第一节 解读高考读后续写题型（教师用书）-【启航英语】2025版高考英语读后续写高分策略(读思写)

第一章 读后续写的要求和历届高考真题分析 第一节 解读高考读后续写题型 一一、高考读后续写题型介绍 从2014年起,浙江最先开始了新一轮高中教学改革,浙江省新高考英语的命题思路和题型结构发生了很大变化 新增了语法填空、读后续写和概要写作三种新题型。随着高考综合改革的不断推进,读后续写题型已经在全国范围 内推广使用,特别是使用新高考试题的省份。读后续写是英语写作的集大成者,它包含了“写作”“阅读”“分析”和 “创造”。读后续写的原文本为学生提供了正确的语言使用样板,帮助学生在阅读文本与其作者互动的过程中发挥想 象力并创造性地模仿和使用语言。这种高考写作新题型通过读写整合引领语言运用,有助于培养学生的综合读写能 力,提高学生的英语素养。具体来说,读后续写有下面的命题特点。 1.读后续写试题提供一段350词以内的语言材料,要求学生依据该材料内容和所给段落开头语,续写一篇与给定 材料有逻辑衔接、情节合理、结构完整的短文(150词左右,且不包括已给出的两句段首句)。 注意:目前高考读后续写存在两种形式,一种是全国卷的,文章中没有标出关键词汇:另外一种是浙江卷的,文章 中10个词汇有下划线,在写作时至少使用5个短文中标出下划线的关键词汇。 2.读后续写原文多是情节丰富的记叙文,特别是夹叙夹议的表达形式比较多。读后续写所给材料往往充满正能 量,旨在弘扬社会主义核心价值观。如果是记叙文,其情节常常跌宕起伏,话题多与现实生活相关,故事中的人物会 遇到某种困难或问题,但最终都能圆满解决。读后续写所给材料语言地道、真实,多改编自外文网站文章或文学 作品。 3.读后续写不是让学生毫无根据地编故事,而是要求学生在读懂原文的基础上,找到原文中的线索,然后用丰 富、准确的语言完成一篇与原文紧密结合的读后续写作文。 一般来说,读后续写是一种将阅读与写作紧密结合的综合性语言测试形式,主要考查学生以下四个方面的能力。 1.把握关键信息和语言特点的能力。要求学生了解所给材料的主要内容,清楚其内在逻辑和语言结构的使用情 况,并通过续写短文表现出来。 2.使语言准确和丰富的语言运用能力。要求学生既能准确、恰当地使用所学词汇和语言结构,还能根据内容需 要使用较多、较复杂的词汇和语言结构 3.对语篇结构的把控能力。要求学生能掌握上下文逻辑关系,所续写的短文与所给材料及段落开头语之间有一 定的连贯性,语句连贯、有序。 4.创造性思维能力。要求学生所续写的短文具有较丰富的内容,包含详细和生动的情景、态度和感情描述,既合 情理,也有新意。 二、历届高考读后续写真题一览表 下表就近年来高考试题从主要内容和主题意义进行归纳,表格中的试题选取了近年浙江和全国I、II卷的内容 卷别 主要内容 主题意义 2024年新课标I、II卷 作者在出差途中与出租车司机完美地解决了车 费支付所遇到的问题。 诚实守信的美好品德 2024年1月全国九省联考卷 女孩Hilda在海洋公园发现海豚Maya的小秘密 人与动物和谐相处 2024年1月浙江卷 Eva刚入高中,她搞不清楚错综复杂四通八达的 综合楼,最后她巧用心术(mindtrick)突破挑战 克服困难、自我成长 2023年新课标I,II卷 不擅长写作的“我”在老师的鼓励下参加写作 比赛。 关爱学生,鼓励成长 2022年新高考I、II卷 教师鼓励有脑疾的大卫参加越野跑 关爱学生、鼓励成长 2022年6月浙江卷 “我”参加社区服务的经历。 关爱他人 2022年1月浙江卷 “学迹”与“学霸"一起做研究报告。 与人合作,个人成长 2021年新高考I、II卷 双胞胎在母亲节给母亲做“惊喜”早餐 家人间的关爱 D1 启航英语 高考英语读后续写高分策略·读思写 续表 “我”打暑期工,父亲竟然要拿“我”的工钱贴补 2021年6月浙江卷 家用。 家人间的关爱 2021年1月浙江卷 万圣节前夕,“我”的头卡在了一个南瓜里。 家庭亲情、趣事 2021年全国八省联考卷 “我”的车抛铺了,陌生的一家墨西哥人伸出了 援手。 来自陌生人的关爱 2020年新高考I、II卷 Meredith夫人一家设法帮穷苦男孩Bernard赚钱 关爱他人 补贴家用。 2020年1月浙江卷 男孩上大学后,家里的狗郁郁寡欢,父母又买了 一只小狗。 人与动物和谐相处 2020年7月浙江卷 “我”和妻子去拍提北极熊的照片,没想到北极 能光顾了我们的宿营地。 人与动物和谐相处 应三、高考读后续写评分原则 , (一)四大评分原则及解读 读后续写总分为25分,按7个档次进行评分。评分时,主要从续写内容、语言表达和篇章结构三个方面考查,具 体包括以下四个原则: 1.思路清晰原则。续写应在真正理解文章、深入读懂文章的基础上进行。在人物、事件、情节的构架上,所续写 的内容应思路清晰,还要体现出情节展开上的丰富性和新颖性,避免生搬硬套。 2.内容科学原则。续写中所创设的情境应贴近真实生活、布局合理、内容科学、逻辑性强。续写内容应科学、合 理,避免为了“创新”而违背常理和自然规律,升华主题时不可牵强或跑偏。 3.语言准确原则。续写所使用的词汇和语法结构需具备丰富性和准确性。单词拼写和标点符号的使用是写作 规范的重要方面,评分时也会视其对交际的影响程度予以考虑,英、美拼写及词汇用法均可接受。 4.衔接紧密原则。上下文的衔接和全文的连贯性在续写中容易被忽视。在续写时,需要关注与原文的逻辑衔 接、与所给段首句衔接、第一段与第二段的衔接,以及续写内容的衔接。在续写时加人衔接词,可以让情节变得更加 通顺流畅、层次丰富。 (二)七个档次的评分细则 评分时,评分老师先根据学生所续写短文的内容和语言初步确定其所属档次,然后以该档次的要求来衡量、确定 或调整档次,最后给分。此外,词数和书写也考虑在内。词数少于120的,酌情扣分。书写较差以致影响阅读的,酌情 扣分。 评分档次 描述 第七档 1.创造了新颖、丰富、合理的内容,富有逻辑性,续写完整,与原文情境融洽度高。 (22~25分) 2.使用了多样且恰当的词汇和语法结构,表达流畅,语言错误很少,且完全不影响理解 优秀档 3.自然有效地使用了段落间、语句间衔接手段,全文结构清晰,前后呼应,意义连贯。 