The Making of a Believer
It was Christmas Eve morning, and I awoke with a mission: to find my lost cat, Baby-Girl, who is chubby and cute, fond of sitting in her one-and-only spot near the nearth (壁炉). AS I got ready, I could hear icy rain pouring down. I said a quick prayer for Baby-Girl. She was out there somewhere in the storm, I could just feel it. Sure, it had been six months since she’d gone missing, but I still had faith. It was the season for miracles, after all.
That summer, my sweet cat had disappeared from my parents’ house in Indiana. Baby-Girl had been staying with them. At the time, I lived and worked in Washington, D.C. Baby-Girl had gotten out of my parents’ house three days before I was set to fly back home to pick her up.
My dad and I spent that entire visit searching for her. Dad was the family’s resident “realistic”, which mean the spent a whole lot of time trying to prepare me for the worst. She’s either been hit by a car or been taken in by someone who found her” he said. I rolled my eyes. Dad always supported me, but he was so skepticat. He could do with a little more faith!
Besides, though I couldn’t explain it, I knew I’d see her Baby-Girl again. If any cat could do the impossible, it was my Baby-Girl. Even after T returned to D.C. without her and the weeks stretched into months, deep down I had this feeling that we’d be reunited.
How, home again for the holidays, I was de tem mined to pick up my search. I grabbed Baby-Girl’s cat carrier and loaded it into the car, then persuaded Dad to drive me to the shelter, hoping she’d been found.
“Sharon, you have to be realistic,” my dad said as we headed to the garage. “She’s been gone too long. You’re not going to find her.”
“Well, I just have a feeling,” I said
Dad raised an eyebrow a she climbed into the driver’s seat to take me to the shelter.
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 were led to the room where the abandoned cats lived.
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Shortly after, my shocked Dad drove us back home.
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Katie had always longed for a pet dog, but growing up in a family of diplomats, her parents had to move around the world frequently, so having a pet didn’t fit their lifestyle. Even during her university years, the university’s rules didn’t allow it. It was only after she graduated and started living independently that the opportunity arose.
One day, Katie talked to her housemate and best friend from university, Rachel, about her desire for a pet dog. Rachel suggested, “why don’t you consider fostering a dog? There are so many stray dogs in need of temporary homes before they find their forever families. ”
The idea fascinated Katie as it allowed her to experience the joys of pet ownership without the lifelong commitment. However, she had some concerns, “What if I become too attached?”
Rachel reassured her, “Well, if you form a strong bond, you can always choose to adopt it yourself. ”
Without telling Katie beforehand, Rachel took the initiative and visited a local animal rescue organization to register for a foster dog. One sunny afternoon, when Katie came home from work, she was greeted by a small black-and-white dog. Her eyes lit up with joy and surprise. “Is this for real?”
“Here is Freda, ” Rachel said, beaming with pride. “She’s going to be our foster dog while she waits for her forever home.”
As the days passed, Katie experienced the joys and challenges of being a pet parent. Waking up to Freda’s sweet morning kisses became the best way to start her day. The daily walks with Freda turned into cherished moments of bonding, as they explored the nearby parks and strolled along the serene lakeside together.
However, amid the excitement and cuddles, Katie also learned the responsibilities that came with pet ownership. Juggling her demanding work schedule with Freda’s needs required careful planning and dedication. Katie came to understand why her parents never got one when she was a child. She also felt bad always asking her friends to dog-sit when she was too busy to care for Freda.
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。
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Eventually, the right family was found for Freda, but saying goodbye was bittersweet.
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Several months later, Katie discovered a small package on her front door.
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“Late again, Mavis! How many times have I told you to come back in time to help me cook dinner?” asked Mrs. Muntari.
“But, Mummy, I can’t just walk out in the middle of a game!” protested Mavis, still panting (喘气) after running all the way home.
“You shouldn’t be playing the game in the first place,” Mrs. Muntari stopped cooking and looked at Mavis.
“But, Mum, I want to play football. Why can’t I? You never tell Adibe or Senzo not to play football. I had to leave the game at half time and rush back so you wouldn’t get angry with me, ” said Mavis.
“They are boys and you’re not! It is as simple as that. Boys and girls have different roles to play. I have 11 hungry mouths to feed and I need your help!” Mrs. Muntari tasted the porridge and added some more water. “You’re the oldest girl not working, so it is your job to help me around the home. That is the way of our people. Now go and fry some more chicken. Kulu had to help me since you were not here. She burnt her finger and was still crying. I even had to ask your cousin from next door to come and help me.”
At the dinner table, Adibe and Senzo were excitedly talking about today’s game, while eating the chicken that Mavis had fried. They both agreed that Mavis scored in the first half with a power shot from halfway line. It was a great goal as their team was losing 1-0 at that time.
Dad came home then and told the boys that he saw news in the local paper about football scouts (球探) from England visiting Ghana. These scouts had asked to be allowed to visit various schools to look for players of the future. Adibe and Senzo looked at each other and cheered, ”Wow, I’m going to be like Essien!“ and started arguing which one would make it as a superstar.
