As usual, the whole class burst out laughing as Patric rushed into the classroom. He was a strange sight. His half-buttoned white shirt revealed a red striped pajama (条纹睡衣) top underneath, and instead of white school shoes, he had on a pair of bright green sandals (凉鞋) that were two sizes too big. The physics teacher’s hand froze in the middle of writing a formula (公式) on the blackboard.
Patric mumbled, “Sorry, teacher,” and rushed to his seat. Mr Gao glared (怒视) at the rest of the students. The chuckles (轻声笑) quickly stopped. Patric’s classmates always looked forward to Mondays. Nine times out of ten, they would be entertained by Patric’s late arrival and his odd appearance, which usually included improper clothing. That day, it was the pajama top and green sandals.
Patric lived just a street away from the school. He walked to school every day. Students passing by in buses would yell his name together just to see him jump and stop in his tracks. When he spotted the merry classmates in the bus, he would wave kindly. Although Patric was likable, he was too lost in his own thoughts to make friends. His classmates found him amusing but they ignored him most of the time. Only Kevin, who sat next to Patric , tried to be his friend.
The following Monday, Patric did not turn up at school. His classmates were a little disappointed but quickly forgot about him. After school, Kevin decided to walk over to Patric’s house to check on him. As he approached the gate, he could hear violin music. Patric must be listening to music, he thought. The gate was not locked. Kevin let himself in. He called Patric’s name a few times but there was no response. The music played on. Kevin peered (仔细看) in through a window. His eyes widened in surprise. In the middle of the living room, Patric was playing the violin. His eyes were closed in concentration as he drew the bow (琴弓) over the strings expertly. He played flawlessly (完美无瑕地), so much so that it sounded like a recording. Kevin left quietly.
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。Paragraph 1:
With the Teacher’s Day approaching, Kevin had a plan.
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As the last note (音符) ended, there was a moment of silence.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________When I was 15, I fell in love with the songs when they were first released — Bring Him Home, I Dreamed A Dream and On My Own. Even though I hadn’t read Les Miserables and knew very little about the musical, the songs captured my attention and I happily sang along with enthusiasm and energy whenever I heard them on the radio.
At the age of 17, I watched Les Miserables in a theatre of Vancouver. After getting home, I was really thrilled and announced that I wanted to perform in the musical. Hearing what I said, my parents did nothing but support me, although they considered the thought ridiculous, given that we lived 50 kilometres from the nearest large town, Toowoomba. There was little likelihood of ever having a chance to perform.
But some things are just meant to be. The Toowoomba Choral Society bought the performance rights with the view to perform it. Although I was not a member of the choir, they called for auditions (试镜) and I went along. I had had no experience singing and had never performed in any musicals but I believed in miracles and hoped that there was a place for me somewhere in the chorus.
I tried out for the part of Javert but did not have the range. Little did I know there were a host of parts that needed filling. Fortunately, I was chosen to be in the chorus as well as playing seven roles — ten costume changes in all. It was so exciting to play all the different parts. Rehearsals (排练) started immediately and I got a crash course in singing, acting and dancing. There was so much to learn and as I drove to rehearsals three times a week a little voice would say, “You are in over your head, get out now.”
I really had a hard time rehearsing — first with written texts and sheet music and then without. Personally, I struggled. So much to learn really made me so crazy that I had a strong desire to quit. And the little voice “You are in over your head, get out now.” rang in my ears again.
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 that time, my parents’ determined look appeared in my mind.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________On the opening night, nervous as I was, I gathered my courage and stepped on the stage.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Lily has finally become a good dancer now, all thanks to Shanda’s presence. Of all the people in Lily’s life, Shanda in particular stands out. As Lily thinks of Shanda, a smile spreads across her face, She feels loved and grateful more than ever that she has such a teacher and friend.
Eleven years of dance and going on twelve that year, she doubted it would end up like any other year. She might be stuck in any empty spot and didn’t know what to do with her next dance move. Little did she know that year would change her completely.
That year, Lily felt lucky that Shanda would choreograph (编舞) for her dance, Lily expected to work with Shanda, a young talented dancer, to have an okay dance, but she never expected she would have such an impressive impact on her way to dance.
The moment Lily walked into the marble floored, wall-to-wall mirrored rooms, she already felt like Shanda had faith in her. Shanda smiled at her with appreciative eyes. In the following days, Shanda always encouraged her, “Work to the best of your ability and keep going.” When she wanted to give up, Shanda told her that the real importance of dance was to love it.
Throughout their hard work and devotion, not only did Lily’s ability to dance grow, but also their friendship grew. Shanda became more than a teacher to Lily. She was also a close friend that Lily could turn to for anything. Shanda gave her encouragenent when Lily needed edit the most, and Shanda was always there to cheer Lily up when she felt down.
As the year quickly came to an end, it was high time for Lily to show her dance to the audience. As she walked to the backstage filled with other dancers warming up and expecting their performance, she prayed for a good performance that would convey her improvement. The rhythmic music before her rang in her ears. She waited anxiously for her turn. Finally, after what seemed like days, the hostess announced “Lily”.
