It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit (追寻) of the dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral（葬礼） is Wednesday.” Memories flashed（闪现）through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

“Jack, did you hear me?”

“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. it’s been so long since I thought of him. I’m sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said.

“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisce (回忆) about the many days you spent over ‘his side of the fence’ as he put it, ” Mom told him.

“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.

“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man’s influence (影响) in your life,” she said.

“He’s the one who taught me carpentry. I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things that he thought were important. Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral.” Jack said.

Busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser’s funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time, which was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture … Jack stopped suddenly.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” his Mom asked.

“The box is gone,” he said.

“What box?” Mom asked.

“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he’d ever tell me was ‘the thing I value most’,” Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

“Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said sadly.

Returning to his office the next day, he found a package on his desk. The return address caught his attention.

“Mr. Harold Belser” it read.

Jack tore （撕）open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope（信封）. Jack’s hands shook as he read the note inside,

“Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bernett. It’s the thing I valued most in my life.” A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, and tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the fine cover, he opened it.

Inside he found these words carved: “Jack. Thanks for your time! Harold Belser.”

“Oh. My God! This is the thing he valued most …”

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his assistant and cleared his appointments for the next two days. “Why?” his assistant asked.

“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said.

56. Why did Belser send Jack his gold watch?

　 A. Because he had no children or relatives.

　 B. Because he was grateful for Jack’s time with him.

　 C. Because he thought he had to keep his word.

　 D. Because Jack had always wanted it during his childhood.

57. Why did Jack say he needed some time to spend with his son?

　 A. He was very tired of his work and wanted to have a good rest.

　 B. He had promised to spare more time to stay with his son.

　 C. He had missed his son and his family for days.

　 D. He came to realize the importance of the time with his family.

58. Why did Jack think Mr. Belser died years ago?

　 A. College and career prevented him from remembering Mr. Belser.

　 B. Jack was too busy with his business and family to think about Mr. Belser.

　 C. Jack was too busy realizing his dreams to think about Mr. Belser.

　 D. His present busy life washed away his children memories.

59. Jack’s mother told him on the phone about Mr. Belser EXCEPT that _________.

　 A. Mr. Belser often asked how Jack was doing

　 B. Mr. Belser’s funeral would take place on Wednesday

　 C. Mr. Belser had asked for Jack’s mailing address

　 D. Mr. Belser had pleasant memories of their time together

60. Which of the following is the most suitable title for this passage?

　 A. The Good Old Times　　　　　　　　　

B. The Lost Childhood Days

　 C. An Old Gold Watch　　　　　　　　　　

D. What He Valued Most

It had been some time since Jack had seen the old man. College, career, and life itself got in the way. In fact, Jack moved clear across the country in pursuit (追寻) of the dreams. There, in the rush of his busy life, Jack had little time to think about the past and often no time to spend with his wife and son. He was working on his future, and nothing could stop him.

Over the phone, his mother told him, “Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral（葬礼） is Wednesday.” Memories flashed（闪现）through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

“Jack, did you hear me?”

“Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. it’s been so long since I thought of him. I’m sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago,” Jack said.

“Well, he didn’t forget you. Every time I saw him he’d ask how you were doing. He’d reminisce (回忆) about the many days you spent over ‘his side of the fence’ as he put it, ” Mom told him.

“I loved that old house he lived in,” Jack said.

“You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man’s influence (影响) in your life,” she said.

“He’s the one who taught me carpentry. I wouldn’t be in this business if it weren’t for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things that he thought were important. Mom, I’ll be there for the funeral.” Jack said.

Busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser’s funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time, which was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture … Jack stopped suddenly.

“What’s wrong, Jack?” his Mom asked.

“The box is gone,” he said.

“What box?” Mom asked.

“There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he’d ever tell me was ‘the thing I value most’,” Jack said.

It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it.

“Now I’ll never know what was so valuable to him,” Jack said sadly.

Returning to his office the next day, he found a package on his desk. The return address caught his attention.

