Passage 12

江蘇卷

Years ago, a critical event occurred in my life that would change it forever. I met Kurt Kampmeir of Success Motivation Incorporation for breakfast. While we were　 1 　, Kurt asked me, “John, what is your　 2 　for personal growth?”

Never at a loss for words, I tried to find things in my life that might　 3 　for growth. I told him about the many activities in which I was　 4 　. And I went into a　 5 　about how hard I worked and the gains I was making. I must have talked for ten minutes. Kurt　 6 　patiently, but then he　 7 　smiled and said, “You don’t have a personal plan for growth, do you?”

“No, I　 8 　.”

“You know,” Kurt said simply, “growth is not a(n)　 9 　process.”

And that’s when it　 10 　me. I wasn’t doing anything　 11 　to make myself better. And at that moment, I made the　 12 　:I will develop and follow a personal growth plan for my　 13 　.

That night, I talked to my wife about my　 14 　with Kurt and what I had learned. I　 15 　her the workbook and tapes Kurt was selling. We　 16 　that Kurt wasn’t just trying to make a sale. He was offering a　 17 　for us to change our lives and achieve our dreams.

Several important things happened that day. First, we decided to　 18 　the resources. But more importantly, we made a commitment to　 19 　together as a couple. From that day on, we learned together, traveled together, and sacrificed together. It was a　 20 　decision. While too many couples grow apart, we were growing together.

1. A. working　B. preparing　C. thinking　D. eating

2. A. suggestion　B. demand　C. plan　D. request

3. A. appeal　B. look　C. call　D. qualify

4. A. involved　B. trapped　C. lost　D. bathed

5. A. lecture　B. speech　C. discussion　D. debate

6. A. calculated　B. listened　C. drank　D. explained

7. A. eagerly　B. gradually　C. gratefully　D. finally

8. A. admitted　B. interrupted　C. apologized　D. complained

9. A. automatic　B. slow　C. independent　D. changing

10. A. confused　B. informed　C. pleased　D. hit

11. A. on loan　B. on purpose　C. on sale　D. on balance

12. A. comment　B. announcement　C. decision　D. arrangement

13. A. life　B. progress　C. performance　D. investment

14. A. contract　B. conversation　C. negotiation　D. argument

15. A. lent　B. sold　C. showed　D. offered

16. A. recalled　B. defined　C. recognized　D. declared

17. A. tool　B. method　C. way　D. rule

18. A. provide　B. buy　C. give　D. deliver

19. A. grow　B. survive　C. move　D. gather

20. A. difficult　B. random　C. firm　D. wise