One of the most inspiring quotes I ever heard was by Brian Tracy. He said: “The difference between successful people and unsuccessful people is that successful people fail many more times than unsuccessful people.” I personally experienced its wisdom right after my first book was published. Like many authors, I expected hundreds of bookstore customers lining up for me to sign copies for them. I’m afraid to say, it didn’t quite happen like that.

My first signing was arranged at the largest book store in the city. Filled with anticipation, I was put into a private signing room in the beautiful store. However, not a single customer entered the room. As each minute passed, I became increasingly anxious.

After 90 minutes of long waiting I was absolutely distraught.

For the four years writing the book. I had felt a sense of mission and purpose like never before in my life. Working a full 8-hour day in my clinic. I had to get into bed by 9:30 pm every day, so I could wake up at 5:30 in the morning and have two hours of writing before heading into my clinic. Before I ever began each writing session, I would close my eyes for 10 minutes and then whisper, “Please grant me the words to touch just one person’s life.”

Now sitting there alone at my first book signing, I wondered if my entire life wasn’t just a big joke. At that moment, just when I couldn't feel any worse, a middle-aged couple walked into the room. I managed to hide my emotions and introduced myself and my book. The couple turned to each other, and the husband nodded to his wife. She then told me, “I think we’ll get the book.”

“We’re buying it,” she said hesitantly, "because we lost our son two years ago. Maybe your story will help us get over it.”

At that moment, I knew if I never sold another copy of the book, my four years of writing it had served its purpose. Although I would have many more challenging years until my book caught on and sold well, this couple’s story was all the motivation I needed at that point to keep me moving ahead.

1.The writer quotes Brian Tracy to stress the importance of __________

A.wisdom B.success

C.confidence D.persistence

2.The underlined word "distraught" in Paragraph 3 probably means __________

A.upset and disappointed B.cheerful and proud

C.bored and impatient D.hopeful and eager

3.What can be inferred from paragraph 4?

A.The writer had to quit his job to make time for his writing.

B.The writer was not sure about the purpose of his writing at first.

C.The writing was completed with great self-discipline and efforts.

D.The process of writing the book was full of pains and frustration.

4.Why does the author say “my four years of writing it had served its purpose” in the last paragraph?

A.Because he had succeeded in selling the first book to the couple.

B.Because he had managed to touch someone’s life with his book.

C.Because he was quite satisfied with the feedback of his readers.

D.Because he had found someone who appreciated his writing.

CHRONOLOGICA

——The Unbelievable Years that Defined History

DID YOU KNOW....

In 105 AD paper was invented in China?

When Columbus discovered the New World?

The British Museum opened in 1759?

CHRONOLOGICA is a fascinating journey through times, from the foundation of Rome to the creation of the Internet. Along the way are tales of kings and queens, hot air balloons...and monkeys in space.

Travel through 100 of the most unbelievable years in world history and learn why being a Roman Emperor wasn’t always as good as it sounds, how the Hundred Years’ War didn’t actually last for 100 years and why Spencer Perceval holds a rather unfortunate record.

CHRONOLOGICA is an informative and amusing tour into history, beautifully illustrated and full of unbelievable facts. While CHRONOLOGICA tells the stories of famous people in history such as Thomas Edison and Alexander the Great, this book also gives an account of the lives of lesser-known individuals including the explorer Mungo Park and sculptor Gutzon Borglum.

This complete but brief historical collection is certain to entertain readers young and old, and guaranteed to present even the biggest history lover with something new!

1.What is CHRONOLOGICA according to the text?

A.A science fiction B.A travel guide

C.A history book D.A biography

2.How does the writer recommend CHRONOLOGICA to readers?

A.By giving details of its collection

B.By introducing some of its contents

C.By telling stories at the beginning

D.By comparing it with other books

3.What can be inferred about CHRONOLOGICA in the text?

A.It mainly concentrates on well-known people.

B.It’s intended for young readers only.

C.It helps make clear some historical facts.

D.Its style is likely to be serious and formal.

She has much working experience. _________, we consider her the best candidate for the job.

A.However B.Otherwise C.Therefore D.Instead

The manager insisted on _________ on time.

A.his finishing the task B.he finishing the task

C.him to finish the task D.him finish the task

I found it no use _______ to persuade him to give up smoking.

A.Try B.to try C.trying D.having tried

________ and out of breath, we reached the top of the mountains and stopped ________ the beautiful scenery.

A.Tiring; to admire B.Tiring; admiring C.Tired; admiring D.Tired;to admire

It rained heavily in the south, _________ serious flooding in several provinces.

A.caused B.causing C.having caused D.to cause

We’ve had a good start, but next, more work needs _____to achieve the final success.

A.being done B.do C.to be done D.to do

The man __________ on the beach is my brother.

A.lay B.lied C.laying D.lying

Only when he left his home _________ to know how important the family was for him.

A.he began B.did he begin C.had he begun D.he had begun