2023级高二下学期英语期中考试
本试卷共10页，85小题，满分150分。考试用时120分钟。
第I卷
第一部分 听力理解（满分15分）
每段播放两遍。各段后有几个小题，各段播放前每小题有5秒钟的阅题时间。请根据各段播放内容及相关小题，在5秒钟内从题中所给的ABC项中，选出最佳选项。
听第一段对话，回答第1-3题。
Why is the man in the bank
A. To open a savings account.
B. To open a checking account.
C. To apply for a cash card.
2. What can we learn from the conversation
A. The man is new here in England.
B. The man will deposit 50 dollars.
C. The man hasn’t taken his ID with him.
3. What will the man do next
A. Show the woman his passport.
B. Fill in the deposit slip.
C. Fill in the application form.
听第二段对话，回答第4-6题。
4. How much does the exam count towards the final grade
A. 50%. B. 30%. C. 20%.
5. Which isn’t counted to the final grade according to the conversation
A. The exam. B. The final paper. C. The final report.
6. What will the woman do next
A. Go home. B. Go for lunch. C. Go to the library.
听第三段独白，回答第7-9题。
7. What is the main idea of the talk
A. It is necessary to reduce the use of plastic packages.
B. Plastics are very useful to our daily life.
C. How to use the plastic more efficiently.
8. What do we know about plastic according to the talk
A. It can’t last long.
B. Plastic products are improving in quality.
C. Plastic will benefit future generations.
9. How do stores encourage people to bring reusable bags
A. By giving free reusable bags.
B. By charging for shopping bags.
C. By recycling plastic bags.
听第四段对话，回答第10-12题。
10. What’s the relationship between the two speakers
A. Doctor and patient’s father.
B. Doctor and patient.
C. Nurse and patient’s uncle.
11. How long has the patient been ill
A. Several days. B. Less than one day. C. Two days.
12. When should the patient be sent to the woman
A. When the patient feels worse and falls asleep for unknown reason.
B. When the patient is still conscious.
C. When the patient feels worse and has a higher fever.
听第五段独白，回答第13-15题。
13. How heavy is the dog
A. 120 pounds. B. 20 pounds. C. Not mentioned.
Which is true about the dog
A. She is now dead.
B. She wore a space suit and metal helmet in the space travel.
C. She took part in the first space travel of Russia.
15. What can we learn from the conversation
A. Sputnik II traveled at a speed of 17480 miles an hour.
B. Sputnik II carried a man and a dog.
C. Sputnik II was on a test run.
第二部分 阅读（满分50分）
阅读理解（15*2.5，满分37.5分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C、和D）中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
A
Active Cities -- A Glimpse into Global Fitness
Berlin: Sports City in Europe
In the middle of Europe, there is Berlin, a city famous for its love of sports. With more than 2,500 sports clubs, Berlin has many things for people who like to exercise. People like to ride bikes in Berlin, and there are special paths for bikes on the city’s old streets. The city also has a big running race called the Berlin Marathon, where runners from all over the world come to join.
Sydney: City of the Great Outdoors
Far away across the ocean, in Australia, is Sydney, a city that loves being outside. There is a famous path called the Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk where people like to run and walk. Water sports are very popular here, and many people enjoy surfing and kayaking. The beaches in Sydney are not just for lying in the sun; they are places where people exercise and have fun together.
Tokyo: Old and New Ways to Stay Fit
In Asia, Tokyo is a city that mixes old and new ways to stay healthy. There are many places to learn martial arts (武术), which shows that the city values discipline and being strong. Tokyo also has many modern ways to exercise, with lots of gyms and yoga places for people who cared about their health.
New York: Always on the Move
Adding to our list, New York City is a place where people are always moving. From people running along Reservoir Running Track or Bridle Path early in the morning in Central Park to yoga classes on rooftops at night, New York is full of activity. The city’s parks are full of people playing sports, from basketball to tai chi. New York’s way of staying fit is as different as the people who live there, with something for everyone.
These cities show us that no matter where you are in the world, there are always ways to keep your body moving and stay healthy.
