書信一封，成就非凡

江西 黃舒?zhèn)?/p>

寫給報(bào)社的一封信，讓本文主人公的人生發(fā)生了轉(zhuǎn)折。信的內(nèi)容是什么？為何有如此大的影響？讓我們一起到文中尋找答案吧！

主題語境：人與社會 篇幅：352詞 建議用時(shí)：7分鐘

1I was about 30 years old and was working as a firefighter. It was a restful Sunday and I rushed to the office to read a copy ofThe New York Times. I read an article in the Book Review section which openly stated that William Butler Yeats had gone beyond his Irishness. As I read it, my blood began to boil. Ever since I first picked up a book of his poems from a shelf when I was young,Yeats had been my favorite Irish poet.

2I grabbed a piece of paper and wrote a letter of anger to the editor.Throughout Yeats'poetry,his view of the world and the people in it was basically Irish.I don't know why I felt it my duty to safeguard the reputation of the world's greatest poet. I just knew that I had to write that letter.

3After my letter got published, I received a letter fromThe New Yorkerasking for an interview. When my article—Fireman Smithappeared in that magazine, the editor of a large publishing firm called me,asking if I was interested in writing a book about my life.I had little confidence in writing a whole book,though the subject was worthy.I wroteReport From Engine Co. 82in six months, and it sold really well. In the years that followed, I wrote three more best-sellers.

4Being a writer had been far from my expectations. How had it happened? I often found myself thinking about it,and my thoughts always came back to that letter toThe New York Times. For me, the writing was a natural result of the passion I felt and the subjects represented the great values burning within me as I wrote.

5Over the years, my five children have come to me with one difficulty or another. My answer is always the same. Think about your passion. Your education and your experience will help you make a right decision, but your passion will enable you to make a difference in whatever you do.That's what I learned the day I stood up for Ireland's greatest poet.

Reading Check

1.How did the author feel when he read the article in the Book Review section?

A.Amazed. B.Angry. C.Content. D.Hopeful.

2.Why did the author write a letter toThe New York Times?

A.To show his love for writing.

B.To speak for Irish culture.

C.To practice his writing skills.

D.To defend the reputation of his favorite poet.

3.What's paragraph 3 mainly about?

A.The author's parenting tips. B.The author's achievements in writing.

C.The author's writing tips. D.The author's choice in best-sellers.

4.What's the most important factor in the author's success in writing?

A.Passion. B.Communication skills.

C.Education. D.Life experiences.

Language Study

Useful expressions

book review 書評

ever since 從那時(shí)起

feel it one's duty to do 把做……當(dāng)作某人的職責(zé)

have little confidence in doing 對做……沒有信心

best-seller 暢銷書

enable sb to do sth 使某人能夠做某事

stand up for 支持；維護(hù)