16.Pete Sparks was a sensitive (敏感的) boy.So sensitive that even his hair was ticklish (怕痒的).You only had to touch his hair a little bit and he would start laughing.When this ticklish laughter started,no one could make him stop.
Pete tried everything to control his ticklishness,but nothing worked.So he began to feel sad for being different.
One day in the street,he met a special clown.The clown was very old and could hardly walk,but when he saw Pete in tears,he went to cheer him up.It didn't take long to make Pete laugh.Later Pete told him about his ticklish problem,and he asked the clown how such an old man could carry on being a clown.
"I have no one to take my place,"said the clown."I have a very serious job to do."Pete looked at him,surprised."Come,I'll show you,"said the clown.So the clown took Pete to many hospitals full of children who were sick.As soon as they saw the clown,their faces changed completely and lit up with a smile.Their short while spent with the clown changed everything for them.That day was even more special,because in every show Pete's laughter would end up with the kids lying on the floor,dying with laughter.When the visit came to an end,the old clown said to Pete,"Now do you see why I can't retire (退休),even at my age?"
That was how Pete became a clown,and took the special old man's place.From that day on,the fact that Pete was different actually made him happy,thanks to his special gift (天赋).
21.Pete wanted to change because he wanted toB.
A.make a difference B.just be a normal boy
C.make everyone happy D.just be a special clown
22.The clown took Pete to the hospitals in order toC.
A.treat his ticklishness B.encourage him to be a clown
C.show him the meaning of his job D.know whether Pete had told a lie
23.What does the story teach us?B
A.Practice makes perfect.B.Everyone is born useful.
C.Well begun is half done.D.Where there is life,there is hope.