Walt Whitman was a famous American poet (诗人). He was born 1 Mary 31, 1819, in Long Island. There were nine2 in his family, and he was the second. 3 he was four years old, his family moved to Brooklyn because his family was too poor. His childhood was restless (不安宁的) and unhappy. 4 the age of 11, he left school. Then he began to 5 a job to help his family. As a young man, Whitman 6 a school teacher, a printer and a newspaper reporter. He was 7 years old when he published his first book of poetry (诗集) in 1855. He 8 itLeaves of Grass. It 9 only twelve poems. The new form of his poetry 10 many people. Whitman was poor and weak during the last years of his life. He died in 1892.

    Gina is a new teacher in a middle school. She lives in San Diego, just fifteen minutes' walk 1 a beach. So she always walks along the beach after work.

    Gina was very happy this weekend. After a busy week, she was ready (准备好的) to 2 The weekend started when she met her friends for dinner at Sam's Chinese Restaurant on Friday night. "My friends and I all like Chinese food, so we 3eat together at Sam' s Chinese Restaurant," said Gina.

    On 4 morning, Gina helped a friend move to a new house. In the afternoon, she went to her tennis class. 5 she is new to the sport, she plays well. After dinner, Gina went to the Red Onion and 6 until (到……时) 10:00 p.m. She loves dancing and she thinks it is good for her health.

    On Sunday, Gina got up at 8:00 a.m. and went to a small 7 near her home for breakfast. She likes the food there. Then she 8 the whole (整个) morning reading books. In the afternoon, she went to swim with her cousin, and then 9 had a fast-food meal together. In the evening, she went to the San Diego Folk Festival. She thought it was wonderful.

    10 do I have such a great weekend? Oh, every weekend," said Gina.

    "I can't believe what I'm hearing!" I thought to myself. Jeff was the last candidate (候选人) for president of Students' Union. My best friend Tony came to me and said, "I'm 1, Mike. I really thought you should be 2."

    Later that day, I happened to pass Jeff in the dining room. I offered him a polite " 3" and walked to my usual table. To my surprise, Jeff put his plate beside mine.

    "I'm, er-I'm just wondering 4 you would…consider coming to work on my team," he said 5. "You are really smart, and you would be a great manager."

    "I don't think so," I replied, feeling 6.

    "Well, if you change your mind, we are meeting tomorrow," he said before moving to 7 table.

    All that night, I thought about the offer from Jeff. Maybe being a part of the election process (选举过程) would give me a chance to make important changes at our school. I 8 to join them.

    My first goal was to 9 an attractive advertisement. Within a few days, we designed a10 with Jeff's pictures showing him in a number of activities. No one could walk through any hallway without passing Jeff's smiling face.

    My next step was to 11 which new activities students would like to have at our school. Many of them wanted a chess club and a volleyball team. With the information I had collected, Jeff met with the headmaster. The headmaster 12 to add these activities to our school program.

    With my help, Jeff and our ideas were well received at school.

    An eighth grader said, "It'll be like attending a new school with Jeff as president."

    Hearing these words made my heart filled with 13. I had wanted to become president of Student Council to make a difference. I achieved that and more by working as a member of Jeff's team. He became the most popular candidate and I was a large part of his 14. The fact that it has made a(n) 15 in other people's lives is the real prize. What a great feeling!