When I walked into the house after school, the first thing I noticed was a box with items I recognized from my dad's office. "What are you doing home already?" I asked casually. "Andrew, I was laid off today," he answered, quietly. I was sure he was joking. "No, you weren't. Why are you really home?" Then I noticed his seriousness and realized he was telling the truth. My father has always been a hard worker and prided himself on his career. Providing for our family has been his joy, and I guess I had taken his work for granted. My father's unemployment created many changes in our lives. For starters, he was home all the time, which meant my bed had to be made, my room cleaned up, and my homework done right after school. I would come home every day to find him at the computer searching for jobs. I began to notice how down he seemed, and how losing his job had affected his self-esteem, though he tried to be optimistic. For the first time, I saw my dad as vulnerable. He asked my brother and me to spend less. I gave up my allowance, which even though it wasn't much, felt like the right thing to do. I also found a part-time job. After several difficult months of searching, my dad decided to go in a totally different direction. He explained that he never wanted to be laid off again, so he was going to start his own business. Day by day, I watched him build it, and I admired how much time and energy he expended. One evening I asked if he needed help. "Only if it doesn't interfere with school," he said. k*s5*u I showed up at his office the next afternoon, and most afternoons after that for two months. I always knew he was a hard worker, but watching him in action really impacted me. Although this was one of the worst experiences for our family, it taught me a lot about dealing with adversity. Now I know that through creative problem-solving, I can always find Plan B, ask for help, and take risks. What I have learned from my dad's understanding of business and his work ethic are two of the most important lessons I... The author's attitude toward his father's former job was _ . A) unconcerned B) sympathetic C) doubtful D) tolerant
A
(Question)
A few years ago, my younger sister and I were the first to board our flight for Norfolk, Virginia. Just as we were about to board the plane, a mechanic came out of the aircraft and blocked the door with his arms. He turned to the flight attendant and hurriedly stated, "We got problems!" I thought to myself, "Why did I have to be the one to hear that? Why couldn't I have been at the back of the line? I didn't need to know that!" Very soon we were back in the terminal, waiting, and then finally back on the plane. I waited for the pilot to give an explanation. Pilots take courses to ease passengers' mind, right? They know what to say to calm nerves. Unfortunately, I didn't think this pilot took that course. Soon his voice thundered throughout the plane, "Sorry for the delay, ladies and gentlemen. We had no power on the plane. We have a generator on the ground right now, and we're going to jump-start the engines. Once we get them going, we'll get up in the air and head to Norfolk, and see what happens." See what happens? We were going to get up in the air, and see what happens? Couldn't we have another plan, one that's been worked out just a little better? At this point, all I could do was to laugh nervously. One woman started yelling, "Oh no! We're going to crash!" There were sighs of desperation and anxiety spreading throughout the cabin. Finally, we got up in the air thirty minutes later, and what happened? Nothing ---other than thrust and lift. We arrived in Norfolk, and no sooner had the wheels touched the ground than a round of applause burst out, as everyone throughout the airplane simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief. Although, I did sincerely like to have a plan better than "see what happens" worked out when flying --- it really isn't such a bad life strategy. Success will never be guaranteed. The best thing you can do is just get up in the air, and see what happens. Sometimes adjustments would be made in the air, or shall we say, in the middle of the process. What event was beyond the author's expectation? A) The mechanic explained the problems to the passengers. B) The pilot said nothing to calm the passengers. C) The passengers arrived in Norfolk safely. D) The flight was delayed for half an hour.
(Answer)
B
The Airport Art Program is proud to have three Youth Art Galleries at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Georgia students, from kindergarten to twelfth grade, are given the chances to have their artwork exhibited to an ever-changing audience in the millions. In return these talented youths provide new artwork every three months to enrich the airport. The first gallery opened in the summer of 1997. In December of 1998 a second gallery opened. Both of these galleries are organized by the Airport Art Program and Georgia Art Education Association(GAEA). The GAEA aims to improve the conditions of teaching art across Georgia. They organize meetings for art students to improve their skills and provide exhibition chances for them to show their artwork. They also hold meetings twice a year for teachers. The third Youth Art Gallery is organized by the Airport Art Program and the Youth Art Connection(YAC)of Atlanta. YAC is a part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. YAC uses the arts as a way to connect with children and teens who don't get enough help or services. They also work with the community to provide cultural enrichment programs for young people. To join in or get information about the first and second Youth Art Galleries, please visit the Georgia Art Education Association's website at _ or click _ for a brochure . For information about the third Youth art Gallery and the Youth Art Connection, please visit _ . To buy artwork from any of the three Youth Art Galleries, please call(404) 382-2455. What does GAEA do according to the text? A) They organize meetings for teachers every two years. B) They provide exhibition changes for teachers. C) They help art students to improve their skills. D) They help art students to sell their artwork.
C