I work as a volunteer (志愿者) for an organization that helps the poor in Haiti. Recently I took my son Barrett there for a week, hoping to 16 him.
Before setting out, I told Barrett this trip would be tiring and 17 . For the first two days, he said almost nothing. I worried the trip was too 18 for a 17-year-old. Then, on day three, as we were 19 over high rocky mountains, he turned to me and grinned (咧嘴笑),“Pretty hard.”
After that there was no turning back. A five-year-old girl, wearing a dress several sizes 20 large and broken shoes, followed Barrett around, mesmerized (着迷). He couldn’t stop 21 . Later he said 22 , “I wish I could speak French.” I was 23 — this from a boy who hated and 24 French classes throughout school.
Usually silent, he 25 Gaby, our host, and kept asking questions about the country and its people. He blossomed (活泼起来).
26 , the moment that really took 27 breath away occurred in a village deep in the mountains. I was 28 a woman villager for an article. 135 centimeters tall, she was small in figure but strong in 29 . Through determination, she had learned to read and write, and 30 to become part of the leadership of the 31 .
Learning her story, Barrett was as 32 as I by this tiny woman’s achievements. His eyes were wet and there was a 33 of love and respect on his face. He had finally understood the importance of my work .
When leaving for home, Barrett even offered to stay 34 as a volunteer. My insides suddenly felt struck. This 35 achieved all I’d expected. Soon he will celebrate his 18th birthday. He’ll be a man.
16. A. comfort B. please C. attract D. educate
17. A. rough B. dangerous C. troublesome D. violent
18. A. little B. much C. fast D. slow
19. A. moving B. running C. climbing D. looking
20. A. too B. very C. even D. so
21. A. joking B. crying C. shouting D. smiling
22. A. patiently B. regretfully C. lightly D. cheerfully
23. A. ashamed B. disappointed C. determined D. surprised
24. A. took up B. went in for C. fought against D. called off
25. A. befriended B. disregarded C. avoided D. recognized
26. A. Thus B. Even C. Meanwhile D. However
27. A. my B. his C. our D. her
28. A. asking B. interviewing C. arranging D. describing
29. A. brain B. wish C. will D. health
30. A. appeared B. struggled C. hesitated D. failed
31. A. village B. city C. organization D. state
32. A. pleased B. bored C. puzzled D. touched
33. A. combination B. composition C. connection D. satisfaction
34. A. in B. behind C. out D. away
35. A. interview B. flight C. article D. trip