16. Who participates in the Berlin Marathon
A. Cycling enthusiasts. B. Professional athletes.
C. Worldwide runners. D. Local residents only.
17.What do Sydney and New York have in common
A. Both have famous beaches. B. Both have many sports clubs.
C. Both own lots of yoga studios. D. Both own popular running paths.
18. Where is this text probably taken from
A. A book about tourism. B. A magazine about sports.
C. A dairy from a tourist. D. A guide for city planning.
B
The afternoon air was thick and warm, and by the time my dad and I reached the bay, which we called a swimming palace, my clothes were damp and itchy on my skin. Dad dived into a splash, heading out toward the edge of our narrow bay. Overwhelmed, suddenly, with envy, I did what I hadn’t done in years: I held my breath and pulled my own head underwater.
There, suspended beneath the glimmering (闪着微光) surface, I remembered it all -- my love of diving, swimming, rivers and lakes. I knew what it was like again: to be free and fully present in my own skin.
Though I’ve always loved the water, I had spent seven years prior to that day staying away from moments like this one. I was afraid. Struggling for a long time with long-term skin conditions, unhelpful treatments and the pressures of teenage girls’ appearance, I had become entirely reliant on my makeup. I needed total control over how I looked, and going swimming meant washing this control away. My bare face and natural appearance were not something I identified with. I hated it, deeply, though I wished more than anything that I didn’t.
But those 10 minutes of contentment I floated within were fuel for the next chapter of my life. Suddenly, it didn’t matter how I did it. Whether through medication or mental attitude, I would find a way to have the kind of life that allowed me to dive into the water.
That day was the beginning of a slow but determined journey back to my own body -- a slow unlearning of my deep self-consciousness. Life didn’t change in a heartbeat: I returned to the shore with all the same fears, but I clothed myself in a new determination to change things. I felt the tide turn.
Reflecting on this moment again today, it seems strange to think that going bare-faced on an empty beach was such a challenge. But this is exactly the perspective I had once dreamed of reaching. I do my best never to take for granted this freedom I have found. I will sink under the surface of the water, embracing that swell of fear and joy and liberation.
19. The author avoided swimming for seven years because __________.
A. she had no access to the bay
B. she had to receive treatments
C. she hated to reapply her makeup
D. she felt insecure without makeup
20. What does the underlined word “it” mean in paragraph 3
A. My appearance. B. Going swimming in the sea.
C. Unhelpful treatment. D. Pressure of teenage girls.
21. How did the author feel after she returned from the diving
A. Hesitant. B. Proud. C. Resolved. D. Joyful.
22. What message does the author want to convey in the passage
A. You can’t judge a book by its cover.
B. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
C. Self-acceptance is the greatest gift.
D. Nothing is difficult to a willing heart.
C
Twenty years ago my husband, Mark, broke his left ankle and was in a cast for nearly two months. Last year he broke the other ankle. But this time, after surgery, his doctor surprised us by instructing Mark to walk on it two weeks later.
It turns out the standard advice to stay off a broken leg bone for at least six weeks is based less on scientific evidence and more on cultural caution -- physicians like to play it safe. But now studies show that complications (并发症) are no more likely with early weight-bearing than with a long delay. Except in a few complex cases, walking around earlier helps broken bones heal.
If you are fully immobilized, “you come out of the cast with a weak leg that takes forever to overcome,” says Alex Trompeter of St. George’ s University of London. “The rate at which you lose muscle mass is far faster than the rate at which you gain it.” You’ re slow to build bone, too. Consider astronauts. After six months in zero gravity at the International Space Station, they lose 10 percent of their bone density, and to counteract that loss they do exercises that approximate bearing weight.
When a bone breaks, surgery is usually performed -- first a “reduction” to restore the pieces of bone to the right position and then “fixation” to hold them in place. The bone then heals naturally by forming callus (骨痂), which then turns into bone. The right amount of load is critical to this process. Too little results in no callus; too much prevents the broken pieces from growing together again. Surgical implants hold the bone in place until that process is complete.
A randomized controlled trial published in The Lancet in 2024 found that early weight-bearing after two weeks posed no greater risk than waiting six weeks and improved function. “Surgeons just needed a push,” says Bretherton, who led the study. He hopes this evidence “gives them that confidence”.
As for my husband, within two months, the point at which he was just coming out of a cast last time, his scar was fully healed, and he was walking normally again.
