Are we fated to repeat the past because our memories are too short? Wasn’t World War II supposed to provide a(n) (51) ______ that would end all wars? Why are we still fighting? As people around the world (52) ________ the agonies of war, is it possible to even hope for a brighter tomorrow?
A recent study revealed that the (53) ______ of wars in the world is actually decreasing. I hardly believe this means we (54) ________ historic praise for greater understanding of our fellow men. While the number of traditional wars may have (55) _______ slightly, acts of violence around the globe are on the increase.
The end of World War II left us with an opportunity (56) _______ seen throughout history—to start over. But, instead of seizing that opportunity and (57) ______ the safety and well-being of all peoples, rich nations took advantage of the poor. We cannot continue with the (58) _______ that our actions in other parts of the world are without (59) _______ at home. If we do so, the (60) _______ efforts of the soldiers of World War II will have been a waste. We will simply repeat the wars of the past.
Word Bank
A. assumption B. accepting C. guaranteeing D. assure E. heroic
F. consequences G. rarely H. endure I. persisted J. deserve
K. decline L. shrink M. quantity N. desire O. resolution
Charlie Chaplin, the world’s most famous __1__ was born and raised in London. His parents were both entertainers. They separated before Charlie was three. Chaplin's father was __2__ to alcohol and his mother was mentally ill. The __3__ that Chaplin faced in his early life was a great influence on his characters and themes in his films reflected the scenes of his childhood.
Charlie Chaplin was a(n) __4__ talented comic with great imagination. He was good at using his physical senses to invent his art. He also created the great comic character of “the Tramp”, the little man in rags who gave his creator __5__ fame. The tramp __6__ tiny moustaches, huge pants and tail coats. The working-class audiences would clap for such a character who __7__ against authority.
For Chaplin’s emotional life, Chaplin’s collision between a deep need to be loved and a corresponding fear of being __8__ resulted in disaster in his early marriages. However, it’s a relief to know that life eventually gave Charlie Chaplin the stable happiness it had earlier __9__ him.
Chaplin died in 1977. His working life in entertainment __10__ over 65 years. It is doubtful any individual has ever given more entertainment, pleasure and relief to so many human beings when they needed it the most.
A) comedian
I ) addicted
B) disadvantage
J) immensely
C) permanent
K) sported
D) revolted
L) betrayed
E) denied
M) spanned
F) attracted
N) temporary
G) negative
O) actress
H) practically