The Most Precious Gift
In the sixth grade, our teacher assigned “secret friends” for the coming week. The purpose of this assignment was to do nice things for your friend without letting them know who was doing it. We could leave encouraging notes on their desk or mysteriously leave a card in their backpack or book. Our teacher wrote each kid’s name on a piece of paper and threw them into a bucket, then we each closed our eyes and drew the name of the classmate who we were to secretly make friends with and support over the next five school days.
However, by the middle of the week, everyone, including me, had turned this assignment into a contest to see whose secret friend could leave the best gift. Instead of encouraging notes, we left stationery sets (文具) on our friend’s desk. Instead of giving compliments, we were giving snacks, candies and even money. It seemed that everyone was getting cool presents from their friends, except me.
My friend followed our teacher’s directions without a fault. I received handmade cards, notes with nice thoughts and countless smiley-face pictures claiming that I was one of the nicest girls in the class. My friend seemed to think highly of me from the notes that were left, but the lack of gifts made me wonder what was up with whoever had pulled my name.
On the last morning of our assignment, I walked into my classroom and noticed that there was a package on my desk. I eagerly unwrapped it and stared down at my desk. There sat a hand-made rabbit, wearing blue dark clothes with messy ears. Beside it was a note, saying “Your favorite rabbit. Hope you will like it.” The girls sitting near me made fun of the “odd and ugly” gift I had received and laughed at me. I felt my face turn red, angrily threw it into the desk and dashed out of the classroom. The moment I was out, someone called my name. She was Mary, a girl who was shy and always sat at the corner of the classroom.
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。
“I’m your secret friend,” she wept.
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Knowing that she had stayed up late to make the rabbit, I was ashamed.
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No two people are exactly alike, and even best friends disagree sometimes.
I still remembered the first time I met Karina at a summer camp, we got along so great. It was as if we’d known each other forever.
I really liked plantain chip (植蕉片), which had little appeal for other kids. So when I noticed some in Karina’s lunchbox as I sat next to her on the first day of the camp, I was surprised. Equally surprised was Karina since plantain chips were her favorite snack.
“Well, then I guess today’s your lucky day,” she said, handing me the bag. “I have a big box that’s taking up space in the cupboard. So, see, you’d actually be helping me out!”
“Well, in that case, thanks!” I laughed. “I am happy to help.”
And right then I knew that Karina and I were meant to be friends forever. Whenever we got to pick a partner at camp, we picked each other. Whenever we had a break, we hung out together. And the more time we spent together, the more we realized how amazingly alike we were. We both had two adorable cats, we both had awesome and sometimes annoying younger brothers, we both liked baking extra-creative cookies, and we both had the same favorite song.
Then something happened. The camp was next to a piece of beautiful land that had a bunch of giant old trees on it. Whenever it was nice out, we’d get to eat our lunch at picnic tables that were right by some of those trees. We’d feed squirrels and play with them. One day when looking up, we spotted large numbers of holes in a trunk, which were made by woodpeckers (啄木鸟) to store nuts. I fell in love with the amazing scene!
But somehow things got different when news came that those giant old trees would be cut down to make room for a shopping center. It was like a stone with its waves and our friendship was on the rocks.
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 disagreed with each other and had a heated argument.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Several days later, again we were asked to pick a partner.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________In the town of Greenfield, a group of three adventurous spirits—Jack, Simon, and Lucas—had discovered an ancient map in Jack’s grandfather’s house. The map, yellowed with age, described a mysterious island that had the legendary(传说的) Silver Falcon, a statue that was said to award its finder enormous wisdom and fortune.
As typical eighth graders with the excitement of discovery and dreams of greatness, they decided they would be the ones to discover this hidden treasure. They agreed to start this search during the up-and-coming spring break, keeping their plans a secret from the adults who would undoubtedly discourage such a dangerous adventure.
The days that followed were filled with preparation. They read books on survival, learned about the stars for navigation, and tested their courage in smaller woods. The boys were united by their unshakable resolve and the promise of an adventure that could change their lives forever.
As spring break began, they set out just as the sun painted the sky with colors of orange and gold. They felt a mixture of excitement and slight nervousness. They carried backpacks filled with supplies and the ancient map that they hoped would lead them to glory.