23. What does the author highlight by mentioning astronauts in paragraph 3
A. The importance of exercise to overall health.
B. The negative effects of inactivity on bone health.
C. The need for surgical intervention in bone healing.
D. The role of weight-bearing in reducing bone density.
24. What are the consequences improper amount of load on a healing bone
A. Misaligned bones and weakened bones.
B. A slower recovery and structural weakness.
C. Increased injuries and weaker stability.
D. Delayed bone growth and displaced bones.
25. What does Bretherton suggest surgeons do
A. Avoid unnecessary risks. B. Boost patients’ confidence.
C. Revise their clinical practices. D. Hold more expert consultations.
26. What can be a suitable title for the text
A. How Callus Speeds up Bone Healing B. Healing Broken Legs Faster
C. Improving Surgery for Bone Breaks D. Why Exercises Prevent Bone Loss
D
Since the 1950s, some 9.2 billion tons of plastic have been produced globally, of which only about 10% has ever been recycled. Yet environmentally conscious companies and consumers continue to look to recycling as a way to ease the plastic problem. Manufacturing giants claim to be committed to making more of their products and packaging from recycled materials. However, this confidence masks a complex web of issues around plastic recycling. Recycling rates remain extremely low and critics argue that we should look at alternative ways to tackle plastic pollution.
While many plastics have the potential to be recycled, most are not because the process is costly, complicated and the resulting product of a lower quality than the original. Despite rising demand for recycled plastic, few waste companies turn a profit. Part of this is because original plastic linked to oil prices is often cheaper than recycled plastic, meaning there is little economic incentive to use it. Worse yet, much of our plastic waste is difficult to recycle. Lightweight food packaging, like a mozzarella packet, contains different plastics, dyes and poisonous additives. This dirty mix means plastic recycled through mechanical methods -- the most common form -- can only be melted down and remade again a couple of times before it becomes too fragile to be reused. And the nature of the process means plastic recycling has a carbon footprint of its own.
Given all of these difficulties, environmental critics say recycling is not the solution -- and argue that creating more products from recycled material to attract environmental consciousness merely worsens the problem. “The solution is to use less plastic and to stop misleading the public about the recyclability,” says Enek, president of Beyond Plastics, a US campaign group with a mission to end single-use plastic. “They should stop making false claims about the recyclability of plastics since they know most will either be littered or burned or buried. Using less plastics means shifting to reusable products and relying more on paper, cardboard, glass and metal -- all of which should be made from recycled content.”
27.What is an environmentally conscious customer’s attitude towards recycling plastics
A. Suspicious. B. Favorable. C. Indifferent. D. Disapproving.
28.What does the underlined word “incentive” in Paragraph 2 probably mean
A. Motive. B. Issue. C. Crisis. D. Policy.
29.What is Paragraph 2 mainly about
A. The recycling process of plastics.
B. Pollutants contained in recycled plastics.
C. Reasons why users dislike recycled plastics.
D. Contributing factors to low plastic recycling rates.
30.What will the environmental critics be happy to see according to the text
A. Using more non-plastic alternatives.
B. Improve the recycling rate of plastics.
C. Processing plastics in a mechanical way.
D. Launching campaigns to promote recyclability.
阅读填空（5*2.5，满分12.5分）
根据短文内容,从短文后的选项中选出能填入空白处的最佳选项,选项中有两项为多余选项。
When did we start walking for leisure
“Going for a walk” is a popular pastime among older and younger generations alike because of its well-known benefits for our physical and mental health. But you may be surprised to hear that wandering through pretty streets or hiking in mountains have not always been considered leisure activities, according to Daniel Gale, a researcher of pedestrianism (步行运动).
31 Before that, it was just something people did out of necessity, some of whom even associated it with criminal activity. But for Charles Dickens, the famous English 19th century author, marching through London streets and tramping around the countryside was a big part of the creative process. 32 He walked at an impressive pace of four miles per hour, according to his biography by Peter Ackroyd.
33 Perhaps you can take inspirations from another big-thinking wanderer. 19th century American writer Henry David Thoreau took a slower approach, preferring to stroll over hills and fields and through the woods. He said that he could not preserve his health and spirits without walking at least four hours a day.
