Breathe, wave and smile. Along with more than 300 other seniors, I marched into the stadium on the afternoon of May 10. The audience burst into deafening cheers. The huge stadium shook with all the whistling and clapping.
It was as if a Hollywood superstar had walked on stage. And indeed, every single senior that day was a star of the moment. Each deserved it. The seniors had been preparing for four years for this once-in-a-lifetime moment—the commencement.
Seated, I waited anxiously for the opening address. As a foreign exchange student, I was not able to receive a diploma. However, I still had the wonderful feeling of being part of things. Like the other graduates, I was dressed in marron（紫褐色）cap and gown(方帽长袍).
Our principal, Mr. Glover, delivered a short, warm greeting. The US national anthem followed and then, hands on chests, a solemn Pledge of Allegiance(对美国的效忠宣誓).
Students who had excelled academically gave farewell speeches. The tears in some eyes convinced me that many had deep feelings about the occasion. It was as the class motto says, “Life brings us tears, smiles and memories. The tears dry; the smiles fade; but the memories last forever.”
Then came the core (核心) of the commencement. Hundreds of names were announced. Each graduate walked across the stage to receive his or her diploma from the principal. From the different cheers each graduate got, we had the funny sense that it was a kind of competition of who could cheer the loudest.
To be honest, the presentation of diplomas got boring. A girl sitting next to me even started yawning. But it wasn’t boring for those receiving the diploma: they would treasure the moment the principal placed the sacred brown document in their hands for the rest of their lives.
A new page in the book of that person’s life had turned. They were glimpsing（开始领悟） their futures: futures of challenge, hardship, perhaps loneliness too, which would take all of their courage.
46. What’s the article mainly about?
A. An American graduation ceremony.
B. The opening ceremony of a sports meeting.
C. A presentation of college diplomas.
D. A US college’s farewell party.
47. According to the text, which of the following statements about the author is TRUE?
A. Hollywood superstars went to attend the ceremony.
B. Every single senior became a superstar at the ceremony.
C. When each graduate got his or her diploma, there were cheers.
D. All graduates would treasure the diploma for the rest of their lives.
48. The right order of the following events is________.
a. Diplomas were presented to graduates. b. Students gave farewell speeches.
c. The US national anthem was played. d. The principal gave a short, warm speech.
e. Seniors went into the stadium.
A. b-c-a-d-e B. b-d-c-e-a C. e-d-b-a-c D. e-d-c-b-a
49. From the text, we can infer that_______.
A. foreign exchange students could get a diploma
B. a diploma guarantees a bright future
C. the ceremony symbolizes the beginning of a new stage in life
D. everyone felt excited at the presentation of the diploma
50. We know from the text that the author _________.
A. felt lost about the future
B. was actually one of the graduates
C. received her diploma on May 10
D. felt it boring to be at the presentation ceremony