Lesson 69



But not murder!



First listen and then answer the question.



Do you think that the writer passed his driving test? Why?



I was being tested for a driving licence for the third time.



I had been asked to drive in heavy traffic and had done so successfully.



After having been instructed to drive out of town, I began to acquire confidence.



Sure that I had passed, I was almost beginning to enjoy my test.



The examiner must have been pleased with my performance, for he smiled and said.



'Just one more thing, Mr.Eames.



Let us suppose that a child suddenly crosses the road in front of you.



As soon as I tap on the window, you must stop within five feet.'



I continued driving and after some time, the examiner tapped loudly,



Though the sound could be heard clearly, it took me a long time to react.



I suddenly pressed the brake pedalhard and we were both thrown forward.



The examiner looked at me sadly. 'Mr.Eames,' he said, in a mournful voice,



'you have just killed that child!'



murder   [ˈmə:də]   n. 谋杀


instruct  [inˈstrʌkt]  v. 命令，指示


acquire  [əˈkwaiə]  v. 取得，获得


confidence   [ˈkɔnfidəns]   n. 信心


examiner  [ig'zæminə]  n. 主考人


suppose  [səˈpəuz]  v. 假设


tap  [tæp]  v. 轻敲


react  [riˈækt]  v. 反应


brake  [breik]  n. 刹车


pedal   [ˈpedl]   n. 踏板


mournful  [ˈmɔ:nful]  adj. 悲哀的