I sat in the breakfast corner with my four-year-old son, Matthew, trying to ignore the ache in my stomach. I was still recovering from a surgery. I hoped for strength and happiness. But the future seemed so hopeless.
Matthew jumped up from his spot on the kitchen floor. “Bird!” he shouted, rushing to the sliding door. Sure enough, there was a white dove seated on a rubber tree. It sat there a few moments, and then flew away. I’d never seen one in our neighborhood before.
When I dragged myself to the kitchen the next morning, the dove was back. This time it was with a mate carrying twigs (嫩枝), “Look, Matthew,” I said, pointing to the tree. “They’re going to make a nest.” The doves flew in and out of the courtyard all week, building on the top of the rubber tree. Matthew could hardly contain his excitement. Every morning, he’d run into the kitchen and take his spot by the sliding glass door, talking to the birds while they worked. As much as I was grieving (感到悲伤), I couldn’t help but look forward to the doves’ visits too. We watched their progress as if it were a real-life soap opera unfolding before us. Gradually, my pain disappeared, replaced by joy.
Then it all went wrong. The courtyard was a safe enough spot for a nest, but the rubber tree’s broad, thin leaves were far from stable. One night, a strong wind blew through, throwing the doves’ nest to the ground. I heard the twigs break apart. Nothing good ever lasts. I wouldn’t blame the doves if they never came back. But they returned. And they paid no attention to the pi le of sticks that had once been their nest. They started again from scratch, though the wind destroyed all their hard work. The next day, and the next, they renewed their efforts, as if nothing had happened.
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: I knew I had to do something for the poor creatures.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Paragraph 2:“The birds were back!” Matthew announced.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Jenny was the only child in her family. She had a quarrel (吵架) 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 (货摊) 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, whose smell was so attractive. As she was eating, Jenny cried silently.
“What is it?” asked the man kindly.
“Nothing. Actually, I was just touched by your kindness!” said Jenny 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 remember the times she cooked for you? Have you expressed your gratitude to her?”
Jenny 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. Jenny made up her mind to make an apology to her mother for her rudeness as soon as she arrived home.
注意：1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好。
Nearing the doorway, Jenny took a deep breath.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________At that time, her mother came back and touched her hair gently, which called her mind back.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Since the age of seven, I had always dreamed of being one of the student leaders who we looked up to. They took responsibility for us, gave instructions, organized school activities, and proudly wore their badges(徽章) while carrying our school flag and walking on the playground. They represented us and gave speeches on school issues, becoming our role models.
As I grew older, I finally can take part in the school elections. I prepared my election speech and on the day of the speeches, everyone voted. I was hopeful and prayed for a victory. However, the following morning when we gathered on the school grounds for the head-teacher’s announcement of the results, reality hit me hard. I realized that I had no chance of winning—was neither well known nor too pretty. I became depressed and felt as though I had no friends supporting me.
Later that day, as I cried in my room, I took a deep breath and decided to change my attitude. I refused to see myself as a failure and made a determination to run for the school elections again the following year—this time, with a plan to win. I sat down at my study table and wrote down my thoughts.
Although my competitors had certain advantages such as their stylish personalities, I recognized my own advantages—good grades, friendliness, helpfulness, and most importantly, my faith in myself to be a great leader. With a whole year ahead, I began to plan my election strategies that evening.
To gain recognition(认可) and show my ability to represent my fellow students, I started making new friends and helping them at school. Besides, I attended a public speaking course to learn how to give a great election speech. By the time the elections came around, I was well-prepared, and I gave a passionate speech on the stage.
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 following day, I anxiously waited for the results.
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Later, I realized that I had achieved far more than what I had expected.
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I started in on Winn-Dixie right away, trying to clean him. First, I gave him a bath. The whole time I was working on him, I was talking to him. And he listened. I told him how we were alike. “See,” I said, “you don’t have any family and neither do I. I’ve got the preacher, of course. But I don’t have a mama. I mean I have one, but I don’t know where she is. She left when I was three years old. I can’t hardly remember her. And I bet you don’t remember your mama much either. So we’re almost like orphans (孤儿).”
Winn-Dixie looked straight at me when I said that to him, like he was feeling relieved to finally have somebody understand his situation. I nodded my head at him and went on talking.
“I don’t even have any friends, because I had to leave them all behind when we moved here from Watley. Watley’s up in north Florida. Have you ever been to north Florida?”
Winn-Dixie looked down at the ground, like he was trying to remember if he had. “You know what?” I said. “Ever since we moved here, I’ve been thinking about my mama extra-extra hard, more than I ever did when I was in Watley.”
Winn-Dixie twitched (抽动) his ears and raised his eyebrows.
“I think the preacher thinks about my mama all the time, too. He’s still in love with her; I know that. He’s still hoping she’ll come back. But he doesn’t tell me that. He won’t talk to me about her at all. I want to know more about her. But I’m afraid to ask the preacher; I’m afraid he’ll get mad at me.”
