第二节 完形填空（共 20 小题；每小题 1.5 分，满分 30 分）

　　请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。

　　My palms were sweating. I was sure that I could hear my heart beating fast. This was the worst. I

31 feeling this way, but I had to do what I was about to do. I drew on a small bit of my inner strength and opened my 32 .

　　"Excuse me. I was just 33 . Would it be possible to maybe get that table over there by the window 34 ?" I asked. My voice sounded 35 to me, as if a stranger from a 36 had asked the question instead of me. I 37 .

　　"No, I'm sorry, but that table is 38 ," the hostess replied kindly as she 39 me into the dining area. 40 I followed her to my table, I realized that the earth had not opened up and 41 me. I had not passed out or died of 42 . The entire population of the restaurant was not 43 my bravery for asking for a table by the window. I had asked and been told "no." That was all. Nothing more.

　　For someone like me, who is always 44 and unconfident, asking for a different table was a huge 45 . But I've started doing it on a regular basis 46 a simple piece of advice my mother told me: "The worst they can say is 'no.' "

　　And so, I've learned to actually 47 for what I want. I've learned to reach for my dreams and pursue my goals. I got a job that I wanted. I've even gotten prices 48 on a huge variety of items. Because I asked. Because my mom was right.

　　Sure, I have been turned down. I can't say I have never been 49 . I have been, but I keep

50 . I will continue to ask for what I want out of life and from other people. What could happen? The worst they can say is "no."

31. A. suggested B. hated C. regretted D. permitted

32. A. mouth B. door C. eyes D. books

33. A. looking B. kidding C. listening D. wondering

34. A. therefore B. yet C. instead D. already

35. A. familiar B. strange C. young D. old

36. A. distance B. company C. street D. school

37. A. hesitated B. promised C. begged D. waited

38. A. painted B. laid C. reserved D. cleared

39. A. led B. rushed C. forced D. packed

40. A. If B. As C. Though D. Since

41. A. beaten B. forgotten C. welcomed D. swallowed

42. A. hunger B. thirst C. shock D. shame

43. A. laughing at B. taking on C. dealing with D. recovering from

44. A. friendly B. attractive C. shy D. independent

45. A. challenge B. gift C. advantage D. reward

46. A. rather than B. aside from C. because of D. along with

47. A. make B. ask C. advertise D. prepare

48. A. raised B. reduced C. fixed D. compared

49. A. confused B. convinced C. encouraged D. embarrassed

50. A. trying B. talking C. thinking D. teaching