I believe being honest is one of the greatest gifts. I know they call it a lot of fancy names these days，like　36　and straightforward. And it’s still what  37 a man a good citizen. This is my code(准则)，and I try to live by.
I’ve been in the taxi business for thirty-five years，  38　 there is a lot about it that is not so good. Taxi drivers have to be rough and tumble(乱作一团) fellows to be able to take it in New York. You've got to be  39 to fight the New York traffic eight hours a day.
Because taxi drivers are tough，people get the  40 impression that they are bad. Taxi drivers are just like other people. Most of them will act as  41 fellows.  Almost every week you read in the papers where a taxi driver  42  money or jewels or like that people leave in their  43 . If they weren't honest，you wouldn't be reading those stories in the papers. One time，I found an emerald（翡翠的）ring in my car. I remembered helping a lady with a lot of suitcases that day，so I went back to where I had  44  her off. It took me almost two days to wait for her in order to return her  45 to her. I didn't get as much as “thank you.”  46 ，I felt good because I had done what was right. I think I felt better than she   47 .
I was born and brought up in Ireland until I was nineteen years old. I came to this country in 1913 where I  48 several jobs to earn a few dollars before joining the army in World War I. After being discharged(退伍)，I bought my own car and have owned one ever since. It hasn’t been too easy  49 ，but my wife takes care of our money and we have a good bit  50  for a rainy day(一时之需). In all my years of driving a taxi，I have never had___51__ with the public，not even with drunks. Even if they get a little headstrong(顽固的) once in a while，I just agree with them and then they behave themselves.
People ask me about tips. As far as I know，  52 everyone will give you something，because most Americans are  53 generous. I always try to be nice to everyone，whether they  54 or not. I believe in God and try to be a good member of my parish（教区）. I try to act toward others like I think God wants me to act. I have been trying this for a long time，and the  55 I try，the easier it gets.

读写任务

阅读下面的短文，然后按照要求写一篇150词左右的英语短文。

　　There is a growing debate about the most effective way for students to study. Traditionally studying alone was thought to be the best way to ensure good exam results. When studying alone you can focus your mind better than when you are with others. You also have the freedom to choose what topic to study and when, as you don't need the agreement of others. Students that prefer to study alone often say that when they study with their classmates they waste a lot of time because the discussion is often about non-study topics such as television or holidays.

　　In the last few years, however, more and more students have started studying in groups. There are several reasons why many students prefer this method First, they find that studying is more fun as they can share the experience with others rather than staying in their rooms. In groups, they can discuss the subject together and when something is not understood they can ask each other questions. They can use the knowledge of their classmates to help improve their own knowledge. Finally by discussing the topic they are able to both understand and remember it better.

【写作内容】

（1）以约30个词概括短文的要点；

（2）然后以约120个词就"独自学习好还是与他人合作学习好"的主题发表看法，并包括如下要点：

①你喜欢独自学习还是与他人合作学习；

②根据你个人的学习经历，简述你的理由；

③你的老师对你的学习方式的看法和建议；

④你认为怎样的学习方式才能取得最佳的学习效果。

【写作要求】

（1）可以使用实例或其他论述方法支持你的论点，也可以参照阅读材料的内容，但不得直接引用原文中的句子；

（2）标题自拟。

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