13.I knew I was not supposed to be quite so excited.I was too (36)C for that.At age eleven,the oldest and my mom's"grown up"girl,I had to keep my (37)D.I was in middle school after all.But every chance I got,when I was (38)A,I checked each present under the tree.I read every tag (标签) and felt every package,guessing at the (39)B within.I had examined each gift so often that I could tell which present went to which person(40)B looking at the tags.
It had been a(n)(41)C year for my family.Whenever my mom looked over at the tree and scattered presents,she would sigh and(42)D us,"There won't be as much for Christmas this year.Try not to be disappointed."Christmas had(43)A been a time for my parents to spoil (宠爱) us.In years past,the presents would (44)B the living room.I had heard the phrase"giving is better than receiving",but getting presents was the whole point!It was the reason I couldn't go to(45)D on Christmas Eve.
On Christmas morning,we (46)C waited in the hallway until Dad told us everything was ready.We rushed into the living room and had to wait and (47)A while other family members opened their presents,but as the time passed we lost our (48)C.
"Here's another one for you,"said Mom as she handed me a package.I looked at it,(49)D.Having spent so much time examining the presents before Christmas,I (50)B this one.It was for my mom!
It was a blow dryer.(51)D this may seem only a simple gift,to me it was so much more.But,in my world,where receiving was more (52)B than giving,my mom's act of selflessness was difficult to (53)C.I thought in disbelief about how much my mom must love me to do that.
I have always remembered that Christmas with affection.As an adult with children,I can now see my mom was finding an even greater (54)A in her Christmas because giving truly is better than receiving.To me,My mom's simple act (55)A the world.
36.A.busy | B.shy | C.old | D.simple |
37.A.word | B.secret | C.balance | D.cool |
38.A.alone | B.bored | C.curious | D.energetic |
39.A.values | B.contents | C.possessions | D.bonuses |
40.A.by | B.without | C.regardless of | D.instead of |
41.A.golden | B.ordinary | C.tough | D.peaceful |
42.A.trick | B.educate | C.frighten | D.warn |
43.A.traditionally | B.gradually | C.additionally | D.confidentially |
44.A.abandon | B.occupy | C.decorate | D.stain |
45.A.church | B.school | C.work | D.sleep |
46.A.worriedly | B.hopelessly | C.eagerly | D.nervously |
47.A.watch | B.argue | C.complain | D.bargain |
48.A.self-satisfaction | B.self-confidence | C.self-control | D.self-support |
49.A.disappointed | B.embarrassed | C.stressed | D.confused |
50.A.adored | B.recognized | C.ignored | D.claimed |
51.A.If | B.Since | C.Unless | D.While |
52.A.awkward | B.important | C.noble | D.effective |
53.A.predict | B.perform | C.understand | D.confirm |
54.A.joy | B.challenge | C.influence | D.role |
55.A.meant | B.saved | C.helped | D.controlled |