Two weeks after my husband and I moved into our new house, he went abroad on a business trip that would take a year. This was the first time I had had to take care of our three-year-olds son Cameron and four-month-old baby Colby alone for so long. I had met a few neighbors, including Karen, Tim and Mike in our new neighborhood, but everyone was busy with their careers. We hardly even spoke.
One afternoon, I glanced out the window and noticed something strange. I walked outside and saw a light green colour in the sky that made my hair stand on end. Before long, the tornado sirens (龙卷风报警器) sounded. I turned on the news to learn of a tornado forming above our town. I was nervous and scared.
“Get into your storm shelters immediately. If you don’t have one, go into a bathroom in your house,” the weatherman soon announced. I rushed to the kids’ room. “We need to get into the bathroom. There’s a big storm outside, and we’ll be safe in here,” I said, trying to sound brave. I then tried hard to pull a mattress over us, but it wouldn’t stay. The baby was crying; the dog was barking. I could hear the wind roaring outside. Fear hit me like never before. I felt anxious and completely alone as the tornado sirens screamed in the distance.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. It was our neighbour Karen from across the street. “Tim and I are leaving. You and the boys are coming with us,” She said. For a second, I hesitated. Where in the world were they going? If they were getting into their car, I think we’d be better off here. It was raining heavily with bright flashes of lightning. It looked like it would be the end of the world. My kids were firghtened, and I was lost and seemed to be in my dream.
注意：1.所续的短文词数150左右；2.续写部分分为两段。每段开头语以为你写好。
Paragraph 1
I stood before my door in terrible fear, afraid to move.
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I found several other neighbors already in Mike’s storm shelter.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Walking out of the hair salon, Sally was happy like a bird. Her new hairstyle was satisfactory. She decided to walk down the busy street to the car park. Just then the first distant crash of thunder shook the air. Sally looked up at the sky. “Oh no!” she thought. “It’s going to rain, but I don’t have an umbrella!”
All of a sudden, with more thunder and lightning, large rain drops began to fall. Sally started to run. She was wearing high heels (高跟鞋), so she could not run very fast. She decided to go into a shop and wait for the rain to stop. Then she ran into the entrance to a book shop and waited. She anxiously looked at her watch. “Oh no! It’s 3:30! I have a very important meeting at 4:00! What am I going to do? I can’t wait here!” she thought uneasily.
She tried to look for a taxi, but there were no taxies. She hoped to take a bus, but there were no buses, either. She impatiently observed the sky from time to time, which was becoming even cloudier and darker.
Considering for a while, Sally decided to run to the car park. She stepped out of the bookstore entrance and rushed into the rain. Only several seconds later, Sally’s shoes, skirt, coat and newly styled hair were all wet. Just at that moment, she heard a voice behind her, “Excuse me! Excuse me!” It was a strong tall man. Sally felt a bit frightened. She began to run faster than before.
“Stop! Please wait!”
Sally pretended not to hear and kept running, even faster. But the man was very close to her now.
“Please! Stop! Stop!”
Sally was too tired to run any more. She had to stop and turned back. “Who are you? What do you want?” she shouted with an angry and scared voice. The man, who was wearing a suit and carrying a suitcase, looked like a businessman of around 40 years old. He did not say anything, but passed Sally his umbrella, then ran away quickly.
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。Sally was very surprised.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“How can I return his umbrella?” Sally thought on the way.
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Mr. Ward couldn’t stand students cheating the most. Whenever there was an exam, he watched very closely, making sure no act of cheating was neglected, and any student who cheated would be seriously punished.
I remember many times after tests, Mr. Ward found that the students sitting around me had better scores than the others and the further away a student was from me, the worse his grade. Mr. Ward suspected that some of the juniors “accidentally” got some of my answers. So he and I had a very interesting talk about cheating.
Mr. Ward once told me of some of the ways students tried to cheat. Student A intentionally “dropped” his pencil an unusually far distance from his desk. Then he stood up and walked slowly across the room to take it back. On the way, he glanced at the papers. Student B got a piece of paper and wrote down all the formulas (公式) on a tiny bit of paper taped to the inside of the kid’s palm. These incidents weren’t very rare.
