In a small town, Sarah and her husband, David, ran a modest noodle shop. Over the years, it had become a familiar gathering place for hardworking folks in the neighborhood, especially those who often worked into the late hours.
Early in 2022, an elderly wandering man named Robert entered their shop. “Ma’am, I’d like a bowl of noodles. Here’s the money,” the elderly man said, handing over a well-worn and old one-dollar banknote. Sarah exchanged a quick glance with David, for a bowl of noodles cost five dollars. However, David accepted it without hesitation, instructing Sarah to serve Robert.
Sarah couldn’t help whispering to her husband, “David, why did you accept this old money and sell the noodles for one dollar?” David gazed at her and responded, “My dear, everyone faces challenges. What’s a bowl of noodles worth anyway? What if he goes hungry?” David’s friendly smile made Robert feel at home. He wasted no time in wolfing down the hot noodles, as if he hadn’t eaten in days. The couple watched with compassionate eyes as Robert enjoyed every single bite. After finishing his meal, Robert left with satisfaction.
Robert returned the next day, and for several days thereafter. They soon learned that Robert had a slight intellectual disability from a very young age. After the passing of his parents, he lived alone, with his elder brother visiting him occasionally. But Robert didn’t want to burden his brother’s family.
David and Sarah silently formed an unspoken agreement with Robert. They genuinely helped him but never mentioned the price. Sarah even added extra vegetables to his bowl sometimes. As months passed by, they developed a bond of kindness. Robert only visited the shop when it was less crowded. Yet, his payments went from regular dollars to small change, until he had no money left.
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, Robert arrived with something unusual — a hand-drawn banknote.
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When David shared Robert’s story online, it quickly gained attention.
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Last Saturday David was taking a walk in the park near his home when he noticed a woman with a boy of about eight years old. When David passed them, he heard the woman yelling: “How stupid you are! You’re good at nothing.” David stopped and looked at the little boy. The boy said nothing. He just stood there, looking upset.
David was reminded of his English teacher Mrs. Brown in middle school. After he entered middle school, David lacked self-confidence because he was often made fun of by others. He was often told that he was good at nothing, which David believed.
But one day it all changed. That day, in an English writing class, Mrs. Brown asked them to read a novel. They were asked to write a new chapter of the novel after they finished reading it. A few days later, David handed in his story. He didn’t give it much thought. But the next day to his surprise, the comment “well done” from Brown came into view the moment he turned to the page where the story was written. When David read that, he almost burst into tears. He had never expected to be praised. He suddenly gained some self-confidence.
That day after he returned home, he wrote another short story and gave it to Mrs. Brown the next morning. And again he was praised. David became very interested in writing. He often wrote short dories and asked Mrs. Brown to read them and correct them for him. Mrs. Brown always gave him good advice to improve them. One year later, David joined the school newspaper and became an editor of it. He gained his confidence and was hopeful about his future.
He succeeded in entering college and kept writing. Several years after graduating from college, he had his first book published, becoming famous as a writer in his country. And he owed his success to Mrs. Brown’s encouragement. Without her encouragement, his life might be very different now.
注意：1. 续写的词数应为150左右。2. 请按照如下格式在答题卡相应位置作答。
Inspired by his own life story, David decided to do something for that boy.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The mother was ashamed when she heard that.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The rain was sudden and heavy on a cold night over ten years ago. Moving all the way against the heavy rain, my bus could barely stick to its normal route and was forced to stop at the station due to flash flooding.
With still two kilometers to go, time ran against me picking up my then four-year-old daughter from her childcare center. What waited for me was knee high water. I had no choice but to struggle through in the pouring rain to buy a cheap plastic coat in the shopping mall for my daughter.
After taking off my jacket and putting it into my bag to keep dry, I pulled up my skirt and took off my shoes, starting to run. Although I was wet through when arriving at the daycare center, I felt lucky to be only a few minutes late. Now I had to fix another problem.
All means of getting home appeared impossible to me. There were no buses with the clock striking 6 pm. I had no money to pay for a taxi. As the sky turned darker and darker, it seemed that we could never manage to get home.
The only thing we could do was to stand outside the childcare center staring at the rain pouring down. There was no sign of stopping. Lost in my own thoughts, I just hardly noticed another parent pull up and race inside to collect his child ten minutes later. I did not recognize him and my thoughts turned back to my current situation.
注意：1. 续写词数应为150左右。
2. 续写部分分为两段，每段开头语已给出。
Paragraph 1:
I was a single mother with no family in Australia and no close friends I could call.
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Paragraph 2:
I was about to run, when a voice asked, “How far are you going?”
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When I was four years old, I got stung(刺痛) by a bee twice in one week! After that, I had a fear of bees. When I saw bees or heard any sound from bees, I fled away immediately. That was why my parents suggested that I learn about bees instead of being frightened. I went to libraries to borrow some books about bees, and I tried to watch videos about bees, though I didn’t like them at first. And gradually, I was interested in what I read and watched. I learnt that bees could help make the food we ate because of their pollination(传授花粉). Take pizza, for example. If we didn’t have bees to pollinate(给……授粉) tomato plants, we wouldn’t have tomatoes for sauce. And we wouldn’t have cheese without pollination, either.
