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The key to success

Once, when I was a young boy, I boasted (吹嘘）that I determined (下决心） to win first place at the coming____competition, yet I knew this goal was nearly impossible. Every year， the best players from all over the state took part in this competition. It was a huge deal, especially for a beginner like me.

But my mom was my number one ____. Every day after school, she would sit down right next to me while Miss Green was giving me piano lessons or I was ___my piano piece. When I couldn’t and wouldn’t play any longer, she would always say, “If you determine to win, then act like it. Don’t give up.’’ After every practice，my whole body was in pain for numb (麻木的） fingers and stiff (僵硬的）back. However, I didn’t want to ____ my mom, so I kept on practicing until I finally fell asleep on the piano keys.

Finally, the big day arrived. Right before my turn to perform, my mom said, “ I know you want to win, so listen to me： Be there for the ___not for the success, okay?” I managed to nod.

When I walked onto the stage, I was afraid that the judges would hear the beating of my heart instead of the music. Carefully, I took a seat before the piano and began to play. Slowly, I began to _____the world around me. I just let myself fall deeper and deeper into the music.

____，I really won first place. The experience made me realize that determination is not just saying that you will win； when you have solved difficulties and kept ____，you can truly say you’re determined. As my mom always said, “It’s hard to beat the person who is the best, but it is harder to beat the person who never gives up.

【1】A. football   B. violin   C. piano   D. basketball

【2】A. supporter   B. teacher   C. listener   D. partner

【3】A. writing   B. practising   C. singing   D. enjoying

【4】A. frighten   B. refuse   C. cheat   D. disappoint

【5】A. praise   B. record   C. promise   D. experience

【6】A. understand   B. love   C. forget   D. change

【7】A. Naturally   B. Surprisingly   C. Clearly   D. Hopefully

【8】A. going   B. saying   C. searching   D. repeating