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.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Grace and Ellen, both promising in their school’s dance competition, were fierce competitors. They both had great passion for dancing and dreamed for bigger stages. They were both friends and competitors. They had similar taste in music, and had similar dressing styles. Even they wore shoes of the same size. They had both committed themselves to preparing for the upcoming contest.
Grace’s journey to the competition was marked by countless hours of practice and determination. She would rise before the sun, and the studio lights were her only company. Every movement was perfected with unwavering commitment. She knew that this competition wasn’t just about personal success; it was also about upholding her school’s honor. “Grace, you’re incredible!” Grace’s dance instructor, Mrs. Anderson, often praised her. “Your hard work will pay off.”
Ellen had been practicing hard for this competition as well. Her love for dance was her driving force. After school, she would head straight to the dance studio, tirelessly perfecting every step and twirl. Her dance shoes had become an extension of her feet, and her heart burned with a strong desire for victory. “Ellen, you’re a natural,” her fellow dancers would often say. “You’ve got this!”
The day of the competition finally arrived, and there were five competitors fighting for the championship title. Ellen was scheduled to perform before Grace.
As Ellen stood backstage, the butterflies in her stomach seemed to have turned into a whirlwind (漩涡). She checked her dance shoes one last time and realized a huge mistake. The shoes themselves were a size too small—It turned out she took her little sister’s shoes by mistake. Panic set in as her mind raced for g solution.
“Ellen, you’re up next!” the stage manager announced.
In the dimly lit (灰暗的) backstage area, Grace overheard Ellen’s whispers to her friend, Sarah.
“I brought the wrong shoes, Sarah,” Ellen’s voice trembled (颤抖). “They are too small. What am I going to do?”
Grace’s heart sank as she overheard the conversation.
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。
Grace knew her shoes would fit Ellen perfectly, but she hesitated.
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Tears of gratitude welled up in Ellen’s eyes as she slipped into Grace’s shoes.
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In middle school, my family moved to New York, where my parents established a small grocery store beneath our new home. As a reserved girl adjusting to the complex city life, I faced the challenge of fitting in. One day, my school announced a talent show for the local food bank, sparking excitement and anticipation. Despite my self-doubt, a popular classmate, Lily, approached me with an unexpected proposal.
Lily, known for her charming personality, suggested we collaborate(合作) on a singing performance for the talent show. Surprised and thrilled, I couldn’t believe someone with her status acknowledged my modest singing talent. With Lily’s beautiful voice, it felt like a bit of good fortune. Encouraged by Lily’s enthusiasm, we decided to embark on this musical journey together.
As we started preparing for the talent show, we faced numerous challenges, from selecting the right song to coordinating(协调) our harmonies. The process became a bonding experience and I began to embrace the idea of sharing my talent with the public. Lily’s infectious energy and encouragement helped me overcome my shyness.
Days turned into weeks, and our rehearsal sessions became a regular after-school routine. Lily and I poured our hearts into perfecting our act, drawing inspiration from various musical genres(音乐流派). However, fate took an unexpected turn the day before the performance. Lily fell ill with a sudden fever, leaving me in a state of panic.
Worried about Lily’s sudden illness, I felt a mix of fear and determination. With the talent show only a day away, we had to come up with a plan quickly. In the midst of my concern, Lily, despite her weakened state, reassured me and insisted that the show must go on. Drawing strength from Lily’s determination, I took on the responsibility of carrying our performance. The night before the talent show, I practiced tirelessly, determined to do justice to our hard work.
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 stepped onto the stage alone.
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After the performance, I saw Lily backstage.
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Eleven-year-old Kristina shouted on the phone. Vera, her mother, packing lunches for her two children, heard the shouting and dashed to Kristina. Kristina gave her the phone. Kristina was talking to her father at his doctor’s office in Moscow, Russia.
“Vlad, why is Kristina shouting?” began Vera in Russian.
“Vera, this afternoon I must attend a conference at her school. But I cannot be there. I have an important meeting. Why don’t you attend it?” Vlad replied.
"How can I go?”
“You are not going to a forest. You’ll be fine!”
“I know, but I can’t speak English properly. It’s a rule at her school.”
“You can manage. GO!”
Vera turned to Kristina, “Kristina, your father is busy. I will come instead of him.”
Kristina shouted, “Mother, you can’t speak English. How can you come to the conference? NO!” She plowed through her mother and ran sobbing. But Vera convinced Kristina. As there was no option, she agreed and left for school.