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。
Lily had butterflies in her stomach as she stepped onto the big stage.
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Lily felt very excited when the hostess asked her to make a speech.
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Elizabeth walked on to the patio (露台), carrying a bunch of roses. “Beautiful flowers for… for… oh, I’ll never get it right!” she cried, throwing the roses on the ground.
Elizabeth had been practicing her speech for a week. She’d presented flowers to the dog, the cat, and the statue in the garden. Part of her couldn’t wait. This Saturday, the great Ana Wolff, famous pianist, would perform at the concert hall in town. For four years, Elizabeth had taken piano lessons. She’d listened to Ms. Wolff’s recordings over and over again, loving the way the notes flowed like a rushing mountain stream.
Part of Elizabeth was terrified. Her music teacher at school, Mr. Leaf, had asked her to present the flowers to Ms. Wolff after the performance. Why did he have to choose her? She hated oral reports, plays at the gatherings — anything where she had to talk in front of people. Some of her classmates liked giving speeches. Myron gave a speech every time Mr. Leaf called on him. Melissa always volunteered to make announcements. Let one of them present the flowers!
“How’s the speech coming?” asked Elizabeth’s mother from the back door. “Want to practice on me?”
“No, thanks,” said Elizabeth. “Mum, I can’t do this! I’ll forget. I might even pass out!”
“No, you won’t, honey. Think about it… sharing the stage with Ana Wolff. What an honor!”
“Not if I do something dumb.”
But Elizabeth kept practicing. “Beautiful flowers for a beautiful performance…” Each night, Elizabeth dreamed about music, spotlights, and a shining grand piano. Sometimes she tripped and fell. Other times she messed up the words. Once the dream ended with Ms. Wolff rushing offstage before Elizabeth could say anything.
Then the big day when Ms. Wolff gave a concert finally came. Elizabeth and her mother took their seats. She held a bunch of red roses.
“All set, Elizabeth?” Mr. Leaf asked.
Her stomach tightened, but she nodded at him.
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:
As the lights dimmed, Ms. Wolff walked onstage and bowed, smiling.
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Paragraph 2:
Before Ms. Wolff was about to walk offstage, Elizabeth, seizing the roses, walked slowly towards her.
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In a story that fits a Hollywood script (剧本), two strange neighbors connected through music and formed an unusual bond by playing the piano together through a wall.
Giorgio Lo Porto is an Italian living in London, England. While he’s never met his neighbor, he knows his new neighbor is a pianist.
His curiosity sets off a series of online videos recording their growing friendship.
Lo Porto then says that he’s left a note telling his neighbor that he loved his music and included a request: Could you play “My Heart Will Go On?” As music starts playing in the background, he posts “I guess it’s a yes.”
In the next video, not only does Lo Porto play the piano, he’s also invited his neighbor to a duet (二重奏). Although he hasn’t played for a while, it appears that his relationship with his neighbor lights up his lost passion for the instrument (乐器).
In another video, Lo Porto begins playing “River Flows Through You,” and stops. At the very moment, his neighbor picks up where he left off.
And just like that, the two started a weekly duet “meet up,” as they played back and forth through the wall.
With every note, Lo Porto’s curiosity about his neighbor’s identity (身份) increased, until one day he took the leap to meet him.
With much expectation and thousands of fascinated online users, Lo Porto revealed (透漏) that he finally met his melodic neighbor.
“Well, today I have met my neighbor. It was better than expected. His name is Emil...” Lo Porto posted.
It turns out that Emil is a 87-year-old native of Poland who recently lost his wife to COVID. He was in between homes as he waited for his house to be sold.
As Lo Porto explained, Emil played the piano at 2 PM every weekend “because his wife loved it.” Playing it “keeps him closer to his wife and away from the painful reminder” of her absence. Lo Porto promised Emil that he would continue their duets till he moved out.
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:
After that, they kept in touch by phone.
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Paragraph 2:
However, bad news came.
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Emily White was born seventeen 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. She did make it but with her strange body figure, everyone could recognize her, even from a distance.
In Emily White’s hometown, there was a yearly outdoor performance in the school auditorium (大礼堂). 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 look at Amy’s body and said, “Child, you just don’t fit. 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 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. Buttler. He heard about Emily and suggested that she have a try.
Emily didn’t want to be rejected again, so she hesitated a little about it. As Emily struggled, the door was pushed open and Mr. Buttler called, “Emily, you’re next.” Although kind of nervous, Emily did as Mr. Buttler told her to do. Mr. Buttler sat by the piano to keep Emily company. When Emily finished her testing performance, she thanked Mr. Buttler and knew the result would be posted on the door of the choral room the next day.
Emily couldn’t sleep that night. 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 because of stress.
注意：续写词数应为150左右Paragraph 1: The next day, Emily nervously glanced at the list on the door of the choral room.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Paragraph 2: Finally, the day of performance came.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________I love to play the piano and I greatly enjoy performing my songs, so when the annual winter recital (音乐演奏会) was canceled, I was disappointed. I had looked forward to it for a long time and had already prepared two of my best songs.
