河北雄安新区2025-2026学年第一学期高二年级期末考试英语试题
一、听力选择题
1.How long did the speech last this time
A.5 minutes. B.15 minutes. C.20 minutes.
2.Why does Karen refuse John
A.She has had appointments with Sophia.
B.She needs to buy a film ticket for Sophia.
C.She dislikes reading in the library with John.
3.Where has Joan probably gone
A.Her office. B.The supermarket. C.Her home.
4.Where did the woman get her sunglasses
A.In Washington. B.In LA. C.From Robert.
5.How does the woman find her new post
A.Promising. B.Demanding. C.Disappointing.
听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
6.What are the speakers talking about
A.A second-hand bookstore.
B.Some rare and out-of-print books.
C.The best time to visit a bookstore.
7.When is the bookstore open longer than usual
A.On Monday and Thursday. B.On Friday and Saturday. C.On Sunday.
听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
8.Which of the following is partly covered by the company
A.The unemployment insurance. B.The old-age insurance. C.The house insurance.
9.What does Mr. Smith try to stress in the end
A.His achievements. B.The company’s future. C.His interest in the position.
听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
10.What troubled the woman during her diving trip
A.Sharks approached her.
B.She lost her diving suit in the sea.
C.She couldn’t find any beautiful sea plants.
11.What was the man’s favorite activity in his vacation
A.Rock climbing. B.Bungee jumping. C.Surfing.
12.What is the man going to do next year
A.Go diving with the woman.
B.Try surfing as a new extreme sport.
C.Post his sports pictures on social media.
听下面一段对话,回答以下小题。
13.What inspired Nancy to become a taxi driver
A.The need for money. B.The passion for driving. C.The flexible work hours.
14.Which aspect of the job attracts Nancy most
A.Accompanying her family better.
B.Dressing neatly in her uniform.
C.Being able to work outdoors.
15.What is the probable relationship between the speakers
A.Driver and passenger. B.Husband and wife. C.Host and guest.
16.Why does Nancy prefer to take her kids to the countryside
A.To feel the beauty of nature. B.To practise driving. C.To save on fares.
听下面一段独白,回答以下小题。
17.What does the speaker say about first-aid boxes on the market
A.They are too costly. B.They are not practical. C.They are of poor quality.
18.When is a lightweight first-aid box especially important
A.Going traveling. B.Being ill at home. C.Shopping at the market.
19.What should be considered when preparing the basic medicine
A.The duration of the trip. B.The design of the box. C.The size of the family.
20.What does the speaker advise us to do
A.Store as much medicine as possible.
B.Take a first-aid box along any time.
C.Create a personalized first-aid box.
二、阅读理解
Begin your global journey
At University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), you’ll find your investment pays off well before you graduate. Because here, we believe that your journey is just as important as your destination. You will have many opportunities to develop: from internships (实习) to undergraduate research to foreign cultural experiences. We seek students who are curious, innovative and compassionate. If this sounds like you, submit (提交) your application to join our big family!Admission application process
To complete an application for admission, submit the following:
1. Online application;
2. $ 25 application fee;
3. Evidence of English proficiency:
4. Financial documentation;
5. Academic records:
6. Passport copy.
Submit the supporting documents listed above by including them with your UWEC specific application. You may also submit application materials to admissions@uwee.edu.Paying for college
Undergraduate student estimated expenses (The numbers below are in USD per academic year):
Tuition and fees: $18,460
Housing and meals: $8.800
Health insurance: $1,900
Application deadlines
We accept applications February 1-June 1 for admission the upcoming fall term (September) and August 1-November 1 for admission the upcoming spring term (February).We must receive all of your required application materials prior to the deadline. Start applying early!Check your application state
To check your application state, as well as other important steps in the registration process, you must first activate your Campus Account. The information you will be able to access through your Campus Account includes the following:
●View your admission decision in real time;
●Track the progress of your completed next steps after admission;
●Pay your registration fee of $ 500;
●Sign up for Orientation (迎新会) when you are qualified.
Please note that official admission decisions will always be sent via (通过) U.S. Mail.
21.Which is the right time for you to apply for autumn term admission
A.July 10. B.September 1. C.March 20. D.August 10.
22.What is advised to do
A.Submit your passport copy. B.Open your Campus Account.