But, at the same time, I learnt some bad news.One was that bees were struggling to survive. Many were dying. Some scientists thought it might be because of the chemicals that were used to kill other insects. What would happen if there were no more bees? I wanted to help. I thought, “What if I make lemonade, sell it, and raise money and donate it to groups who are saving bees?” I talked to my grandmother, Helen. She was a good cook and she was supportive when she knew what my plan was. She gave me her recipe for lemonade. It came from a cookbook from 1940. She had used it herself for more than 50 years. She always made lemonade for us when we visited her at weekends. And we all liked it. Most importantly, she promised to help me make it.
注意：续写词数应为150左右。
My parttime job as a cook started immediately.
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My dad showed me how to improve my sales.
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The Bicycle
When I was nine I needed to earn some money, so I asked Mr. Miceli, the newspaper publisher in my Chicago neighbourhood, about an after-school paper route. He agreed only if I had a bicycle.
My dad bought me a used bike, but right after that he fell ill and couldn’t teach me to ride. Mr. Miceli, however, merely asked to see the bike. So I walked to his garage, showed it to him and got the job.
At first, I filled my delivery bag with rolled papers over the handlebars and walked my bike down the sidewalks. But pushing a bike with a load of papers was awkward; after a few days I borrowed Mom’s two-wheeled shopping cart.
It took me longer to make my deliveries by cart, but I didn’t mind. I sent each paper to its proper destination. In rain or snow, I put Dad’s old raincoat over the cart to keep the papers dry. I got to meet everyone in the neighborhood — working-class people of Italian, German or Polish origins who were invariably kind to me.
When Dad returned from the hospital, he was too weak to resume his original job. Now we needed every penny we could raise to pay bills, so we sold the bike. Mr. Miceli must have known I wasn’t using a bike, but he said nothing about it to me.
On the Thursday evening before Christmas, 1951, I rang my first customer’s doorbell. Even though the lights were on, nobody answered, so I went on to the next house. No answer, nor did anyone respond at the next family on my route, or the one after.
I was very worried; I had to pay for my papers every Friday. And while it was almost Christmas, I never thought that everyone would be out shopping. So I was very happy when, going up the walkway to Mr. Gordon’s house, I heard music and voices. I rang the bell.
注意：1. 续写词数应为 150 左右；
2. 请在答题卡的相应位置作答。
The door flew open, and Mr. Gordon dragged me inside.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________After walking the bicycle home, I opened those envelopes.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Adler lived with his unemployed mother and a younger brother in a small house in Durango. Like other boys at his age, the small, golden-haired boy wanted to play with his friends and have fun, but fate had other plans. After observing what was happening in his house, the boy decided to do something for his family. He picked up his only toy, a ball, and left his house with a mission—to help his family.
Little Adler walked to the nearest store with his last toy in hand, hoping he could sell it. His innocent mind could only come up with this idea to help his mother, unaware that no one would buy the ball from him. While the little boy was selling his toy at the street, a man with the TikTok name Ruben Cervantes spotted him. Curious, he approached Adler to see what happened to that little boy.
With tears in his eyes, the little one said, “I just want to sell my only toy, sir. Would you like it?” When Cervantes learned Adler was selling his toy to help his family, he asked, “How much is it?” Adler replied, “I don’t want money, sir. just want milk and bread for my family.”
At that moment, Cervantes was so moved how this little mind could possess such mature concepts. While other children at his age were enjoying and living a carefree life, Adler was worrying about his home’s financial situation. Without hesitation, Cervantes took the ball from the boy, gave him a hug and said, “Don’t cry, my boy. I’ll keep your ball for now, hoping to play it with you one day.”
Cervantes did buy milk and bread in exchange for his ball and sent him back home. The boy flashed a toothy smile and said, “Thank you so much, sir. I’m looking forward.”
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。
Immediately Cervantes got home, he posted Adler’s story on TikTok.
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One day, there was a knock at the door.
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The event that stands out in Tom’s memory happened one morning when Tom was only ten years old.He was at home with his elder sister Jane.Tom was doing his homework when he heard raised voices.At first he thought nothing of it since customers in the motorcycle shop directly below their flat often became loud，but he soon realized this time it was different.
“Quick! Quick! Remove the motorcycles from the shop.” someone shouted.Then a thick burning smell filled the air.When Tom opened the front door of their flat to investigate，a thick cloud of smoke greeted him.The motorcycle shop had caught fire and people were running and crying.
Jane，who had been playing the violin in her room，hurried to the living room.They rushed out of the door and along the corridor (走廊) through the smoke.
They were heading towards the stairway at the far end of the corridor when Jane suddenly stopped in her track.She turned around and headed back the way they came.Tom had no idea what she was doing，but he followed her.
Jane had suddenly remembered the lady in her 70s who lived next door to them，who they called Makcik.Jane began banging on Makcik’s door，but got no answer.As the smoke thickened around them，Tom could see many of their neighbors—some still in their pajamas (睡衣)—running for safety.The thought of fear crossed his mind.
