My Childhood

钟美玲

I was born in New York， but I grew up in San Francisco. I began to live in London 25 years ago. If I am asked now where I want to live forever， I say London， but I will always be American.

San Francisco， like London， has many parks. Every day my sisters and I were taken to play in the parks. I didnt go to school. I only had three hours of formal education when I was five. I was sent to school but came home at noon on the first day. I said I didnt enjoy it and hadnt learned anything. My parents decided that school was not for me and I never went back.

My mother then taught me and my two sisters， in the way of an English lady who had a good education. We learned languages and reading more than sciences and math. Sometimes she taught us herself， but we also had other teachers. About once a week we walked to Golden Gate Park. While we were walking， my mother taught me to read music. One day I noticed a little toy train in the window of a shop and I remember now how much I wanted to have it. I couldnt say my “r”s when I was small. My mother said if I could say an “r” well， I would have the toy train. I practiced and practiced. Then one morning I woke everybody up with my“r”s. I got the toy train. I usually get the things I want in life—but I work hard for them.

根據短文内容，选择最佳答案。

1. The writer ___.

A. was born in San Francisco                 B. is living in New York now

C. likes living in London                   D. doesnt like being American

2. The writer did not go to school in America because ___.

A. his mother wanted him to go to school in England

B. his parents did not think formal education was right for him

C. his mother wanted him to play outdoors in the parks

D. he could get on well with the other children

3. Which of the following is TRUE？

A. The writer was taught by his mother and other teachers.

B. The writer had no education at all.

C. The writer didnt have lessons every day.

D. The writer walked to the Park to learn languages once a week.

4. The writer got the little toy train at last because ___.

A. his mother gave him the money for it  B. he tried his best to read music

C. he wanted it very much                     D. his mother was pleased with his progress  （进步）

5. The writer tells us ___.

A. why children neednt go to school       B. how he grew up in San Francisco

C. that children liked toys                      D. that his mother didnt give him any toys