If Shayne Ward didn't join the British singing talent show X-Factor in 2005, he might
still be working in the local clothing shop. However, life often favors those who have the
courage to try, and the nation voted him the winner.
     Recently, Ward came to China to promote his second album, Breathless, which was
released on January 10.
     "Shayne has got a magnetic (磁性的) voice,and his songs are rhythmic and soothing
(舒心的) to listen to, "said Feng Yu, a Senior 2 student from Beijing Xicheng Foreign
Language School, who came to support him.
     However, the 23-year-old Ward doesn't just have an extraordinary voice and
beautiful looks. He also has a passion for performing on stage and a determination to
go after his dream.
     Life has been difficult for the Manchester boy. He's the youngest of a large family
with three brothers and three sisters , and money was tight.
     To help his family, Ward left school as soon as he could. He worked in factories
making everything from chocolate to clothes to cardboard boxes. But he never forgot
his true love was music.
     At age 16, Ward joined a band called Destiny and spent his weekends singing karaoke.
The band auditioned (试镜) for the X-Factor series, but got nowhere. A year later.
Ward wanted to try alone.
     "I couldn't believe I kept getting through," he said. "I didn't want my family to be the
ones going away looking sad. "
     However,Ward doesn't want to be discredited (被误认为)as a talent show winner.
He has proved his worth with a No. I single and two best-selling albums. Instead of trying
to predict the future, Ward only wants to enjoy his life right now.
     "I just carry on doing what I'm doing.That's all, " he said firmly, "I don't want to look
too far ahead. "

1. How did Shayne Ward make a living before he joi ned the British singing talent
show X-Factor?__________.

A. He worked as a clothing shop assistant.
B. He worked in a band.
C. He sang karaoke in clubs.
D. He was a cardboard box salesman.

2. Which of the following facts does NOT contribute to Shayne Ward's popularity? __________.

A. He has an extraordinary voice.
B. He has beautiful looks.
C. He has great determination to realize his dream.
D. He was a member of a band.

3. What's the right order of the events related to Shayne Ward?______

a. He joined a band.
b. He left school.
c. He worked in factories.
d. He joined the British singing talent show X-Factor alone.
e. His band auditioned for the X-Factor series but failed.
A.b, a, c, d, e
B.a, d, b, c, e
C.a, b, d, e, c
D.b, c, a, e, d

4. What can we learn from Shayne Ward's success ?______

A. Practice makes perfect.
B. All's well that ends well.
C. Where there's a will, there's a way.
D. Actions speak louder than words.