Question

In this modern world, we rush around all day, doing things, talking, emailing, sending and reading messages. We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking. There is no ___31___ for stillness.

And when we are ___32 ___to be still because we’re in line for something, or waiting at a doctor’s appointment, or on a bus or train, we often ___33 ___something to do. Some will play with mobile devices, others will read something. Being still isn’t something we’re ___34 ___.

This comes at a ___ 35___: we lose that time for ___ 36___, for observing and listening. We lose peace.

And ___37___ yet: sometimes too much action is worse than no action at all. You can run around crazily, but get ___ 38___done.

Take a moment to think about ___39___ you spend your days. Are you constantly rushing around? Are you constantly reading and answering ___40 ___, checking on the news and the latest stream of information? Are you always ___41___through your schedule?

Is this how you want to spend your ___42___? If so, peace be with you. If not, take a moment to be ___43___. Don’t think about what you have to do, or what you’ve done already. ___44___be in the moment.

Then after a minute or two of doing that, consider your life, and how you’d ___45___ it to be. See your life with less movement, less doing, less rushing. See it with more stillness, more consideration, more ___46___.

Then be that vision.

It’s pretty simple: all you have to do is sit still for a little bit each day. ___47___you’ve gotten used to that, try doing less each day. Breathe when you feel yourself moving too___48___. Slow down. Be present. Find happiness now, in this moment, instead of ___49___ for it.

       ___50 ___ the stillness. It’s a treasure, and it’s available to us, always.

31. A. place           B. chance              C. freedom            D. time

32. A. forced         B. ordered             C. invited        D. told

33. A. have            B. find                   C. buy                   D. get

34. A. familiar with B. curious about     C. used to              D. interested in

35. A. cost             B. risk                   C. loss                  D. danger

36. A. play             B. food                  C. sleep          D. consideration

37. A. further         B. worse        C. farther              D. deeper

38. A. everything    B. anything            C. nothing             D. something

39. A. how            B. where        C. why                  D. whether

40. A. questions     B. problems           C. phones              D. messages

41. A. walking        B. rushing              C. stepping            D. going

42. A. school         B. youth         C. work         D. life

43. A. silent           B. patient        C. still                   D. quiet

44. A. Nearly         B. Ever                  C. Just                  D. Already

45. A. like              B. decide        C. choose              D. need

46. A. activity        B. research            C. study         D. peace

47. A. Because              B. Until           C. Once         D. Unless

48. A. frequently    B. slowly        C. fast                   D. quickly

49. A. asking          B. sending             C. calling        D. waiting

50. A. Value           B. Miss                 C. Owe                 D. Hold

Answer 1

DABCA     36-40 DBCAD     41-45 BDCCA      46-50 DCCDA