When I was 11, my grandfather began to teach me how to drive. I was a fast learner. At 16, I was already a 1 driver. However, when I passed into adulthood, I began to get speeding tickets. For me, this did not reflect one’s 2 as a driver. So I 3 to drive as fast as I could.
Then in September of 2005, I received a letter 4 my presence to discuss my future ___5 rights. As I sat down, a man began to unfold my file. I was 6 to see my record was five pages long. The man gave me two 7 . I could turn in my 8 and not drive for three months or continue driving, but without tickets for one year. With two kids and a busy practice, I went with the second choice.
After the meeting, I had lunch with my friend, Nick. He noticed that my eating habits ___9 my driving habits. Nick told me that my attention was 10 paid to the destination and not the process of getting there. The car gives fun, allowing me to get to my __11 much faster. However, after reaching it, I was never truly satisfied because I 12_ the messages and lessons of the journey.
After the two 13 , I began to transform myself. I now enjoy driving, often taking the most scenic route. I have also slowed my 14 down, enjoying each bite as I go. Learning 15 is really a big lesson for me.
1. A. lucky B. skilled C. careless D. poor
2. A. interest B. belief C. ability D. character
3. A. stopped B. wanted C. began D. continued
4. A. requesting B. hoping C. suggesting D. planning
5. A. driving B. swimming C. diving D. living
6. A. disappointed B. depressed C. surprised D. terrified
7. A. tickets B. choices C. letters D. pages
8. A. license B. money C. evidence D. file
9. A. affected B. matched C. suited D. caused
10. A. totally B. partly C. slowly D. slightly
11. A. destination B. process C. place D. journey
12. A. understood B. lacked C. gained D. ignored
13. A. surveys B. events C. debates D. arguments
14. A. working B. driving C. walking D. eating
15. A. honesty B. understanding C. patience D. carelessness