At Sandringham I got to know this kid, Teddy, a funny guy. He is one of those friends with whom you start hanging out and from that day forward you’re never apart. We were both very naughty. When you put us together, it was a disaster. Walking home from school, we’d throw stones through windows, just to see them broken, and then we’d run away.
One Saturday night, we were at the shopping center and most of the shops were closed. The cinema was still showing movies and the building was still open. There was a shop that sold greeting cards and magazines and it didn’t have a door. So when it closed at night, there was only a metal gate, like a trellis (架子), which was pulled across the entrance and padlocked (用挂锁锁上). Walking past this shop, Teddy and I realized that if we put our arms through the trellis, we could reach the chocolates just inside. We reached in, took a few, and then swallowed the chocolates. We started going back again and again to steal more.
We did this every weekend for at least a month. Then we pushed our luck too far. It was a Saturday night. I reached in to take a chocolate, and at that exact moment a security (安全) guard came around the comer and saw me with my arm in up to my should. I brought my hand out with a bunch of chocolates in it.
注意：1. 续写部分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好。2. 续写词数应为150左右。
I saw him. He saw me. His eyes went wide.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The next day when Teddy and I ran into the classroom, the headmaster was there waiting.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________That was a big competition. We all knew it. The entire school was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was the annual choir(合唱) competition, and we were determined to participate despite knowing that many of us were not the best singers.
As the class monitor, I felt responsible for calling in my classmates and convincing them to join the chorus. I knew it wouldn’t be easy; some of them were hesitant and gave me skeptical looks, while others ran away. But I wasn’t ready to give up.
With a persuasive tone and genuine enthusiasm, I spoke to my classmates, explaining why it was important for us to participate as a team. I told them that it wasn’t about being the best, but about coming together and enjoying the experience of singing as a group. Slowly, I started to see some students were interested and a few of them promised to give it a try.
Our rehearsals (排练) were intense, filled with laughter, and sometimes frustration. We tried our best to perfect our harmonies and cooperation, but deep down, we still held onto the belief that we would probably end up at the bottom of all-the choirs. In that moment of despair, a boy from our choir whispered, “Are we just asking for humiliation(羞辱)?” The words made our doubts and fears stronger.
But right before it was our turn to step onto the stage, Mrs. Wood, our music teacher, brought us together in a tight group. She looked into our eyes and said firmly, “We are not here to impress; we are here to express.” Her words made all the difference.
With an understanding of the true meaning of our performance, we stepped onto the stage. As the music started, we sang from our hearts. We didn’t worry about being perfect or winning the competition; we focused on expressing our love for music and the joy of singing together.
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。
When the performance ended, our headmaster stepped onto the stage.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The competition results were announced later, and we were awarded a special medal for our team spirit.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________For years, putting up Christmas lights had been a family tradition for the Patrick’s household. It was an occasion when they would busily prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
Their Christmas light display was always a highlight of the neighborhood and brought much delight to the whole community. Typically, Anthony would invite the neighbors over as they decorated the Christmas tree in the front yard. Emily, who lived next door and had known Sara’s family for long, often came to admire their wonderland of Christmas lights.
In early December, Anthony would string colorful lights all around their roof until it looked dazzling. On the front lawn, he would blow up a large white Frosty the Snowman and a Rudolph with a glowing red nose. Sara always joined in, along with their warm-hearted neighbors, hanging gifts on the tree and playing “White Christmas” over and over to keep everyone in the spirit.
Yet the bad news came in the midst of the festive mood, before they could finish the Christmas decoration. Anthony fell desperately ill. The symptoms suggested acute heart failure and he was soon admitted to hospital. Sara spent days and nights in the ward, attending to Anthony and praying for his recovery, though the hope was slim. On Christmas Eve, Anthony passed away.
It came as a huge blow to Sara. In the following days, she had to manage the funeral while struggling to figure out a way to cover housing and household expenses, and tackling a seemingly endless list of difficult to-dos. Perhaps hardest of all, she had to persuade herself into accepting the loss of her father. It was too much to take.
