In January 1986 I saw a show about cartooning called “Funny Business” on TV. I had always wanted to be a __36__but never knew how. So I wrote to the host of the_37_, cartoonist Jack Cassady, asking for advice on entering the profession(职业).
Two weeks later I got a (n) __38__letter from Jack, answering my questions about materials and process(过程). He also __39__ me not to get discouraged if I was refused__40__. He said the cartoon samples（样本） I sent him were good and worthy of publication（出版）.
I got very __41__, finally understanding how the whole process__42__. I sent my best cartoons to Playboy and New Yorker, ___43___ the magazines rejected（拒绝）me immediately. Discouraged, I put my art supplies in the box and__44__to forget all about cartooning.
To my__45__, in June 1987 I got another letter from Jack, although I hadn’t even__46__ him for the former advice. Here’s what he said:
Dear Scott,
I was reviewing my “Funny Business” mail file when I again came__47__ your letter and your cartoons. I remember answering you letter.
I’m writing to encourage you to submit(提交) your ideas to various publications again. I hope you have __48__ done so and are making progress and having some__49__ too. Sometimes encouragement in the funny business is hard to come by. That’s__50__ I am encouraging you to hang in there and keep drawing.
I wish you good luck.
Sincerely,
Jack
I was deeply__51__because Jack had nothing to gain—including my thanks. I acted on his__52__, took out my art supplies and inked the sample strips(漫画连载) that__53__ became Dilbert.
I feel__54__that I wouldn’t have tried cartooning again if Jack hadn’t sent the second letter. As Dilbert became more successful I came to __55__ Jack’s simple act of kindness.

A．singer B．writer C．actor D．cartoonist

A．show B．television C．wedding D．party

A．surprising B．encouraging C．shocking D．disappointing

A．allowed B．suggested C．insisted D．warned

A．at first B．first of all C．at last D．in the end

A．confused B．anxious C．excited D．enthusiastic

A．performed B．advanced C．behaved D．worked

A．but B．so C．and D．though

A．concluded B．persuaded C．decided D．thought

A．disappointment B．surprise C．sorrow(悲伤) D．satisfaction

A．asked B．hoped C．wished D．thanked

A．across B．over C．off D．through

A．still B．ever C．already D．yet

A．trouble B．fun C．difficulty D．problem

A．what B．which C．how D．why

A．touched B．interested C．shocked D．influenced

A．warning B．encouragement C．advice D．view

A．surprisingly B．finally C．constantly D．freely

A．concerned B．uneasy C．worried D．certain

A．understand B．honor C．appreciate D．respect