I’ve often felt that “step-parent” is a label(标签) we attach (贴) to men and women who marry into families where children already exist. At least that’s how I used to(36) about being a stepmother to my husband’s four children.
My husband and I had been together for six years, and with him I had(37) as his young children became young teenagers.(38) they lived mainly with their mother, they spent a lot of time with us as well. However, I (39) to feel somewhat like an outsider.
When the children moved to a town five hours away, we contacted Cyberspace(网络公司) and set up an e-mail in order to maintain(40)communication with the kids.
Ironically(令人啼笑皆非的是), these (41)tools of communication can also make us feel out of(42). If a computer message came addressed to “Dad”, I’d feel (43) and neglected(忽视). If my name appeared along with his, it would(44) my day and make me feel like I was part of their family unit(45).
Late one evening, as my husband watched TV and I was catching up on my (46), an“instant message” appeared on the screen. It was Margo, my oldest step-daughter. As we had done in the past, we sent several(47) back and forth, exchanging the latest news. When we would “chat” like that, she wouldn’t necessarily(48) if it was me or her dad on the other end of the keyboard----that is(49) she asked. That night she didn’t ask. After hearing the latest volleyball scores, the details about an upcoming dance at her school, I suggested that it was late and I should get to (50). Her retum message read, “Okay, talk to you later! Love you !.”
As I read this message, a wave of (51) ran through me and I realized that she must have thought she was writing to her (52) the whole time. I simply answered, “Love you too!Have a good sleep !”
I thought(53) of their family circle, that self-contained, private space where I was an outsider. I felt again the sharp ache of emptiness and othemess(格格不入) .Then just as my fingers reached for the keys, just as I was about to retum the screen to black, Margo’s (54) message appeared. It read, “Tell Dad good night for me too.” With (55) eyes, I turned the machine off.
36.A.talk B.feel C.think D.worry
37.A.watched B.cared C.lived D.waited
38.A.As B.Since C.But D. Although
39.A.stopped B.decided C.continued D.refused
40.A.special B.wonderful C.regular D.usual
41.A.modern B.advanced C.popular D.expensive
42.A.reach B.touch C.control D.date
43.A.lost B.forgotten C.loved D.excited
44.A.brighten B.darken C.damage D.encourage
45.A.at all B.at last C.after all D.at least
46.A.computer B.e-mail C.writing D.chatting
47.A.messages B.letters C.greetings D.sentences
48.A.tell B.find C.know D.wonder
49.A.when B.unless C.even if D.before
50.A.work B.sleep C.talk D.stop
51.A.anger B.sadness C.sickness D.nervousness
52.A.sister B.mother C.father D.stepmother
53.A.more B.much C.well D.again
54.A.last B.usual C.final D.first
55.A.tear-filled B.sleepy C.wide-opened D.closed

 

36--40 CDDCC

41--45 ACBAB

46--50 AABBB

51--55 BCBCA