At thirteen, I was diagnosed (诊断) with a kind of attention disorder. It made school difficult for me. When everyone else in the class was focusing on tasks, I could not.
In my first literature class, Mrs. Smith asked us to read a story and then write on it, all within 45 minutes. I raised my hand right away and said, ''Mrs. Smith, you see, the doctor said I have attention problems. I might not be able to do it. ''
She glanced down at me through her glasses, ''You are not different from your classmates, young man. '' I tried, but I didn’t finish the reading when the bell rang. I had to take it home.
In the quietness of my bedroom, the story suddenly all became clear to me. It was about a blind person, Lous Braile. He lived in a time when the blind couldn't get much education. But Louis didn't give up. Instead, he invented a reading system of raised dots (点), which opened up a whole new world of knowledge to the blind.
Wasn't I the ''blind'' in my class, being made to learn like the ''sighted'' students? My thoughts, spilled out and my pen started to dance. I completed the task within 40 minutes. Indeed, I was not different from others; I just needed a quieter place. If Louis could find his way out of his problem, why should I ever give up?
I didn't expect anything when I handed in my paper to Mrs. Smith, so it was quite a surprise when it came back to me the next day-with an ''A'' on it. At the bottom of the paper were these words, ''See what you can do when you keep trying? ''
1.Why didn't the author finish the reading in class?
A.Because he didn't like the teacher.
B.Because he was not fond of literature.
C.Because the class room was too noisy.
D.Because he got a kind of attention disorder.
2.What can we learn about Louis Braille from the passage?
A.He couldn't see and read for the whole life.
B.He got a good education at school.
C.He made an invention which helps the blind.
D.He managed to cure his blindness.
3.What's Mrs. Smith's attitude to the author in the classroom?
A.She encouraged him. B.She looked down on him.
C.She sympathized(同情) him. D.She was angry with him.
4.What can we learn from the passage?
A.Keep trying, and you can do it.
B.Ways to overcome attention disorder.
C.How to be a great teacher.
D.What should you do as a blind.
Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival
Where: Becket, Massachusetts
When: Jun.15---Aug.24
Each summer, this influential dance center presents a number of classes and performances by more than 50 companies from around the world. Highlights (最精彩的部分) in this season include the Dance Theater of Harlem's production of Alvin Ailey's ''The Lark Ascending'', which opens the festival.
Many events are free. Ticketed performances start at $22. Jacobspillow.org.
Moab Music Festival
Where: Moab, Utah
When: Aug.29---Sept.9
This area is better known for mountain biking than for music. But since 1992, it has hosted a private festival that brings classical, jazz, Latin and other types of music to the land. This year there will be 16 concerts, including three ''Grotto Concerts'', where guests take a 45-minute boat ride down the Colorado River to performances.
Events start at $25. moabmusicfest.org.
Cheyenne Frontier Days
Where: Cheyenne, Wyoming
When: July19---28
There is something for everyone at this 117-year-old festival, from an ''Indian village and Old West museum'' to country concerts. But the competition is still the main attraction, with cowboys and cowgirls competing for major money in the world's largest outdoor stage.
Competition tickets start at $18, and concert tickets at $23. cfdrodeo.com.
The Glimmerglass Festival
Where: Cooperstown, New York
When: July6---Aug.24
Each summer, opera lovers from around the country travel to upstate New York to watch productions that include stars like Nathan Gunn and Ginger Costa-Jackson. This year's performances include Wagner's ''The Flying Dutchman'' and Verdi's ''King for a Day'', in honor of the 200th birthdays of both composers(作曲家).
Tickets start at $26. glimmerglass.org.
1.If you are interested in dance performance, which date suits you best?
A.June 6. B.June 28. C.August 29. D.September 9.
2.Where can you watch a competition and enjoy concerts?
A.Becket, Massachusetts. B.Moab, Utah.
C.Cheyenne, Wyoming. D.Cooperstown, New York.
3.If you are a big fan of Wagner, which one should you choose?
A.Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival B.The Glimmerglass Festival
C.Cheyenne Frontier Days D.Moab Music Festival
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
1.What is the discount(折扣) on wines?
A.20% off. B.Three dollars off. C.50% off.
2.What will be served free tomorrow?
A.Potato salad. B.Coffee. C.Baked goods.
3.Who will be in the back of the store tomorrow?
A.An actor. B.A painter. C.A photographer.
4.When will the Easter egg hunt begin?
A.At 8:00 a.m. B.At 10:00 a.m. C.At 11:00 a.m.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What are the speakers talking about?
A.A vacation. B.A wedding. C.A family meeting.
2.What did the man do on Saturday evening?
A.He went out for dinner.
B.He saw a soccer game.
C.He went to a play.
3.What is the man’s favorite hobby?
A.Cooking. B.Playing chess. C.Collecting classical music.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What is the relationship between the speakers?
A.Brother and sister. B.Mother and son. C.Neighbors.
2.How does the man get money every week?
A.By doing chores (家务).
B.By taking a part-time job.
C.By helping the neighbors.
3.What is Tina doing?
A.Picking up leaves.
B.Working on a book report.
C.Cleaning the window.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
1.What present does the man suggest the woman give?
A.A trip to Hawaii. B.A new pair of shoes. C.A new car.
2.What does the woman dislike?
A.Saving her money. B.Traveling. C.Doing a lot of work.
3.Whose birthday is next month?
A.Mom’s. B.Dad’s. C.Brittany’s.
