My brother Hershel celebrated his seventeenth birthday on January 4th, 1943. Unexpectedly, there was a(n) 1 in my family. Seeing young men from our village race to join the army, Hershel was greatly 2 . He made a decision on his birthday to 3 for his duty. “You’re too young!” Dad rejected. “ I’m not! I can’t 4 !” Hershel declared. By then so many young men had lost their lives in the battlefield. Out of his 5 of losing his firstborn, Dad didn’t want to send Hershel to war. The argument continued for months. 6 Dad’s signature was necessary for his service, Hershel had to persuade Dad to support him. With little progress, he became increasingly 7 and impatient. 8 , Dad realized that a son who was unhappy would accomplish little at home. He 9 , though with deep worry. On the day of Hershel’s 10 to begin his service in the Navy, Dad 11 him to town. 12 to speak of his love, Dad waited until the last moment, and pulled him tightly to his heart. One day two years later, a piece of 13 news came over the radio. Hershel’s ship had 14 ! The number of survivors was unknown. Dad’s face was crumpled ( 扭曲 ) by 15 , “ Oh, no!” Sending his firstborn to war must be an enormous 16 ! Without further message, the whole family were in despair. 17 filled our home. But Dad was still waiting. One day, a telegram came. It was from the war department. When Dad held it in the hand, he was 18 . With trembling fingers, he tore it open. “Hershel is alive and is coming home!” he shouted with 19 . When Hershel appeared in the yard, he walked slowly to Dad and hugged him fiercely. Dad, a strong man who seldom 20 emotion, embraced his son and cried openly. His son was home. 1. A. accident B. bargain C. quarrel D. meeting 2. A. disturbed B. honored C. defeated D. encouraged 3. A. sign up B. look out C. wake up D. set out 4. A. understand B. obey C. wait D. help 5. A. sadness B. fear C. regret D. annoyance 6. A. Unless B. If C. Though D. Since 7. A. anxious B. serious C. ambitious D. wild 8. A. Unconsciously B. Undoubtedly C. Eventually D. Completely 9. A. held on B. broke out C. gave up D. went away 10. A. graduation B. signature C. application D. departure 11. A. carried B. invited C. delivered D. accompanied 12. A. Desperate B. Unable C. Discouraged D. Undecided 13. A. exciting B. interesting C. shocking D. strange 14. A. broken down B. gone away C. broken through D. gone down 15. A. doubt B. sorrow C. disappointment D. displeasure 16. A. glory B. challenge C. sacrifice D. pressure 17. A. Conflict B. Hopelessness C. Assumption D. Expectation 18. A. nervous B. ignorant C. proud D. calm 19. A. delight B. disbelief C. confidence D. determination 20. A. hid B . wasted C. controlled D. showed