C.Check decisions by email. D.Receive official admission decisions via U. S. Mail.
23.What is the purpose of the passage
A.To advertise. B.To guide. C.To persuade. D.To apply.
Against huge odds, Shikuku Ooko is fighting to save the last remaining ancient forest. When he was in his early 20s, Shikuku Ooko was deeply taken with the Afro-Alpine forests of central Kenya. So much so that he decided to buy 15 acres of woods next to Mount Kenya National Park & Reserve. More than 30 years later Mr. Ooko’s home is one of the few areas still filled with native trees and plants. In contrast, much of the national park has been heavily logged (砍伐).
The Mount Kenya region is remote, which makes it difficult to protect. Though the Kenya Forest Service has made managing all public forest lands its second important thing, the burden of protection has fallen on the shoulders of local individuals such as Mr. Ooko.
In recent years, herders have even built fences to keep animals within legally protected areas. “It’s a bit of an annoying sight,” Mr. Ooko says, “when foreign visitors have to pay a high fee to enter the park but then come across huge groups of sheep and cattle in the natural environment. The laws protecting that environment are in place, but they are insufficiently performed because rangers (护林员) at each gate are limited.”
When he’s at home in Naro Moru, Mr. Ooko calls for tree planting, particularly among kids. “It’s something I grew up doing,” he explains. “When I was young, my dad would give all of us 10 young trees to plant and take care of. Somehow, he knew the connections between trees and climate changes.”
It’s a practice Mr. Ooko has kept alive despite continuous challenges with climate and cattle; it is not uncommon for sheep and cattle to destroy the young trees that he and his young friends have planted. “We just keep going,” he says. “It’s something I value, and I think we should plant more.”
24.What led to Shikuku Ooko’s decision to buy 15 acres of woods
A.Its perfect location. B.Its economic benefits.
C.His deep affection for the local forests. D.The damage to the national park.
25.What can be inferred from the passage
A.Ooko raises cattle and sheep in his woods.
B.The local government ignores forest protection.
C.The rangers fail to perform their duties effectively.
D.Ooko’s father foresaw the vital role of trees in ecological balance.
26.What can best describe Shikuku Ooko
A.Responsible and determined. B.Influential and considerate.
C.Devoted and hardworking. D.Open-minded and proud.
27.What does the passage mainly talk about
A.The challenges of forest protection in Kenya.
B.A great ranger’s devotion to the ancient forest.
C.The link between forest protection and nature.
D.A person’s struggle to safeguard Mount Kenya’s forests.
Children are taught that the polite thing to do is always say “please”. But how often do you really say “please” in everyday conversations A new research published in Social Psychology Quarterly found people used the word “please” when making a request only 7% of the time.
“We definitely were surprised by the results,” says Tanya Stivers, a professor of sociology at University of California at Los Angeles and one of the authors of the study. “Having such a low number feels counterintuitive (违背直觉的).”
Using conversation analysis, the study investigated when and where people use “please” in everyday requests. Not only do people use “please” less than 10% of the time when making requests, but they also tend to use it most when they expect a “no” response is forthcoming (即将发生的). Most interestingly, requests phrased with “please” are no more likely to work than other polite requests. Why Because the word “please” is being used as a way to convince the other person into agreeing with a request they might otherwise be unwilling to do.
“We found that using ‘please’ often indicates that you’re requesting something you shouldn’t be,” Stivers says. People are most likely to use “please” when asking someone to stop doing what they’re doing and do what the asker wants instead, or when making a request they think the other person isn’t going to like.
“What people are really trying to say by saying ‘please’ often is that they’re polite people,” Stivers says. “Sometimes, it doesn’t mean you’re not being polite just because you’re not saying ‘please’. There’re many other phrases we use when making requests to show politeness.” These include things like, “Would you mind... ”, “Would it be OK... ” and “How about... ”
It is so funny that we socialize children to do this thing we adults don’t do, but teaching kids to say “please” isn’t bad. Just ensure you’re also including other polite phrases. “If someone is trying to be more polite, I’d recommend adding other polite phrases first, before adding in more ‘please’,” says Stivers.
28.What is beyond the researchers’ expectation
A.The sign language of “please”. B.The low usage rate of “please”.
