ThemostimportantlessonIlearnedinhighschoolhadnothingtodowithmathsorAmericanhistory.ItcameatgraduationseveralminutesbeforeIleftMiramonteHighSchool.Iwasrathershybackthencontentto41aroundwithmyfewfriends

Question

The most important lesson I learned in high school had nothing to do with maths or American history. It came at graduation several minutes before I left Miramonte High School.

I was rather shy back then content to 41around with my few friends and to concentrate on my 42 I was doing so well that by the end of senior year I had perfect scores and enough 43 to go to college.

But my good record soon became a 44 to my well-being. In early June of senior year the headmaster called me into his office. He asked me to give a leave-taking speech at graduation. I looked at him my heart 45 fast. This was the 46 for my hard work? I said something but not very clearly and hurried away from the office.

I was 47 about the decision finally agreeing to compromise. I wasn’t the only speaker — I would48the honor with five other students. Still it was doubtful whether the task was  49 me. How in the world would I give a speech to hundreds of people?

Graduation day soon arrived and as  50  I was nervous. I’d been practicing my speech for days and I had it 51 . But I had never been so  52 in my life. The first half hour of the ceremony passed and then my   53 came. My name was announced. I managed to reach the platform without falling down. But within minutes I finished my speech    54 back to my seat and feeling unsatisfied with my performance.

Now I still have the   55 of that speech. My voice trembled a little but 56 it was clear and strong. I’m proud of that tape. I achieved something I’d never   57 — I spoke in front of hundreds of people.   58 I didn’t realize it at the time the successful completion of that speech gave me the 59 to participate in class at college to give oral reports and to eventually break free of my 60 .

I never would have chosen to give a speech at graduation. But I am glad I did. I know it may well turn out to be one of my shining moments.

41.A.hang   B. look      C. turn      D. run

42.A. characters   B. interests   C. games    D. subjects

43.A. money     B. credits    C. time  D. standards

44.A. 1uck     B. benefit    C. fear    D. solution

45.A. burning   B. breaking    C. aching   D. beating

46.A. punishment   B. reward    C. arrangement  D. sympathy

47.A. doubtful    B. optimistic  C. generous    D. hesitant

48.A.share     B.bring  C. spare   D. give

49.A.about   B. for      C. upon      D. beyond

50.A.known    B. hoped     C. expected   D. planned

51.A.thrown     B.printed    C.memorized   D. completed

52.A.interested   B.terrified    C.excited    D. disappointed

53.A. moment    B. clay    C.chance D. decision

54.A. passing    B. handing    C. HeadingD. returning

55.A.picture   B. tape   C. paper   D. word

56.A. partially   B. immediately  C. frankly D. mostly

57.A. dreamed    B. made   C. decided    D. requested

58.A. Because   B. When    C. Although   D. Unless

59.A. respect   B. confidence   C. freedom   D. excuse

60.A. shyness   B. pride     C. stupidity   D. courage

Answer 1

ADBCD BDADC CBACB DACBA