When she pulled up to the house after a long day on the go, the only thing that could comfort her were the twinkling Christmas lights, which brought her a spark of hope-it felt as if the brightness of the lights could cancel out some of the darkness of the past days’ misfortune.
Wanting to help, Emily shared their story on a community website.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Touched by their kindness, Sara decided to fulfill the lighting decorations, though Christmas was gone.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Alice, you spend too much time on your phone,” her father said. “You need to focus on your studies.”
“But Dad, I’m doing my best,” Alice replied. “I’m balancing my phone time with my studies.”
In the tense meal, Alice and her parents argued about her recent changes. They were focused on her increased attachment to her phone and its impact on her studies. Her parents were concerned that she was neglecting (忽视) her studies and worried about the impact it might have on her future. They felt that her attachment to the phone was taking her away from her studies.
Alice said, “I know you’re worried about me, but I’m trying my best. I just want to have some fun with my friends and take a break from studying sometimes.” However, her parents didn’t seem to understand or accept her explanation. They felt that she needed to focus more on her studies and less on the phone.
The argument escalated (升级) when Alice announced that she wanted to leave the science club she had been a member of for years to join a new social media club. Alice explained, “I’m not sure if leaving the science club was a right decision or not. I just feel like I need a change.” Her mother was shocked and said angrily, “You made this decision without thinking it through. You’ve done well in the science club, and you have a lot of potential to go further. You’ll regret it if you don’t keep going.”
After that argument, Alice, feeling increasingly frustrated, withdrew into herself and spent more time in her room. She started to avoid her parents as much as possible and didn’t want to talk to them about anything related to her studies or her future.
Her parents saw that the little girl who had come back laughing and talking was gone, and now they saw a face that was alternately angry and sad. She did spend less time on her phone, but she became increasingly unhappy.
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。
One night, Alice’s parents knocked on the girl’s door and said they wanted to talk to her.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________At this point, Alice seemed to see some hope of joining the social media club.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________5 . 阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
Peter was a Russian Borzoi (a kind of dog). He weighed close to eighty-five pounds and had the long nose and narrow head of the Borzoi. So narrow was it that it didn’t seem to have much room for brains. In Peter’s case, it didn’t. He was what might be termed “dim (迟钝的)”, and he became easily confused, but he had gentle nature.
We loved him dearly. We attached identification tags to his collar in case he got lost. When he became confused, he would sit in one spot waiting for one of his humans to come to his rescue. And someone always did.
On the day in question, I had gathered up my dog family of one Old English Sheepdog, one Whippet rescue, one little wolf rescue, and Peter. They were all settled in my covered pickup truck bed, and I was headed out for our daily exercise, six miles into the country where there was no leash (拴狗绳) law and they could run free. They were all trained not to chase wild animals, to stay reasonably close, and to come when called.
After I had walked for about ten minutes, I noticed that one dog was missing. Peter, of course! It seemed obvious that he had stopped to investigate some irresistible smell, and then, becoming confused, had turned back the way we had just come. He would easily be able to follow our smell but in the wrong direction. And when a Borzoi runs, he covers a lot of ground in a very short time.
Feeling guilty, knowing I should have kept a closer watch on him, I walked back, calling and whistling, but there was no sign of him. It was winter and would soon be dark. In desperation, I started to pray, hoping someone might help Peter.
After about half an hour of intense searching and calling at the top of my voice, I finally decided the best thing to do was to drive the two other dogs and little wolf home, which would leave me free to come back and hunt for Peter.
I reached my house in record time just as it opened to reveal my husband standing there.
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。
“We’ve lost Peter,” I shouted breathlessly.
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My husband said, “No. It was this gentleman who sent Peter home.”
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A boy called Jamy always arrived home hungry every day and his parents couldn’t figure out why, despite making meals for him. When Jamy wouldn’t share what was going on, his parents decided to visit the school principal (校长), hoping the principal could offer some insight.
After talking with Jamy’s classmates, the principal and his parents heard a story they weren’t expecting. Although Jamy never talked about it, his classmates told them that he always came to school without food. The principal and his parents were shocked. No wonder Jamy was always so hungry after school! Was there something happening on the way to school that Jamy didn’t tell them?
