As a contestant of the “21st Century Cup” National High School English Speaking Competition, I have benefited not only from the competition itself, but also from my preparation for it.
This preparation has actually pushed me to build up some knowledge and English vocabulary. So I really feel that my participation(参与) was as important as winning.
Of course, as a top winner, I couldn't forget my excitement when the announcement came that I was the champion! It meant that “My Story of Learning English” and my performance were well-liked. It also meant that all the effort put in by my English teachers, my parents and myself paid off. And finally, it meant that I had to work harder for another important competition—the one to be held next May in London by the English Speaking Union.
So, while being a top winner is a GREat honor, it also brings great responsibilities.
The impact of this competition on my English learning, and learning in general, may be far-reaching. I now understand the meaning of competing more than ever. It means you have to be better than yourself no matter how hard it is, and you have to learn from others, including your competitors. Finally, enjoying a competition may make you stronger—you can benefit whether you are a winner or not.
This was a GREat event for English teachers and middle school students who like English learning. The competition was a great success and the impact it had on English language learners nation-wide.
1. According to the text, where will next competition be held?
A. In America. B. In Australia.
C. In England. D. In Canada.
2. The underlined word “impact” in paragraph 5 means _________ .
A. result B. benefit
C. effect D. level
3. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. I won the champion in the competition by the English Speaking Union.
B. My participation was as important as winning.
C. I will attend another competition held in London.
D. Attending the competition is helpful whether I succeed or not.
4. Which of the following titles is most suitable for this passage?
A. Success Is Not All About Winning
B. Success Is My Harder Work
C. Competitions Do Good to Winning
D. Competitions Are Less Important Than Winning
参考答案：1. C 2. C 3. A 4. A。考查对文章的整体理解。文章谈到了参与比赛的重要性、意义或影响等。故选A。
