The Tradition
Luis's whole family meet every June to celebrate Grandpa's birthday. Before everyone sits down to eat, each person has to tell a personal story they have about_______ . Some family members tell the same story year after year. Luis, for example, had his usual story about the time Grandpa taught him how to take care of a vegetable garden.
The stories are a tradition. And now that most of the grandchildren are old enough to ____, the tradition could go on for quite a while. Last year, it took three hours. Luis tried hard not to yawn (打哈欠) as he listened to all the same old stories.
This year, Uncle Frank and Aunt Teresa have dinner ready early and call everyone to eat.
“What about the ______? Luis asks.
“There's just not enough time this year, with so many people," Uncle Frank says.
After hearing this, Luis feels relieved (如釋重負(fù)). But he also feels a little_______as he sits down at the long dining table. Without the tradition, Grandpa's birthday feels like any other holiday the family share.
Luis looks at the plate of vegetable salad. “You know, I wouldn't know how to pick a tomato right if it wasn't for Grandpa," he says softly.
“I wouldn't know how to drive a car," says Aunt Teresa.
“I wouldn't know how to turn a paperclip into a safety pin," adds Uncle Felix. “That sure saved the day at Edna's wedding (婚禮)!” Everyone laughs and smiles at each other at the reminder of that well-known family story.
It was a _______birthday. Conversations run like water, and the food is wonderful. But something tells Luis that next year, the tradition of telling stories will_____.
1.A.Uncle B.Grandpa C.Aunt D.Mother
2.A.look B.study C.join D.cook
3.A.parties B.gifts C.games D.stories
4.A.thankful B.excited C.afraid D.sad
5.A.bad B.boring C.great D.small
6.A.stop B.return C.help D.lose