To make the situation clear, the principal asked Jamy’s teacher, Callum to talk to Jamy in private. During the conversation with the teacher, Jamy refused to say any further details about the situation, leaving everyone frustrated and helpless. And despite multiple questioning, Jamy still refused to say any knowledge of the situation. This left the principal with no evidence to take any action regarding the missing lunch of Jamy.
Jamy’s parents were becoming increasingly concerned as their child continued to come home from school without saying a word. Despite their meeting in the school, they thought that they hadn’t gotten any closer to uncovering the truth about why Jamy was always so hungry. The lack of communication from their child only added to their frustration and helplessness. They knew they needed to take action, but they had no idea where to start.
Determined to get to the bottom of the problem, Jamy’s father decided to take action again. The next day, Jamy’s father went to school and requested to speak with Jamy’s teacher Callum.
When Jamy’s father reached the school, Callum spoke with him and patiently answered all of his questions. However, despite a deep conversation between them, no conclusion could be reached, which still puzzled Jamy’s parents.
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。
One day, by accident, Jamy’s father found a thank-you note from his study (书房).
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Jamy’s parents were touched by Jamy’s act of kindness.
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Michael and Greg were brothers and they lived in a family with a tight budget. They both missed the field trip last year because they could not cover the extra fee. This year, Michael’s class would arrange a field trip to the city museum and he really wanted to go. So he was trying to earn some pocket money.
On this cold autumn morning, Michael gathered the last of the leaves into a small pile. There weren’t even enough to jump in. “Mom and Dad are never going to pay me for gathering this little bit of leaves.” “What are you talking about?” Greg asked, walking up behind him. “I’m trying to do some housework so I can make enough money to cover my field trip to the city museum, but there’s nothing to do around here.” Michael sighed and looked around.
“You could offer to wash Mom and Dad’s cars,” Greg said.
Michael’s face lit up. “That’s a great idea.”
“I bet some of the neighbors would pay you to wash theirs, too. It’s getting colder and no one wants to wash the cars themselves.” Greg looked his brother in the eye.
Michael nodded. The air was cold. He shivered（打寒颤）at the thought of washing cars and getting wet in this cold weather. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea.”
Greg placed his hand on Michael’s shoulder. “I have some golf gloves that are designed for wet, cold weather. I’ll loan you a pair, and I’ll even help you wash the cars.” “Really? You’d help me and let me keep the money?” “Sure. Golf season is over. I won’t need the extra cash for a while.” Greg disappeared inside the house.
Michael asked his parents if he could wash their cars for a small fee. When they agreed, he asked some neighbors, too. Three more agreed. Michael got a bucket, some sponges（海绵）, towels and soap. Greg came back outside with the gloves. “Here you go. They’ll keep your hands warm and dry.” “Thanks.” Michael still couldn’t believe his brother was helping him earn the money like this. He had to think of a way to repay him.
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。
With these tools, Michael started to work.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________To Michael’s surprise, he found he earned more money than expected.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Nuts was quite an adventurous and smart squirrel kitten. One day, without the notice of his parents, he slipped out of home and set off to Mr. Elk’s Candy Company to buy toffees. On the way, he met Robert the little deer, his best friend. He said, “Hello, Robert. Would you like to come with me to Mr. Elk’s Candy Company?”
Robert replied, “Sure. But it’s a long way from here. We may come across some fierce beasts (野兽) along the way and get ourselves in danger. I’ve got to ask my mother.”
To which Nuts replied, “Oh, don’t be such a coward (胆小鬼)! You’ll be back home in no time at all. I have been to the Candy Company alone several times and I have never met any beast at all.”
“Okay,” Robert replied nervously.
Soon they were both marching joyfully through the forest, although Robert did feel a bit uncertain about the idea. After half an hour, they stopped by at Mr. Cooper’s house. Mr. Cooper was the wise squirrel fond of inventing various mousetraps or fox traps to defeat predatory(捕食性的) opponents. Nuts and Robert had a brief chat with Mr. Cooper before they continued their journey to the Mr. Elk’s Candy Company.、
Several minutes later, as they were travelling on, a frightening beast appeared from behind the bushes. It was Mr. Gordon, the bad fox!
