16.Today I am known for my voice.Perhaps the greatest honor came when I was asked to read The New Testament (《新约全书》) on tape.
But it (36)B a long time to believe such good things could happen to me.When I was a child,I stuttered (结巴) so badly that I was completely (37)C to speak in public.
Then when I was 14,Professor Donald Crouch came to my school.He was a retired college professor.English was his favorite subject and (38)Dwas his deepest love.He held a book of poems as if it were a crystal,turning pages as if uncovering treasures.When he heard that our school was teaching Shakespeare and other classics,he felt regretful for not being a part of our school sooner.
When he learned that I not only loved poetry but was writing it,we became closer.There was,however,one(39)A-Professor Crouch could not stand the fact that I refused to read my poems to the class.
"Jim,poetry is (40)Bto be read aloud,"he said."You should be able to speak those beautiful words."I shook my head and(41)A.
One day he(42)Cme.
After handing in a poem,I waited for his (43)D.It didn't come.Instead one day as the students had gathered together,he (44)Ame,"Jim,I don't think you wrote this poem."
I stared at him in disbelief."Why,"I started,(45)Bflooding me."of course I did!""Well,then,"he said,"you've got to prove it by getting up and (46)C it from memory."
By then the other students had settled at their desks.With knees shaking,I walked up to the front.For a moment I stood there,breathless.Then I began,and kept going.I recited my poem all the way through!
Afterwards,Professor Crouch encouraged me to read other writers'poetry before the public. I discovered I did have a (n)(47)Aand found my classmates actually looked forward to hearing me recite.
36.A.lasted | B.took | C.cost | D.wasted |
37.A.unnecessary | B.unlikely | C.unable | D.impossible |
38.A.archaeology | B.art | C.architecture | D.poetry |
39.A.difficulty | B.promise | C.agreement | D.difference |
40.A.said | B.meant | C.prepared | D.found |
41.A.turned away | B.sat down | C.talked back | D.gave in |
42.A.greeted | B.scolded | C.tricked | D.comforted |
43.A.help | B.idea | C.reward | D.comment |
44.A.challenged | B.attacked | C.noticed | D.told |
45.A.pride | B.anger | C.excitement | D.joy |
46.A.reading | B.speaking | C.repeating | D.telling |
47.A.voice | B.Sound | C.appearance | D.interest |