C.Children’s being taught “please” is polite. D.Rare use of “please” by adults while kids often.
29.Which of the following requests with “please” is least likely to be accepted according to the research
A.A customer asking a waiter for a glass of water.
B.A teacher asking a student to hand in homework before class.
C.A stranger asking a passer-by for directions to the nearest subway station.
D.A diner asking a nearby group to stop their conversation for a quiet lunch.
30.What does Tanya Stivers recommend about being polite
A.Making requests directly. B.Saying “please” more.
C.Doing it smartly. D.Adjusting with social change.
31.What’s Stivers’s attitude toward teaching kids “please”
A.Critical. B.Qualified. C.Doubtful. D.Indifferent,
For generations, scientists have been fascinated by how the ancient people of Rapa Nui managed to move the island’s enormous moai statues. Now, scientists discovered that the statues were designed to “walk” upright through a clever rocking movement.
After examining nearly 1,000 of the stone figures, Binghamton University professor Carl Lipo and researcher Terry Hunt concluded that the islanders probably used ropes to rock the statues from side to side, guiding them forward along specially constructed roads, rather than pulling them steadily on wooden sleds (雪橇) as older theories suggested.
To understand how even larger statues might have moved, the researchers studied 3D models and determined that the huge statues had wide D-shaped bases and leaned forward slightly, which would have made it easier for the residents of Easter Island to “walk” them. The team tested this theory by creating a replica. With just 18 people, they managed to move the statue more than 300 feet in 40 minutes. “Once you get it moving, it isn’t hard at all — people are pulling with one arm. It saves energy, and it moves really quickly,” said Lipo.
Another factor in the transportation of these statues was the roads they traveled on, which were roughly 15 feet wide and angled downward. This design helped to keep the statues balanced as they were “walked” to their final destination. “Every time they’re moving a statue, it looks like they’re making a road,” said Lipo. “What they are probably doing is clearing a path, moving it, clearing another, clearing it further, and moving it right.”
“No one else now can explain how the moai statues were moved, and the challenge for others is to prove our theory wrong,” said Hunt. “People have made up all kinds of stories about things that are possible, but they never go about evaluating the evidence to show that, in fact, you can learn about the past and explain the record that you see in ways that are fully scientific.”
32.What did earlier theories suggest about moving the moai statues
A.They were rolled on roads. B.They were pulled on sleds.
C.They were carried by people. D.They were pushed by animals.
33.What does the underlined word “replica” in the third paragraph mean
A.A road. B.A tool. C.A copy. D.A 3D model.
34.How is the process of making the road
A.It takes much work. B.It finishes all at once.
C.It has a strict standard. D.It follows a fixed pattern.
35.What’s the best title of the passage
A.New Theory Says Giant Statues Rocked
B.Ancient tools helped Giant Statues Walk into place
C.Unsolved Mysteries Remain About Moai Transport
D.3D Models Shed Light on Moai Movement Mystery
Stagnation (停滞) is the silent thief of energy. The longer we stay still-physically, mentally or emotionally — the more our life energy gets blocked. Just like a river that stops flowing becomes cloudy, stagnation in life increases stress. The solution is not dramatic transformation, 36
The body is our source of energy. Long hours of sitting, poor sleep, and an inactive lifestyle slow down blood flow. 37 It can be stretching, walking, dancing, or simply standing up more often. Cook your own meals when you can. Eating less processed food and more whole food will lighten your digestive load and awaken your physical clarity.
A curious mind is a flowing mind. 38 Read a few pages daily. Take up a new hobby, or revisit one you dropped. And don’t underestimate the power of journaling. Writing even half a page a day can clear the confusion in your mind. It can also help you process complex thoughts with greater ease.
Trapped emotions are heavy. When we suppress (压抑) how we feel especially anger, sadness or fear, we store it in our bodies which leads to stress. 39 You can talk with a friend, cry when you need to, scream into a pillow, or simply write it down. Let your emotions pass through, not pile up. 40 If your circle wears you out, it’s time to make changes. Reach out to someone who inspires you, join a group with shared interests, or simply spend quality time with loved ones. Deep conversations and shared experiences fuel your emotional flow.
A.Energy expands in connection.
B.Create safe approaches for emotional expression.
C.Dramatic changes often fail to solve stagnation problems.