第六档 1.创造了比较丰富、合理的内容,比较有逻辑性,续写比较完整,与原文情境融洽度比较高 (18~21分) 2.使用了比较多样且恰当的词汇和语法结构,有些许语法错误,不影响理解。 良好档 3.比较有效地使用了段落间衔接手段,全文结构比较清晰,意义比较连贯。 第五档 1.创造了基本合理的内容,有一定的逻辑性,续写基本完整,与原文情境相关。 (15~17分) 2.使用了比较恰当的词汇和语法结构,表达方式不够多样,表达有些错误,但基本不影响理解。 一般档 3.使用了语句间衔接手段,全文结构比较清晰,意义比较连贯。 第四档 1.创造了基本完整的故事内容,但有的情节不够合理或逻辑性不强,与原文情境基本相关。 (11~14分) 2.使用了简单的词汇和语法结构,有部分语言错误和不恰当之处,个别部分影响理解。 较差档 3.尚有语句衔接的意识,全文结构基本清晰,意义基本连贯。 第三档 1.内容和逻辑上有一些重大问题,续写不够完整,与原文有一定程度脱节。 (6~10分) 2.所用的词汇有限,语法结构单调,错误较多且比较低级,影响理解。 很差档 3.未能有效地使用语句间衔接手段,全文结构不够清晰,意义欠连贯 002 第一章 读后续写的要求和历届高考真题分析 续表 第二档 1.内容和逻辑上有较多重大问题,或有部分内容抄自原文,续写不完整,与原文情境基本脱节。 (1~5分) 2.所使用的词汇非常有限,语法结构单调,错误极多,严重影响理解。 太差档 3.几乎没有使用语句间衔接手段,全文结构不清晰,意义不连贯。 第一档 未作答,所写内容太少或无法看清以致无法评判,所写内容全部抄自原文或与题目要求完全不 (0分) 相关。 (三)四个常见档次范文实例 下面将以一道高考读后续写真题为例,分别从四、五、六、七这四个档次的范文人手,讲解评分标准和要点。 阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。 The Meredith family lived in a small community. As the economy was in decline, some people in the town had lost their jobs. Many of their families were struggling to make ends meet. People were trying to help each other meet the challenges. Mrs. Meredith was a most kind and thoughtful woman. She spent a great deal of time visiting the poor. She knew they had problems, and they needed all kinds of help. When she had time, she would bring food and medicine to them One morning she told her children about a family she had visited the day before, There was a man sick in bed, his wife, who took care of him and could not go out to work, and their little boy. The little boy-his name was Bernard-had interested her very much. "I wish you could see him." she said to her own children. John. Harry and Clara."He is such a help to his mother He wants very much to earn some money, but I don't see what he can do." After their mother left the room, the children sat thinking about Bernard."I wish we could help him to earn money," said Clara."His family is suffering so much." "So do I." said Harry."We really should do something to assist them." For some moments. John said nothing. but, suddenly. he sprang to his feet and cried, "I have a great idea! I have a solution that we can all help accomplish(完成)." The other children also jumped up all attention. When John had an idea, it was sure to be a good one."I tell you what we can do," said John."You know that big box of corn Uncle John sent us? Well, we can make popcorn(爆米花), and put it into paper bags, and Bernard can take it around to the houses and sell it." 鲜意1.续写的词数应为150个左右;2.请按照如下的格式在相应位置作答。 When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she thought it was a good one, too. With everything ready, Bernard started out on his new business. 