My mom had a wonderful idea, however, to turn this disappointing thing into something worthwhile. “You can perform your songs at Carriage House Senior Living,” my mom suggested brightly. “I’m sure the seniors there who do not have families to visit them that often, would really appreciate the music and you could play more than just two songs.”
I immediately thought this was a great idea. One of the things I did not like about the recitals was that I was limited to playing just a couple of songs. Playing the piano at Carriage House seemed like a win-win situation because not only could I play more songs, but I would also have the chance to cheer up the residents there with some lively tunes.
My mom called Carriage House and made arrangements for me to perform. In the coming including many old classics.
When the exciting day finally arrived, my family and I drove to Carriage House. Walking through the enormous double doors, we stepped into an entryway that overlooked the spacious grand dining room. Right at the entrance to the dining room stood the piano as if it were just waiting to make some music to liven the place up a bit. At nearly every table several gray-haired women or men were seated enjoying their dinner and the company that the crowded room provided. Despite the conversations going on at various tables, isolation hung like a dark cloud in the room.
Almost immediately, we were greeted by an old woman with a walker who introduced herself as Phyllis in charge of Carriage House. She welcomed me and led me to 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。
As I sat down on the bench, I pressed a key on the piano and was surprised to hear no sound.
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Nervousness melted away and I started to enjoy the performance with the old.
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Although Emily’s singing was very pleasant to hear, lacking of courage, she never dared to sing in front of strangers.
One summer, the neighborhood where she lived would hold a singing competition. Her best friend, Lucy, came to invite her to participate in the competition, but Emily said. “I’m afraid to take part in it.” Her mother said, “It’s okay, just do it bravely.” Emily followed her mama’s advice and decided to give herself a try. The day came. Emily and Lucy went to the competition site. But she was too frightened to walk onto the stage. She had been waiting until others finished singing. She shakily forced herself to stand on the stage. She started to sing, but her voice was so low. What’s worse, she was so nervous that she forgot the lyrics after singing a few words. Being laughed at by others, embarrassed and shy, she ran away from the stage.
Some naughty boys ran after her and said, “Emily, coward (胆小鬼)! Emily, coward!” Emily didn’t argue with them. What she wanted was to go back home as quickly as she could. Finally, she rushed into the house, hugged her mom and cried sadly.
“Well, my poor girl. Don’t cry. Tell me what happened to you,” asked her mom. Emily looked up at her mother and told her what she had experienced.
Listening to her, her mom cupped her face and said, “It doesn’t matter, girl. As long as you practice singing more in front of strangers, you will become braver little by little. So, my girl, don’t be beaten by a failure. You can go out to practice singing every day. No matter who is listening to you, go on singing and never stop. I believe there will be a harvest for you.”
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
Emily followed her mom’s advice and walked into the park where many people were singing and dancing.
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Paragraph 2
The second year, the neighborhood held the singing competition again.
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“Wanted: Violin. Can’t pay much. Contact…”
I rarely read the classified advertisements, so why did I notice that one? I laid the paper on my lap and closed my eyes, remembering what had happened many years before, during the Great Depression when my family struggled to make a living on our farm. I, too, had wanted a violin.
When my older twin sisters began showing an interest in music, Harriet Anne learned to play Grandma’s piano, while Suzanne turned to Daddy’s violin. Simple tunes became lovely melodies. My baby brother danced; Daddy hummed and Mother whistled. I just listened.
When my arms grew long enough, I tried to play Suzanne’s violin. Oh, how I wanted one! But I knew it was out of the question.
One evening as the twins played in the school orchestra. I closed my eyes tight to capture the picture firmly in my mind. Someday, I’ll sit up there, I vowed silently.
It was not a good year. At harvest the crops didn’t bring as much as we had hoped. Yet even though times were hard, I couldn’t wait any longer to ask, “Daddy, may I have a violin of my own?”
“Can’t you use Suzanne’s?”
“I’d like to be in the orchestra too, and we can’t both use the same violin at the same time.”
Daddy’s face looked sad. That night, and many following nights, I heard him remind God in our family prayers, “… and Lord, Mary Lou wants her own violin.”
One evening we all sat round the table. The twins and I studied. Mother sewed and Daddy wrote a letter to his friend, George Finkle, in Columbus, Ohio. Mr Finkle, Daddy said, was a fine violinist.
When Daddy received a letter from Columbus a few weeks later, he asked me, “Mary Lou, do you want to go with me to visit Mr Finkle?”
He drove us to Columbus and we came to a fine, old house. A tall man opened the door. He and Daddy heartily shook hands, both talking at once.
“Mary Lou, I’ve been hearing things about you. Your Daddy has arranged a surprise for you!” He picked up a case, opened it, lifted out a violin and started to play. The melody surged and spoke like waterfalls. Oh, to play like him, I thought.
Finishing the piece, he turned to Daddy. “I found it in a pawnshop（当铺）for seven dollars. It’s a good violin. Mary Lou should be able to make a beautiful music with it.” Then he handed the violin to me.
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；
Paragraph 1:
I noticed the tears in Daddy’s eyes as I finally comprehended. It was mine!
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Paragraph 2:
I forced my thoughts to the present and read again the advertisement.
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