D.Deep conversations with others boost emotional well-being.
E.To change this, build 30 minutes of movement into your day.
F.It lies in gentle, persistent movement toward strength and joy.
G.Mental stagnation happens when we stop exposing ourselves to new ideas.
三、完形填空
Mark and his friends decided to visit Mount Matterhorn, a beautiful mountain in Europe this year. It can not only be 41 from countless viewpoints, but also offered a pyramid (金字塔)-shaped peak that has 42 adventurers from centuries.
Since it was a very 43 climb to the top, they stopped to make camp at the last possible site with one of the most extraordinary views. They decided to 44 the next day, not intending to finish the whole climb.
While Mark was 45 how a handful of people were making their way to the top, he changed his 46 and invited his friends to join him. However, no one was willing because it was too dangerous, and they were 47 with where they were. Luckily, there was a group of climbers who were just walking past and were 48 to the top. Mark quickly asked them if he could join them, and he was 49 .
When they eventually reached the 50 , Mark was amazed by the scenery — it was far more 51 than he had imagined and not as hard as everyone had warned. A climber next to him, pointing his finger at the 52 where Mark and his friends and many others had set their camps, smiled and explained. “You see, most people in the crowd right there end up satisfied in the 53 of their journey,” continued the man. “Many of them never think that they have the possibility to achieve more; 54 , they remain part of the crowd their whole life.”
Hearing that, Mark 55 how many times he was like those who have a goal they want to reach but not follow through till the end.
41.A.traveled B.appreciated C.adjusted D.removed
42.A.prevented B.discouraged C.amused D.attracted
43.A.difficult B.unique C.worthwhile D.tired
44.A.continue B.return C.escape D.settle
45.A.organizing B.confirming C.observing D.considering
46.A.mind B.routine C.impression D.strategy
47.A.content B.busy C.familiar D.patient
48.A.hurrying B.riding C.jogging D.heading
49.A.accepted B.ignored C.greeted D.encouraged
50.A.crowd B.camp C.peak D.pyramid
51.A.relaxing B.mysterious C.splendid D.romantic
52.A.scene B.spot C.source D.direction
53.A.charm B.hope C.memory D.middle
54.A.moreover B.however C.instead D.therefore
55.A.promised B.announced C.wondered D.doubted
四、语法填空
阅读下面材料,在空白处填入1个适当的单词或括号内单词的正确形式。
Wuxi, a city in Jiangsu Province, is presenting a beautiful picture of tradition meeting modernity via the perfect 56 (combine) of technology and culture. The Grand Canal, 57 UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history of over 2,500 years, is the lifeblood that runs through the city and shapes its boom. Wandering along its shores, you can spot ancient stone arch bridges and restored Qing Dynasty commercial buildings, while modern transport boats sail 58 (gentle) by. Nowadays, these historical structures, 59 tea houses, small shops and coffee shops are hosted, are filled with new energy.
On the opposite side of Taihu Lake 60 (lie) Taihu New City, a hub of Wuxi’s technological innovation, which specializes in the Internet of Things and microchip technologies. New vitality is integrated into the city’s culture 61 technology as well: when night falls, historical buildings become stages for amazing light 62 (display). Nianhuawan: a cultural tourism town 63 (design) with inspiration from Tang and Ming Dynasty styles, integrates Buddhist tea culture with environmentally friendly lifestyles. In local museums, traditional purple clay teapots 64 (exhibit) together with 3D-printed artworks made from the same clay. With profound historical roots and a rich cultural heritage, Wuxi is steadily moving towards a 65 (brilliance) future by seamlessly combining time-honored ancient craftsmanship with state-of-the-art cutting-edge technology.
五、书信写作
66.近年来,青少年心理健康问题日益严重。针对此现象,你校打算邀请知名心理学专家李教授来给同学们做相关讲座。请写一封通知,内容包括:
1.讲座时间、地点;
2.讲座内容;
3.注意事项。
注意:
1.写作词数应为80个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
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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。
If there’s one thing I can’t stand people saying, it’s, “I’m not good at anything... I don’t have any talent.” I just don’t buy that at all. To me, everyone has at least one talent.