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。
Paragraph 1: Mavis’s eyes lit up with excitement.
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Paragraph 2: Everything seemed to change after her parents witnessed her performance in the field.
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Lucy was the only child in her family. She had a quarrel with her mother that afternoon and she ran out of the house angrily. She couldn’t help weeping sorrowfully when she thought of the scolding from her mother. Having wandered aimlessly in the street for hours, she felt a little hungry and wished for something to eat. She stood beside a stand for a while, watching the middle-aged seller busy doing his business. However, with no money in hand, she gave a sigh and had to leave.
The seller behind the stand noticed the young girl and asked, “Hey, girl, you want to have the noodles?”
“Oh, yes, but I don’t have money on me,” she replied.
“That’s nothing. I’ll treat you today,” said the man. “Come in.”
The seller brought her a bowl of noodles, the smell so attractive. As she was eating, Lucy cried silently.
“What is it?” asked the man kindly.
“Nothing. Actually, I was just touched by your kindness!” said Lucy as she wiped her tears. “Even a stranger on the street will give me a bowl of noodles, while my mother drove me out of the house. She showed no care for me. She is so merciless compared to a stranger!” Hearing the words, the seller smiled, “Girl, do you really think so? I only gave you a bowl of noodles and you thanked me a lot. But it is your mother who has raised you since you were a baby. Can you number the times she cooked for you? Have you expressed your gratitude to her?”
Lucy sat there, speechless and numb with shock; she remembered her mother’s familiar face and weathered hands. “Why didn’t I think of that? A bowl of noodles from a stranger made me feel grateful. Why haven’t I thanked my mum for what she has done for me?”
On the way home, Lucy made up her mind to make an apology to her mother for her rudeness as soon as she arrived home.
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。
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Approaching the doorway, Lucy was very nervous and took a deep breath.
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A gentle touch on her hair called her mind back.
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As the school dress-up party was just around the corner, the school hall was full of children dressed in different shapes and colors. Some walked in as princes and princesses, some stepped in as superheroes and some made their dramatic entrance as astronauts and historical figures. But one little girl, whose name is Ellie, walked in, hiding her face and hoping nobody would take notice of her grey pants and white T-shirt.
Ellie wanted to dress up as a princess that year. Her dad had promised her a few months earlier that her costume would turn heads. But, her dad was so busy with all kinds of work that he forgot the small important things while dealing with the big important ones. When Ellie’s dad forgot to save up for her princess costume for the school dress-up party that year, she wasn’t mad at him. However, she couldn’t hold back her tears when the mean kids from her class started making fun of her. “What are you supposed to be dressed as? Ugly Ellie?” one of the boys laughed loudly. Ellie covered her ears and cried as she heard the kids crying out her latest name and laughing over and over again. Every face around her was unkind and indifferent to her sadness, making the poor girl feel more unconfident and alone.
“Follow me! Ellie!” an older voice whispered to her. It was Mr. Borges, her art teacher. He was trying to tell her something. The girl managed to escape the crowd of children and walk past them, closely following her teacher. “Wait here!” Mr. Borges told Ellie and walked away. A moment later, he returned and Ellie couldn’t help but wonder why Mr. Borges was holding a few rolls of toilet paper.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右;
2.请按如下格式作答。
“What’s that for?” Ellie asked, confused.
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_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________6 . 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。
My husband Larry and I have always had our basic values in common, but our interests are far apart. I love the arts, especially opera. He’s a huge sports fan of hockey (曲棍球). His big passion is NHL hockey. He’s shared season tickets with his friends for years.
There were times when we attended the games with other couples. The rest of our group was enthusiastic about the game, even the women. They knew all the players and how to pronounce their long names. I enjoyed participating in the National Anthem, but aside from the meal, that was the only thing I enjoyed about our hockey nights. Instead of appreciating the good seats we had, I’d complain that it was too cold there. When the game started, my phone would be on my lap. Most of the time, I’d be texting or daydreaming. Sometimes, my texting would be interrupted when the home team scored. I knew they scored because everyone jumped up and exchanged high-fives and shouts.
What was so exciting about a group of grown men on ice hitting something with a stick? It was beyond me. I started to wonder. Why was I the only one not enjoying myself? As I looked around at thousands of people cheering and getting increasingly excited, I decided to at least give it a try — for my husband’s sake, if not for my own.
It took a few games, but soon I learned who the goalie (守门员) was, who our latest player was, who had been traded and from where. When the other team scored, I eventually felt great disappointment with the rest of my crowd. I searched the program to see which part of the globe our players had come from.
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 surprised that I began to like the games I watched.
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I felt excited when I heard that our city would have the first women’s hockey team.
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1. 理想职业；
2. 选择原因；
3. 如何实现。
注意：1. 写作词数应为80左右；
2. 可适当增加细节，以使行文连贯。
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Jean’s dream was to be a great chef, so when she was 20, she travelled to France, which has the most famous cuisine in the world, to learn to cook. After twelve years, she was among the best.