1.第四档(较差档)范文实例(11~14分) When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she thought it was a good one, too, So Mrs. Meredith took out that big box of corn. The children were very happy. They went to see Uncle John to borrow the popcorn machine and learned how to make popcorm. The children made popcorn. Mrs. Meredith went out to buy the paper bags. She brought Bernard back. They told the idea to him. He was excited With everything ready, Bernard started out on his new business. At first, Bernard was too shy. John helped him sell their popcorn. The popcorn was very delicious. In the evening, their popcorn was sold out and they earned some money. Bernard thanked and hugged John. Every week, Bernard sold popcorn and took some money home.(103 words) 点评 (1)从续写内容上看,本文情节完整,且与原文情境基本相关。比如续写的第一段写到了Mrs. Meredith帮助孩子们制作popcorn的一些细节,第二段写到了Bernard的情绪及孩子们帮助他卖popcorn的情况 虽然情节完整,但词数不足,只有103词,信息量不够,仅仅就事论事,未对文章主题进行升华。 (2)从语言表达上看,虽然文章无语法错误,但使用的都是较为简单的词汇和语法结构,比如第一段的The children were very happy和He was excited,第二段的Bernard thanked and hugged John等都是简单句。在续写内容 中,简单句占了绝大多数,且基本都是以人作主语的句子,句式显得单一,表达方面使用的都是初级词汇,比如 happy,shy,delicious等,用词贫乏,语言干瘪。 (3)从篇章结构上看,结构基本清晰,尚有语句衔接意识,意义基本连贯。比如第一段使用了So,第二段使用了 At first,In the evening等进行叙事衔接,但未使用其他表示逻辑衔接的副词如however,besides, therefore等。 D0 启航英语 高考英语读后续写高分策略·读思写 2.第五档(一般档)范文实例(15~17分) When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea. she thought it was a good one, too. Then she said, "You may help him if you will pop the corn for him yourselves. John, will you agree to take charge of the work?"" Indeed. I will." replied John. Soon, the Meredith family paid another visit to the family and told them about the popcorn plan. Needless to say, the family were deeply moved, especially Bernard who could sell popcorn to make money for his family. Then the four children began making the popcorn. Two hours later, the corn was all popped, and the paper bags were filled and arranged in the basket. With everything ready, Bernard started out on his new business. Although it was a hard time and things were tight for everybody, Bernard's business worked out quite well. He carried the popcorn on his small bike, going from door to door to sell it. People were surprised to see such a little poorly-dressed boy selling popcorn at their doors, but eventually almost al of them would buy a bag or two. He was really excited.( 166 words) 点评 (1)从续写内容上看,本文内容基本合理,有一定的逻辑性,情节基本完整,与原文情境相关。比如第 一段续写了Mrs,Meredith、孩子们和Bernard的家人商议卖popcorn的计划,并动手制作popcorn的细节;第二段续 写了Bernard售卖popcorn并得到了大家的支持等细节。不足之处是结尾未突出情感和文章主题,让人感觉内容和 情感的完整性不够。 (2)从语言表达上看,词汇和语法结构的使用较为恰当,续写内容中不仅出现了简单句、并列句,还有定语从 句,如 Needless to say, the family were deeply moved, especially Bernard who could sell popcorn to make money for his family;让步状语从句,如 Although it was a hard time and things were tight for everybody,Bernard's business worked out quite well;动词-ing 短语作状语,如He carried the popcorn on his small bike, going from door to door to sell it.等 较高级的语法形式。 (3)从篇章结构上看,续写部分使用了语句间衔接手段,比如Then.Needlesstosay等,全文结构较为清晰,意义 也较为连贯。 3.第六档(良好档)范文实例(18~21分) When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she thought it was a good one, too. She borrowed an old homemade popcorn machine for the children. After that, they paid a visit to Bernard and told him the plan. With the box of corn in his hands, the poor child looked enraptured at his parents' faces. Their expression had changed from one of sorrow to one of joy. He tried to make popcorn by the machine with the help of the three children. When the first kernel popped, they all laughed with delight as they imagined money waving at them. With everything ready, Bernard started out on his new business. He went from house to house, selling his popcorn packed in paper bags. Although his neighbors were not rich, they still opened their wallets, hoping to help the boy out of a difficult situation. With the help of those generous neighbors, Bernard soon sold out his popcorn. When he returned home. seeing the Merediths waiting for him. he found it hard to express his gratitude as tears welled up in his eyes. He wanted to give them some money back. John said they had already got the best reward-being helpful to others. ( 179 words) 点 (1)从续写内容上看,本文内容较为丰富、合理,逻辑性较强,续写较为完整,与原文情境融治度较高。 比如,第一段续写了Mrs.Meredith借来homemade popcorn machine,探访Bernard的家庭及孩子们一起制作popcorn 等情节;第二段续写了Bernard卖popcorn及邻居们对他的帮助和支持等情节。 (2)从语言表达上看,本文词汇和语法结构的使用较为多样且恰当,如with的复合结构Withthebox of corn in his hands, the poor child looked enraptured at his parents' faces;状语从句 When he returned home, seeing the Merediths waiting for him, he found it hard to express his gratitude as tears welled up in his eyes 等 (3)从篇章结构上看,段落间衔接手段的使用较为自然有效,意义较为连贯。结尾部分Johnsaidtheyhad already got the best reward-beinghelpful to others能结合故事内容升华主题,起到了画龙点晴的作用。美中不足的 是本文的叙述多于描写,第一段段尾对人物心理的描写偏离了故事主旨,也削弱了两段续写内容之间的内在衔接 影响了段落间的内在联系。 4.