The beginning of their journey was full of laughter and songs around the campfire, but as days passed, the trip's reality set in. The path grew more dangerous, and the maps guided them through thick woods and muddy wetlands. They learned to work together as their friendship was tested by constant challenges. Slowly, the island drew nearer.
A conflict arose when they reached the foot of Mount Veritas, the final barrier before reaching the island. Lucas twisted his ankle, and the slightest movement sent sharp pains shooting through his leg. With time running out, Jack and Simon had to make a choice: should they push on and risk Lucas’ well-being or turn back after coming so far?
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 crossroads, Jack and Simon exchanged knowing glances.
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When reaching the Silver Falcon, the three boys found no fortune there at all.
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Whether we notice it or not, our child is a little reflection of ourselves. They grow up looking more and more like us. They even have similar personalities and hobbies. And in some cases, the standard of choosing a good friend.
One day, my 10-year-old Jane said, “Mom, I made a new friend at school today. Can she come over tomorrow?” Her words made me extremely happy because Jane was a shy girl and I wanted her to make some friends to bring her out of her shell.
“Sure, honey, that sounds great.” I said, thinking back to my own childhood best friend, Susan. We lived across the street from each other in Washington Heights, New York. We met at the age of 10, too. Like my daughter. I was shy and had trouble making friends. But Susan drew me out. She was one of the friendliest people in school, with shiny black hair and a mile-wide smile. Thanks to Susan. I was happy every day.
In senior high school, Susan went on a trip to Florida. This was the first time we had to be away from each other for a few days. “I’ll be back soon and I will write to you as soon as I arrive.” she told me. But I didn’t get her phone call nor receive any mail from her. Soon, my family moved to New Jersey, making my hope of seeing Susan impossible.
Whenever I thought of her, tears came into my eyes.
The next day Jane brought her new friend home. “Hi, Mrs. Smith.” the little girl said. Her hair was so shiny and black and she gave me a big smile. “My name is Jo. My mom will pick me up 2 hours later.”
注意：
1.续写词数应为80-100左右；
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
I was puzzled because my daughter’s new friend looked so familiar.
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For courage, I seized the rope on Cho’s broad back as we passed my neighbor’s fence.
Walking by Mr. Groll’s yard is the best part of our morning walk… and also the worst. It is the best part because the roses talk to us. “Good morning, Cho,” whisper the rose smells to my guide dog’s nose. Now comes the worst part — the unfriendly shape nearby. that shades us: Mr. Groll. As usual, friendly Cho thumped (拍打) her tail. But Cho is just a dog; how can she know that this neighbor does not like me at all?
“Hello, Mr. Groll.” I greeted him as I did every morning. And like every other morning, he did not answer me. But I knew he was there, watching, behind his fence.
Maybe he’s afraid of me because I’m blind. Disabilities scare grown-ups sometimes. Then I remember: Yesterday I heard him playing checkers with my friend Jimmy, who’s in a wheelchair.
Cho and: I marched on, and my thoughts kept step. “Why does Mr. Groll ignore me? He likes roses. I like roses. Why can’t two people who like roses like each other? It’s a mystery to me.” I thought “Maybe he doesn’t like me because I’m a girl.” A skateboard passed by. “Hello, Mai and Cho!” my friend Jana cried. “Hi, Mr. Groll.”
I waited. If Mr. Groll ignored Jana, then the mystery was solved. But his voice called out, “Hello, Jana!”
The sound of it broke my heart. And I knew something I didn’t know before: Some people who can see can be blind. Sometimes, their hearts don’t see any better than my eyes do. And I also knew that unfriendly Mr. Groll likes Jimmy. And Jana. But not me and Cho.
Me and Cho! An idea brightened my mystery.
Maybe I did know why Mr. Groll didn’t talk to me!
I attached Cho’s rope to a post, and I felt my way along the fence.
The gate squeaked (嘎吱) open. “Mai! Be careful!”
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。
Mr. Groll’s sudden voice steadied my courage while his hand steadied my arm.
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“Your fear of Cho may be big, but friendship is bigger.” I said firmly, “I can help. Come with me.”
