the ocean with Sean，my fiance(未婚夫)，when he was__23__by a box jellyfish(箱型水母)．He__24__within three minutes,25 years old.Yet when onlookers and travelers asked if I wanted__25__，stubborn pride and force of habit__26__me accepting.But two young Israeli women stayed.__27__my protest(反对)，they were with me even when the police tried to cover up the__28__of Sean's death.It was listed as drunk drowning to avoid hurting the__29__industry.The Israeli women__30__have walked away.__31__，without even telling me，they__32__their schedule rather than leave me behind.

__33__I didn't realize it at the time，I now believe I would not have__34__the disaster without these great women.Actually，the person who needs help the most is usually the last person to ask for it.I have learned__35__is better than refusing because it not only helps you walk out of trouble，but also helps you know the real meaning of life.

【语篇解读】独立并不意味着要拒绝帮助，接受帮助比拒绝帮助好，这是作者通过自己的亲身经历领悟到的道理。

16．A.struggling B．dealing C．confused D．satisfied

答案　A　[struggle with表示"与......作斗争"，根据上下文可知作者还在与是否要寻求帮助作斗争。]

17．A.offer B．accept C．seek D．desire

答案　A　[根据下文的"when my offers"可知，作者甚至会给别人提供帮助。]

18．A.occasionally B．frequently

C．usually D．seldom

答案　D　[当作者给别人提供帮助而被拒绝时，她很少会心甘情愿地走开。这与下文作者拒绝别人的帮助时，对方还是留下来陪她的经历有关。occasionally"偶尔"；frequently"经常地"；usually"通常"；seldom"很少"。]

19．A.range B．symbol C．way D．mix

答案　D　[有时一个人的独立是骄傲、勇敢、顽强和运气的结合。range"一系列"；symbol"象征"；way"方式"；mix"混合，结合"。]

20．A.adventurous B．brave

C．independent D．creative

答案　C　[根据文章第一句以及下文的内容可知，作者是一个非常独立的

人。]