At that time I was a high school student. I was a funny-looking skinny boy who weighed barely 100 pounds. I was a loser in all track-and-field events in gym class. Then came the javelin (标枪). Suddenly something inside me began saying, “Try it! Try it!” I had to wait for my turn, trying not to look too eager. Finally, when everyone had a chance to throw — the best throw going about 30 yards — I looked at the teacher.
“Hey, you want to try ” he asked, his tone mixing curiosity and impatience. Embarrassed, I stared at my shoes, my face burning, but managed to nod my head slowly. “Well, come on then,” he said, waving me over and handing me the javelin. It felt surprisingly light in my grip (紧抓), and behind me I could hear snickers from some classmates, laughing at my thin figure. But as my fingers wrapped around the handle, I was caught with a strange feeling — a new-found excitement that drowned out the laughter. I raised the javelin over my head, copied the posture I’d seen others use, took six quick, steady steps, and let it fly. The same voice that had urged me to throw now whispered, “That’s it.”
I watched as the javelin took off. My heart quickened as the Javelin sailed through the sky and finally inserted (插入) heavily into the ground — landing at 28 yards, farther than most throws, just two yards short of the best. At the sight of the result, the class went quiet for a second, and the teacher raised an eyebrow in surprise.
注意:
1.续写词数应为150个左右;
2.请按如下格式在答题卡的相应位置作答。
That throw lit a fire in me.
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Months later, the school track meet arrived.
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参考答案
题号 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
答案 B A B B C A B B C A
题号 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
答案 B B B C C A B A C C
题号 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
答案 C B B C D A D B D C
题号 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40
答案 B B C A A F E G B A
题号 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50
答案 B D A B C A A D A C
题号 51 52 53 54 55
答案 C B D D C
1.B
【原文】W: Edward, what do you think of my speech Is it better than last time
M: Much better. Last time it was exactly ten minutes, and this time it’s five minutes more. However, it needs extending for another five minutes. Just relax on stage and try to slow down your speaking speed.
2.A
【原文】M: Karen, what about going to the library to do some reading this afternoon
W: Sorry, John. I’ve already had plans for this afternoon. Sophia gave me a ticket for the film festival, where some Chinese movies will be shown. And then, I’ll take her to the karaoke in return.
3.B
【原文】M: Hello, this is Jerry. Could you tell me where Joan is I couldn’t get through to her. Did she go to her office
W: No. We ran out of salt and she’s gone out to get some. I’ll tell her to call you back as soon as she comes back home.
4.B
【原文】M: Nice sunglasses! You look so cool with those on.
W: Thanks, Robert. I brought these back from LA. The sun shines pretty much year round there, so I needed them every day. It was a welcome change from the snow up here in Washington.
M: The streets must have been pretty packed, and the food there is very tasty.
5.C
【原文】M: Bella, are you happy that you moved to the Administrative Department
W: Well, actually, I regret moving to the department. The repetitive work is boring and the people there aren’t very friendly.
M: I’m sorry to hear that. What do you plan to do next
W: Well, I hope the Shipping Department will be willing to take me back.
6.A 7.B
【原文】M: Mary, do you know any good second-hand bookstores nearby
W: Yes. I like visiting Westsider Books on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
M: Could you share something about it with me
W: It has floor to ceiling shelves full of rare and used books to browse through. You know, I like collecting rare, out-of-print, first edition, antique and signed books.
M: Me, too. So when is the store usually open
W: From11:00 a. m. to 7:00 p. m. from Monday to Thursday, from 11:00 a. m. to 9:00 p. m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 12:00 noon to 6:00 p. m. on Sunday.
8.B 9.C
【原文】W: Mr. Smith, congratulations on passing the final interview. So do you have any questions about the work
M: Yes. Could you please tell me something about the insurance
W: We are completely responsible for the unemployment compensation, but the old-age insurance and the health insurance should be shared between you and us.
M: That’s good. I really appreciate your taking the time with me today. I’ve been focused on the study and job in this field for many years. And now I am extremely excited to have the chance to finally take full advantage of my skills and passion in this role! I’m confident that I’ll be a good fit for the team and look forward to having the opportunity to add real value to the company in a way that furthers our shared values and common goals.
10.A 11.B 12.B
【原文】M: You went on that diving trip, didn’t you How was it
W: It was hard to say. The diving suit made my skin very uncomfortable. What was worse, three sharks swam up close to me while I was watching the sea plants.
