AN UNLIKELY DREAM "You know that becoming an astronomer is a difficult task," the Professor said. "Even for rich people from the best schools. For you, it will be very hard indeed." Kelly was sad and worried. At thirteen, she was unusually tall and thin, but she looked strong and was totally sure of herself. Most people meeting her for the first time thought that she wanted to become a track star or footballer. The idea that someone growing up in a poor part of Manchester wanted to become a scientist sounded like a joke. But Kelly was not laughing. "I know all that," she said. "But we're always being told that anything is possible, right? So why not for me?" "My dear," the Professor said. "I am not saying it is impossible. I am saying you will need all the help you can get. And I think I know where to start." He put a finger to his forehead. "You would not think so from looking at me, but other scientists still know and respect me, and I know just the person to help you." He got up and went into the only other room of his tiny flat. Kelly sat, looking at the dusty stacks of books and papers and the ugly old wallpaper in the little light that came through the dirty window. The flat had obviously never been very nice, and the Professor was not interested enough in his surroundings to improve them. She was remembering how the idea of becoming an astronomer had come to her. Two years ago, a local group had organised a camping trip to the countryside. She had hardly ever been out of the city, and she was afraid it would be wet, freezing, uncomfortable and totally boring. But that night, as she couldn't sleep, she got out of her tent and discovered something amazing. The night air was wonderfully clear, and the stars filled the sky in numbers she had never imagined, Looking up, she could hardly believe how huge and complicated it was. She wanted to learn more, and as soon as she returned home she began reading, watching documentaries and attending lectures. She heard the Professor talking on the telephone in the next room. Then he came back in, put the phone into her hand and nodded. He was smiling, but he also looked quite proud. "There is someone you need to talk to. She was a student of mine, and she has some ideas for you." Kelly took the phone and put it up to her ear. She felt nervous, but after two seconds she said, "This is Kelly Wakeman." She somehow knew that this was her first real step.
6.1. To strangers, Kelly seems to be A. a confident, sporty girl. B a person who is often laughed at. C a typical girl from her area. D a really intelligent person. 6.2 The writer suggests that the Professor A was a bit rude. B had once been quite important. C enjoyed telling jokes. D paid a lot of attention to his appearance. 6.3 The writer describes the Professor's flat to show that the Professor A does not care about where he lives. B has tried to make his flat nicer. C is very well-organised. D enjoys owning nice things. 6.4 The thing Kelly had not expected from the camping trip was A how cold it would be. B the lovely weather. C the clear view of the night sky. D how frightened she would be. 6.5 The extract suggests that Kelly A is unlikely to reach her goals because of her circumstances. B really wants to achieve her goals in spite of her circumstances. C is being encouraged to reach for goals that.seem impossible to her. D is considering how to change her goals to something more possible.
