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English Reading # 1
A Great Friend

As I am now a senior high school student, I have a great many friends, but there
is one whom I prize over all the rest. I first made his acquaintance when I began to
go to school. He has been my constant companion ever since.

Though he is serious in appearance he never fails to be interesting. Often he is
clever, sometimes even merry and gay. He is the most knowledgeable friend a
person could have. He know virtually every language of the world, all the events of
history, and the words of all the great poets and philosophers. A kindly benefactor,
he is admired and enjoyed by everyone who makes his acquaintance.

To me, he has been a great teacher as well as a friend. He first taught me the
secrets of my own language and then those of others. With these keys he showed us
how to unlock all the arts and sciences of man.

My friend is endlessly patient. Dull though I may be, I can return to him again
and again, and he is always ready to teach me. Then I am bored, he entertains me.
When I am dispirited, he lifts me up. When I am lonely, he keeps me company.
He is a friends not only to me but to millions around the world. Shall I tell you his
name? His name is “Reading.”

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