I graduated in 1941 and of course got caught in the war. In 1945 I was out,twenty-one years old, a soldier through 35 bombing missions, and at the University of Washington taking creative writing courses, something I'd looked forward to all through the Air Force.

I'd started writing when I was nine and writing seemed to be the only thing I'd ever be able or want to do. My teacher was a new man named Grant Redford, a very good short story writing teacher and a sad man. He was from Montana and had been connected with the old Roc ky Mountain Rev iew. I think it became the Western Review but I'm not sure and I don't bother to look it up. I'm afraid I was never much of a student for Redford. My storics were hopelessly self-indulgent (任性的);on and onabout my personal problems, without form,without development, and without even any good writing.

However, I did write humor in those days and had no trouble getting it published in the campus magazine, though I'd hate to see it now. Mostly my writing was used to get myself attention, to satisfy a terrible personal interest in self-admiration, and it wasn't until I concentrated all my efforts on poems that I was to realize the only real reward of writing, that special way you feel just when you've done something you like. That's far more satisfying than seeing your name in print, good reviews, praise or applause after a reading. And more lasting.

25. What do we know about the author's childhood?

A. A good student of his teacher.

B. Crazy about writing.

C. Good at telling short stores.

D. Longing to be a pilot.

26. How was his writing career at the early stage?

A. Productive.

B. Successful.

C. Struggling.

D. A complete failure.

27. Where did the author eventully find comfort in writing?

A. Short stories.

B. Poems.

C. Humorous stories.

D. Good reviews.

參考答案: 25-27BCB