Has helping people become a thing of the past? Walking through the crowds of today’s busy cities, you might think so. It seems people are too busy or too afraid to lend a hand to someone they don’t know.  But at Radio Beijing today, two friends would like to share their experiences with the listeners.

Hazel Johansen

One Sunday morning, I was running late for work.  As I drove off, I noticed an elderly lady from the neighborhood.  She was pulling a large piece of wood out of the rain. I wanted to help, but I was in a hurry.

I hesitated （犹豫） for a moment. Then I stopped my car, got out and helped her move the wood. Months went by. Then one day, I was walking in the street and saw some workmen cleaning out an old store. There in the dark and dirty corner was a large Coca-Cola cooler. How fun! The workmen said I could have it, so I picked it up and started home. I didn’t get very far. It was much heavier than I thought.  How could I get this to my home? Then out of the blue, the elderly lady appeared — with a handcart! I had helped her, and just when I needed it, she was there and returned the favor （帮忙）.

Rachel Swats — The Irish Helper

Going to the hospital is no fun —— especially when you live in a foreign culture. I recently went to see a doctor in the US. When I got there, I discovered I had forgotten to bring enough money to pay for my treatment. I had my credit card in my pocket, and I thought I could use that. However, I was wrong! For some reason, my card didn’t work. And even the hospital’s ATM wouldn’t let me take money. Since I couldn’t pay, I couldn’t get the treatment I needed.

I was so sad that I began to cry.  Unluckily, when I started crying, I had trouble stopping. I was making quite a big noise!

Everybody else in line was getting impatient （不耐烦的）. Just at that very moment, a lovely Irish woman appeared and asked me what I needed. I told her my problem. She immediately handed me $1,000, along with her business card, so I could repay her later.

I was able to pay and get the treatment.  When I got back home, I emailed the Irish woman. We’ve been in touch ever since!

1. Which of the following could be the best title for Hazel’s story?

    A. A Favor Returned                       B. A Kind Elderly Lady

    C.  She Was There                        D. An Act of Kindness

2. What does "out of the blue" mean in the 4th paragraph?

    A. all of a sudden                          B. as a result

C. to some extent                          D. in a minute

3. What trouble did Rachel meet in the hospital?

    A. She could not stop crying loudly.

    B. She forgot to take any money with her.

    C. Her money was not enough for the treatment.

    D. People waiting in line were impatient with her.

4. Both of the story tellers are trying to tell that ________.

    A. learning to help others is very important

    B. giving help to a stranger is not an easy thing

    C. help might be closer than you think when you get into trouble

    D. someone will be there to help you out if you help other people