安徽省桐城中学2024-2025学年高二下学期五月份阶段性考试英语试题
一、听力选择题
1．How will Alex go to meet the woman
A．By car. B．By plane. C．By subway.
2．Where are the twins now
A．In the bedroom. B．In the garden. C．In the dining room.
3．What will the man do next month
A．Join a gym. B．Take part in a contest. C．Make a workout plan.
4．What is the relationship between the speakers
A．Neighbors. B．Workmates. C．Deliveryman and customer.
5．What does Kelly mean
A．She beat Frank last week.
B．She swims faster than before.
C．She is the best swimmer in the school.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
6．What activity does the first tour include
A．Eating seafood. B．Watching penguins. C．Exploring an island.
7．What will the woman do next
A．Leave for home. B．Take a street walk. C．Go for some food.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
8．When did the man first want to become a writer
A．When he was a child. B．After he became a father. C．Before he retired as a doctor.
9．What do we know about the man
A．He is an environmentalist.
B．He has changed his lifestyle.
C．He focuses on children’s books.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
10．Where is the first bridge located
A．In Rome. B．In Florence. C．In Azerbaijan.
11．Why was the second bridge built
A．To connect two cities.
B．To accommodate workers.
C．To serve as a historical landmark.
12．What does the woman say about the second bridge
A．It is well equipped. B．It was built in 1345. C．It is about 48 miles long.
听下面一段较长对话，回答以下小题。
13．How often does Vicky work on a different trip
A．Twice a month. B．Once a month. C．Every two months.
14．Who was the trip to the Caribbean targeted at last year
A．Old stars. B．Popular singers. C．Musical enthusiasts.
15．How has Vicky spent her spare time during a trip
A．By attending lessons. B．By talking with others. C．By listening to music.
16．What does Vicky plan to be in the future
A．A trainer. B．A psychologist. C．A tour guide.
听下面一段独白，回答以下小题。
17．What does the speaker mainly talk about
A．Her father’s influence. B．Her gap year experience. C．Her travel arrangements.
18．When did the speaker set off
A．In July. B．In June. C．In January.
19．What did the speaker do during the journey
A．She kept a diary. B．She took maths classes. C．She completed some homework.
20．Why did the speaker’s father make the decision
A．To help his kids to make foreign friends.
B．To relieve the stress of the whole family.
C．To let his kids explore the world first-hand.
二、阅读理解
Volunteer Opportunities in Green Valley Community
Green Valley is launching its annual Volunteer Month from September 1st to 30th. This event aims to connect residents with meaningful community projects. Below are three featured programs:
Community Garden & Food Rescue Program
This project focuses on reducing food waste and promoting sustainable living. Volunteers will work in teams to grow vegetables in public gardens and collect unsold produce from local markets. The harvested food will be donated to low-income families.
●Schedule: Every Saturday (9 AM — 12 PM) and Wednesday afternoon (2 PM — 4 PM).
●Requirements: No prior gardening experience needed. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Gloves and tools will be provided.
●Bonus: Participants will receive a free workshop on composting (堆肥) techniques.
Senior Companion Program
Green Valley Senior Center seeks volunteers to support elderly residents who live alone. Tasks include reading aloud, assisting with grocery shopping, and organizing social activities like board games or music sessions.
●Schedule: Flexible shifts on weekdays (2-hour minimum per visit).
●Requirements: Volunteers must pass a background check and attend a 1-hour training session. Proficiency in English or Spanish is required.
●Reward: Earn community service hours recognized by local schools and businesses.
River Cleanup & Eco-Education Day
Join the Green Valley Environmental Group on September 18th for a large-scale cleanup of the Redwood River. Volunteers will remove trash, plant native trees, and educate visitors about water conservation.
●Schedule: September 18th (8 AM — 3 PM).
●Requirements: Wear sturdy shoes and bring a reusable water bottle. Children under 12 cannot participate due to safety concerns.
●Rewards: Free lunch, eco-friendly tote bags, and a certificate of appreciation.
Sign Up Now!
Visit www.greenvalleyvolunteers.org or call 555-0199 before August 25th. Group registrations receive a 10% discount on event T-shirts!
21．What is the benefit for someone choosing the Community Garden Program
A．Receiving a free T-shirt. B．Earning money for school.
