A

The annual marathon in my town occurred as scheduled. My job was to follow behind the runners in an ambulance in case any of them needed medical attention. As the athletes began to pace themselves, the front runners started to disappear. It was then that my eyes were drawn to the woman in blue running shorts and a baggy white T-shirt.

I knew we were already watching our “last runner”. Her feet were turned in, yet her left knee was turned out. Her legs were so crippled and bent that it seemed impossible for her to walk, let alone run a marathon.

The driver and I watched in silence as she slowly moved forward. We would move forward a little bit, then stop and wait for her to gain some distance. Then we’d slowly move forward a little bit more. As I watched her struggle to put one foot in front of the other, I found myself breathing for her and urging her forward. I wanted her to stop, and at the same time, I prayed that she wouldn’t.

Finally, she was the only runner left in sight. I sat on the edge of my seat and watched with respect and amazement as she pushed forward with sheer determination through the last miles. When the finish line came into sight, the cheering crowds had long gone home. Yet, standing straight and proud waited a man. He was holding one end of a ribbon tied to a post. She slowly crossed through, leaving both ends of the ribbon fluttering (Æ®¶¯) behind her.

I don’t know this woman’s name, but that day she became a part of my life — a part I often depend on. For her, it wasn’t about beating the other runners or winning a prize. It was about finishing what she had set out to do. When I think things are too difficult or I get those “I-just-can’t-do-it,” I think of the last runner. Then I realize how easy the task before me really is.

1£®What words can best describe the woman?

A£®Proud and determined.                B£®Strong-willed and honorable.

C£®Modest and courageous.               D£®Diligent and considerate.

2£®What does the underlined word “crippled” in paragraph 2 mean?

A£®Disabled.        B£®Healthy.         C£®Perfect.         D£®Strong.

3£®What has the author learnt from the woman?

A£®Don’t depend on others when facing hardships.

B£®Nothing is too tough to accomplish if one is brave enough.

C£®The disabled can also run a marathon despite their walking difficulty.

D£®It’s not winning but finishing the thing we start that really matters.

4£®What could be the best title for the text?

A£®A Humorous Stranger.                 B£®An Unforgettable Job.

C£®The Last Runner.                     D£®The Annual Marathon.