Vera was depressed. She felt that if only she knew English, she could avoid such situations. But “how is it possible for me to learn English while balancing so many tasks?” Suddenly, she realized that Andrei was getting late, so she got him ready and walked him to school.
In the afternoon, Vera attended the conference at the school. All the teachers and staff gave a warm welcome to Vera. Kristina kept quieting her mother. All she said were phrases like, “You are embarrassing!” “Stop talking!” and “You do not know English!” Ignoring her daughter’s comments, Vera managed to keep her cool and finished the meeting.
After delivering a cake to a customer, Vera went home to start dinner. At home, she asked her mother-in-law where Kristina was. She said that Kristina had gone to study with her friends. While they were talking, Kristina walked in.
Vera asked, “Why did you go out? You can study at home, you know!”
“I have doubts about English Literature. Can YOU clarify them?” Kristina said in an arrogant (傲慢的) tone.
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。
At dinner, Vera complained about Kristina’s behavior to Vlad.
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The next day, she saw an advertisement from LCC, The London Language Center, on the TV.
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The Joy of Giving
Someone once said,“To help the poor is to help yourself.” Perhaps, that person meant that helping those in need will later result in internal satisfaction. I usually never do community service before, but when I heard the opportunity to join my school’s service club, Interact, I put up my hand without hesitation. The opportunity to help people in need excited me and as I signed up to attend Saint Mary’s Food Bank, the urge of helping people made my body tremble.
As I walked after school to Mrs. Green, I could feel the palms(手掌)of my hands becoming wet by the minute. The water of my nerves ran down the side of my head and I could feel the tip of my shirt soaking(湿透)with fresh sweat. The clock ticked and I could feel the time of going to Saint Mary’s Food Bank getting closer. Ten minutes later the bus arrived-and we were on our way to the bank. On the way many things came through my mind. What was it going to look like? Will there be homeless people there,and will I enjoy my experience?
As I continued to explore my mind,the bus came to a stop.“We’re here,”said loudly the bus driver. I could feel the palms of my hands beginning to moisturize(变潮湿)once again. As I got off the bus, I fell into a deep doubt. This was the food bank? I had never seen anything like it. To my amazement, it reminded me of a place I would go in Mexico to feed the poor. It was brown,wide and had an old look to it. As we entered the bank as a group, the essence of it was very comfortable. I felt like I was home. Finally my nerves were gone, and I was ready to work. Before we started working, we were given instructions. But as soon as we finished our tour of instructions, the duty of service began.
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 all divided into groups and given a specific job,
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Community service can bring out the best of everyone.
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Danilo hurried through the halls of the school for a ceremony. Ahead of him, his dad was emptying a litter bin. Danilo hoped his dad wouldn’t see him. He lowered his head, trying to get mixed in the other students. He felt embarrassed that his dad was the school cleaner.
“Good morning, son,” his dad said as Danilo passed. Danilo walked faster, pretending not to hear. But the other boys had already noticed.
“Hey, Danilo,” a boy called out. “There’s your dad, Santos, the school sweeper! Maybe he needs your help.” Another boy cut in, mentioning that Santos could do so much more than sweep. He could empty the litter. The boys all laughed.
Danilo couldn’t wait to go to middle school next year, where he would not be laughed at. He looked over his shoulder. His dad worked with a smile on his face. How could he ignore such unkind words?
Danilo ran into the meeting hall. Many people were seated, waiting for the school to announce the Teacher of the Year. His best friends, Nathaniel and Frances, had saved a seat for him. They made guesses about whose name was on the plaque(匾). They had many wonderful teachers. Danilo liked all of them. It would be hard for him to pick just one.
注意：1.续写词数应为150左右；
2.开头已给出。
The time came for the headmaster to announce the Teacher of the Year.
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Danilo waited regretfully at the edge of the crowd, who were all cheering for Mr. Santos.
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Emily White came to the world 17 years ago, with so many birth problems in her body. Some of her organs, bones and muscles were out of shape. No one expected her to survive long. She did make it but with her strange body figure, everyone could recognize her, even from a distance.
In her hometown, a yearly outdoor performance was held in the school auditorium (礼堂). It had been performed for so many years and actually had become one of the most important events of the Christmas season for many of the town’s people.
Many people tried out each year for it, but so many were turned away. It can only include the most excellent people in the field.
Emily had a beautiful singing voice. Last year she went to Mrs. Owens-her music teacher-to ask to join in the performance. Without letting her sing, Mrs. Owens took a glance at Emily’s body and said, “Child, you are just not suitable. Everyone would stare at you and that would make you uncomfortable. It would make them uncomfortable, too.”