This idea of taking a stroll to clear your head has survived through to the 21st century. But have pedestrian manners remained the same A 1780 article for the London Magazine advised pedestrians to avoid things such as hanging around in conversation and blocking people behind you. 34
In this modern age, when many of us are tied to our desks and to our screens, try the simple act of stepping out onto the city pavements, or getting lost in nature. 35 Whether you see yourself more as a casual stroller or a purposeful strider (阔步者), why not build a habit out of it
A. What if speed-walking isn’t your thing
B. This may make all the difference to our well-being.
C. Nowadays, we could add distracted phone-users.
D. He brought the recreation of walking into fashion.
E. Going on a walk in nature is much more beneficial now.
F. It was a time to absorb what was going on around him.
G. In Britain, walking for fun wasn’t really a thing until the 1780s.
第四部分 语言运用（满分30分）
完形填空（15*1，满分15分）
阅读下面短文,从短文后各题所给的四个选项 (A、B、C和D) 中,选出可以填 入空白处的最佳选项,并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Mom gave me an abundance of love. Her first love language was 36 . Smells of soups often filled the house. The cookie jar was always 37 freshly-made cookies!
But a few times a year, like my birthday or the Spring Festival, we’d have a 38 treat - homemade fudge (乳汁软糖). Mom would go to the store to 39 all the ingredients. And then she shut herself in the kitchen and I, in my room, waited 40 . Finally, I’d hear her 41 , “Diana, it’s time!”
I’d fly out to 42 . She’d mix everything together and hand me the wooden spoon to stir. That was my 43 . I was the professional stirrer. It was tiring but somebody had to do it.
This was not the 44 soft fudge. It was not creamy soft. It was hard. Soft enough to bite into but hard enough that it 45 anyone who tried it for the first time. “This is fudge ” they would ask.
My mom 46 right before my thirty-first birthday. I cried my eyes out. That first Spring Festival, my aunt 47 , “Will you make me some fudge for the new year ” My throat tightened with tears but I managed a(n) 48 “yes”.
When I hung up that day, I decided, months after my mom left us, to 49 the family tradition of making fudge. It’s not just about fudge. It’s about a mother’s love and 50 .
36. A. gifts B. food C. company D. support
37. A. empty of B. packed with C. designed for D. free from
38. A. special B. luxurious C. costly D. refreshing
39. A. enquire B. list C. purchase D. prepare
40. A. gratefully B. nervously C. politely D. eagerly
41. A. shout B. comment C. answer D. whisper
42. A. help B. chat C. learn D. reply
43. A. plan B. desire C. choice D. job
44. A. unique B. well-prepared C. average D. good-looking
45. A. convinced B. confused C. interested D. pleased
46. A. set off B. settled down C. passed away D. stepped back
47. A. visited B. called C. texted D. added
48. A. unwilling B. hesitant C. choked D. torn
49. A. continue B. simplify C. improve D. quit
50. A. forgiveness B. sympathy C. tolerance D. connection
第II卷
注意事项：
用0.5毫米黑色笔迹的签字笔将答案写在答题卡上。写在本试卷上无效。
语法填空（10*1.5，满分15分）
阅读下面材料, 在空白处填入适当的内容（1个单词）或括号内单词的正确形式。
In cities of Guangdong, the Qilou arcades, which combine traditional Chinese architecture with influences from Southeast Asia and the West, 51 (consider) a living symbol of the region’s history of cultural exchange and adaptive innovation since the late 19th century.
The story of Qilou dates back to the late Qing Dynasty (1636–1912), 52 Guangdong’s coastal cities like Guangzhou and Kaiping emerged as key trade centers. Inspired by the covered walkways of Southeast Asia and European arcades, local merchants and architects realized that such designs 53 (suit) Guangdong’s hot, humid climate and frequent rain. Thus, they set out to create a new architectural form, the Qilou. By the early 20th century, these buildings had spread across the region, transforming urban streets into shaded busy commercial corridors.
A Qilou’s structure is both 54 (function) and artistic, featuring two to three floors. The ground level is designed for shops and markets, while the upper floors serve 55 homes. The most striking feature is the ground-floor corridor, supported by columns that hold up the overhanging second story. This corridor has provided shelter from sun and rain for over a century, 56 (enable) pedestrians to move freely regardless of the weather. Materials like blue bricks and wood were used, ensuring both durability and cultural identity.
The Qilou has captured international 57 (mind). In 2019, French architect Jean Nouvel praised their “democratic design” during 58 Guangzhou urban planning forum, drawing parallels to Mediterranean arcades. The Qilou, once 59 (construct) for small businesses, remains today a testament to the past’s vision and the present’s commitment to preservation. They not merely have witnessed centuries of trade, cultural blending, and urban change, 60 they continue to tell the story of a region that embraces both tradition and innovation.
