counting. There are 43 photographs in this newspaper,” was written in big letters. The unlucky people mostly did not spot the message.

It’s easy to compare this situation to a young person looking for jobs in a local paper. They might search so hard for one type of position that they miss an even better opportunity. People who are “lucky”, in fact, keep an open mind and don’t go through the same routine every day.

I first came to China in 2002 when it was considered a rather strange thing to do. Like many foreigners, my plan was to teach English for one year. Seven years later, and still here, I’ve had many great opportunities such as writing for newspapers and magazines. I did not dream these would have been possible. I’ve also never been sick, had an accident, got into a fight or had problems with the police. Coincidence? After reading about Professor Wiseman’s studies I think not.

As Wiseman advises, I usually trust my own judgment. Your friends and parents may give you advice based on rational thinking, but it’s important to consider how you feel about each choice you make. Your feeling acts as a warning for a potential problem.

Finally, try to turn bad luck into good. Even if you do fall down and break a leg, the time spent at home can be used wisely to study English.

41. Which of the following proverbs most agrees with the writer’s point?

A. Make the best of a bad job. B. Rome was not built in a day.

C. All is not gold that glitters. D. A good heart conquers ill fortune.

42. What do you know about Oprah Winfrey?

A. She became famous through her family background.

B. She was very lucky and seldom suffered setbacks in her life.

C. She is a British talk show host. D. She became successful by her own effort.

43. The writer quoted the Chinese tale of a farmer in order to show_______.

A. luck is in your own hand B. bad luck can turn into good

C. one shouldn’t rely on blind luck D. man can conquer nature

44. From the experiment Wiseman drew the conclusion that ________.

A. lucky people are quick-minded B. unlucky people are slow to read

C. lucky people often have an open mind D. unlucky people are more creative

45. From the passage we can learn that ________.

A. in many foreigners’ eyes, to teach English in China was believed to be something strange in 2002

B. those who believe in blind luck never go to temples to burn some incense in hope of good luck

C. based on rational thinking, your friends’ advice usually warns you of a potential problem

D. The Luck Factor argues lucky people are more likely to go through the same routine every day

C

Pappy was a keeper of a pawnshop (当铺). One day, he was working cheerfully fixing an old railroad lantern in the backroom when he heard the tinkling (叮当声) of his bell on the shop door. The bell, which produced a uniquely charming sound, had been in Pappy’s family for over a hundred years. He valued it dearly and enjoyed sharing its song with all who came to his shop. Although the bell hung on the inside of the main door, Pappy had tied a wire to the screen door so that it would ring whether the inner door was open or not. Hearing the bell, he left the backroom to greet his customer.

“And how can I help you, little lady?” Pappy’s voice was joyful.

“Hello, sir.” The little girl spoke almost in a whisper. She was elegant, shy and naive. She looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, and then slowly scanned the room in search of something special. Shyly she told him, “I’ like to buy a present, sir.”

“Well, let’s see,” Pappy said, “who is this present for?”

“My grandpa. It’s for my grandpa. But I don’t know what to get.”

Pappy began to make suggestions. “How about a pocket watch? It’s in good condition. I fix it myself,” he said proudly.

The little girl didn’t answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy’s face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement.

“This is just right,” the little girl said. “Momma says grandpa loves music.”

Just then, Pappy’s expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl’s heart, he told her,