2.
When I entered Berkeley,I hoped to earn a scholarship.Having been a StraightA student,I believed I could
(1) tough subjects and really learn something.One such course was World Literature given by Professor Jayne.I was extremely interested in the ideas he
(2) in class.
When I took the first exam,I was
(3) to find a 77,Cplus,on my test paper,
(4) English was my best subject.I went to Professor Jayne,who listened to my arguments but remained
(5) .
I decided to try harder,although I didn"t know what that
(6) because school had always been easy for me.I read the books more carefully,but got another 77.Again,I
(7) with Professor Jayne.Again,he listened patiently but wouldn"t change his
(8) .
One more test before the final exam.One more
(9) to improve my grade.So I redoubled my efforts and,for the first time,
(10) the meaning of the word"thorough".But my
(11) did no good and everything
(12) as before.
The last hurdle(障碍) was the final.No matter what
(13) I got,it wouldn"t cancel three Cpluses.I might as well kiss the
(14) goodbye.
I stopped working hard.I felt I knew the course material as well as I ever would.The night before the final,I even
(15) myself to a movie.The next day I decided for once I"d have
(16) with a test.
A week later,I was surprised to find I got an A.I hurried into Professor Jayne"s office.He
(17) to be expecting me."If I gave you the As you
(18) ,you wouldn"t continue to work as hard."
I stared at him,
(19) that his analysis and strategy(策略) were correct.I had worked my head
(20) ,as I had never done before.
I was speechless when my course grade arrived:Aplus.It was the only Aplus given.The next year I received my scholarship.I"ve always remembered Professor Jayne"s lesson:you alone must set your own standard of excellence.