Her father, Bob, was getting old, and she wanted to be near him. Jean accepted an offer from one of Washington’s top restaurants. The manager offered her a handsome salary, and 30% ownership of the restaurant. The next day, Jean went to sign the contract. As she got out of the car, she caught sight of a green sunshade. Instead of going to meet the manager, she crossed the street towards the old restaurant, Fargonetti’s. She pushed open the door and the memories came flooding back.
Jean’s mum died when she was just 11, and her father lost his job and was forced to freelance (从事自由职业). Money was very short. When Jean turned thirteen, Bob had made a reservation at Fargonetti’s, the capital’s best restaurant.
“I’m not hungry, baby girl. I had a huge breakfast,” Bob said. “This is all for you!” “Oh,” Jean cried. “Daddy was so silly! He’s been saving to come here for lunch for MONTHS and now he ruined his appetite with breakfast!” The waiter, Carl Bader, immediately realised what was going on and went to Mr Fargonetti, the restaurant owner, and told him about Jean and Bob.
An hour later, surprisingly, the waiter brought wonderful dishes and set them before the father and daughter. “Lunch is on the house with Mr Fargoneti’s compliments (致意),” Carl said. For Bob and Jean, it was a free but magical meal. They were on cloud nine when they walked out. “Jean,“ said Bob happily. “I feel our luck has changed!” And it did! The next day, one of Bob’s old friends called and offered him a job at a new magazine, and Jean believed Fargonetti’s had made it all happen. That was when she decided to become a chef!
Twenty years later, the old restaurant looked run-down and sad, but Jean recognised the waiter immediately. “Carl?” she asked delightedly.
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。
The man looked surprised.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Jean was staring at Carl and a brilliant idea was taking shape in her mind.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Throughout life, we come across many people who impact us in a way. Their impact can be for a day or for a lifetime. It’s common not to recognize the impact someone has left on you until a certain moment. The person who left a great impact on me is my dad.
Three months after turning fourteen, my life was great. I was getting settled into a high school; my grades were already starting off greatly and I was making friends.
One day as I came home from school, I walked into the living room, finding my mom and dad talking. My parents turned to me and told me to sit down because there was something important they had to tell me. I soon found out that my dad’s liver was failing and he needed an immediate transplant. I was shocked and confused because my dad seemed fine. He was working and never looked sick. My parents told me not to worry because everything would be fine. Four months had passed and my dad still had not received a new liver ; he was progressively getting worse. His body seemed to be getting weaker, but he constantly said he was fine.
It was getting hard for my family and me. My dad had to quit his job leaving my mom to be the only provider. I had to take on the responsibility of cleaning the house, cooking meals and checking on my dad while my mom was at work. I had to cut back on hanging with my friends because my dad was beginning to go in and out of the hospital. My focus for school was starting to slip. So were my grades. Two nights before my school spring break, my mom received a call from the hospital that my dad had been in a car accident and that he was in hospital. Surprisingly, my dad hadn’t received a scratch on him. Then next night my mom received a call from the doctor stating that there was a liver that matched my dad’s body and that he needed to get to the hospital immediately.
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。
My parents and I rushed to the hospital.
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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Late one evening, my constant yawns(呵欠)convinced me to retire for the night. I put on a comfortable cotton gown, turned the lights low, and crawled into bed between the cool but comfortable sheets. To ensure a good night’s rest, I called out towards the kitchen to my smart speaker, “Alexa, play sounds to sleep by.” As I gathered my cozy sheet up under my chin, I felt at peace with my cat Bella snuggled up(依偎)to me.
During the night, a heavy object landed on my stomach, causing me to scream and sit up, only to discover that it was Bella. She had a habit of waking me up to get her a snack, but the hands on the clock said 3:00 am, and I was annoyed that she had interrupted a happy dream. I fell back against the pillow and promised I’d feed her in the morning. That wasn’t acceptable to her, so she continued to walk on top of me while pressing her paws into my body.
Because that proved to be unsuccessful, she jumped over to the bedside table and deliberately used her paw to knock things on the floor, one at a time, to keep me from going back to sleep. Her efforts paid off as I looked over in the dark room and knew the smug(沾沾自喜的)look on her face conveyed a serious demand. “Get up, human. I’m ready for my nightly treat.”
Knowing she would keep disturbing me until she got her snack, I took a few minutes to focus my eyes and heard what sounded like running water or someone pressure-washing a wall. I couldn’t imagine our apartment staff doing maintenance in the middle of the night, so I assumed I had turned off the water tap. I would regret the large water bill it would bring about, so I unwillingly got up and went into the kitchen. I found nothing out of the ordinary so I continued to search with Bella following me. I checked the bathroom, where I found no running water.
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。
Since the sound was still evident, I realized the seriousness of the situation.
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I didn’t see water on the wall, so I thought it wasn’t an emergency.
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