D
The children wanted to give a proper birthday celebration to Mr Perks. The poorly-paid station worker was always kind to everyone in the village and never accepted rewards. Moreover, he often fixed broken toys for the children. After a discussion, the children decided to ask villagers for more gifts. Hearing their plan, Mother agreed, but warned, “Remember, true kindness shows respect and won’t make the receiver feel
embarrassed.”
Then the children went around the village collecting small gifts for Mr Perks. Each villager remembered his kindness. When they brought the gifts to Mr Perks’ little house, his wife cried happily, “This will be Perks’ best birthday!”
As Mr Perks came home, the children quickly hid in the wash-house. Then Bobbie realized a big problem—she forgot to put names on each gift! Now Mr Perks might think all the gifts were from the children. It seemed that they had spent all money on him to show off their generosity(慷慨), exactly what Mother had warned them not to do.
Soon they heard the voice of Mr Perks, loud and rather angry. “I won’t accept charity!” Then Mr Perks found the children in the wash-house. He rushed to the door and pushed it open hard.
“Come out,” said Mr Perks, “come out and tell me what you mean by it.”
“Oh!” said Phyllis, “I thought you’d be happy.”
“We didn’t mean any harm,” said Peter.
“But you did hurt me,” said Mr Perks.
“These aren’t just from us,” Peter explained. “The whole village gave them because you’ve helped everyone!”
“Then why shame me before the whole village?” Mr Perks shouted.
With shaking fingers, Bobbie pulled out the notes they’d prepared. She read them one by one: ① From Mother: “Only giving some old clothes because Mr Perks has been so kind; I can’t do much because we’re poor ourselves.” ② From the Blacksmith: “Made this tool special for a respected man.” ③ …
Mrs Perks cried, “They’re not pity gifts, dear. They’re thanks.”
After a long silence, Mr Perks’ serious look softened. “Well… can’t say no to kindness,” he said quietly, “the kind respect of our neighbours is worth having, right?”
(
B
)36. Why did the children celebrate Mr Perks’ birthday?
A. To show off generosity.
B. To give back his kindness.
C. To get gifts from villagers.
D. To follow their mother’s plan.
(
C
)37. What does the underlined word “embarrassed” mean?
A. Excited.
B. Cheerful.
C. Uncomfortable.
D. Impatient.
(
B
)38. Why did Mr Perks refuse the gifts at first?
A. He hated surprises and preferred simple celebrations.
B. He mistook the gifts just for charity instead of thanks.
C. He hoped for some wonderful and unusual birthday gifts.
D. He thought the villagers were showing off their generosity.
(
A
)39. 【新考法】
事件排序 Which of the following shows the RIGHT order of the story?
a. The children hid.
b. Mr Perks accepted the gifts.
c. The children collected gifts.
d. Mrs Perks explained.
e. Mr Perks shouted at the children.
A. c-a-e-d-b
B. c-a-d-e-b
C. a-c-e-d-b
D. a-c-e-b-d
(
C
)40. What is the best title for this story?
A. Expensive gifts
B. Generous children
C. A special celebration
D. A poor station worker