C．Acquiring composting skills. D．Enjoying being with the elderly.
22．What is a must for the Senior Companion Program
A．Bring gardening tools. B．Passing a background check.
C．Being available on weekends. D．Attending a language workshop.
23．Which event includes educating the public about water conservation
A．River Cleanup Day. B．Food Rescue Program.
C．Community Garden Program. D．Senior Companion Program.
At 16, I hated my parents’ strict rules — my life followed strict routines: math drills until 10 p. m., weekend classes replacing hobbies, and a 9:00 curfew (宵禁时间) enforced without exception. My parents reviewed every test score, believing “discipline shapes excellence.” Yet, to me, it felt like a cage locking away my freedom.
But everything changed during my exchange year in Oxford. My host family’s approach shocked me: no homework checks, no fixed bedtime, just a calendar on the fridge saying “Manage yourself.” For the first week, I stayed up watching shows and skipped assignments, mistaking liberty for laziness. By Week Two, deadlines piled up like storm clouds.
One weekend, I ignored a history essay deadline to attend a party. Returning at midnight, I found my host sister Emily still editing her paper. “Deadlines matter here,” she said, “but no one will chase you.” The next week, I scored 55% on the essay — my first failure ever. My confidence crashed.
Panicked, I locked myself in the bathroom, holding my phone but too ashamed to call home. That night, I video-called Mom in tears. Instead of scolding, she said, “Rules aren’t chains; they’re lanterns guiding you home.” She suggested using her study timetable but adding my own goals. Emily shared her planning app too. Slowly, I integrated their methods: fixed study hours with flexible breaks.
By term’s end, I balanced debate club and studies smoothly. At the final presentation, I discussed Confucian discipline and British self-reliance. Mom watched online, her eyes proud. Now back in China, I still treasure my “hybrid” schedule. Rules and freedom, I realize, are twin wings for flight.
24．What caused the author’s struggle in Oxford
A．Parental overprotection. B．Social activity distractions.
C．Parenting style differences. D．Academic competition pressure.
25．What does “lanterns” symbolize in the story
A．Personal achievements. B．Loving guidance system.
C．British educational values. D．Traditional Chinese customs.
26．Which of the following best describes the author’s mother
A．Flexible and wise. B．Generous but firm.
C．Strict and unforgiving. D．Demanding but caring.
27．Why did the author write this text
A．To share a growth lesson. B．To compare parenting styles.
C．To highlight cultural shocks. D．To discuss educational system.
A groundbreaking 2023 study published in Nature Medicine has revolutionized our understanding of nutrition by highlighting the critical role of gut microbiota (肠道菌群) in determining how different foods impact individual health.
Conducted by Stanford University and involving 1,200 participants from 15 countries, the research tracked participants’ gut bacteria composition and metabolic (代谢的) responses to identical meals over six months. The results showed striking variations: two people eating the same bowl of rice might experience vastly different blood sugar points, depending on their unique microbial profiles.
Scientists identified specific bacterial types that act as “nutritional interpreters.” For instance, Prevotella copri, a common gut bacterium, breaks down fiber into short-chain fatty acids that reduce infection and aid weight management. On the opposite, individuals with high levels of Bacteroides bacteria digest fats more efficiently but struggle with carbohydrate (碳水化合物) digestion. In the trial, participants who followed personalized diets — tailored to their gut bacteria—saw a 60% greater improvement in blood sugar control compared to those on standard diets.
“This research exposes the myth of universal ‘superfoods’,” explained Dr. Emily Chen, the study’s lead author. “A food that heals one person may harm another.” However, challenges continue. Current micro-biome testing costs go beyond $200 per analysis and requires specialized labs, limiting accessibility. Additionally, some experts caution that gut bacteria can shift with diet, questioning whether personalized plans need continuous updates.
Despite these challenges, startups like MicrobiomeHealth are developing affordable at-home test kits paired with AI apps that generate custom recipes. In Japan, a pilot program using this approach reduced diabetes risk by 40% among high-risk employees. As Dr. Chen concludes, “We’re entering an era where ‘you are what your microbes eat’— not just what you eat.”
28．What did the 2023 study measure to understand dietary effects
A．Genetic changes. B．Daily calorie intake.
C．Heart rate variability. D．Gut and metabolic data.
