When middle-aged Alex quit his job and made up his mind to become a self-employe

When middle-aged Alex quit his job and made up hismind to become a self-employed writer， no one couldtell for sure whether he would succeed or not. He found a cold storage room ina building, set up a used typewriter and settled down to work.

After a year or so, however, Alex began to doubthimself. He found it was difficult to earn his living by selling what he wrote.But Alex determined to put his dream to the test—even though it meant livingwith uncertainty and fear of failure. This is the shadowland (虚幻世界) of hope, and anyone with a dream must learn to livethere.

One day Alex got a call,“We need an assistant, andwe’re paying $6,000 a year.” $6,000 was real money in 1960. It would enableAlex to get a nice apartment ,a used car and more. Besides, he could write inhis spare time. As the dollars were dancing in Alex’s head, something clearedhis senses. He had dreamed of being a writer--full time. “Thanks, but no,” Alexsaid firmly and swiftly, “I’m going to stick it out and write.”

After Alex got off the phone, he pulled out everythinghe had: two cans of vegetables and 18 cents. Alex put the cans and cents into apaper bag, saying to himself, “There’s everything you’ve made of yourself sofar. I’m not sure I ever felt so low.”

Finally his work was published in 1970.Instantly hehad the kind of fame and success that few writers ever experience. The shadowshad turned into focus of attention.

Then one day, Alex found a box filled with things hehad owned years before. Inside was a paper bag with two cans and 18 cents.Suddenly he pictured himself working in that cold storage room. It remindsAlex, and anyone with a dream, of the courage and persistence(坚毅) it takes to stay the course(持续到底) in the shadowland.

1.Why did Alex give up his job?

A．Because hedidn’t like the working conditions.

B．Because hecouldn’t earn enough to make a living.

C．Because hewanted to be a full-time writer.

D．Because hefelt he had no potential in his job.

2.What did Alex express when he answered the call?

A．He refusedthe job offer.

B．He waswilling to give them a hand.

C．He expectedthem to pay him more money.

D．He wouldwrite in his spare time.

3.What kind of person is Alex?

A．determined        B．modest           C．shy              D．brave

4.Which of the following can summarize the passagebest?

A．Look beforeyou leap

B．Two heads arebetter than one.

C．Hold on toyour dream, and it will come true.

D．A bird inhand is worth two in the bush.

试题答案

【答案】

1.C

2.A

3.A

4.C

【解析】

试题