They think they're lucky that they're living and it's Christmas again. They can't see that we live on a dirty street in a shabby¹ house among people who aren't much good. Johnny and the children can't see how pitiful it is that our neighbors have to make happiness out of this filth² and dirt. My children must get out of this. But how? The money that we've saved isn't nearly enough.

The McGaritys have money, but they are show-offs with it. The McGarity girl just yesterday stood out there in the street eating from a bag of cookies while a ring of hungry children watched her. I saw those children looking at her and crying in their hearts, and when she couldn't eat any more, she shrew the rest down the sewer(阴沟).

Miss Jackson who teaches at the Settlement House isn't rich, but she knows things. She understands people. Her eyes look straight into yours when she talks with you. Everybody else here looks away because they're ashamed(羞愧)of their lives. I'd like to see the children be like Miss Jackson when they grew up.

1. The writer suggests that her family _____.

A. is extremely³ rich

B. is an unhappy one

C. are accustomed⁴ to their life

D. long for a change in their life

2. The McGarity girl is characterized⁵ as _____.

A. selfish⁶ and cruel

B. friendly and kind

C. beautiful and proud

D. rich and nice

3. The writer thinks Miss Jackson is _____.

A. poor but brave

B. friendly and talkative

C. a teacher liked by all her pupils

D. an example her children should follow

4. Which of the following is TRUE?

A. The writer's family is the poorest one on that street.

B. Watching the rich girl eating cookies, those hungry children cried.

C. The writer wants to move out of that district.

D. The writer hopes that her children will become teachers.

KEY: 1. C 2. A 3. D 4. C