They both screamed at the very sight. Robert rushed away in panic but then he realised that he had left Nuts behind. When he went back, he found that Nuts was frozen still in front of the fox (a common squirrel instinct).
Mr. Gordon licked his lips and said, “I haven’t had squirrel for dinner for a long time.” He was about to grab Nuts when Robert screamed from behind the bushes. “Well, well. What do we have here, a live and healthy little deer. He would make an even better dinner,” said Gordon. He forgot all about Nuts and began chasing Robert.
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。
Nuts was alarmed by the scream and rushed to get help for Robert.
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Both the two headed home and told their parents the risky adventure.
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Back to the time when I was a clerk working in a 24-hour convenience store on the East Coast, people there were experiencing a heat wave. So the absolute thing you wouldn’t want to do was staying in a hot car! That’s what I thought when I saw a woman doing that. Going past the car, I noticed she was always lying, but not sleeping inside. The car was piled with her belongings, including a variety of paints and brushes, from the passenger side to the back seats.
I’d been aware of this car parked for a few weeks in the same space on this quiet lot just next to the convenience store where I worked. Maybe she was in trouble. Finally, one day I asked my partner to fill in for me. Then I stepped out of the store, went over to the car and got a close enough look to see the woman. I found that she was clear-headed in spite of a little pain in her face. This made me more anxious.
“Excuse me, I’m John. I work in the convenient store over there. I’m here to check out if you need any help,” I said.
“Pretty good. Thank you, gentleman. By the way, I’m Justine,” the woman replied with a sweet smile. Seeing that she was OK, I told her I had to go back to work and that I’d be there if she needed a hand.
The next day, after a little rush following the noon, there were no customers coming to buy groceries. With a bit of time, I invited Justine in to enjoy some cool air from the air conditioner. I gave her a cold drink, and then we sat down. “Thanks for your invitation. And I know you have many questions about me. John, go ahead,” she said calmly. She dressed with artistic taste and behaved gracefully. Naturally, I did have much doubt in my head about her situation. When asked why she kept staying in the car, she stopped for a while and said, “Because my precious works are in it.” She added, “What I did was all for my next art exhibition.”
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。
Then she told me that she was an artist.
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A month later, I received a call from Justine when in the store.
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Aaron was very excited when he heard about the summer camp. It would be more than a week-long experience with no parents around! Besides, they would play games and have campfires. And also a sports competition would be held between teams from different camps, and Aaron loved sports.
As a mom, Lucinda didn’t want him to go, because the camp was miles away, and he was just ten.
“All of my friends are going. mom! Please! I want to go!”
“But honey.” said Lucinda, “we could do something different this summer. . . perhaps a family trip?”
“No, Mom!” Aaron insisted (坚持说). “We always do that. . . Please, Mom! Please!”
At Aaron repeated request, Lucinda agreed finally. Aaron went to the camp happily.
Four days later, Lucinda received a sudden phone call. “What’s the matter, honey? Why are you crying?” Lucinda asked, worried. Aaron cried, “Take me away from here, Mom. Please!”
“But why? What happened?” asked Lucinda.
“There’s a running competition tomorrow among different camps, but they wouldn’t allow me to attend. Other boys are all older than me, and they think I can’t compete with them. I feel very bad, Mom.”
Lucinda walked to her bedroom and took out a file (文件夹)from a drawer (抽屉). She then drove to Aaron’s camp. She went to the camp director’s office.
“Sir, I’m Lucinda Jones. My son Aaron is in your camp. I came here because of what happened to him,” she explained. “Aaron told me he wouldn’t be allowed to join your upcoming competition because he’s younger than the other kids. He was very sad. He has great potential (潜力) for sports. Could you please give him a chance?”
“Well, Mrs. Jones,” said Mr. Harrington. “Didn’t Aaron tell you they’re all 13-yeard-olds? Aaron is only ten.”
注意：1. 续写部分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好。
2. 续写词数应为150左右。
“Please have a look, sir,” Lucinda showed him the file she’d brought with her.
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Mr. Harrington listened to Lucinda very carefully.
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