The last day of the entire school year, all I had left was my math exam and there seemed to be some definite tension in the air because this was the biggest test of the year. I saw some kids trying to do some last minute studying, some trying to calm themselves down by breathing slowly and some saying a silent prayer.
Mr. Ward went to the front and started handing out the tests by rows. After explaining the rules of the test, he said very clearly, “If you cheat, I will take your test and tear it up. You will get a 0 for the biggest grade of the year.” Mr. Ward moved very effortlessly and efficiently about the room and during every test he went into a sort of RADAR mode. He sat at the front and watched the room for anything that might look like cheating. During this RADAR mode, if you were cheating, you would be caught. Guaranteed.
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。
Our test started and we were sitting there busy working on our papers.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Then Mr. Ward asked the kid he was watching to go to his office.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When he was around 5-6 years old, my brother Ted, who is four years younger to me, suddenly found his legs unable to move one night. What followed was one of the hardest times of my parents'life. Months passed with them meeting various doctors, visiting different hospitals, and knocking at the doorstep of every possible chance — all the time with Ted in their arms, since he wasn't able to walk on his own anymore.
There were doubts of permanent paralysis（瘫痪）— the very mention of which was enough to break us down. From finding it extremely painful to walk, to not being able to get up on his own, and to not being able to stand at all, Ted's problem was worsening day by day. Most surprisingly, all this while, he was as strong as, perhaps, only children can be in such difficult times.
During this period, it was not unusual for my mother to have sudden breakdowns. Once, she burst into tears while watching Ted playing joyfully. He wiped off her tears, and said, “Don't cry, mummy. See, I can stand and even run on my own!” Saying this, he tried to get up, stood on shaking legs for just about a few microseconds and fell down, only to be safely caught in the arms of my mom, who hugged him dearly and cried some more.
This was the most heart-breaking thing that I had ever experienced. But it was also a powerful one for the simple fact that it was my little brother who taught us what life was all about—HOPE.
Witnessing my brother's strong will and positive attitude inspired me as well. As a brother, I could not stand by doing nothing at all. Hope was burning in my heart when I had the idea to train my brother to walk again. I firmly believe Ted could stand up and walk as he used to. Whenever school was over, I would put Ted into a pushchair and tell my mom that we'd just go to the park.
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。
In the park, I would put Ted one meter away from me, encouraging him to walk.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________We agreed to keep this a secret from our parents until mom's birthday.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Grandma tried to straighten out her fingers.“You know, Ann, I think I am done knitting.” she said.“My fingers just won’t do what I tell them any more.”
I looked at her hands.When I was little, she had taught me how to sew dresses for my dolls and how to embroider (刺绣) the faces of my dolls on the dresses.
But now she can hardly bend her fingers.The doctor said she should keep her hands warm.I made her cups of tea to hold and moved her chair closer to the fire.But it didn’t work.
I wasn’t used to seeing her hands so still.When I came downstairs, her quiet hands made even her voice stay still.I missed her voice more than ever.
I tried to help her find her voice.“Grandma, tell me about when you were a little girl,” I begged, knowing she loved to tell stories.“Tell me about Peti and Zoe.” Peti and Zoe were her brother and sister.“That was so long ago, Ann,” whispered Grandma.“I can barely remember.” But I still remembered her story about Peti cutting off Zoe’s two beautiful long braids (辫子) and then hiding them in the closet.Were those words still moving silently in her head?
Mom was sorting through our clothes for spring.“Ann, take these out to the trash,” Mom said.“There’s no need to keep worn-out clothes.”
I looked sadly at the pile of sweaters and then picked it up.
“Wait,” Grandma said as I walked by her and put the pile downstairs.“Let me see those.”
“Ann, wind the yarn (纱线) of the old sweater into a ball, like this.Then you can use the yarn to knit something new.” Grandma wrapped yarn around and around her fingers, first in one direction and then the other to keep the ball round.
After dinner Grandma fell asleep in her chair.
Mom came downstairs with an old pair of gloves with small holes to add to the pile of sweaters.
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 pair of old gloves gave me an idea.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Your family,” I said, handing the gloves with the faces of Peti and Zoe to Grandma.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________My Best Examination
One day, while at work in a coal-mine in Malden, I happened to overhear two miners talking about a great school for poor people in Virginia. It was Hampton Institute. The school was established to provide opportunities for poor but worthy students who could work out all or a part of the cost of board, and at the same time be taught some trade or industry.