七档(优秀档)范文实例(22~25分) When Mrs. Meredith heard of John's idea, she thought it was a good one, too, They hurried to tell Bernard the grea idea. Hearing it, Bernard was very delighted. Then Mrs. Meredith together with four kids made their way to a supermarket bought a popcorn machine and some paper bags, and went home. It wasn't long before they could make delicious popcorn. Bathed in the sunshine. they put the paper bags filled with popcorn into a basket in excitement. With everything ready, Bernard started out on his new business. The popcorn was so sweet that it was sold out in a short time. Bernard returned with an empty basket, some coins in his hands. He held the coins tightly, tears rolling down 4 第一章 读后续写的要求和历届高考真题分析 without control. Since then, every Saturday morning, John saw it that the corm was all popped, the paper bags filled and arranged in the basket when Bernard arrived. Thanks to John, all things went well. Even a small act of kindness can make the world better. (145 words) 点 (1)从续写内容上看,本文内容新颖、丰富、合理,富有逻辑性,续写完整。比如,第一段续写了Mrs Meredith和孩子们探访Bernard的家庭,以及和孩子们一起去超市购买材料、制作popcorn等情节;第二段续写了 Bernard成功售卖popcorn等情节,与原文情境融洽度高。 (2)从语言表达上看,词汇和语法结构的使用多样且恰当,如动词-ing短语作状语Hearing it,Bernardwasvery delighted;独立 主格结构 Bernard returned with an empty basket, some coins in his hands; He held the coins tightly. tears rolling down without control 等等。 (3)从篇章结构上看,续写内容表达流畅,段落间、语句间衔接手段的使用自然、有效,如then、thankstoJohn 等。全文结构清断,前后呼应,意义连贯。短文中人物有动作,情感上的互动,结尾Evena small act of kindness can make the worldbetter升华了主题,不失为一篇优秀作文。 :四,高考读后续写解题策略 读后续写题的设计理念是希望学生通过对所给材料的理解和掌握,通过模仿所给材料中学习到的语言知识,结 合自身的情感体验,创造性地构建出新的语篇,从而促进写作能力的提升 因此,要想续写出好文,首先,要完全读懂所给材料;其次,根据读后续写的题型要求,学生应依据材料内容和所 给段落开头语进行续写,将其发展成一篇与给定材料有逻辑衔接、情节和结构完整的短文。因此,读后续写解题应思 考如何衔接续写两段与段首给出句,如何根据故事发展逻辑构建情节,确保所续写内容与所给材料结合在一起成为 一篇情节和结构完整的短文。换句话说,续写解题的第二步是思考续写内容的what。第三,进入下笔实操阶段,即完 成续写内容中的how。学生在此阶段应使用细节化的语言将续写内容与原材料串联起来。所以在本书中,我们将采 用三步法(读--思--写)详细解读读后续写的解题流程。 第一步:读懂原文 1.“读"是写作的关键 《中国高考评价体系》确立了高考“立德树人”的核心功能,提出了以充分体现核心价值的问题情景承载考查内 容,切实实现核心价值的可测性。经过归纳和分析,读后续写历年高考真题的主题均体现了立德树人精神,实现了对 核心价值的考查。由此,我们可以肯定地预计,将来高考读后续写的主题将会继续体现立德树人精神,彰显人性光 辉,围绕家庭亲情、个人成长、校园积极事件、人与人之间守望互助、人与自然和动物的和谐相处创设情境。因此,考 生在拿到一份读后续写题目时,应在此范围内正确判断其主题,保证自己的续写内容正确体现主题、不偏离主题 2.读情节 通过研究近年来的读后续写高考真题,我们发现,读后续写材料通常为一篇故事类的记叙文。要想让续写的内 容与给定的故事衔接紧密、逻辑连贯,理清该故事的发展脉络尤为关键。通过研究近年来的读后续写高考真题我们 发现,续写内容往往就是故事中的“解决问题”和“结尾”部分(也有少数让写出“冲突”部分),因此读情节,可以有效 帮助学生理清故事发展的脉络,确保所续写内容和所给材料逻辑衔接,在情节和结构上构成一篇完整的故事。 3.读语言 在阅读所给短文的过程中,除了总结材料的主题意义、梳理材料的故事脉络之外,学生还应在阅读时重点关注材 料中的语言。主要关注点有两方面:语言风格、语言伏笔。经过对历年读后续写真题及大量各地市优质模考题分析 后发现,不同语篇的语言风格迥异,有的语篇以动作描写取胜(如2017年6月浙江卷Mac骑行遇到狼);有的语篇大 笔墨描绘主人公所看到的景色,并寓情于景(如2018年6月浙江卷骑马迷路);有的语篇将动物赋予人的特点,运用 丰富的修辞(如2020年1月浙江卷男孩上大学后,家里的狗郁郁寡欢);还有的语篇语言朴素却传达了最真挚的人类 情感(如2021年新高考I、II卷双胞胎给母亲做惊喜早餐)。读懂并在续写中模仿其语言风格、句式表达等,是完成 协同的重要步骤 另外,原文作者在创作时候会设置大量的语言伏笔,阅读时我们要留意这些伏笔,并在下笔续写时,养成回读的 习惯,争取自已续写的内容最大程度地照应短文中的各种伏笔,实现上下文的连贯。 第二步:“思”是写作的必要步骤 一般来说,读后续写都是一般记叙文,文章往往以事件要素(who,when,where,what)为主。我们可以统一归纳 为what 1.根据原文内容和续写两段给出句,思考续写内容与所给短文的衔接; 2.