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Birthdays were a huge deal at my workplace. Co-workers went above and beyond to shower the person of honor with food, decorations, affirmations, love and, yes, embarrassment on their special day. As one who preferred to go unnoticed and felt embarrassed at being the center of attention, I was horrified to walk in on my birthday to see my desk decorated with glittery streamers, and a hot pink sash (饰带) with the words, “Kneel! I’m the Birthday Princess”. I was forced to wear for the duration of the day.
Although embarrassed by the display, I felt extremely loved. I thoroughly enjoyed the pleasant flowers and delicious chocolate cake my co-workers gave me.
Several months after my birthday celebration, our office welcomed Laura, a new member, to the team. Hired as our office manager’s assistant, Laura was also tasked with establishing a human resources department. Possessing an ambitious vision and receiving trust from our manager, she immediately made major changes — which were not well received. Gradually, Laura became the centre of gossip (闲言碎语).
When Laura’s spring birthday neared, it was evident that no one wanted to celebrate. I understood why no one wanted to go all-out in celebrating Laura’s birthday, but it bothered me nevertheless. As an extremely shy and introverted (内向的) individual, being left out or ignored was nothing foreign to me, and it pained me to think of the deliberate effort to ignore her birthday. Although she drove me crazy, too, I knew her time in our office had not been easy.
Stopping by our local grocery store, I selected some rosy-pink tulips and a birthday card in which I wrote a heartfelt note highlighting some of Laura’s qualities I admired, such as her ambitious spirit, creativity, and strong inner drive. Arriving an hour early to work the morning of her birthday, I transformed her corner of the office just like what my co-workers did for my birthday.
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 watched Laura spot her decorated work area when she arrived.
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The friendship between Laura and me began since the lunch and continued to grow over the years.
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That day, the weather was very hot, and I was very nervous, unable to keep still and think calmly. My friend John and I were discussing a problem. Everything was going well. However, in the middle of our discussion happened an unexpected incident — he made ink from his pen on my new notebook by accident. I was very angry and I said to him, “Why did you do that?” As I spoke, I deliberately spilled the ink from my pen onto his book. “You, you did it on purpose,” he said loudly. At that moment, he was very angry. His face was red with anger, his eyebrows were almost raised, his forehead was wrinkled (皱起) more and more tight, and his mouth was wide open. Suddenly, he pushed my things on the table to the floor. When I saw him do this, I was so annoyed with him that I pushed his to the floor, and angrily said to him, “We are no longer friends!” “Well, it’s you who break off the friendship!” The friend shouted like a lion. I immediately took my things and left.
From that day on, every time I met him, I would take another way to avoid him. Though he seemed to want to say something, I didn’t wait for him to say anything, and ran away like an arrow.
Since that incident, I had been reflecting (反思) on myself, feeling that I had done something wrong, but I didn’t have enough courage to apologize to him. I knew that he didn’t mean to make ink from his pen on the book that time, but I exactly did. I shouldn’t have made his book wet in ink by design. I hated myself all the time. I was angry with myself.
注意：
1. 续写词数应为150左右；
2. 请按如下格式在答题纸的相应位置作答。
Paragraph 1:
One day, I suddenly heard that John was going to study in another school.
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Paragraph 2:
I was so happy that tears of joy welled up in my eyes.
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Dad and Madison were walking through the party store, gathering decorations for Madison’s upcoming birthday party. Every year, her parents would hold a birthday party for her to invite classmates.
“But I don’t want to invite Lucy Gilbert!”
“We already discussed this. You are inviting all the girls from your class.”
“But I don’t like Lucy Gilbert!”
Lucy Gilbert was a new girl in class. Her family just moved here a little over a month ago. As a new classmate, she always sat in the corner by herself and didn’t talk to anyone. And every day at lunch, she sat all by herself, eating alone.
“Madison, you are being unreasonable. Think about how she would feel. She doesn’t know anyone in the school. She left all of her old friends behind and now she has to try to make new friends. Your party will be a great chance for her to get to know everyone.” Madison rolled her eyes. Sometimes Dad just didn’t get it.