29．Why might personalized diets have better effects than standard diets
A．They target gut microbes. B．They use rare ingredients.
C．They require less effort. D．They avoid carbohydrates.
30．What current issue affects microbiome testing
A．Lack of scientific support. B．High cost and limited access.
C．Inability to analyze proteins. D．Short-term focus on results.
31．What is the author’s attitude towards microbiome-based diets
A．Critical of their safety. B．Doubtful due to the costs.
C．Optimistic about their future. D．Uninterested in the technology.
In the 21st century, technology and information have become inseparable. The internet, smartphones, and artificial intelligence (AI) have changed how we access, share, and process information. While this digital era offers unmatched convenience, it also raises critical questions about the balance between progress and responsibility.
One major challenge is information overload. Studies show that the average person now consumes five times more data daily than in 1986．Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram shell users with endless content, often leading to reduced attention spans and decision tiredness. Psychologists warn that constant exposure to split information may weaken critical thinking skills.
Another concern is misinformation. Fake news spreads six times faster than factual news on social networks, according to MIT research. Deepfake technology, which uses AI to create realistic fake videos, further mixes up the boundaries between truth and fiction. Educators argue that teaching digital literacy — how to evaluate online sources — is as vital as teaching math or science today.
Yet technology also provides solutions. AI-powered tools like Grammarly and ChatGPT assist in organizing information efficiently. Blockchain technology ensures data security in fields like healthcare and finance. Moreover, global connectivity enables real-time knowledge sharing; during the COVID-19 pandemic, scientists worldwide cooperated online to develop vaccines in record time.
As we advance, experts emphasize the need for “ethical (伦理的) tech.” This includes designing algorithms (算法) that prioritize accuracy over engagement and laws to hold tech companies accountable for data misuse. Ultimately, technology is a double-edged sword — its impact depends on how wisely humanity uses it.
32．What is a psychological effect of information overload
A．Partial memory loss. B．Poor critical thinking skills.
C．Discomfort with present life. D．Hesitation over decision-making.
33．Why is deepfake technology mentioned in paragraph 3
A．To praise AI development. B．To explain how vaccines are made.
C．To show how misinformation spreads. D．To criticize social media companies.
34．What is the purpose of the last paragraph
A．To offer solutions to the issue. B．To stress the limit of online time.
C．To argue against tech companies. D．To emphasize technology progress.
35．What is the best title for this text
A．Social Media: A Modern Addiction B．The Dark Side of Digital Technology
C．Information Overload: A Serious Crisis D．Technology and Information: Risks and Cures
Preparing for exams is not just about hard work — it’s about working smart. With strategic planning, you can turn revision from a stressful chore into an efficient, rewarding process. 36
●Create a detailed study schedule.
Start by organizing your time wisely. List all exam topics and assign specific time to each, prioritizing challenging subjects during your peak concentration hours. For example, if math requires extra effort, dedicate 90-minute morning sessions to it. Break study periods into 45-minute blocks with short breaks in between to maintain focus. 37
●Engage in active learning techniques.
38 Instead, use active methods like summarizing notes without textbooks, teaching concepts aloud, or creating flashcards for formulas and vocabulary. These techniques force your brain to regain information, making your study sessions far more effective.
●Remove distractions.
Identify and minimize focus killers, whether social media, noisy environments, or multitasking. Use apps like Forest to block distracting websites, or study in a quiet library. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) can also boost productivity. A distraction-free environment ensures every minute counts.
● 39
A tired mind cannot perform at its best. Aim for 7–8 hours of sleep nightly to consolidate memories. Stay energy and choose brain-boosting snacks like nuts and berries over sugary treats. Take part in light exercise, such as a 15-minute walk, to oxygenate your brain and reduce stress. A healthy body supports a sharp mind.
40 Remember, consistency and balance are the keys to effective exam preparation. Stay disciplined, stay healthy, and approach your studies with confidence!
A．Simulate real exam conditions.
B．Prioritize physical and mental health.
C．Here are four key strategies to help you succeed.
D．Passive reading rarely leads to deep understanding.
E．Familiarity with exam formats reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
F．A clear schedule helps track progress and prevents last-minute cramming(填鸭式学习)。
G．By combining these strategies, you’ ll transform chaotic cramming into a structured, stress-free process.
