Four beggars (乞丐) usually met at an old shack (小窝棚) at the end of the day. One day, they were very upset because none of them had got much in their begging bowls.

“I only got this piece of meat today,” the first said. “ I hardly got anything,” the second said. “ I just picked up these few vegetables outside the fruit and vegetable store.” The third complained that all he had been given was a handful of herds(香草) that he couldn’t eat on his own. The fourth begger had not done much better. “ I only got the handful of old, dried beans, but they aren’t very nice!”

As they sat around the fire, one of them had a great idea. “Let’s put all our bits together and boil them. In this way, we can make a tasty dish and share it.” They all agreed.

However, the first begger thought: “I don’t want to share. I’ll just pretend to throw my meat into the pot. They’ll never know and I’ll eat my meat later.” So he pretended to put the meat into the pot. Now the same idea had also hit the other beggers and the shack was so dark that no one could see what the others were doing.

Finally, one of them suggested that the dish should now be ready and, in turn, each of them helped himself to a bowl. They drank the hot water in absolute(绝对) silence, learning that selfishness (自私) doesn’t taste all that good.

52. How much did the four beggers get that day?

A. Nothing.             B. Only a little.              C. A lot of food.            D. A lot of money.

53.Why the fourth begger upset?

A. Because he got nothing from people.        B. Because the other beggers didn’t agree with him.

C. Because many people laughed at him. D. Because the beans were old and dried.

54. Which of the following is TRUE according to the story?

A. They didn’t eat anything but the hot water.       B. What they made in the pot was tasty.

C. They didn’t know what others put in the pot.    D. They liked what was in the pot in the end.

55.What does the story tell us?

A. We shouldn’t stay with beggers.               B. We shouldn’t eat beans.

C. We should learn to share.                                D. We should be selfish.

Dear World,

My son starts school today. It’s going to be strange and new to him for some time. And I wish you would treat him gently.

You see, up to now, he has been king of his own room. He has been boss of the backyard. I have always been around to treat his wounds, and to comfort his feelings.

But now things are going to be different. This morning, he’s going to walk down the front steps, wave his hand and start his life.

So, World, I wish you would take him by the little hand and teach him the things he will have to know. Teach him there are heroes, leaders and friends in this world. Give him quiet time to think over the mystery of birds in the sky, bees in the sun, and flowers on the green hill.

Teach him to believe in his own ideas, even if everyone else tells him he is wrong.

Teach him to stand and fight if he thinks he is right.

Teach him never to put a price on his heart and spirit.

Teach him gently, World, but don’t love him too much, because only the test of fire makes fine steel. This is a big order, World, and see what you can do. He’s such a little fellow.

1.From the second paragraph we know that the writer’s son        .

A. is often ill

B. rules the whole family

C. has been working at home

D. has been taken good care of

2.The writer wishes her son        .

A. to treat others gently

B. not to feel strange at school

C. to develop some good habits

D. to be better than other children at school

3.Which is the best title of this passage?

A. A great moment is coming!                B. How to teach my son.

C. A mother’s letter to the world     D. Don’t be rude to my son!