Unit 4 Astronomy- the science of the stars reading课时作业

Ⅰ.阅读理解

　　A

　　[2019·南昌市重点中学段考]In high school I was very shy, content to hang around with my small group of friends and concentrate on my courses. I was quickly regarded as a "brain". I did so well that by the end of the senior year I had perfect grades and enough credits to give up an entire quarter of coursework.

　　But in early June of the senior year, the principal called me into his office. He asked me to give a speech at graduation. I gaped (目瞪口呆地凝视) at him, my heart thumping. This was the reward for my hard work? I mumbled something and fled the office, blaming myself for staying away from physics, a subject sure to have ruined my perfect record.

　　I finally agreed to a compromise. I would share the honor with five other students. And my friend Judy would then give her own, full­length speech.

　　Graduation day soon arrived. I'd been practicing my speech for days, and I had it memorized. The first half hour of the ceremony passed in a blur, and then my moment came. My name was announced. I managed to reach the podium (讲台) without falling down. I faced my classmates. My voice trembled a little, but mostly it was clear and strong. But within seconds, I was done and headed back to my seat. I accomplished something I'd never dreamed of - I spoke in front of hundreds of people.

　　Although I didn't realize it at the time, the successful completion of that speech gave me the confidence to participate in class at college, to give verbal reports, and to eventually break free from my shyness. I never would have chosen to give a speech at graduation ever. But I'm glad I did. I no longer hesitate when I'm faced with the prospect of doing something I dread. I know it may very well turn out to be one of my shining moments.

　　体裁：记叙文　题材：学校生活　主题："我"的第一次演讲

【语篇解读】　本文是一篇记叙文。"我"上高中时很羞怯，但由于学习成绩优秀，被校长要求在毕业典礼上演讲，"我"虽然害怕，但还是完成了这次演讲。这件事不仅使"我"摆脱了羞怯，增强了自信，而且让"我"在做"我"恐惧的事情时不再犹豫。