On August 26, 1999, New York City experienced a torrential downpour. The merciless rain caused the streets to flood. New York City' s subway system came to a screeching stop as the subway stations were drowned in water. Unfortunately, this happened during the morning rush hour. Many people who were going to work were trapped and forced to go home. Some battled with fellow New Yorkers to hail a cab or to get on a bus. Still others braved the storm, walking miles to get to work. I happened to be one of the people on their way to work that morning. I went from subway line to subway line only to find that most service had stopped. After running around like crazy and making my way through crowds of people, I finally found a subway line that was operating. Unfortunately, there were so many people waiting to board the subway that I could not even get down the stairs to the platform. Determined to get to work, I decided to take the train uptown several stops and then switch back to the downtown train. It was annoyance, but it paid off. However, the train got more packed at each stop. People pushed and shoved. I was constantly hit with elbows and bags. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity (no end),the train reached my stop. But the journey was not over yet. I would still have to walk several blocks to get to my office. When I finally got to work, I was completely soaked and left a puddle of water everywhere I sat. I was also exhausted (tired out)and discouraged from my commute. My co-workers and I spent most of the day drying off. When 5:00 rolled around,I was ready to go home. I was about to log off my computer when I received an email from Garth, my Deputy Director: I would like to thank all those who made the effort and eventually reported to work. It is always reassuring, at times like these, when employees so clearly show their devotion to their jobs. Thank you. His email was short,but I learned more from that brief message than I ever did from a textbook. The email taught me that a few words of appreciation can make a big difference.The rainstorm and the transit troubles had made me miserable.But Garth's words immediately invigorated me and put a smile back on my face.As a matter of fact,his email made the whole subway painful experience all worthwhile. August 26,1999 may have been one of the darkest days in New York City history,but it was one of the brightest days in my life thanks to Garth. 65.The subway system in NY came to a sudden stop because_______. A. most of its service had stopped B. it was flooded by busy travelers C. it was during a morning rush hour D. its stations were covered with water 66.How did the writer get to her office? A. By pushing in the stairs to the platform. B. By switching trains in a roundabout way C. By battling with people to hail a taxi. D. By walking miles to get to the office. 67.The underlined word "invigorated" probably means_______. A. inspired B. expected C. liberated D. convinced 68.Which is the best title for the passage? A. A downpour in mid-summer B. A lesson from a rainy day C. An appreciation of a misery D. A dark day in New York history |