第五部分 基础知识考察（满分25分）
请根据选择性必修三Unit 1-4所学词汇的适当形式填空。
单词填空（15*1，满分15分）
61-65请根据括号中的中文释义，填入单词的适当形式。
61. Her colorful painting was the most creative ________ (参赛作品) in the art competition, earning her a gold medal.
62. Studying ________ (心理学) helped him understand human behavior and improve his communication skills.
63. The company offers a d________ (相当不错的) salary and opportunities for career growth, making the job highly competitive.
64. After comparing prices online, he decided to p________ (购买) the laptop directly from the manufacturer’s website.
65. The young lawyer emerged as a strong ________ (候选人) for the city council election due to her innovative policies.
66-70 请根据括号中的英文释义，填入单词的适当形式。
66. Film reviews are often s___________ (based on personal opinions or feelings rather than facts ). One person’s “masterpiece” might be others’ “boring movie.”
67. The scientist received international r___________ (acknowledgment of something’s existence, validity, or achievements) after her discovery of a new gene-editing technique.
68. TikTok d___________ (to control or have a commanding influence over someone or something) her free time -- she scrolls videos during meals, in class, and even while walking.
69. Shared bikes f___________ (to make an action or process easier or more efficient) getting to and from school, especially when the subway is crowded.
70. It took him only 50 minutes to c______________ (defeat completely) his opponent.
71-75 请根据括号中单词，填入该词的适当形式。
71. Steve Jobs is one of the most ___________ (influence) figures in the tech industry.
72. She ___________ (repeated) refreshed her email inbox, hoping to finally receive a response from the hiring manager.
73. The live concert ___________ ( broadcast) worldwide, allowing fans from every time zone to watch it simultaneously.
74. Normally you will carry out an ___________ (inspect) as soon as possible after delivery.
75. ___________ (fortune) , the heavy rain stopped just before the outdoor wedding ceremony began.
完成句子（10*1，满分10分）
The charity’s efforts to protect endangered animals _______ ______ _____ (值得) public support.
During the pandemic in 2019, many people _______ ______ (依赖) online delivery services for daily necessities.
_______ ______ _____ (回复；回答) the interviewer’s question about failures, he smiled and said, “I see them as lessons”.
By the end of her 12-hour shift at the hospital, she was completely _______ ______ (精疲力尽) and could barely keep her eyes open.
During the prolonged drought, thousands of cattle _______ ______ _____ (饿死) as the grasslands turned to barren dust.
The airport was _______ ______ (在混乱中) after the flight cancellations, with crowds arguing at every counter.
The lawyer spoke _______ ______ _____ (代表) the victim, demanding fair compensation.
The students successfully built a solar-powered car _______ ______ _____ _____ (在……的指导下) their physics teacher.
The committee _______ ______ (拒绝) his proposal with a vague email but without telling further details.
The flowers _______ ______ (散发) a sweet scent that filled the entire garden.
第六部分 写作（满分30分，其中书写3分）
第一节 （1*15，满分15分）
假如你是李华，下周你校将面向全体学生举办主题为“传统智慧，新焕活力 (Traditional Wisdom, New Vitality)”的传统文化节，请你写一封邮件邀请你的英国交换生朋友Jack一起参与。内容包括:
活动目的；
活动内容；
注意：
词数120左右；
可以适当增加细节，以使行文连贯；
3. 开头已为你写好，不计入总词数。
第二节 （1*15，满分15分）
It was a late Saturday afternoon in early March, and I was sweating gracelessly, in search of the only gift my son said he wanted from Los Angeles: a map to the homes of the stars.
I was here for meetings in Westwood, near the UCLA Medical Centre. Should I wander a little to try to find one of the treasured maps
From the front of the hotel taxi line, a cheerful driver said, “No problem. Map vendors (小贩) are everywhere!” Before long, we saw a hand-painted sandwich board saying: Star Maps. The taxi stopped. A fellow approached with a thin folded sheet and said, “Ten dollars.”
Ten dollars. American! With righteous assurance, I informed him, “That’s too much.” The map man shrugged (耸肩). We continued, whizzing past the Beverly Hills Hotel into West Hollywood. The driver dropped me at the House of Blues, encouraging me to stroll. I began walking, certain I would find a low-cost star map soon.