I was on fire constantly with one ambition, and that was to go to school. I decided at once to go to that school. Finally the great day came and I started for Hampton. I had only a small, cheap bag that contained what few articles of clothing I could get. The distance from Malden to Hampton is about five hundred miles. I had not been away from home many hours before it began to grow painfully evident that I did not have enough money to pay my fare (路费) to Hampton.
By walking and begging rides in some way, I finally reached the grounds of the Hampton Institute after a number of days, tired and dirty. As soon as possible after reaching, I presented myself before the head teacher for assignment to a class. Having been so long without proper food, a bath, and change of clothing, I was like a worthless loafer (游荡者).
I did not, of course, make a very favourable impression upon her, and I could see at once that there were doubts in her mind about the wisdom of admitting me as a student. I tried to impress her in all the ways I could with my worthiness. How I wished that I could get a chance to show what was in me.
After some time, the head teacher said to me, “The adjoining (隔壁的) classroom needs sweeping. Take the broom and sweep it.”
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。
It occurred to me at once that here was my chance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________The head teacher went into the room and inspected the floor and closets.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“Not again!” Aliya shouted angrily, looking at the marks she had attained in her maths test.
It seemed as if failing in the math test had become a part and parcel of her life. Despite her efforts, she had been unable to perform well. Tears in her eyes, she quickly shoved (乱塞) the paper into her bag before any classmate could make a rude comment on her.
Effortlessly, using the back of her palm, she was wiping the tears when her teacher Mrs Leena noticed her. She came to Aliya’s desk and, in a soft voice, asked her to see her during the break time.
Wondering what it could be, Aliya waited impatiently for lunchtime. Finally, when the bell rang, she made her way to Mrs Leena. As soon as she saw Aliya, she gestured for her to sit on the empty chair beside her.
She carefully studied her face, cleared her throat with a bright smile and said, “You seem to be anxious. I think I know what’s bothering you. If you allow me I think together we may come up with a good solution.”
With a puzzled look, she said, “Well ma’am, you know I have been struggling in maths since the beginning of the term. It seems as if no matter how hard I work, I am unable to get the desired result. I feel so upset,” she said sadly.
“You need not be so gloomy,” encouraged Mrs Leena. “With these three key ingredients: hard work, determination and resilience (韧性), you will move ahead and succeed. It’s always the first step that’s difficult, but once you decide not to look back and not give up, you will be successful, my dear. Come on, gather yourself and let’s work on it together.”
From that day onwards, Aliya worked hard, religiously following her teacher’s advice. By the time the final exams drew close, she had thoroughly revised her math book and well-prepared.
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。
On the exam day, a fear of failure upset her stomach.
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She passed her math exam with an unbelievable A grade on her report card.
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The cafeteria (自助食堂) conversation on Monday was all about hockey (冰上曲棍球) again. Jade usually fit in with the sports crowd, but now she was not included in the conversation.
“When will you get out on the ice, Jade?” Hazel asked. Jade was a soccer star at her old school in California. “I’m inviting her to play hockey.” Hazel told other players at the table.
Jade lowered her voice. “I can’t make it to open skating time because I have to look after my younger brother Calvin until 6:30.”
But Hazel had been friendly since their first meeting and she wasn’t going to give upon this. “A rink (溜冰场) is behind the stadium. I can practice with you thereafter the closing time. You can buy skates from Ms. Silva, the facility manager. 7 o’clock this evening at the rink!” Hazel told Jade excitedly.
However, Jade didn’t tell Hazel she couldn’t afford the skates and hockey stick. After school Jade hurried home to look after Calvin. When she was cleaning the crumbs (面包屑) under Calvin’s highchair with a broom, she got an idea. At 6:35, Jade grabbed the broom and an old tennis ball.
At the rink, Hazel hadn’t turned up yet. In her dirty shoes, Jade practiced hitting the ball with the broom independently. Surprisingly, she scored a goal. But her smile disappeared as she saw Ms. Silva walking over.
She looked down at Jade’s feet pitifully. “Your shoes made the rink dirty. Those aren’t skates and hockey stick.”
