because she wanted them to _43_ him, even if only for one day.

　　Molly would never have thought that her message would 44 people all over the world. These 45 , letters, and messages are not only birthday wishes, but kind and 46 words offering support.

　　Molly was excited and kept the cards 47 until Roman's birthday and he was so astonished. When he 48 school, plenty of classmates were very eager to wish him a happy birthday and even had cards of their own. What's more, Roman also had a party at his home with 55 49_ .

　　He invited another classmate often 50 by others, just like himself. Roman made use of this chance to make everyone feel 51 .

　　Roman will still have difficulty in 52 as time goes on. He has made some large progress by taking a big step in the right direction. With everything that has happened, his family couldn't be 53 .The boy had thought he would get nothing, but he got the 54 of his life.

　　Although Roman's birthday has passed, you can still send him a card by heading to the 55 for more information.

36. A. fault B. happiness C. interest D. hope

37. A. festival B. chance C. birthday D. trouble

38. A. celebrate B. stop C. hate D. forget

39. A. gift B. party C. card D. amazement

40. A. point B. time C. place D. fun

41. A. lonely B. weak C. hopeful D. nervous

42. A. friends B. teachers C. relatives D. classmates

43. A. understand B. persuade C. accept D. follow

44. A. help B. influence C. reach D. gather

45. A. cakes B. calls C. mails D. cards

46. A. encouraging B. exciting C. common D. unusual

47. A. opened B. placed C. painted D. hidden

48. A. finished B. resisted C. returned D. left

49. A. candles B. presents C. strangers D. guests

50. A. learned from B. talked about C. left out D. laughed at

51. A. satisfied B. included C. proud D. shocked

52. A. making friends B. speak fluently C. chatting online D. walking normally

53. A. sadder B. smarter C. luckier D. happier

54. A. knowledge B. kindness C. surprise D. fortune

55. A. page B. school C. house D. store

第三部分 阅读理解（共20小题，每题2分，满分40分）

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

　　It's a deal that has worked throughout human history: Your parents take care of you when you are little and you return it when they are old. But sometimes it is turned on its head. Maria Garcia is 77 years old. After a happy life, she is now suffering from dementia (痴呆 ). The person she depends on more than anyone else in the world...... is her mother.

Her mother, Rosario Schielzeth, turned 104 this week. Her daughter had to be reminded every few minutes who the birthday balloons were for and Rosario didn't mind answering, every