A
My first child was due in a couple of months. All of my shopping was done except for one thing. When my little brother was born, my mom had bought an old fashioned, red-velvet baby carriage (童车）.Ever since then, I wanted one for my child.
I knew that this would be hard to find. So, Mom offered to take me around. Even used carriages cost quite a bit, and I had only $35 to spend. I hoped that I could only use the money I had. Early one Saturday morning, we drove for about an hour to a city with flea markets, and second-hand stores.
As we searched place after place without even seeing a baby carriage, we'd take turns saying, GNIt will be at the nest stop." I lost hope as the day passed and it was getting dark. I was ready to give up. My mom wanted to go to one more store. On the way there Mom told me I should never lose hope.
When we got to the store, I took a deep breath. I knew that this was my last chance. My mom's words began to ring in my car: "Never lose hope." As we walked in, I made a quick rush down the middle of the store. There was one brand- new, red-velvet baby carriage. I ran over to touch it because I could hardly believe my eyes.
I was so cxcited that I couldn't say a word. When I calmed down, it occurred to me that, because it was new, I probably couldn't afford (买得起) it. The saleslady said it came with the store when she bought it several years ago, and that it had been in storage (贮存) until just this morning. She said she wanted to get rid of it as a bargain and was only asking $35. You can imagine how happy we were on our way home. It hadn't been for my mother I would not have maede it.
Both of my children have outgrown (年长而不再需要) the carriage, but I keep it to remind me of my mother's words, "Never lose hope." I always encourage my children with my experience. I say if you never lose hope, you'll sicceed cvcntually.
21. Why did the author go shopping?
A. She wanted to relax herself.
B. Her mother asked her to buy something.
C. She liked shopping with her mom very much.
D. She had to make preparations for having a baby.
22. Before the author went to buy a baby carriage she .
A. hoped to buy an old baby carriage with 35 dollars
B. thought that a second-hand carriage was very cheap
C. thought she could afford to buy an old baby carriage
D. thought this kind of new baby carriage was easy to find
23. 'What does the underlined phrase "flea markets" in the second paragraph probably mean?
A. Large markets where all kinds of goods are sold.
B. Small shops where some everyday goods are sold.
C. Markets where people sell the things they produce.
D. Open- air markets that sell used goods at low prices.
24. What conclusion can we draw from the text?
A. A cheap thing is worth buying. B. Hold on, and you'll, succeed eventually.
C. Luck plays an important role in our life. D. It is important to get advice from others.