Winn-Dixie looked at me hard, like he was trying to say something.
“What?” I said.
He stared at me.
“You think I should make the preacher tell me about her?”
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。
Winn-Dixie still looked at me. “I’ll think about it,” I said.
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It was the first time that I had a heart-to-heart talk with my dad-the preacher.
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I was used to correcting my school essays (作文) with some red-ink marks until I met my high school English teacher, Linda Christensen. For our final projects, Ms. Christensen would write two-page letters with praise and professional comments. I had never had a teacher who was so thoughtful and careful with my writing.
I loved writing. It was a hobby. But Ms. Christensen was determined to make me an author. Her comments were more than just about fixing grammatical errors. She wrote questions to make my essays more detailed; she underlined passages that she agreed with. Her letters always started with how proud she was that I was brave enough to write the truth, how she saw potential (潜力) in me. I would read her words over and over.
I needed this care, this recognition. I was the last Watson child to attend Jefferson High School. My sister Cheryl was known for being one of the star writers of the school newspaper. Trisa, another sister, had participated in two study-abroad programs. Dyan, another sister, was good at playing the piano. My sisters were involved in all types of after-school activities, while I was the little one following them like a shadow. No one noticed my existence except Ms. Christensen.
Adapting to high school was challenging, and I felt unconfident. On the first day of my high school, a teacher greeted me with a hug, saying, “You have some big shoes to fill.” Then she showed me the trophies (奖杯) in the hallway. I immediately recognized several: Cheryl, Trisa, and Dyan. I was inspired, yes, but mostly worried.
My Spanish was so-so. I got good grades but was not a top student. I loved music, but I wasn’t good at playing any musical instrument. I tried to walk in my sisters’ shoes, but they didn’t fit. I tried to follow their steps, but it’s too hard, really.
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。
And then I met Ms. Christensen.
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It was Ms. Christensen that gave me the power to be an author.
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“No matter how hard we try, some things are just not meant to be,” Andrew thought bitterly. He looked down at the hospital bills in his hands and tears filled his eyes. His poor mom had been so ill, and here he was complaining and feeling sorry for himself! He should be praying for her recovery, not crying over a lost, childish dream.
Andrew was nineteen, and as far back as he could remember, he’d wanted to become a software engineer. That dream had become harder to reach after his dad died when Andrew was twelve. His mom had been left to raise him on her own, and it was hard to make ends meet. So Andrew started doing part-time jobs.
Every cent he earned he put away for college. When he was sixteen, he got himself a summer job at a local IT company, where his insight and intelligence caught the owner’s eye. Mr. Lewis, the CEO, made Andrew the assistant of his best and most innovative developer, and the boy thrived (不断成长) on the challenge. He couldn’t wait to go to college!
Unfortunately, when Andrew was in his senior year in high school, his mother became very ill. The usually energetic woman was constantly tired and in pain. She went from doctor to doctor, but no one knew exactly what was wrong with her. They sent her off to do dozens of expensive tests, then shook their heads over the results. Andrew’s mom started getting weaker and weaker, and thinner and thinner until she could barely walk.
Andrew added up the medical bills and was shocked. They owed over $23,000! Andrew pulled out his bank book. He had close to $30,000 in his savings account. He’d painstakingly (艰苦地) saved up for YEARS, so he’d be able to go to college, but his mom’s health was more important.
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。The next day, Andrew went to see Mr. Lewis.
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That night, Mr. Lewis appeared on Andrew’s home with a great idea.
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In a small town, there lived a girl named Lily and her older brother, Alex. Lily had a dream to become a professional dancer, a dream which filled her life with both excitement and challenges. Alex, who had always been her role model, understood her passion more than anyone else.
While, growing up, Lily looked up to Alex. He was the star athlete of his high school, admired by many. But to Lily, he was more than that; he was her support system, always encouraging her to pursue (追求) her dream. However, Lily’s path to becoming a dancer was filled with difficulties. Financial limits and lack of resources in their small town were constant challenges.
As Lily entered high school, Alex noticed his sister’s struggles and knew he had to step in. He started by organizing dance workshops and fundraising events in their community. He spent his evenings helping Lily practice, turning their garage into a dance studio. His efforts brought the community together, and soon, Lily had a small but devoted group of supporters cheering her on.
With Alex’s help, Lily started to gain confidence. She improved her skills and began to participate in local dance competitions. Each time she performed, Alex was there in the front row, cheering the loudest. His strong belief in her fueled Lily’s determination to succeed.
As Lily’s senior year approached, a significant opportunity arose — a chance to compete in a national dance competition, with the prize being an entry into a famous dance academy. Lily signed up for it and practiced day and night for the competition. The night before the event, Lily felt extremely anxious. Alex stayed up with her, talking through her routines and reminding her of the strength and beauty in her movements. His words calmed Lily down and filled her with newfound confidence.
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 day of the competition arrived.
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Thanks to Alex, Lily’s dream was coming true.