根据原文最后一段和续写第一段给出句,思考第一段续写内容与第一段给出句的衔接 3.思考第一段所要续写内容与所给材料情节的关联 105 启航英语 高考英语读后续写高分策略·读思写 4.根据第二段给出句思考第一段应如何结尾,完成两段的衔接; 5.思考第二段续写内容与第二段给出句的衔接,并思考与第一段所思情节的关联。 第三步:“写”出精彩短文 1.依据情节,组织语言 在组织语言环节,首先一定要将“衔接”时刻记在心里,评分时第一个划档的内容就是续写与所给短文及段落开 头语的衔接程度;第二可以适当模仿使用原文的句式、描写手段和语言结构;第三为了提升续写的得分档次,可适当 使用高级词汇、句式等增加表达的丰富性。 2.下笔续写 下笔进行续写时,一定要注意书写。评分标准对书写差以致影响交际的续写会进行降档处理。因此,学生在平 时的续写训练中注意字迹的练习,以养成良好的习惯,我们想对同学们说,想要写出精彩的文章离不开一点一滴的阅 读积累,希望同学们在平时多阅读各类文章,为自已积累续写素材、学习写作技巧。日积月累,手中会握有一杆生花 妙笔,助我们写出锦绣文章 ;五、如何备考高考读后续写 1.学生可以以阅读来促进写作,即品读文本,训练语篇。写好读后续写的前提条件之一,就是阅读并充分理解原 文。读后续写的原文部分,通常都是情节曲折且逻辑性较强的记叙文,一般不多于350词。对大部分学生来说,读懂 大意并不难。但是,读后续写题型要求学生不仅仅停留在读懂的层面,还要有针对性地对原文进行分析,理清情节脉 络,从而确定接下来的写作思路。 因此,在阅读的过程中,需要注意分析原文的以下几个方面:人物性格、外貌、关系、情节、时空、呼应。同时,在平 时的训练中,还要注重阅读材料的选取。比如,如果时间有限,那么可以先从阅读高考真题和模拟题的范文人手,尝 试如何抓住文章的线索,为写作铺垫。此外,还可以多读改编版的外国名著,如书虫系列、典范英语系列,通过阅读提 高阅读速度、积累地道语言、丰富情节构思。 2.注重积累,提升能力。一份高考作文在阅卷时往往半分钟左右便会被判分数,所以大众化的词汇和平常的表 达会使阅卷老师产生视觉疲劳。这时,如果一篇作文中使用了与众不同、让人眼前一亮的词汇、句型及细节描写,那 么阅卷老师绝不会各啬分数。 因此,平时训练要有意识地积累高级词汇和语法结构,写作时要注重选词,注意语法结构的准确性和多样性。多 读、多背优秀范文,及时总结归纳同类意义的多样表达。比如,表示”看”的词有look;see;watch;gaze;glance;notice stare;glare等:表示“跑”的词有run;rush;dash等。 3.注重写作输出,即规范写作,形成素养。高中生学习时间紧、强度大,因此一定要规范训练、注重效率。比如 多进行限时训练,即30分钟内完成读后续写,且每次要按照科学的阅读、写作流程来进行训练。如果时间有限,那么 也可以单句、段落、全文训练交互进行。这样才能厚积薄发、水到渠成。写作完成后,要主动批阅,可以自已批阅,也 可以和同学相互批阅,还可以多进行二次写作,直到把一篇文章写透为止。此外,必要的书写训练也是很重要的,要 注意卷面的整洁美观。 磨刀不误砍柴工,只有在平时训练多积累、多思考,按照以上训练方法一步一步完成,才可能在紧张的考试中从 容应对,交上满意的答卷。 第二节 高考读后续写真题解读 一、2024年新课标I、II卷 阅读下面材料,根据其内容和所给段落开头语续写两段,使之构成一篇完整的短文。 I met Gunter on a cold. wet and unforgettable evening in September. I had planned to fly to Vienna and take a bus to Prague for a conference. Due to a big storm. my flight had been delayed by an hour and a half. I touched down in Vienna just 3o minutes before the departure of the last bus to Prague. The moment I got off the plane, I ran like crazy through the airport building and jumped into the first taxi on the rank without a second thought. That was when I met Gunter. I told him where I was going, but he said he hadn't heard of the bus station. I thought my pronunciation was the problem, so I explained again more slowly, but he still looked confused. When I was about to give up, Gunter fished out his little phone and rang up a friend. After a heated discussion that lasted for what seemed like a century, Gunter put his phone down and started the car. Finally. with just two minutes to spare we rolled into the bus station. Thankfully. there was a long queue (队列) still waiting to board the bus. Gunter parked the taxi behind the bus, turned around, and looked at me with a big smile on hi face."We made it,"he said. 10