A
(2019·杭州质检)Recently I and other Red Cross volunteers met a group of victims from Hurricane Katrina. We were there, as mental health professionals, to offer “psychological first aid” and I was struck by the simple healing power of presence. As we walked in the gate to the shelter, we were greeted with a burst of gratitude (感激) from the first person we met. I felt appreciated, but also guilty, because I hadn't really done anything yet.
I first realized the power of presence many years ago when a friend's mother passed away unexpectedly. I received a call saying she had just passed away. I wanted to rush down there immediately, but didn't want to intrude (打扰) on this very personal period of sadness. I was torn about what to do. Another friend with me then said, “Just go. Just be there.” I did, and I will never regret it.
Since then, I have not hesitated to be in the presence of others. Once I sat at the bedside of a young man suffering from the pain of his AIDSrelated dying. He was not awake, and obviously unaware of others' presence. However, the atmosphere was by no means solemn. His family, playing guitars and singing, allowed him to be present with them as though he were still fully alive.
In my life, I am repeatedly struck by the healing power of presence. In it, none of us are truly alone. It not only is something we give to others but also changes me for the better.
1．Why were the hurricane victims grateful to the author?
A．He built shelters for them.
B．He gave immediate first aid to them.
C．He came to stay with them.
D．He brought mental health professionals.
解析：选C 细节理解题。根据第一段的第二句可知，因为“我”在他们受灾时和他们在一起，所以他们感激“我”，故C项正确。
2．What did the author do when his friend's mother passed away?
A．He hesitated over whether to go.
B．He went to his friend's at once.
C．He knew what to do instantly.
D．He decided not to disturb his friend.
解析：选A 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“I wanted to rush down there immediately ...I was torn about what to do.”可知，“我”想要立即去朋友那里，但又不愿意去打扰朋友，据此可知，当朋友的母亲去世时，“我”犹豫是否要去朋友那里。
3．What has the author learned from his experience?
A．A friend in need is a friend indeed.
B．Being present can make a big difference.
C．The family harmony is the happiest thing in life.
D．Being a volunteer can make one's life more significant.
解析：选B 推理判断题。根据最后一段的前两句“In my life, I am repeatedly ...are truly alone.”并结合第二段的第一句可知，从自己的经历中“我”意识到了“到场”的重要意义，故B项正确。