“Mr. Harold Belser” it read.

Jack tore （撕）open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope（信封）. Jack’s hands shook as he read the note inside,

“Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bernett. It’s the thing I valued most in my life.” A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, and tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch. Running his fingers slowly over the fine cover, he opened it.

Inside he found these words carved: “Jack. Thanks for your time! Harold Belser.”

“Oh. My God! This is the thing he valued most …”

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his assistant and cleared his appointments for the next two days. “Why?” his assistant asked.

“I need some time to spend with my son,” he said.

56. Why did Belser send Jack his gold watch?

　 A. Because he had no children or relatives.

　 B. Because he was grateful for Jack’s time with him.

　 C. Because he thought he had to keep his word.

　 D. Because Jack had always wanted it during his childhood.

57. Why did Jack say he needed some time to spend with his son?

　 A. He was very tired of his work and wanted to have a good rest.

　 B. He had promised to spare more time to stay with his son.

　 C. He had missed his son and his family for days.

　 D. He came to realize the importance of the time with his family.

58. Why did Jack think Mr. Belser died years ago?

　 A. College and career prevented him from remembering Mr. Belser.

　 B. Jack was too busy with his business and family to think about Mr. Belser.

　 C. Jack was too busy realizing his dreams to think about Mr. Belser.

　 D. His present busy life washed away his children memories.

59. Jack’s mother told him on the phone about Mr. Belser EXCEPT that _________.

　 A. Mr. Belser often asked how Jack was doing

　 B. Mr. Belser’s funeral would take place on Wednesday

　 C. Mr. Belser had asked for Jack’s mailing address

　 D. Mr. Belser had pleasant memories of their time together

60. Which of the following is the most suitable title for this passage?

　 A. The Good Old Times　　　　　　　　　

B. The Lost Childhood Days

　 C. An Old Gold Watch　　　　　　　　　　

D. What He Valued Most

“We’ve been good friends for so many years. And I don’t think you meant to do that ...” I said to myself， looking at Jack， my friend who was running across the  　36　  field.

How I wish I could join them！ But it was impossible because of the pain in my left foot， caused by Jack.

I first met Jack in a football match in the elementary school. When my team looked as if we were 　37　 ， Jack， who was watching， volunteered to join us. He was so confident and skilled that we won. From then on， Jack and I often played together and became best friends.

But something happened before an important football match between Class Six and my class. My class had so many good players that we had to  　38　  the best ones. Jack and I were in  the same  team. The match was close in the first half. I saw my chance and was ready to score a goal. Suddenly， Jack  　39　  me. He slid to stop the ball， but collided  with my left foot. I knew I had lost the chance to score and was  　40　  the field. But what really hurt me was that Jack didn’t say sorry.  And when some of my teammates said he did it on purpose to  　41　  me from scoring， I felt even  　42　.

Now I stand here， with tears in my eyes. I don’t want to  　43　  those words but I don’t know how to persuade myself they are  　44　 . Then everything changes when Jack scores and wins！ How excited I am！

 While I am still  　45　  in excitement， someone pats my shoulder. It is Jack， with a smile on his face. “I’m sorry that you can not join in because of my  　46　  . But you see， Jason， we beat them！ No matter whether you joined in or not， you’ve made a contribution. Come on， let’s celebrate！” Suddenly， I am  　47　  by the players. The sunshine is so bright that I close my eyes. Riding high above my teammates， I feel so happy. And I know the  friendship  between Jack and me will last forever.

A. basketball        B. volleyball      C. badminton      D .football

A. lost                     B .winning         C. leading       D. beaten

A. replace         B. award            C. decide on         D. call in

A. ran into          B. ran to          C .ran across        D. ran away

A. sent away            B. carried off       C. stuck to        D. hold on

A. break               B. interrupt       C. make              D. keep

A. amused             B. comfortable     C. depressed         D. scared

A. believe         B. say               C. deny           D. hear

A. right                B. false                C. true                D. bad

A. lost                     B. fallen              C. caught         D. drawn

A. score               B. pride               C. reason          D. carelessness

A. raised up          B. pulled away    C. picked up        D. pushed off

“We’ve been good friends for so many years. And I don’t think you meant to do that ...” I said to myself， looking at Jack， my friend who was running across the  　36　  field.

