B Read the article about Wang Jicai and Wang Shihua and complete it with the correct sentences in the box. Write the correct letters in the blanks. There are two extra sentences.
a They spent the best years of their lives on Kaishan Island.
b Two small figures stood strong against the weather.
c After Wang died in 2018, his wife chose to remain on the island and continue his work.
d Kaishan Island is of great importance to China.
e Kaishan Island lies in the Yellow Sea.
f They raised the five-star red flag more than 11,000 times.
A life of duty
The freezing wind sang over the sharp rocks around Kaishan Island. The air was filled with the sound of waves crashing onto the grey shore, like thunder in a storm. (1) They were Wang Jicai and his wife Wang Shihua, the guardians (守护者) of the island. They were standing in front of a rough bamboo pole for the flag-raising ceremony. Wang Jicai put all his strength into pulling against the wind, raising the flag little by little.
Wang Jicai and his wife guarded the island together for 32 years. (2) Over the years, many flags had to be replaced because of the wind, rain and sea air on this lonely island. But when the flag flew at the top of the pole, it showed the power of love and duty.
(3) Wang Jicai devoted his whole life to guarding it. He said, “Although life on the island was hard, I felt it was worthwhile to guard this small island for my country.” He and his wife arrived on the island in 1986. Life was simple. There was no electricity, no running water and no home comforts. For many years, a small kerosene lamp was their only light, and they had to collect rainwater just to survive. Despite all the bitter cold and loneliness, they still chose to stay because of their strong sense of duty and national pride. (4) She is now still on the island, protecting our country’s frontier.
Today, there is a new education centre on the island. It keeps many items used by Wang Jicai and his wife. It shows that their life was hard and simple, but beautiful and full of meaning.