On Saturday morning, her parents were busy preparing for the party while Madison and her best friend were feeding her horse Star in the barn. What she loved most was to be outside riding her horse. And what she talked about most in school with her friends was her Star.
Madison greeted her friends at the doorstep, picturing various presents her friends would bring her. In the meanwhile, she was wondering whether Lucy would ruin the party if she came. Anyhow, all the girls she invited came finally, including Lucy. The girls had a fantastic time by singing and dancing while Lucy sat in the corner silently alone. Later, all the girls gathered around the table as Madison opened her presents. Opening them one by one, Madison thanked her friends, with a bright smile on her face.
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。
Lucy’s present was the very last to be opened.
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Madison pulled the horse rope out of the box.
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It was a pleasant Tuesday afternoon. 78-year-old Rose was brimming with excitement as she entered the nursing home with her favorite tulips (郁金香), her lips endlessly calling out to just one name—Emily!
“Emily! Where are you? I got flowers…” Rose spoke aloud when she didn’t see her best friend, 79-year-old Emily, waiting for her on the usual spot, a wooden bench on the main gate.
Whenever Rose returned from the local hospital after getting her blood tests done, Emily would run toward her with fresh hand-picked flowers. But that afternoon, Emily was not there, and the bench was empty. Emily was nowhere to be found in any of her favorite spots, which unsettled Rose even more. Just then a doctor said to Rose, “Emily’s family came hours ago while you were at the hospital... They took Emily with them. She’s not going to come back.”
The ground seemed to shake beneath Rose’s feet when she heard that. Rose went back to her room. Every step started feeling heavy, and every corner reminded her of her best friend and their laughter. Nothing but loneliness and silence surrounded Rose from all sides, and she felt her heart crack.
The scent of freshly picked flowers Emily had last left in the vase lingered (继续存留) in the still air. And beside the vase was an old recorder that endlessly played Just the Two of Us, their favorite music they listened to every day.
When approaching the table, she noticed a note with a message in messy handwriting, “Dear Rose, please write to me at this address: Maple Ridge Ave, Springfield, VA,7…”
“Oh dear... The rest of her address is becoming blurred (模糊不清的).” Rose grew unsettled. In spite of that, Rose knew she could not just let Emily go like that. After a deep thought, she decided to reunite with her best friend.
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。
Packing the recorder in her luggage, Rose got on the bus to start her journey to the unfamiliar city, Springfield.
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Not knowing the exact house number of Emily, an idea suddenly struck Rose.
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When Mike was a child, Mike often got sick and had few friends. His parents hoped him to do more exercise. So they often encouraged him to do more sports. As he grew up, he became interested in climbing mountains. When he was 14, he climbed his first mountain—a 3,600-foot peak. And at that time, he was a bit overweight and breathless when he reached the mountaintop. But he was hooked by the challenge of conquering (征服) something bigger than himself. Since then, he’d climbed nearly 50 peaks and met many friends.
He usually went climbing with his friend David, whom he’d met during climbing a mountain. Two years ago, on November 28, when he was 16, Mike and David drove to Oregon to challenge Mount Hood —11,130-foot.
Both of them were prepared. Starting winter climbs at night is safer because there’s less risk of the sun melting the snow. That day, they started at 2 a.m., following the paths along the ski runs. The temperature was about 8 degrees, and they wore easy layers that they could easily take off, knowing hiking in the snow would make them warm.
After about4 hours, they reached Devil’s Kitchen, a plain at about 10,000 feet, just before the final push to the peak. However, the wind conditions here were poor. Mike’s exposed skin felt as though it were burning, but David and Mike were not discouraged and went ahead. They were prepared and longing for the climb.
The trail they followed grew narrower and steeper (险峻). At around 8 a.m., they reached a patch (小块) of ice called an ice step. It was about three or four feet tall and sloped (倾斜) at a 70-degree angle.
Mike volunteered to go first. He placed his right foot on the ice step. When he set his foot on it, it remained good. Confident he was safe, he put his all weight on it. Suddenly, he heard a crack (破裂), and a whole slab (片) of ice broke off the step, right under his foot.
注意：续写词数应为150左右。
In an instant, Mike fell backward.
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Seeing blood from Mike’s left leg, David realized they need help.
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