How I wish I could join them！ But it was impossible because of the pain in my left foot， caused by Jack.

I first met Jack in a football match in the elementary school. When my team looked as if we were 　37　 ， Jack， who was watching， volunteered to join us. He was so confident and skilled that we won. From then on， Jack and I often played together and became best friends.

But something happened before an important football match between Class Six and my class. My class had so many good players that we had to  　38　  the best ones. Jack and I were in  the same  team. The match was close in the first half. I saw my chance and was ready to score a goal. Suddenly， Jack  　39　  me. He slid to stop the ball， but collided  with my left foot. I knew I had lost the chance to score and was  　40　  the field. But what really hurt me was that Jack didn’t say sorry.  And when some of my teammates said he did it on purpose to  　41　  me from scoring， I felt even  　42　.

Now I stand here， with tears in my eyes. I don’t want to  　43　  those words but I don’t know how to persuade myself they are  　44　 . Then everything changes when Jack scores and wins！ How excited I am！

 While I am still  　45　  in excitement， someone pats my shoulder. It is Jack， with a smile on his face. “I’m sorry that you can not join in because of my  　46　  . But you see， Jason， we beat them！ No matter whether you joined in or not， you’ve made a contribution. Come on， let’s celebrate！” Suddenly， I am  　47　  by the players. The sunshine is so bright that I close my eyes. Riding high above my teammates， I feel so happy. And I know the  friendship  between Jack and me will last forever.

1.A. basketball        B. volleyball      C. badminton      D .football

2.A. lost                     B .winning         C. leading       D. beaten

3.A. replace         B. award            C. decide on         D. call in

4.A. ran into          B. ran to          C .ran across        D. ran away

5.A. sent away            B. carried off       C. stuck to        D. hold on

6.A. break              B. interrupt       C. make              D. keep

7.A. amused            B. comfortable     C. depressed         D. scared

8.A. believe         B. say               C. deny           D. hear

9.A. right               B. false                C. true                D. bad

10.A. lost                   B. fallen              C. caught         D. drawn

11.A. score             B. pride               C. reason          D. carelessness

12.A. raised up        B. pulled away    C. picked up        D. pushed off

“We’ve been good friends for so many years. And I don’t think you meant to do that ...” I said to myself， looking at Jack， my friend who was running across the 　36　  field.
How I wish I could join them！ But it was impossible because of the pain in my left foot， caused by Jack.
I first met Jack in a football match in the elementary school. When my team looked as if we were 　37　， Jack， who was watching， volunteered to join us. He was so confident and skilled that we won. From then on， Jack and I often played together and became best friends.
But something happened before an important football match between Class Six and my class. My class had so many good players that we had to 　38　  the best ones. Jack and I were in  the same  team. The match was close in the first half. I saw my chance and was ready to score a goal. Suddenly， Jack 　39　  me. He slid to stop the ball， but collided  with my left foot. I knew I had lost the chance to score and was 　40　  the field. But what really hurt me was that Jack didn’t say sorry.  And when some of my teammates said he did it on purpose to 　41　  me from scoring， I felt even 　42　.
Now I stand here， with tears in my eyes. I don’t want to 　43　  those words but I don’t know how to persuade myself they are 　44　 . Then everything changes when Jack scores and wins！ How excited I am！
While I am still 　45　  in excitement， someone pats my shoulder. It is Jack， with a smile on his face. “I’m sorry that you can not join in because of my 　46　  . But you see， Jason， we beat them！ No matter whether you joined in or not， you’ve made a contribution. Come on， let’s celebrate！” Suddenly， I am 　47　  by the players. The sunshine is so bright that I close my eyes. Riding high above my teammates， I feel so happy. And I know the  friendship  between Jack and me will last forever.