英语短文两篇

The Dreams of Eduardo Ortega

It was a cold morning, and Eduardo Ortega was nervous. He held a large envelope. In it was his dream. But now, he was too nervous to open it.

“This is everything,” he said.”I’ve worked for this since I was a young boy.”But Eduardo was no longer a boy. In the mirror, he saw the scars on his

hands, arms, and face. He looked much older than he really was. He remembered the long hours working in the fields, picking strawberries and beans.

During those years, Eduardo became much more than a child worker. He became an excellent student. After the workday, his tired friends drank coffee or slept. Eduardo studied, read, and wrote poetry and short stories. Although he missed many classes, he became the school’s best student.

One school year, Eduardo achieved one of his dreams—to fly on an air-plane for the first time. He wrote an essay that won a prize—a trip to San Francisco. As he flew, he felt free from his life of hard work in the fields. He promised himself not to return to that life. He loved to fly.

So this morning, he put the envelope into his backpack and caught the school bus.

When Eduardo started school, he knew only a few English words. But he studied hard in his English classes. Within two years, he was on the honor roll. Teachers praised him for his organization and intelligence. His high school English teacher knew he would become a college student.

Eduardo arrived at school with the envelope. He walked past his class-mates and sat down in the cafeteria. He tore open the envelope and began reading the letter inside. It was the answer to his application to the state university. It was also the answer to beginning his dream of becoming a pilot.

Even though Eduardo worked to help his family, his father always encouraged him to go to school. So, while he worked, he also studied. Many days, he thought it was hopeless. He was too tired to read his books. But his father just smiled and told him he could do it.

Eduardo knew that his dream was his father’s dream, too. His father was a smart man, but he was too poor to go to college. He loved to read, but never had time, because he worked long hours.

Eduardo’s education was important for all of his family. He was the oldest. If he went to college, his brother and sister would go, too.

So, now, as he read the words, “Congratulations … you have been accepted,” he knew that his dream was not lost. One day, he would be a pilot, flying every day to all the exciting places in the world.

Rules in the College Classroom

Most classrooms have rules. Even college classrooms have rules. Although they may be different from rules in high school classrooms, they are still important. Understanding the rules of the classroom will help you be a successful student.

What are your responsibilities as a student in a college classroom? First, you should be prepared for class. Read your assignments and finish your homework before coming to class. Next, you should be punctual and attend class regularly. Finally, you should be courteous and considerate. Don’t talk, chew gum, or eat in class. Don’t walk around or leave the class before asking the instructor.

Different teachers have different policies about the following things. Make sure you understand your teachers’ policies.

Attendance and Punctuality

Most colleges have attendance rules. At some colleges, you may be dropped for not attending classes, so ask your teachers about these policies. Missing classes is serious. You might miss an assignment, a quiz, a review for a test, or special information about an assignment. If you miss a class, you must find out what you missed. Ask someone in the class to help you.

Punctuality means that you come to class on time. Being late distracts the other students and the instructor. If you come to class late, make as little noise as possible. Some instructors will not even allow you to enter class late. Another important aspect of punctuality is handing work in on time. Some instructors will not allow you to hand in work late. Know your instructors’ rules.

Great Expectations

Know what your instructors expect of you. Different instructors will have different requirements and expectations. At the beginning of the semester, each of your instructors will tell you his or her expectations, requirements, and policies. Make sure you understand these. Ask questions if you don’t understand. At the beginning of the semester, your instructor will give you a written syllabus. This syllabus includes attendance and grading policies and assignment schedules. Read the syllabus and make sure you understand it.

Be Prepared

Be prepared for each class. Finish your homework before class and be ready to hand in any work due. Do not do your homework during class. Eat, use the restroom, make phone calls, and unpack your books, notebooks, and pencils before class starts.

Class Notebooks

It is important to have a notebook for each class or one notebook with dividers for each class. Taking notes is important in college. You should have an organized place to put of your notes handouts.

------Adapted from Lynda Corbin, City Times, Dec. 1993