三、完形填空
In one of the largest hospitals in India’s capital, Delhi, a physician says he has never seen anything like this before. “This is an 41 heatwave. In my 13 years of working here, I don’t remember signing a death 42 for heat stroke. This year, I’ve signed several,” says Ajay Chauhan of the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital (RMLH).
Delhi has been 43 under a continued heatwave, with daily temperatures crossing 40℃ since May, peaking at nearly 50℃. Humidity and hot winds 44 the heat, combined by water shortages and insufficient power supply due to rising 45 .
A heat stroke, the most severe heat illness, is 46 by three key signs: 47 to high heat and humidity, a core body temperature of 40.5℃ or higher, and 48 changes like mild confusion or reduced consciousness.
At the RMLH clinic, 49 the first of its kind in India, the effort to save heat stroke patients highlights the 50 caused by rapid climate and health emergencies.
All over India, people are falling sick due to the heat. A new nationwide survey offers some 51 insights into how heatwaves hurt people and 52 productivity. It showed that 45% of the households contact-ted reported at least one member getting 53 from the heat last month.
Some three-fourths of India’s workers work in heat-exposed 54 like construction and mining. This becomes worse during heatwaves as there are fewer safe and 55 work hours during the day.
41．A．immeasurable B．unreliable C．unavoidable D．incomparable
42．A．threat B．toll C．certificate D．rate
43．A．damaging B．suffering C．shaking D．stretching
44．A．worsen B．change C．remove D．destroy
45．A．demand B．anxiety C．enthusiasm D．temperature
46．A．cured B．examined C．identified D．analyzed
47．A．devotion B．exposure C．attraction D．addition
48．A．mental B．physical C．cultural D．medical
49．A．slightly B．casually C．occasionally D．possibly
50．A．experiences B．potentials C．challenges D．adventures
51．A．familiar B．astonishing C．inspiring D．stimulating
52．A．weaken B．boost C．maintain D．evaluate
53．A．panic B．upset C．sick D．lonely
54．A．clinics B．jobs C．institutes D．offices
55．A．accurate B．official C．extra D．productive
四、语法填空
阅读下面短文，在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
As the coffee harvesting season arrives, Pu’er city in Yunnan province, known 56 China’s coffee capital, is alive with the smell of fresh drinks. Visitors can sip coffee while watching wild Asian elephants wander 57 (free) in their natural habitat.
“It’s breathtaking to sit here with a cup of coffee and watch elephants on the hillside. It’s unforgettable,” says Huang Daxiang, an 58 (invest) in the manor(庄园)。
Ma Li, a visitor from Shanghai, engages 59 (she) in coffee fruit picking, gaining insights into the complete journey from cultivation and roasting to brewing. “It was a very rewarding experience,” she says.
The manor also provides interactive experiences, such as crafting coffee soap and making coffee bean beads, inviting guests 60 (explore) diverse facets of coffee culture.
There are more than 20 quality coffee manors in Pu’er, 61 integrate coffee culture and tourism, including five listed as provincial-level coffee manors.
Lou Yuqiang, an associate researcher at the Yunnan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, says promoting coffee manors in Yunnan is 62 positive step toward development and will help extend the coffee chain.
In addition to manors, Pu’er has been hosting coffee-themed fairs and other events, displaying local and national brands and featuring cultural 63 (perform).
During the 2025 Spring Festival holiday, spanning from late January to early February, Pu’er 64 (witness) a 13.71 percent year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, totaling 3.25 million. Tourism incomes rose by 13.21 percent 65 (compare) to the previous year, reaching 3.44 billion yuan ($475 million).
“The integration of coffee and tourism has become a new symbol of the tourism industry of Pu’er,” says Zhang Qiying, deputy director of the city’s culture and tourism bureau.
