Last summer, I volunteered at a homeless shelter in my city. It was a two-week project organized by a local charity, and it taught me a lot about life.
On the first day, I was nervous. I didn't know how to talk to homeless people. But the shelter's manager told me, "Just be kind and listen to them. They need to be cared about." I started by helping prepare meals. I washed vegetables, set the tables and served food to the homeless. Their smiles made me feel warm.
One day, I met an elderly man named Mr Charles. He used to be a teacher, but he had to sell his house because of a serious disease. He told me stories about his students and his life before. I listened carefully and asked him questions. He said no one had talked to him like that for a long time. Later, I helped him write a letter to his son—he hadn't seen him for five years.
During the project, we also organized a small event for the homeless. We played games, sang songs and gave them gifts donated by local people. A little boy named Tommy was very shy at first, but he soon joined in the games. He laughed a lot, and I could see the joy in his eyes.
On the last day of the project, many homeless people came to say goodbye. Mr Charles gave me a drawing he made—it was a picture of a sun. He said, "The sun gives hope. You are like the sun to us." I almost cried.
This volunteer experience made me realize how lucky I am to have a home and a family. I also learned that a small act of kindness can make a big difference.
() 41. Where did the writer volunteer last summer?
A. At a place for homeless people.
B. At a school for disabled children.
C. At a local hospital for the elderly.
D. At the Paralympic Winter Games.
() 42. What did the writer do first at the shelter?
A. Talked to Mr Charles.
B. Helped prepare meals.
C. Organized a small event.
D. Gave gifts to the homeless.
() 43. Why did Mr Charles lose his house?
A. Because he was too old to work.
B. Because he had a serious illness.
C. Because he didn't have a family.
D. Because he donated all his money.
() 44. What did the writer learn from the volunteer experience?
A. Homeless people don't need help.
B. Organizing events is tiring but fun.
C. Homeless people need money most.
D. Kindness can make a big difference.
() 45. Which of the following is true according to the passage?
A. The writer's volunteer project lasted for one week.
B. The shelter's manager told the writer to listen to the homeless.
C. Mr Charles sold his house because he wanted to live in the shelter.
D. Tommy was very outgoing and joined the games at once.