M: Terrifying, wasn’t it
W: So it was. As a result, I spent the rest of my holiday out of the water. What about you Did you take your usual vacation
M: Yes, but I actually fell in love with extreme sports. I went rock climbing every weekend during the two months.
W: Had a pretty good time, did you
M: You could say that. And I think the real high spot was the bungee jumping. That was extremely great.
W: You’re one of those people who loves heights, aren’t you
M: Oh yeah. They don’t bother me at all. I’ll learn surfing next year.
W: Maybe I should do that. Anything’s got to be better than swimming with sharks. Why don’t you share your experience with others and post some pictures on your social platform What you do may be beneficial to others.
13.B 14.C 15.C 16.A
【原文】M: Hello, Nancy. I know you are one of a few female taxi drivers in the city and you drive for a living. What made you want to be a taxi driver in the first place
W: I remembered the first time when I saw those taxi drivers dressed so neatly in their uniforms as a kid, and I thought driving was really cool. When I finally learned to drive, it was something I greatly enjoyed and I took pride in driving well.
M: So what’s the best part of your job
W: I can see this city changes from season to season because the job is being outdoors. And there is scenery I would probably never have seen in another job. I love all kinds of weather. I like to leave the window down in a fine rain, when I have a long drive, and maybe at the end of the day. I sometimes go past my home to tell my two little children I’ll be home soon, when they always want to come along in my car.
M: I guess all kids like to be taken for a ride sometimes.
W: Yes, but I cannot take them with me. So I have to pay the fares for them sometimes, and take them out in my taxi, because I really think it is fun to drive out to the countryside for a long drive, with the fresh air and sun shining.
17.B 18.A 19.C 20.C
【原文】 M: While there are a number of first-aid boxes on the market, they often lack some things you need or have other things that you don’t need. Instead of buying such a first-aid box, you can save money and get everything you need in the box by creating your own. Select a small box or bag, which is light and can hold all of your first-aid materials. This is of particular importance if you need it while you are taking a trip away from home. Separate your first-aid box or bag into two sections. One section should include all of your basic medical supplies, such as bandages, while the second one should include medicine. Make sure that your box contains important basic medicine. There should be enough for your family or group, which means that the larger your family or groups is, the more medicine you need in your first-aid box. When it comes to bandages and other lightweight items, the more the better. Keep other necessary things in your first-aid box as well. For example, if someone in your family has high blood pressure, the first-aid box is a great place to keep blood pressure medicine, in case there is an emergency when you are far from medical help. You might also put emergency phone numbers, snake bite medicine or other items into your first-aid box.
41.B 42.D 43.A 44.B 45.C 46.A 47.A 48.D 49.A 50.C 51.C 52.B 53.D 54.D 55.C
56.combination 57.a 58.gently 59.where 60.lies 61.by 62.displays 63.designed 64.are exhibited 65.brilliant
66.Boys and girls,
As more teenagers are troubled by mental health problems these days, a special lecture will be held in our school hall at 3 p.m. next Monday. It is given by a well-known psychology expert with rich experience.
The lecture will focus on how to keep mental health. It will explain the causes of teen mental stress first, then teach us effective methods to deal with bad moods and relax our minds. Besides, the expert will answer some common questions about our study and emotional troubles.
Please be present on time and follow the rules in the lecture. It is certain that we will get valuable advice from it. Welcome to take part in it actively!
Student Union
67.That throw lit a fire in me. I realized javelin wasn’t just a random try — it was the talent I’d been missing. After class, I begged the teacher to let me practice, and he agreed to stay late with me a few days a week. I spent every free moment after school on the field, repeating my steps, adjusting my grip, and strengthening my arms with exercises. My shoulders ached, my legs felt like lead, and there were days I wanted to quit when progress slowed. But every time I saw the javelin fly a little farther, I found the strength to keep going.
Months later, the school track meet arrived. When my turn came, I took a deep breath, recalling all those endless practice sessions. I raised the javelin, dashed forward with confidence, and released it. It sailed past the 30-yard mark, then 35, finally embedding in the ground at 38 yards. The crowd erupted in applause, and my classmates cheered loudly. I won first place, and as the teacher handed me the medal, I knew: talent is a gift, but only persistent effort turns it into real success.