五、书信写作
66．假如你是李华。你校英国交换生Richard给你写了邮件，想利用即将到来的端午假期参加一项庆祝端午的活动，以便更好的体验和了解中国的传统文化。请你给他回复邮件，内容包括：
1．推荐一项活动；
2．介绍活动情况；
3．表达美好祝愿。
注意：1．写作词数应为80左右；
2．可适当增加细节使行文连贯；
3．开头结尾已给出，不计入总词数。
Dear Richard,
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Best regards,
Li Hua
六、书面表达
67．阅读下面材料，根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段，使之构成一篇完整的短文。
Emily, a 16-year-old high school student, grasped her resume tightly as she entered the busy café. The smell of roasted coffee beans mixed with the clatter of cups, but she was too nervous to enjoy it. “Tell me about your experience,” the manager asked, his pen tapping impatiently. Emily’s mind blanked. She whispered something about school projects, but her voice trembled. The manager’ s polite “We’ll call you” felt like a dagger (匕首)。
A week later, she tried again at “Page Turner Bookstore,” its wooden shelves creaking under the weight of classics. Emily had rehearsed her lines: “I’ve loved books since I was five!” But when the owner, a strict woman, asked why Moby Dick mattered, Emily panicked. Reaching for her coffee, she knocked it over, brown liquid spreading like a stain on her hopes. “Perhaps another time,” the owner said, handing her a tissue. Emily fled, her vision becoming unclear.
That evening, she fell at the kitchen table, tracing the tablecloth with her finger. Her father, his hands dusty from fixing the garage shelves, sat beside her. “Failed again,” she whispered. He wiped his hands on a rag and said gently, “You know, when I first opened my repair shop, everyone said I’d fail. But I kept at it — because I knew what I was good at.” Emily glanced up. “Like how you organized the school carnival (嘉年华) last year ” he added. Her eyes widened. She had managed twenty volunteers and a budget. And then there was Mr. Whiskers, her neighbor’s ill-tempered cat, who purred (咕噜咕噜叫) only for her.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the community center’s foggy windows. Emily paused before a bulletin board messy with brochures for yoga classes and bake sales. One notice waved in the draft. She reached out and smoothed the paper.
注意：1．续写词数应为150左右；
2．请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
It was a notice for volunteers in a pet adoption event at the community center.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Two weeks later, Emily worked as a part-time assistant at a dog shelter.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
题号 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
答案 A A B C C B C B A B
题号 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
答案 B A C C A B B A C C
题号 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
答案 C B A C B D A D A B
题号 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
答案 C B C A D C F D B G
题号 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
答案 D C B A A C B A D C
题号 51 52 53 54 55
答案 B A C B D
1．A
【原文】W: Alex is going to meet me at the airport tomorrow. I can’t wait!
M: Is he taking the subway or is he driving
W: He isn’t going to take the subway. It takes too long.
2．A
【原文】M: Where are the twins It’s awful quiet around here!
W: They took a shower after jumping rope in the garden all morning, then had lunch and they are sleeping at the moment.
3．B
【原文】W: What did you do last weekend
M: Umm, I spent most of the time at the gym.
W: How come
M: Well, I plan to enter a bodybuilding competition next month.
4．C
【原文】M: Hello, Maggie Ferguson I’m outside your house now, 25 Hill Street. I have a package for you, but you’re not answering the door.
W: I’m not home. I’m at work. And I work on the same street, number 91. Can you bring it here
5．C
【原文】M: I’m a better swimmer than you, Kelly!
W: Have you ever beaten Mark in a race
M: No, he is the fastest swimmer in our school.
W: Well, guess what, Frank, I beat Mark last week. So, what does that make me
6．B 7．C
【原文】W: Hi. Do you have any tickets for the SeaRide Special tour today
M: Sorry. We’re sold out. It’s a really popular tour this time of year because the penguins are passing through the area.
W: Oh, too bad. I’m leaving tomorrow morning, and I was really hoping to take one of your tours.
M: Well, the Island Exploration tour still has a couple of spots left.
W: Great! And that’ll give me time to get something to eat before it starts. I see there’ s a coffee shop just down the street.
8．B 9．A
【原文】W: What made you decide to become an author
M: Ever since I was a child, I have written stories. But I never dreamed I could be an author. I studied science at school and went on to become a doctor. It was only after having children of my own and telling them stories that I remembered how much I loved writing.
W: What do you write about in your novels
M: Many of my books focus on protecting the environment. I do lots of research for those and I love it when I get letters from readers telling me that my stories have changed the way they live and see the world.
10．B 11．B 12．A
【原文】W: Did you know that some people live on bridges Look at these two pictures.
