二、完形填空(共15小题;每小题1分,满分15分)(2025·江苏盐城调研)
阅读短文,从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中,选择最佳选项。
Every afternoon when school ended, Ethan would
1
home excitedly. He couldn't wait to pick up his guitar. He wanted to lose himself in the world of music. For him, playing his instrument brought him the greatest
2
he had ever felt.
One sunny Wednesday, the school headmaster made an exciting
3
about a coming talent show. Ethan decided to take part. But soon he started comparing himself with other talented students. He was worried he was not good enough.
Ethan's grandfather, a
4
and caring man, noticed his change. Seeing Ethan's worried look, he shared his own story. "When I was your age," he began gently, "I dreamed of becoming a
5
. But self-doubt almost made me give up." He continued, "I visited an experienced artist. He told me to paint in front of people. At first, I felt afraid. But the artist told me to create from my heart." Cheered up, Ethan's grandfather let his feelings guide his brush. The people watched in amazement. A beautiful picture
6
on the paper. This experience taught
7
that artistic expression comes from inside.
Deeply
8
by the story, Ethan practised harder. He spent hours improving his skills.
On the day of the talent show, Ethan walked
9
onto the stage. His fingers danced on the guitar, and his music touched everyone. Ethan didn't win first prize. But he got something much more
10
. He discovered that true success isn't about others' praise, but about the joy of following one's love.
11
this talent show, Ethan continued to play music every day. He joined the school band and started creating
12
of his own. His songs showed his own experiences and feelings. This made them meaningful.
The talent show changed Ethan's life. It taught him that comparing with others only brings sadness. Accepting one's own
13
of being brings true happiness. He learned to treasure his own progress without caring too much about others' achievements.
Ethan's story spread in the school. It cheered up other students to follow their love
14
being afraid of what others say. His grandfather's wisdom influenced many people. It
15
young people to value being real over being perfect. True joy comes from following your heart and being yourself.
(
B
)1. A. want B. rush C. drive D. leave
(
C
)2. A. doubt B. shame C. joy D. worry
(
A
)3. A. notice B. choice C. journey D. memory
(
B
)4. A. crazy B. wise C. shy D. cold
(
A
)5. A. painter B. singer C. writer D. teacher
(
D
)6. A. stuck B. stayed C. grew D. appeared
(
A
)7. A. him B. them C. her D. us
(
A
)8. A. touched B. surprised C. hurt D. troubled
(
B
)9. A. kindly B. calmly C. angrily D. carelessly
(
C
)10. A. basic B. interesting C. important D. active
(
A
)11. A. After B. Before C. During D. Since
(
C
)12. A. pictures B. poems C. works D. speeches
(
B
)13. A. praise B. way C. prize D. knowledge
(
D
)14. A. away from B. because of C. other than D. instead of
(
A
)15. A. encouraged B. expected C. allowed D. wanted
