Carter先生的兒子在学校中惹了一些麻烦。Carter先生便把他带到了小屋这边。Carter先生与农场工人Sam会有怎样的对话呢？这些对话反映出哪些问题呢？

Before reading

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and do the exercises.

Preparation task

Match the definitions （a～h） with the vocabulary （1～8）.

Vocabulary                     Definitions

1. ruddy           A. to almost close your eyes， often because of a bright light

2. an atlas          B. to move something suddenly

3. to squint         C. a small area

4. to flick          D. a book of maps

5. a patch          E. a reddish colour

6. rebellious        F. to move to a position

7. a hoof           G. fights against authority

8. to shift          H. the hard part of a horses foot

Reading text： A short story extract

Sam squinted against the sun at the distant dust trail raked（耙平） up by the car on its way up to the Big House. The horses kicked and flicked their tails at flies， not caring about their owners first visit in ten months. Sam waited. Mr Carter didnt come out here unless he had to， which was just fine by Sam. The more he kept out of his bosss way， the longer hed have a job.

Carter came by later while Sam was chopping wood. Carter lifted his hat as if he were waiting for an appointment with the town priest， and then removed it completely as if he were talking to his mother. He pulled out a pile of paper from his back pocket and held it out.

‘Dont pick up your mail often， do you

Sam took it without a glance and dropped the envelopes onto the bench.

‘Never， he replied and waited for Carter to say why he was here. The fact that it was Carters house was no explanation and they both knew it. Carter twisted his hat round and round， licking his lips and clearing his throat.

‘Nice work fixing those fences， he said finally.

‘Ill be back to the beginning soon， Sam said. It wasnt a complaint. A fence that took a year to repair meant another years work to the man who did it well.

‘Dont you ever want to take a holiday

‘And go where A holiday meant being back out in the real world， a place even people like Carter travelled to escape from. Sams escape was his reality and he wasnt going back.

Mr Carter wiped the sweat from the back of his neck. The damp patches on his shirt drew together like shapes in an atlas. His skin was already turning ruddy in the June sun. Otherwise he had the indoor tan（曬成棕褐色的肤色）of a man that made money while other people did the work.

‘Ive brought my son with me on this trip. Hes had some trouble at school. Mr Carters eyes flicked up， blinked rapidly and then shifted back to the hat occupying his hands. ‘Not much trouble out here for a young boy. He attempted a laugh but it came out like a dogs bark.

The two men looked towards the northern end of the property. It stretched as far as the eye could see. Even the fences were barely visible from where they stood. However bored and rebellious a teenage boy might get， it wasnt possible to escape on foot. Sam looked at the biggest of the horses， kicking at the ground. Could the boy ride  he wondered. There was a whole load of trouble a good rider could get into out here， miles away from anyone. But maybe there was even more trouble for someone who knew nothing about horses and wanted to get away from his father.

Task 1

Put the descriptions in the correct group.

A. Lives on the farm

B. Works with his hands

C. Has done something wrong

D. Owns the farm

E. Doesnt often come to the farm

Task 2

Choose the best answer.

1. What is Sams reaction to his letters

A. Uninterested.

B. Surprised.

C. Afraid.

D. Curious.

2. Why does Sam take no holidays from work

A. He feels safer on the farm.

B. He cant afford it.

C. He hasnt finished repairing the fences.

D. He doesnt know where to choose.

3. What can we guess about Mr Carter

A. He works hard.

B. Hes rich.

C. He has tanned skin.

D. He loves horses.

4. What does Sam think Carters son might do during his stay at the farm

A. He might leave on foot.

B. He might do something dangerous while riding.

C. He might break the fences.

D. He might get into trouble with the neighbours.

5. How does Mr Carter feel while hes talking to Sam in this scene

A. Angry.

B. Impatient.

C. Nervous.

D. Excited.

6. Why has Mr Carter come to his house

A. He wants to give Sam his mail.

B. He needs to check on the work on the fences.

C. His son has had problems at school.

D. His son needs a holiday.

Discussion

Why do you think Mr Carter has brought his son to the farm

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