A job is more than a job, especially to the old. "It's not the money that matters, but the sense of self-worth," 56-year-old Cheng Wonlan said. So, every day Ms Cheng carries a bag of parcels, letters and documents and does her rounds in North Point. She's a courier . Five years ago, Ms Cheng was a nurse at a private clinic. She had worked there for 30 years but became jobless when the doctor moved away. It was difficult for her to find another job as a nurse. "People do not trust my ability when they learn how old I am," she said. After two years of searching, she eventually found another nursing job. But then after two years, she quit. Why? "My colleagues were young and they didn't understand me because of my age. They often asked me, 'You are so old. What are you working for?' I was very unhappy," she said. When the rest of her family left for work, she was lonely and bored at home. Then her neighbours told her about Employees' Retraining Board offering retraining courses for older people. These courses are specifically designed to encourage the older people back to work. "I was interested in courier work. I didn't think my age was a barrier because I was fit," she said. Upon graduating, Ms Cheng was offered a job by a company. But then Ms Cheng was faced with a conflict: she was caught between honour and employment. "I felt embarrassed about carrying and delivering letters and parcels," she said. It took Ms Cheng 24 hours to make up her mind: there was nothing wrong or embarrassing about doing the job. So she went off to work as a courier. Ms Cheng's employer, Anthony Chong, is delighted with her responsible attitude and said, "I hire older people because they are able and reliable. Age is not an important factor but attitude is. Many old people will not run from difficulties but the young ones will." Why was it difficult for Ms Cheng to find another nursing job? A) Nursing clinics were hard to find. B) She found it difficult to trust others. C) People thought she was too old to work. D) People didn't think she had enough work experience.
C
Once upon a time two brothers who lived on neighboring farms fell into conflict . It was the first serious one in 40 years of farming side by side, sharing machinery, and trading labor and goods as needed. Then the long cooperation fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference, and finally it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence. One morning there was a knock on John' door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Could I help you?" "Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor, in fact, it's my younger brother. Last week there was a meadow between us and he took his bulldozer to the levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll go him one better. I want you to build me a fence--an 8-foot fence --so I won't need to see his place anymore. Cool him down, anyhow." The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. I'll be able to do a job that pleases you." The older brother had to go to town for supplies, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day measuring, sawing, nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job. The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all. It was a bridge-- a bridge stretching from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work-- and his younger brother was coming across, his hand outstretched. "You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done." The brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in the middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter lift his toolbox on his shoulder. "No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother. "I'd love to... What was life like for the two brothers before the conflict? A) They lived a poor, miserable life. B) They were friendly neighbors, helping each other. C) They never spoke to each other. D) They lived together as one family.
B
Spring is just around the corner and it's a time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. Here is a selection of festivals around the country that are a great excuse to travel and get back in the spring sunshine. Dana Point Festival of the Whales Dana Point, California March 7 to 8 and 14 to 15, 2010 Each year, over two sunny weekends in March the town of Dana Point, California celebrates the return of migratory California gray whales to this part of the Pacific Ocean. Festivities include whale-watching, an arts festival and educational hands-on activities for the entire family. Prices start at $29 per adult and $19 for children. For more information, visit: www.dpfestivalofwhales.com Chandler Ostrich Festival Chandler, Arizona March 13 to 15, 2010 Chandler is the center of ostrich ranching in the USA. You can see ride these feathered beasts around the ostrich track at Tumbleweed Park. General admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for children aged 5 to 12 and kids 4 and under are free. For more information, visit: www.ostrichfestival.com Festival of Houses and Gardens Charleston, South Carolina March 19 to April 18, 2010 The Historic Charleston Foundation gives curious travelers the opportunity to explore gardens of some of the finest private residences in America. Each 3-hour tour (afternoons from 2 to 5 pm and evenings from 6 to 9 pm) lets you visit 8 to 10 properties dating from the American colonial period. Prices range from $25 to $45. For more information, visit: www.historiccharleston.org Tulip Time Festival Holland, Michigan May 1 to 9, 2010 You don't need to travel to the Netherlands this spring to see and smell some of the world's finest tulips . The annual Tulip Time Festival, one of the largest flower festivals in the country, will kick off with fireworks on May 1. Admission fee ranges from $6 for the children's area to $38 for theatre tickets. Tickets and more information are available at: www.tuliptime.com Which of the following is TRUE of Tulip Time Festival? A) It is held in a town in the Netherlands. B) It will start with fireworks on the first day. C) It is the largest flower festival in the world. D) Admission is free for children.
B