While the kids could still see it

浙江 江 丽

在失明前的日子里，他们还可以留存更多的美景在脑海中。

主题语境：日常生活 篇幅：366词 建议用时：7分钟

1Laurent Pelletier experienced a year-long trip through Africa, Asia and the Middle East with his parents and three older siblings, Mia, Léo and Colin.The children's experiences, filled with colour, shape, touch and smell, are especially important to them.They have been diagnosed with a disease that has no effective treatment as it gradually robs them of their sight.And so the idea of a year-long trip was born, one that would show the kids the world, not through picture books and lectures in a classroom, but in person and close-up while the kids could still see it.

2In early 2022, they were ready.Edith and Sébastian quit their jobs, rented out their home for the next year and gathered textbooks so the kids could study French and mathematics a few times a week.The rest of the time, they'd be learning from the world around them—the best teacher of all.Travelling with four children wouldn't be cheap, but they would save money by camping, staying in hostels, guest houses and even a Mongolian yurt made from goatskin.

3Over the months, that world constantly unveiled itself.They played patty (小馅饼)cake with uniformed schoolchildren in Botswana, and while in Tanzania, they danced with Maasai tribesmen and stayed on a banana farm.In Thailand, Mia touched an elephant, calling out in surprise at how rough it felt.Each day, Edith and Sébastian watched their kids change, physically and emotionally.Mia grew taller and needed more independence.Both Léo and Colin became more confident and outgoing, unafraid to engage with strangers, kick around a football with locals and try new food.The family itself grew more tight-knit and protective of each other.

4By the time the trip began to wind down early this year, the family had travelled 83,700 kilometres and visited 13 countries.The kids reflected on what they had learned about the world and themselves.“There's a lot of suffering and poverty, but there are lots of good and interesting things, too,” says Colin.“Kids are kids everywhere, just like us, but with their own customs and traditions.” Mia nods her head.“This has been a magic year we'll remember for the rest of our lives.”

Reading Check

Detail 1.What motivated Laurent Pelletier's family to embark on a year-long trip?

A.Their love for camping and adventure.

B.The opportunity to study French and mathematics abroad.

C.The desire to experience the world before losing the children's sight.

D.The need to escape their jobs and everyday routine.

Detail2.How did the family save money during their trip?

A.They rented out their home and stayed in hostels.

B.They worked part-time jobs in the countries they visited.

C.They received sponsorship from local organizations.

D.They relied on donations from friends and family.

Detail3.What did the family do during their trip?

A.They attended cultural classes in each country they visited.

B.They explored ancient ruins and museums in various countries.

C.They volunteered for humanitarian projects in local communities.

D.They played patty cake with schoolchildren in Botswana.

Detail4.How did the children change and grow during the trip?

A.They became more lonely.

B.They developed a deeper appreciation for their own traditions.

C.They became physically stronger and more independent.

D.They lost interest in learning and studying.

Language Study

Ⅰ.日积月累

siblingsn.兄弟姐妹

effectiveadj.有效的

treatmentn.治疗

sightn.视力

hosteln.廉价招待所

unveilv.揭示

Thailandn.泰国

physicallyadv.身体上

emotionallyadv.情感上

independencen.独立

the Middle East 中东

in person 亲自

guest house 客栈

Mongolian yurt 蒙古包

Ⅱ.语法填空

Laurent Pelletier's family had a life-changing trip through Africa, Asia and the Middle East.1.________ (motivate) by the fact that the children were gradually losing their sight due 2.________ an incurable disease, the family wanted to show them the world first-hand before it became 3.________ (difficulty) for them to see.They prepared for the trip by 4.________ (quit) their jobs, renting out their home 5.________ gathering textbooks for the children's studies.Throughout their journey, they experienced a multitude of adventures, 6.________ playing with schoolchildren in Botswana to dancing with Maasai tribesmen in Tanzania.The children's physical and 7.________ (emotion) growth was evident as 8.________ (them) became more independent, confident, and open to new experiences.The trip covered 83,700 kilometers and spanned 13 countries, 9.________ (offer) the family a profound understanding of both the challenges and wonders of the world.It became a magical experience 10.________ they would cherish forever, strengthening the bonds within their tight-knit family.