“I’m really sorry for the dirt,” Jade apologized. “I don’t have money for those.”
“You didn’t tell me that!” Hazel appeared, holding Jade’s hands.
“Want a weekend job?” Ms. Silva advised gently. “I’ll teach you how to remove the dirt and leaves. A month later you may get new skates!” “Definitely.” Jade replied. “I’ll be there with you!” Hazel said.
注意：1.续写词数应为100词左右；2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
In the following month, Jade was a dutiful staff and practiced with Hazel in the rink every night.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________“I look like a clown (小丑)!” Winston thought sadly. He pulled his cap down, thankful for the cover it provided. He wanted to escape the attention of the people outside the barbershop (理发店). He looked around before hurrying away into the darkness to put some distance between himself and the curious eyes of others.
As he moved quickly down the street,Winston wondered why he hadn’t spoken up to prevent the terrible haircut. He felt sad and questioned why this had happened to him. Did the barber give him this messed-up haircut on purpose? Winston didn’t believe it because the barber looked very friendly. But it seemed so crazy! Could he have unknowingly offended the barber,and this disastrous hairstyle was the barber’s way of getting back at him?
Winston was also worried that Jack would laugh at him. Jack was his cousin and liked playing jokes. But maybe he wouldn’t; he was understanding too. Winston kept thinking about it.Upon entering his new home, ,Winston’s mom greeted him from the kitchen. She called out to him,asking to see his new hairstyle. Winston walked into the kitchen, his cap still on, and slowly took it off.
His mother looked very surprised. She couldn’t help but burst into laughter. “Oh déar,” she shouted. “What happened?” Winston stood silently for a moment before letting out his anger. He blamed his mom for bringing him to this place, torcing him to attend a new school where he believed everyone would make fun of him. He also said he hated this terrible hairstyle, and his hair was beyond fixing.
Just as his anger was about to grow, the doorbell-rang. Winston’s mom calmly told him to answer it. As he opened the door, he forgot to cover his terrible haircut, and there stood his cousin Jack. Since it was Saturday today, they had planned to go skating together. Winston felt extremely embarrassed.
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。
Jack looked at Winston in disbelief.
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That afternoon, Winston returned to the barbershop, hoping to find out the truth.
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Mary and Brad Gersh loved their son. They had planned on having a big family, but several years ago, Mary was injured and couldn’t have a baby again because of it. So the Gershs decided to adopt one.
One day, Mary and Brad were told that they would be receiving their new baby—a girl—in the next two weeks. They decided to tell Eddie the news, but were worried he couldn’t accept it. After all, Eddie had been an only child for eight years.
On Saturday morning after breakfast, Mary said to Eddie, “Eddie, we want to talk to you.” Eddie looked at his parents, surprised.
“Well, Eddie,” Brad started. “We had talked to you about maybe giving you a new little brother or sister?”
“Yeah!” Eddie said. “You mentioned that.”
“Well,” Mary smiled, ”you will be getting a sister soon.”
“A sister?” asked Eddie. “How old is this kid?”
“She’s just been born.” Mary explained.
“Just born?” Eddie asked, frowning(皱眉). “A baby that small…Eddie looked worried.
“You’ll need to look after her all the time!” Brad was starting to look worried. “Eddie, that doesn’t mean we won’t have time for you…”
“So she will be crying all the time.” Eddie said. “And she will be…” Saying this, Eddie stood up slowly, deep in thought, and then walked upstairs.
“Eddie,” Mary cried. “Wait!”
“Let him go,“ Brad advised. ”He needs time. This is a big change in his life. We’ll talk to him again later. ”
Three hours later, Mary went upstairs, only to find Eddie was gone! His piggy bank lay broken on the bed.
“Brad!” Mary cried. “Eddie’s run away!”
“What?” cried Brad. “Ran away?”
“He took his money…” Mary was crying. “Oh, Brad, he probably thinks we will pay more attention to the baby…”
“Calm down, Mary,” Brad said. “We will call his friends. If he is not with them, we will call the police.”
Mary and Brad called all of Eddie’s friends, but none of them knew where he was. The couple was about to call the police when they heard the front door open.
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。
Mary ran to the door and found it was Eddie.
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Eddie opened his bag.
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