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I was in my room, feeling unwilling to head to the community theatre with “my brother” Henry. He had recently been adopted (收养) by my parents and I was not in the mood for being onstage with him.
“Kirstie, come here,” my mom called. Following her voice, I found her outside the bathroom, holding a wet book. She gave the book a shake. “Henry’s book was in the bathtub. Did you put it there?” She looked at me angrily, something she had never done before Henry came to our home. I hadn’t wet his book on purpose. Raindrops fell from my eyes. To make matters worse, she promised to buy him a new copy. My heart ached. Henry was stealing my mother’s love. He was ruining my life.
Meanwhile, Henry was nearby, concentrating on working on a complicated rope knot (绳结),something he liked to do. Why did a boy like him like doing girl y work? It seemed far from manly (男子汉气概).
Soon, it was time to set off to the community theatre. As Henry walked ahead of us to the car, my mom took me aside and said in a low voice, “It will be Henry’s first time onstage. Be kind to him, honey.” I nodded but sighed (叹气). I hadn’t always found it so difficult to be kind. But since Henry had moved in, everything felt different. The theatre used to be a special place for my parents and me. With Henry along, it didn’t seem so special any more.
Finally, it was our stage time. My heart beat wildly. I forgot my annoyance at Henry for a while. As we kids lined up, ready to act out our short play, I realized how loosely (松散地) I had tied the drawstring (拉绳) on my skirt. Sure enough, my skirt began to drop. I could hear the audience laughing. Even though I was wearing shorts under my skirt, I could feel my face burst into flames. However, my hands were full. If only someone could help me out.
续写要求：
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。
Right then, Henry sensed my embarrassing situation.
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After the performance, I found Henry and patted him on the arm thankfully.
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I stood in front of the house, waiting for Grandma’s box of cookies. Every Saturday, a box of cookies would arrive on our doorstep tied with a brown string. As far as I could remember, Grandma, carrying the box, was always there on time.
Jack, my younger brother, had always been fonder of the cookies. He was still childish, maybe not understanding the value of time with family. As for me, I was always Grandma’s little girl, and possibly she loved me more than Mom. There was something about Grandma that made her so special. In fact, seeing her every Saturday was the happiest thing all week for me.
Jack played in the yard and picked flowers for the dinner table. Mom always wanted the prettiest ones, and Jack just knew which ones she would love most.
“The weather report says today will be a rainy day. So will Grandma still come?” Jack asked.
“I’m not sure,” I answered, looking up at the sky. The clouds were dark gray and thick, which just made me more upset. However, Jack didn’t seem too excited about the cookies this time. He was arranging his flowers attentively.
“You’d better come in! I can feel a few raindrops on my head,” Mom shouted. Jack quickly ran towards her, carrying many flowers. Some even slipped out of his hands, creating a colorful trail behind him.
“I brought you some roses, Mom!” Jack said, shoving (猛推) the flowers into her hands. I found he left some flowers in his hand. Who was he going to give them to? Mom then looked back at me. “Would you rather be outside in the rain?” she questioned. I shook my head. “It’s just a box of cookies. I can get it next Saturday,” I thought. However, I knew it was more about the cookies — it was a lot of love from Grandma.
Mom gave me a small smile and repeated, “I knew you wouldn’t want to get wet. Come in, baby.” I was about to step inside when a familiar voice came, “Jenny, I’m coming!” I turned back and saw Grandma shuffling (拖着脚走) towards me.
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 rushed towards Grandma with open arms.
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“Grandma, you brought the cookies again!” Jack said happily.
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Sports bring us together
Sports are more than competitions.I used to be very shy and often felt lonely. Although I did well in all the academic subjects, I was afraid of physical education. Even kids in the neighborhood would laugh at me. “Look at that girl,” they said. “Her feet don’t leave the ground when she runs!” Their words embarrassed me. At school, whenever the teacher organized some competitive games, no one in the class would choose me as their partner or team member. As a result, I often ended up looking at others enjoy their games.
Things would go on like that if not for a sports meet in my high school. By mistake, my name was put on the list of those who would compete in the women’s 1500 meters race. By the time people found the mistake, it was too late to change.
My deskmate, Mary, was a natural athlete. She said to me, “I couldn’t run that race in your place, because I have signed up for three items already.” I nearly broke down. 1500 meters! Running against the best runners in front of the whole school! It would be the worst nightmare I’d ever have!
“You still have time to catch up because there is still one month before the sports meet,” Mary patted me on the shoulder, “That is cool! You will run for our class! And we will do training together.” Yes, this is not just for myself, but for my class. But still, 1500 meters to me was like Mount Everest (珠穆朗玛峰) to a beginning climber. I had no idea even how to start my preparation.
Mary invited me to join in their training. Every afternoon after class, several of us ran together. When the fear of being laughed at flooded over me, I saw others running right beside or stand by the tracks cheering for us. They gave me strengths.
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。
Before I could realize how fast one month went by, I was standing behind the start line of the sports meet.
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As expected, I was almost the last to cross the finish line.
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