daughter Bernadette was 10 years old, I found myself very worried about her. Her mother had passed away before she turned one, and I, needing to provide for our livelihood, had to work long hours, leaving little time for her. Although she was close to her grandparents, unfortunate circumstances took them away as well. The series of losses implanted unbearable pain on her young soul.
A merciless series of losses like that is hard on anyone, especially a child. But it was particularly hard on Bernadette because of her sensitive and loving nature. Prolonged periods of isolation and silence led her into a deep depression. The sparkle in her eyes faded, and her face lost the once-present smiles. She lost interest in playing, learning, and even declined invitations from friends. She often lost in her own thoughts without uttering a word for a long time.
Witnessing my daughter’s suffering, I felt a deep sense of guilt and helplessness. I knew she needed more than just companionship; she needed a healing of the soul. I began reading more about child psychology, attempting to understand how to guide her out of this situation.
Over the next few months, I adjusted my work schedule to spend more time by her side. I tried to communicate with her, stepping into her inner world. I encouraged her to join some extracurricular classes, developing new friendships. Slowly but surely, Bernadette began to regain her interest in certain things, and smiles started to reappear on her face.
Meanwhile, I started using hugs to comfort her. Each embrace conveyed my love and support, providing her with warmth and a sense of security. Gradually, she became more cheerful and confident. She initiated social interactions, sharing her thoughts with friends. Her mood gradually lifted, and life regained its brilliance.
After years of effort, Bernadette finally stepped out of depression. Our habit of hugging has persisted to this day, becoming the most sincere bond between us. Now, as my daughter is about to enter university, and I am approaching my fiftieth birthday, she has promised me a special gift.
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。
Paragraph1:
As her summer vacation began, she seemed even busier than before.
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Before us was a warmly decorated studio, with a sign reading “Heartwarming Embrace Association.”
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I had run away from home after finishing high school. My parents had insisted I go to college, but I was tired of school. I hated it. I was determined not to go. And, besides, my father was too strict. I had too many chores to do around the farm. I haled the work!
There had been a quarrel between my father and me. I threw some things into a bag and left angrily, as my father shouted after me, “If you leave, don’t come back!” My mother cried openly, and I had seen those tears during a hundred sleepless nights.
Then it was time to write a letter to my father.
Dear Dad,It’s been more than a year now. I’ve traveled east to west. I’ve had dozens of jobs. None of them amounted to very much. Always the same questions: “How much education have you got?” It seems they always want college men for the good jobs.
Dad, you and Mother were right about everything. I know now that the work on the farm didn’t hurt me, and I’m convinced I need college. I’m also convinced that both of you loved me.
Dad, I’ve learned a lesson. I want to come home. I know you said if I left, I couldn’t come back, but I’m praying you’ll change your mind. I want to come home and be a part of the family again.
Give my love to Mother and the girls.
Love,Your son
As I folded the letter and put it into an envelope, I felt a refreshing relief. It was as if a heavy load had been lifted from my shoulders. And I had to be on my way home.
I started down the desolate road—the long road home. Fortunately, a car picked me up, and it was good to have someone to talk with. The driver was a salesman and very pleasant.
“Where you going, boy?” he asked good-naturedly.
There was a long silence before I said, “Home.”
“Been away from home long?”
I smiled, a little self-conscious, and said, “One year, one month and two days.”
注意：1. 续写词数应为150个左右；2. 请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
Having heard my story, he expressed his support for my final decision and told me something surprising.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Finally, I arrived home when. it was completely dark.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I was fifteen when my world took a hopeless turn for the worst. My mom was diagnosed with cancer again. She had undergone surgery and beaten the cancer. Then the cancer came back. However, there was more to worry about than the disease that my mom was battling. My dad had left us years before. Besides, because of the mounting medical bills she was paying for her previous cancer, we were on the edge of financial ruin. I was too young to get a job.
That winter was the worst. We didn’t have money to pay for electricity. Our neighbor, Sophia, allowed us to use her electricity so that we could have one lamp on in our home. The gas stove in the living room was the only heat in our house. My mom slept in her cold room, with as many blankets as we could pile on her.
Thanksgiving Day came. I searched our cupboards for food and there wasn’t much. I started slamming doors as I looked through the cabinets for a can of food we might have missed. The more I searched, the angrier I became. The noise must have woken my mom, because she came to the kitchen wrapped in a blanket. She looked worried at me and asked, “Baby, what’s wrong,” I retorted, “I’m hungry. I’m freezing to death in our own house,” I wasn’t angry at her. I was angry at our situation.
She opened her arms toward me and said, “Come here. Right now things are hard, but hope is always there. Whatever difficulties we meet, we should be strong. All you have to do is have faith. Why not believe we can be better by using our own hands?”
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 was deeply ashamed of what I had done and said.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Just as I wondered what to do to spend the night, Sophia knocked at our door.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I’ve always known that I’m very quick with my hands. If someone throws something, I catch it almost before I’m aware it has been thrown. When I was young, I had no idea how useful this skill would become.
Last week, I was going to visit a friend with her newborn and was on my way to a toy store to buy a gift. I’d once lived in the neighbourhood and I decided to head back to my old cupcake shop for a coffee. Sitting alone at a table outside with my drink, I was approached by an older man, who in a calm and very matter-of-fact way told me to call 911, because there was a baby on a fire escape.
I jumped up to see where the baby was. I was so surprised to see it, wearing a little onesie (连体衣) and lying on the fire escape railings (栏杆) between the second and third storeys. I was nervous, so the baby boy became my only priority.
As I was on the phone to the emergency services, I made eye contact with the child, keeping him calm, telling him to stay there. Some people were going up the stairs to find the parents, who were apparently sleeping through the whole drama.
I just wanted the child to feel safe. I hoped he’d stay there until somebody could rescue him. Apparently he had slipped through pieces of cardboard placed next to an air-conditioning unit in the window, and without bars to protect him he’d crawled (爬) out and up the fire escape towards the next storey. He was only 16 months old. For him to even climb up and balance in that position was incredible.
Then he slipped. Instinctively (本能), he grabbed on the railing as he fell, hanging by his arms. I knew he couldn’t hold on, 25 feet above the street, for long. I sensed people had gathered behind, but my attention was purely focused on my intention to catch the baby.
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 made sure I was positioned to catch him.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The moments after he was saved were exciting.
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