“She would have run for safety like everyone else!” Tom cried.However，Jane refused to give up.“I know Makcik’s still inside.” She said she was familiar with Makcik’s daily routine and was certain she would still be sleeping.She pounded against the door.“Go downstairs.Go now! Go!”
Paragraph 1：Tom noticed the flame (火焰) was reaching up.
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Luckily，some neighbors passing by stopped and offered help.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________On one cold morning Matt awoke, hearing there was a knock at his window. Out of curiosity, he crept sleepily out of bed, opened the window, and whispered, “Who's there?”
“I am,”replied a tinkling voice, “your neighbor, the little New Year. Ho!Ho!”
“What are you gonna do?” Matt wore a puzzled expression.
“I need somebody to help me finish a secret plan.Won't you please come out and help?”
“Oh, it's so cold!” said Matt. “I'd rather go back to my warm bed.”
“Never mind the cold,” urged the New Year. “Please help me.”
Still in doubt but sure of his honesty, Matt hurried into his clothes. Outside was a snow-covered world, as if painted by an amazing artist. In the yard stood a rosy-cheeked boy, a little taller than Matt himself, pulling a large cart which seemed to be loaded with good things. On one side of this cart was painted the word “Love”, and on the other “Kindness”.
As soon as the New Year saw Matt, he said, “Now please take hold and help me pull.” Down the driveway and up the hill they traveled until finally they came to an old wooden house.
“Here is where I make my visit,” said the New Year.
“Why? Nobody lives here but an old man and he hasn't any children!” Matt looked wonderingly at him.
“He needs my help,” said the New Year in a firm voice.
The little hands went busily at work, piling up warm clothing, wood and a new year's dinner. The New Year was singing as he worked:
“Oh, I am the little New Year. Ho! Ho!
...
Shaking my bells with a merry din;
So open your door and let me in...”
注意:续写词数应为150左右。
Paragraph 1:
Old Joe, hearing some noise outside, came to the door.
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Paragraph 2:
“You're welcome,” the two children replied.
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It was Friday, and I was at my daughter’s place in Manhattan. My husband and I had gone out for breakfast with my daughter and son-in-law and their child. After breakfast, we took a taxi to Central Park. The plan was to take my 2-year-old grandson on his first horse and buggy(小马车)ride，pick up our bags from my daughter’s house and drive to my friend’s home in Flatbush, Brooklyn, for a visit.
The horse ride went well, and we all had a great time. My grandson was filled with joy and excitement all the time. We arrived back at my daughter’s apartment, picked up our bags and then I said to my husband, Moishe, “Where is your phone?” Usually, I will check everything before we leave a taxi since things can fall out, but this time, I guess I didn’t, and we could not seem to find it.
Maybe we left it in the buggy, or it might have fallen out in the taxi? I wondered. Or perhaps we left it in the restaurant at breakfast? I was in a state of panic, wondering what the one with the phone could do with it. Moishe was evidently at a loss as to what to do. My sensible son-in-law, Leon, had a clever idea of calling the phone to see if anyone would answer it.
With butterflies in my stomach, I watched as Leon dialed and got through. He turned the loudspeaker of his phone on so that we all could hear but what we heard was a lady’s poor, broken English. The person on the other side of the phone obviously had difficulty communicating with Leon. Leon was very patient and was speaking very slowly but I could see that he didn’t get much useful information before he had to hang up.
After some discussion, we decided to send a text message to the lost phone saying, “We will pay money to get our phone back, please tell us where you are.” This idea worked out well. Soon we got a reply message saying “119 Ocean Parkway, Mrs. Hichens”.
注意：1．续写的词数应为150左右;2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
In no time, we all got into our car and headed for the address.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________With Laura’s help, Mrs. Hichens was able to explain to us what had happened.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________As is known to all, the traffic is very poor and heavy. The bus or the train is really crowded. Every time I go home from my company or leave home for my company, I have to accept such a hard experience though I have been used to it.
On a cold December morning in 2020, I boarded a bus with my four bags which were large. Luckily, there were two empty seats left. About one hour later, a well-dressed young guy got on and took the seat next to mine. I was cautious. I would often come across guys who were eager to talk to a girl travelling on her own. So I was not surprised when he spoke up.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“Rampur Bushehr,” I replied briefly and put on my earphones to enjoy some music or to avoid talking with him. He did not bother me after that as if he had known my idea.
It started to rain and cold water was dropping through the roof right on to my lap. Seeing that, the guy emptied a plastic shopping bag full of clothes, which he pushed into his travel bag. He then handed me the plastic bag. I accepted it with a sheepish (困窘的) “thanks” before spreading it on my lap.
Minutes later, the bus broke down! The conductor announced we would have to move to another bus that would reach us shortly, and that there would be no more buses after that, since there had been heavy snowfalls. All the passengers of the bus got off and stood on the side of the road, ready to rush into the next bus. The conductor unwillingly helped me get off the bus with my luggage and I too waited with other passengers.
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 bus finally arrived, it had many passengers already.
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As the bus left for my hometown, I looked around for the guy.
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