1．
阅读理解
Paul and Jason were
brothers who lived and worked on neighbouring farms. For 35 years they farmed side
by side, sharing machinery and goods as needed, without a single problem.
However, one autumn,
things changed. It began with a tiny disagreement about a horse, which grew into
a major difference. The difference led to angry words, followed by weeks of silence
between the brothers.
One morning there
was a knock on Paul's door. He opened it and saw a builder holding his toolbox.
"I'm looking for a few days' work, " the builder said. "Are there
any jobs I could help with?"
"Yes, "
answered Paul, extremely pleased to see the builder. "I do have a job for you.
Look at that farm across the creek（小溪）.That's' my brother's farm. That creek used to be a grass field but last
week my brother dug a path from the river and made the creek. But I'll go
him one better. See that pile of wood? I want you to build me a fence, two
metres tall, so I won't need to see him anymore."
The builder said thoughtfully,
"I think understand the situation and I'll be able to do a job that pleases
you."
Paul
had business in town that day and left the builder to his work. When he returned,
the builder had just finished his job. Paul was shocked. Instead of a fence, there
was a bridge, stretching from one side of the creek to the other.
As Paul stood on the
bridge, staring in amazement, his younger Jason, came across, and took Paul's hand.
"You are a good man to have built this bridge after all I've done, " said
Jason.
Then, Paul, with tears
in his eyes, said to the builder who was packing his to go, "Thank you so much.
Please stay. I have much more for you to do."
"I'd love to."
The builder said quickly, "but, I have many more bridge to build."