M: Oh yeah. This one looks very old. It’s in Rome, isn’t it
W: Well, it’s actually in Florence, north of Rome. It’s called the Ponte Vecchio, built in 1345.
M: But the bridge in the other picture looks newer.
W: Yeah, that’s Neft Dashlari in Azerbaijan,60 kilometers away from its capital Baku.
M: It looks really long, and it looks like it has a lot of factories. Do a lot of people work there
W: Yes, they drill for oil from under the sea there. They decided that the workers needed somewhere to live, so they built a kind of “city” above the sea. The bridge is 30 miles long. That’s about 48 kilometers. They built houses, libraries, schools, and even a movie theater there. It even appeared in a James Bond movie.
13．C 14．C 15．A 16．B
【原文】M: How long have you been working on the passenger ships, Vicky
W: Well, for about two years till now. And I’ve been on twelve different trips.
M: Do you like it
W: I do. We only have two-month contracts but the work is very varied. And often each trip has a different theme. I was on a trip to the Caribbean last year, which was for fans of musicals and lots of singers were there to entertain the guests. Several of them were stars in the old days.
M: So, what’s the next step in your career
W: Well, obviously, I don’t want to wait tables for the rest of my life. I have a lot of free time on board the ship, so I’ve been doing a training course with an online university.
M: On what
W: Psychology. I want to help people. I’ve been listening to people telling me their problems for years in the tourism industry!
17．B 18．A 19．C 20．C
【原文】
W: Hi, everyone. I was so happy to tell you about my remarkable year, which I’ d describe as a grand adventure. It’s tricky to know where to start, so I think I’ll just begin at the very beginning. That was when my dad decided to take our family on a trip around the world. He started planning it last January, but we didn’t leave until July, after my exams in June. During my gap year, I wanted to keep my mind engaged, so Miss Barnes, my old geography teacher, and Mr. Green from my amazing maths classes, kept in touch with me and provided plenty of assignments. My dad wanted to give us experience of things you can’t get from books or TV programmes. You know, things like the amazing smells coming from the Indian street food markets or the breathtaking light you encounter in deserts. He was right. In the Sahara it was amazing! And the real experience of meeting and making friends with people from diverse cultures was invaluable. Some people might argue that it wasn’t a good idea for my parents to take us out of school for a year. But I think it was a wonderful opportunity. Having connections in all those countries has been incredibly enriching. Travelling is a great thing, and I hope you all have the chance to do a lot too.
56．as 57．freely 58．investor 59．herself 60．to explore 61．which 62．a 63．performances 64．witnessed 65．compared
66．Dear Richard,
I’m thrilled to hear you’re interested in experiencing the Dragon Boat Festival! I highly recommend attending the Dragon Boat Race at West Lake this Saturday morning. This annual event features teams paddling colorful long boats to drumbeats while crowds cheer along the lakeside. You’ll witness traditional costumes, lively music, and even get to try zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) offered at food stalls afterward. Many participants gladly share cultural stories with visitors too.
This hands-on celebration perfectly combines excitement and tradition. I’ll be there at 9 a. m near the main dock — feel free to join me! Wishing you an unforgettable holiday filled with cultural discoveries.
Best regards,
Li Hua
67．One possible version:
It was a notice for volunteers in a pet adoption event at the community center. “Volunteers Needed for Pet Adoption Event! Animal lovers with care experience preferred.” Emily’s heart raced. This is it! She thought of Mr. Whiskers and the hours she’ d spent calming his storm anxiety. At the event, she knelt beside a trembling Chihuahua, her voice soft as she whispered, “You’re safe now.” By afternoon, she’d matched three families with pets and taught kids how to hold kittens safely. Mrs. Carter, the organizer, watched her with a smile. “We need a part-time assistant at the shelter,” she said. “Interested ”
Two weeks later, Emily worked as a part-time assistant at a dog shelter. Her uniform smelled of puppy shampoo, but she didn’t mind. Each day, she recorded the animals’ habits, cleaned cages, and even designed playful adoption posters. One evening, Mrs. Carter handed her an envelope. Inside was her first paycheck — and a note: “For the girl who turned failures into love.” Emily saved every dollar for her schooling, but the real reward was the dogs’ wagging tails when families chose them. As her father said, sometimes the right path wasn’t straight — it was paved with pa w prints.
