ACT English Practice Test 45

A Blessing in Disguise

Last spring, I had been Q1 fortunate to be chosen to participate in an exchange study program. In my application essay, I was careful to express how much I wanted to see France. I suppose my excitement really came through in my words. Once I knew that I was going, all I could think about was the fun of foreign travel and making all sorts of new and interesting friends. While traveling was inspiring and meeting people was exciting, nothing about my semester in France was what I expected.

The moment I arrived in Paris, I was greeted by a nice French couple who Q2 would become my host parents. The bit of French I had taken in high school began pouring from my mouth. Speaking Q3 the language would only become more natural over the course of the semester. At the airport, we all got into the couple’s little two-door hatchback and began the journey to their townhouse in the suburbs. We talked the whole way there, getting to know one another bit by bit. Everyday thereafter, I eat Q4 breakfast with the two of them, so Q5 we’d all go our separate ways for the day. In the evening, my host mother would make delicious dinners for the three of us. My entire experience was joyous and exhilarating until I received some shocking news from my program coordinator: there had been a death in my host parents Q6 extended family. They had to travel outside France for several weeks, so tending Q7 to all the business that arises from an unforeseen death. That afternoon, I had to move out of one family’s house and into another so I’d have to repack my suitcases. Q8 The exchange coordinator told me I’d have a roommate this time and asked whether I could share a bedroom with an English speaker or someone who didn’t speak English. Q9 To avoid the temptation to speak my native language, I asked not to be placed with an English-speaking roommate. When I got to my new room, I introduced myself to my new roommate Paolo, a Brazilian the same age as I, whom Q10 I was surprised to find playing one of my favorite CDs on the stereo!

In just a few hours, we knew we’d be 11 attached at the hip for the rest of the term. Q11 I left France with many stories, so when people ask me what my favorite part of the trip was, they are always surprised to hear me talk, about my Brazilian friend Paolo, Q12 and the scores of weekdays in class, weeknights on the town, and weekends exploring France we enjoyed together.

I love people, how they end up being so similar, but are so different. Q13

The most valuable Q14 lesson I gained from studying in France wasn’t just to respect the French people but to respect all people, for your next best friend could be just a continent away. Q15