Fishermen and {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (sail) sometimes claim to have seen monsters in the sea. {#blank#}2{#/blank#} people have often laughed at stories told by seamen, it is now {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (know) that many of these ‘monsters' which have at times been sighted are {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (simple) strange fish. Occasionally, {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (usual) creatures are washed to the shore, but they are rarely caught out at sea. Some time ago, however, a peculiar fish was caught near Madagascar. A small fishing boat {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (carry) miles out to sea by the powerful fish as it pulled on the line. {#blank#}7{#/blank#}  (realize) that this was no ordinary fish, the fisherman made every effort not to damage {#blank#}8{#/blank#} in any way. When it was eventually brought to shore, it was found to be over thirteen feet long. It had a head like a horse, big blue eyes, shinning silver skin and a bright red tail. The fish, which has since been sent to a museum {#blank#}9{#/blank#} it is being examined by a scientist, is called an oarfish. Such creatures have rarely been seen {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (live) by man as they live at a depth of six hundred feet.

    I can well remember that I was once asked to deliver a speech titled “A Real Test in My Life” before the whole class at the age of 9! You can imagine how {#blank#}1{#/blank#} (terrible) shy I was with so many eyes {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(fix) upon me. I had no {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(choose) but to prepare for it, though. First of all, I was to draft the speech, which was just a piece of cake for me, a good writer. But the hardest part {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(lie) in my oral presentation from my memory— for to read from the paper was not allowed. The real moment began {#blank#}5{#/blank#} I stood on the platform with my legs trembling and my mind blank. But my listeners were waiting patiently without any signs of rushing me. Otherwise, I {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(run) away from them. Gradually I found myself back, delivering my speech with difficulty. After what seemed to be a hundred years, I found my audience applauding— I made {#blank#}7{#/blank#}! From then on, my fear of talking before an audience disappeared. Actually with my {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(confident) building up, I now turn out to be a great speaker. Looking back, I know the greatest difficulty on our way {#blank#}9{#/blank#} success is our fear. Overcome it {#blank#}10{#/blank#} we will be able to achieve our goals.

    {#blank#}1{#/blank#}crowd of more than 22,000 people gathered near Las Vegas' famous Mandalay Bay Hotel{#blank#}2{#/blank#}the Route 91 Harvest Festival. Without{#blank#}3{#/blank#}(expect), from the hotel's 32^nd floor, a gunman opened fire on the people below,{#blank#}4{#/blank#} (kill)59 people and at least 500 injured. It was the most{#blank#}5{#/blank#}(dead)shooting in US history. President Donald Trump described{#blank#}6{#/blank#}as “an act of pure evil”. He ordered US flags to be{#blank#}7{#/blank#}(fly)at half-staff to honor those{#blank#}8{#/blank#}died. “In moments of tragedy and horror, America comes together as one. And it always {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(have),” Trump said{#blank#}10{#/blank#}(Politician) around the world offered their support for the United States.

    I lost my last debate in the recent National High School Academic Debate & Speech Tournament held in Shanghai. But instead of focusing on my {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(fail), I stopped to reflect on my experiences in the past few years {#blank#}2{#/blank#}a debater.

    In general, preparing for new debate topics usually {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (include) brainstorming arguments, researching a resolution（解决）, and doing debate practice. So if you spot a debating group, you might see us sitting together after school, or even all day at weekends, discussing arguments and researching evidence. You might also notice us arguing {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(fierce) anywhere we can.

    Not only are they supportive, but my debate friends also have similar passions and interests to mine. As we discuss debate topics, my fellow debaters and I can talk about anything, from {#blank#}5{#/blank#}best way of rehabilitating（改造）criminals to the negative points of free immigration policies. However, our discussions are more than just a way {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (practice) our debating skills. In my mind, they're helping us to become calm and consider {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(win) and solving real problems as well.

    To me, the debating community is a great place{#blank#}8{#/blank#}people help each other not only because they're interested in a higher cause, but because they care about how people from different {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(background) can lead better lives. I'm grateful to each of my debate friends and every single minute we get to spend together. Indeed, my high school life would be incomplete without them. So even though I {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(defeat) in my last debate, I'm still thankful for being part of my wonderful debate family.