Steve, a twelve-year-old boy with alcoholic parents, was about to be lost forever, by the U.S. education system. He had been failing since first grade. Steve was a big boy, looking more like a teenager than a twelve year old, yet, Steve went unnoticed... until Miss White.

Miss White was a smiling, young, beautiful redhead, and Steve was in love! For the first time in his young life, he couldn’t take his eyes off his teacher; yet, still he failed. He never did his homework, and he was always in trouble with Miss White. His heart would break he was punished for failing to turn in his homework! Still, he did not study.

    In the middle of the first term of school, the entire seventh grade was tested for basic skills. Steve hurried through his tests, and continued to dream of other things.  His heart was in the woods, where he often escaped alone, trying to shut out the sights, sounds and smells of his alcoholic home. 

One day, Miss White’s impatient voice broke into his daydreams.

“Steve!” he turned to look at her.

“Pay attention!”

Steve locked his eyes on Miss White with adolescent adoration, as she began to go over the test results for the seventh grade.

“You all did pretty well,” she told the class, “except for one boy, and it breaks my heart to tell you this, but...” She hesitated.

“...The smartest boy in the seventh grade is failing my class!”

She just stared at Steve, as the class turned around for a good look. Steve dropped his eyes and carefully examined his fingertips.

After that, it was war!! Steve still wouldn’t do his homework even as the punishments became more severe.

“Just try it! ONE WEEK!” He was unmoved.

You’re smart enough! You’ll see a change!” Nothing happened.

“Give yourself a chance! Don’ give up on your life!” Nothing.

“Steve! Please! I care about you!”

Wow! Suddenly, Steve got it!! Someone cared about him? Someone, totally perfect, CARED ABOUT HIM!

Steve went home from school, thoughtful, that afternoon.  He, quickly, gathered up his camping things, this time including his schoolbooks. Determined, he headed for the woods.

The following Monday he arrived at school on time, and he waited for Miss White to enter the classroom. She walked in, all sparkle and smiles! God, she was beautiful! He expected her smile to turn on him. It did not.

Miss White, immediately, gave a quiz on the weekend homework. Steve hurried through the test, and was the first to hand in his paper. With a look of surprise, Miss White took his paper. Obviously puzzled, she began to look it over. Steve walked back to his desk, his heart beating within his chest. As he sat down, he couldn’t resist another look at the lovely woman.

Miss White’s face was in total shock! She glanced up at Steve, then down, then up. Suddenly, her face broke into a bright smile. The smartest boy in the seventh grade had just passed his first test!

From that moment nothing was the same for Steve. Life at home remained the same, but life still changed. He discovered that not only could he learn, but he was good at it! And he continued this course throughout his school life.

After high-school Steve entered the Navy, and he had a successful military career.  During his Naval career, he inspired many young people, who without him, might not have believed in themselves.

You see, it’s simple, really. A change took place within the heart of one boy, all because of one teacher, who cared.                          

1. How did Miss White’s expression change when she got Steve’s paper?   

A. satisfied —shocked —surprised —puzzled        B. puzzled —surprised —shocked —satisfied

C. surprised —puzzled —shocked —satisfied             D. surprised —shocked —satisfied —puzzled

2. Which of the following statements is NOT right according to the passage? 

A. Steve fell in love with Miss White at the first sight of her.

B. Steve’s parents were so addicted to drinking that they paid little attention to Steve’s life.

C. Steve would rather stay in the woods to keep himself away from his home.

D. Having being punished many times, Steve determined to work hard and passed his first test.

3. Which of the following can serve as the best title for this passage?

A. The difference a teacher can make                        B. The school life of a stubborn boy

C. The importance of family education                      D. The skills of being a good teacher