I was wrong. There was hardly anybody on the street. There didn’t seem to be many real stores, just cars and bars. No maps. No stars. Blocks passed. The sun began to sink. At the edge of West Hollywood, another fellow appeared ahead, selling star maps to a car full of teenage girls.
Ten dollars still. Still too much. Forgot it. My son would understand. Time to go back to Westwood. That night, I called my wife, “Did you get one of those maps to the stars He’s been talking about nothing else.” This news was hard to ignore. But it was late.
Morning was coming. There would be last try. After I checked out, the first taxi in the hotel line was an old Chevy driven by a skinny guy from North Carolina. At nine in the morning, map vendors were nowhere to be found.
“You know,” said the driver, “The guys with the maps just aren’t up yet!” He was right.
“Forget it. Let’s go to the airport.”
“Well,” said the driver, “I could mail you one if you like.”
Sure. Trust this guy I might as well toss cash onto the freeway. But exiting the taxi, I recognized my last chance. I handed the driver $13 and my business card.
Three weeks passed, no reply form LA. ①_________________________________________
...... ②__________________________________________________________________________
I held the package and the note in my hand, speechless. ③_____________________________
...... ④__________________________________________________________________________
注意：请在横线中写能够衔接题目提示句的内容，其中编号①②③分别为续写第一段的段首、第一段段末、第二段的段首，此处仅写1个句子；编号④为续写第二段段末，可以写1-2个句子。2023级高二英语下学期学期期中考 试题答案
第一部分 听力（满分15分）
1-3 ABB 4-6 BCA 7-9 AAB 10-12 ABC 13-15 CAC
第二部分 阅读（满分50分）
16-18 CDB 19-22 DACC 23-26 BDCB 27-30 BADA
31-35 GFACB
第三部分 语言运用（满分30分）
36-40 BBACD 41-45 AADCB 46-50 CBCAD
51. have been considered 52. when 53. would suit 54. functional 55. as
56. enabling 57. minds 58. a 59. constructed 60. but
第四部分 基础知识考察（满分25分）
单词填空（15*1，满分15分）
61. entry 62. psychology 63. decent 64. purchase 65. candidate
62. subjective 67. recognition 68. dominates 69. facilitate 70. crush
influential 72. repeatedly 73. is/was broadcast 74. inspection 75. fortunately
第二节 完成句子（10*1，满分10分）
are worthy of 77. relied on 78. in response to 79. worn out
starved to death 81. in chaos 82. on behalf of 83. under the guidance of
turned down 85. gave off
第五部分 写作（满分30分）
第一节
Dear Jack,
Learning that you are fascinated by Chinese traditional culture, I’m delighted to invite you to our school’s upcoming cultural festival themed Traditional Wisdom, New Vitality.
The event is specially designed to reinterpret ancient wisdom through innovative perspectives, featuring activities combining heritage with innovation. You can observe students designing modern Hanfu patterns with digital technologies, or watch a live-streamed show of a master demonstrating tea ceremony rituals. Also of primary note is the workshop to create handmade bookmarks decorated with Tang poetry, from selecting one’s favorite verse to designing the layout. Everyone can bring home a well-crafted piece that serves as a tangible link to our cultural heritage.
With a perfect mix of past and present, the festival promises to deepen your connection with Chinese traditions in fresh ways. Don’t miss the chance to have fun. Eagerly awaiting your reply!
Yours,
Li Hua
第二节
Three weeks passed, no reply from LA. ①My son sighed deeply, his shoulders slumping as he checked the mailbox for the hundredth time. “Nothing.” he murmured, his face clouded with disappointment. The thought of being deceived by a stranger plagued me. How could I be so naive as to trust a stranger Just as hope began to fade, a white envelope stamped “U.S.” slipped into our mailbox. My heart pounded like a drum as I recognized the address. ②With my hands trembling, I slit open the envelope, inside which was a small package and a note saying, “Forgive delay. Here’s a map for your son. Kind regards, LA!”
I held the package and the note in my hand, speechless. ③My previous suspicion was swept away by shame mixed with warmth as I realized I shouldn’t have doubted the driver’s intention to help someone in need. When my son saw the map, he threw his arms around me and exclaimed with a beaming smile, “I can’t believe it! Dad, you did it!” I patted his shoulder gently and said, “If you never trust anybody, you’ll never find the good in people.” That night, reflecting on the whole experience, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. ④This wasn’t just about a map -- it was a reminder that kindness still exists in unexpected places.