Without singing a single note, Emily was sent back through the door of the choral (合唱的) room. Hurt and upset, she decided never to try out again. But Mrs. Owens then retired.
This year, there came a new music teacher, Mr. Butler. He heard about Emily and suggested that she have a try.
Emily didn’t want to be rejected again, so she hesitated about it. As Emily struggled, the door was pushed open and Mr. Butler called, “Emily, you’re next.” Kind of nervous as she was, Emily did as Mr. Butler told her to. Mr. Butler sat by the piano to keep Emily company. When Emily finished her testing performance, she thanked Mr. Butler and knew the result would be posted on the door of the choral room the next day.
Emily couldn’t sleep that night. She tossed and turned in bed one thousand times.
She was suffering from the feelings that she didn’t fit and the great need to be accepted.
By the next morning, her stomach was even in pain due to stress.
注意：1．续写词数应为150左右；
2．请按如下格式作答。
Emily hurried to school and anxiously glanced at the list on the door of the choral room.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Finally, the day for the performance came.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Days of January were passing and every girl of the girls’ school was very happy as the selections for plays and dances for the annual function were started.
Sneha’s class teacher, Pravina, asked Sneha, her favorite student, to play the leading character in a play. Because she was never allowed to play a male character, Sneha jumped with joy, but suddenly she became so serious about the costumes (戏服).
“How many times I have to tell you not to participate in plays and dances! Can’t you understand that we can’t buy or borrow the costly costume? You can take part in debates, quizes, or essay competitions in which you don’t have to spend money and you can enrich your knowledge,” her mother said angrily when Sneha told her about it.
The reason behind all this was their financial condition. Sneha always had an idea about it in her home and she was mature enough to say NO to any money demanding condition. This time, however, the desire of fame and the excitement of the activity were overcoming her fear.
Sneha went in her room hiding her sadness deep in her heart. She was so nervous about what was going to happen when she would tell Pravina about leaving the play. Would she warn her not to allow her in any competition? Now it was clear that she had to leave the play.
The next day, downhearted Sneha acted like nothing had happened and got ready for school. Her mom ordered her to say NO for the play.
Sneha always loved Pravina because whenever there was a play or dance, the girls did not need to be worried about anything related with money. She would find a way to help. But Sneha didn’t want to tell her the truth.
Paragraph l:
Sneha went to the teacher,“I don’t want to take part in the play and I’m leaving.”
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Paragraph 2:
Pravina stood patiently, waiting for the performance to begin.
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Having held the interschool storytelling championship for the past two years, I was the shining star of my school. When it came to choosing the right candidate to participate in such competitions, I was always the first choice. Naturally, I was once again selected to represent my school in the approaching contest this year.
Upon hearing the fact that I was chosen again, my classmates and friends acknowledged that I would undoubtedly emerge as the champion again. Consequently, I became conceited. I was so proud that I neglected the importance of practicing for the contest.
A week before the contest, my teacher Ms. Sara asked,“Selena, would you like to stand in front of the class to rehearse for the contest ?” She had tutored me in the past two competitions and knew how important practice was .“Just imagine you are on the stage in the presence of the audience, ”she added .
“ I’m sorry, Ms. Sara, ” I replied .“I have a bit of a sore throat.”
This was usually the lie I would tell whenever my teacher requested me to practice in front of the class. I always found excuses to avoid doing it because I believed that I was the best and therefore the practice was unnecessary. On one occasion, I even told Mrs. Sara not to worry too much as I was well prepared for the contest. In fact, I did everything but practice my scrip. I only managed to glance briefly through the story the day before the contest. As the best storyteller among the students of the local secondary schools, I was too
vain to practice and expected everything to be fine.The contest was being held in the local community hall. On the day of the contest, the hall was packed.
My school teachers and principal were there along with many of my classmates and schoolmates. I was the eighth contestant out of twenty in total. Those who spoke before me did extremely well. On seeing theirfascinating and outstanding performance, I began to lose confidence in myself. My palms sweated heavily and I started to feel nervous.
注意：
1. 所续写短文的词数应为150左右；
2. 至少使用5个短文中标有下划线的关键词语；
3. 续写部分分为两段，每段的开头语已为你写好；
4. 续写完成后，请用下划线标出你所使用的关键词语。
Paragraph1:
Soon, it was my turn to talk.
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Finally, results were announced after the contest.
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