阅读理解
When I was growing up, I was embarrassed to be seen with my father. He was severely crippled and
very short, and when we would walk together, his hand on my arm for balance, people would stare. If he
ever noticed or was bothered, he never let on.
It was difficult to coordinate(协调) our steps - his slow, mine impatient -- and because of that, we didn't say much as we went along. But as we started out, he always said, "You set the pace. I will try to
adjust to you. "
He never talked about himself as an object of pity, nor did he show any envy of the more fortunate or
able. What he looked for in others was a "good heart", and if he found one, the owner was good enough
for him.
Now that I am older, I believe that is a proper standard by which to judge people, even though I still
don' t know accurately(精确地) what a "good heart" is. But I know the times I don't have one myself.
Unable to engage in many activities, my father still tried to participate in some way.
I now know he participated in some things indirectly through me, his only son. When I played ball
(poorly), he "played" too. When I joined the Navy, he "joined" too. And when I came home on leave, he
saw to it that(务必保证、一定) I visited his office. Introducing me, he was really saying, "This is my son, but it is also me, and I could have done this, too, if things had been different." Those words were never
said aloud.
He has been gone many years now, but I think of him often. I wonder if he sensed my unwillingness
to be seen with him during our walks. If he did, I am sorry I never told him how sorry I was, how
unworthy I was, how I regretted it. I think of him when I complain about small affairs, when I am envious
of another's good fortune, when I don't have a "good heart".
At such times I put my hand on his arm to regain my balance, and say, "You set the pace, I will try to
adjust to you."
1. The author felt unhappy walking with his father because __________.
A. he was pitiful for his father's physical disability
B. it was hard for them to walk at the same pace
C. he didn't want others to know he had an ugly father
D. it was not easy for his father to keep balance
2. In the father's view, the most important quality a good person should have is __________.
A. beautiful appearance
B. excellent health
C. a smart head
D. a good heart
3. It can be inferred from the text that __________.
A. the father was proud of his only son
B. the father took part in all his son's activities
C. the author was upset when asked to his father's office
D. the author was a good ball player and outstanding soldier
4. According to the last paragraph, by saying "You set the pace. I will try to adjust to you.", the
author means that __________.
A. he is now glad to help his father to walk
B. he regrets his unwillingness to walk with his father
C. he will follow Father's standards of being a good man
D. he will never forget how mentally strong his father was
