A
I will be traveling to Australia as a Student Ambassador with People to People.People to People arranges for American students to travel all around the world to learn about other cultures, and to help others understand American culture.The program was founded by former President Dwight D．Eisenhower to promote peace through understanding.
I had to put in many hours of special work to get to this point.First, a teacher nominated me, and then I attended an informational meeting about the program.The application process included an interview, and finally, I was accepted.
That's when the hard work really began.In addition to attending monthly meetings to prepare for the big trip, my parents encouraged my twin sister Beth (also participating in the program) and me to raise 2,000 each to help pay for the cost.And so the fundraising began.We did everything from selling subs and candy bars to selling an old car to decorating people's mailboxes during the holiday season.We also babysat, washed cars, held a yard sale, and washed windows.After months of hard work I had raised a total of 2,319.87! Combined, Beth and I raised over 4,500.00!
Now I have a problem—packing.Yes, I know it sounds unimportant, but my suitcase seems to have shrunk as I placed my belongings inside.According to airline regulations, a suitcase can be no larger than 54 inches and weigh no more than 44 pounds.For a person who likes to wear a different outfit every day, packing all my clothes into such a small space seemed an impossible task.However, I have gradually lessened my load and my suitcase which started out weighing overweight now checks in at a mere 36 pounds.Apart from a slightly bloated(臃肿的) carryon bag, my luggage is definitely manageable.
I doubt that I will get much sleep tonight because I am so excited! I know that what lies ahead is going to be the trip of a lifetime!
语篇导读
本文为记叙文，讲述了作者作为学生大使出访澳大利亚，在出访之前所做的大量准备工作。
21．When does the author write the passage?
A．The night prior to departure.
B．Several months before the journey.
C．Just hours after reaching the destination.
D．The night when she was accepted.
解析 A 推理判断题。根据最后一段第一句可知，作者怀疑今晚会不会睡得好，因为太兴奋了，所以写这篇文章的时间是在出发的前一天晚上，故选A项。
22．How does the author manage the packing before the journey?
A．Packing all the clothes into a large bag.
B．Reducing the weight of the luggage to a required level.
C．Placing all belongings inside a suitcase.
D．Setting out with a suitcase weighing overweight.
解析 B 细节理解题。根据第四段倒数第二句可知，作者逐步减少负荷量，原来超重的箱子现在只有36磅，故选B项(将行李减轻到航空公司所要求的水平)。
23．What does the author think of the journey?
A．It could be a tiring, expensive journey.
B．It could be a longlasting journey, which needs taking all daily necessities.
C．It could be an exciting, unforgettable journey.
D．It could be an oversea journey, during which she would experience hard labour.
解析 C 推理判断题。根据最后一段可推知，对于作者来说这将是一次令人兴奋的终生难忘的旅行，故选C项。
