Behind the sanitation worker环卫大姐：不设限的人生更精彩

李畅

主题语境：人物介绍 篇幅：360词 建议用时：7分钟

1 Recently， a video of Zhang Jianna， a sanitation worker （ 環卫工人）， directingforeigners has gone viral online. Her fluent English and confident behavior showcased inthe video have deeply impressed the viewers， sparking curiosity about how an ordinarylookingsanitation worker acquired such impressive English skills.

2 Behind the sensation lies a decadelongjourney of persistence. In 2012， ZhangJianna took on the role of a sanitation worker in the embassy area of Sanlitun in Beijing'sChaoyang District. A special encounter while working has motivated Zhang to learn Englishby herself， a pursuit she continues with determination to this day.“ My goal is quite simple.I just want to help whenever someone is in need， whether asking for directions，inquiring about visa procedures， or about the embassy area I am responsible for，” saidZhang.

3 Thus， at the age of 40， Zhang embarked on a personal challenge. Without a tutor， shebegan learning English from her childrens textbooks， starting with basic words and phrasescommonly used for giving directions. With no fixed study hours， she used every spare moment.While others rested， she memorized vocabulary and practiced speaking. Uponarriving home after work， she would write down new knowledge points and review themuntil she thoroughly understood them. Over the years， she filled over a dozen notebooks with her notes.

4 Her memory posed her biggest challenge.“ Learning English at an older age， I wouldeasily forget the words I learned the previous day. Persistence is the key to learning English.Learn step by step， and learn every day，” Zhang said. When asked about the greatestreward of learning English， Zhang emphasized selfconfidence.“Growing up in a rural areawithout a college education， I sometimes fear being looked down upon. But every time Ihelp a stranger in English， I feel incredibly accomplished.”

“5 Tiring， but satisfying，” Zhang Jianna reflected on her work， summarizing her dedicationand pursuit of language learning.“ To serve others makes me happy， and its where Iprove my selfworth，”said Zhang.“ After retirement， I also want to introduce my hometownin English and promote local tourism，” she said， acknowledging that her inspiring journeyhas led to this new goal.

Reading

Check

1. What motivated Zhang Jianna to learn English？

A. Her childrens textbooks.

B. Her work environment.

C. A special encounter.

D. Online videos.

2. Why does Zhang Jianna learn English？

A. To help others.

B. To promote tourism.

C. To feel accomplished.

D. To build selfconfidence.

3. How does Zhang Jianna describe her work？

A. Demanding.B. Enjoyable.

C. Stressful.D. Relaxing.

4. What is Zhang Jianna's goal after retirement？

A. To learn another language.

B. To work as a guide.

C. To introduce her hometown.

D. To write a book.

Language

Study

Ⅰ. Text?centered chunks

be responsible for 负责

write down 记录下来

fill...with... 用……填满……

look down on/upon 蔑视；轻视

embark on/upon sth 从事；着手（新的或艰难的事情）

Ⅱ. Difficult sentence in the text

I just want to help whenever someone is in need， whether asking for directions，inquiring about visa procedures， or about the embassy area I am responsible for. 我只是想在有人需要帮助的时候提供帮助，无论（他们）是问路，询问签证程序，还是询问我负责的使馆区。

【点石成金】本句中，whenever引导的是时间状语从句；I am responsible for是一个省略了引导词that的定语从句，修饰先行词the embassy area。