11:00
Read the following message
Dear Grandpa,
Thank you again for the 35mm film camera you passed down to me. I finally took it out on a short cycling trip with my friend Leo last week. We rode the trails along the lakeshore for five days—nothing too intense, but enough to see if I could handle a camera without a screen. I brought two rolls of film with 36 pictures each and tried to remember your advice: hold steady, breathe out, then press the shutter.
I have to admit, I almost ruined the first roll. On the second day, I opened the camera back by mistake when I thought it was empty. A bright stripe ran across a few pictures. I took the rolls straight to the small photo lab on Queen Street. They said most of the shots survived, and they’ll have the prints ready on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. The lab is closed on Monday because of the long weekend, so I have to wait a little longer than I hoped. Still, I’m excited to see what turned out.
Using the camera made me think about you a lot. The focusing ring is smooth, and the click of the shutter feels solid, like it will last for years. Inside the strap, I found your name lightly scratched into the leather. It sounds silly, but that small mark made me feel like you were right there, reminding me to be patient and pay attention to light. I kept a simple journal each evening so I could write down where I took the pictures and what I did wrong or right.
Before college starts on September 3, I have a full week free—from August 24 to August 31. If it works for you, I’d like to come stay for five or six days. I’ve saved $240 from my weekend job at the bookstore, which should cover a train ticket. There’s a 2:05 p.m. train that arrives in your town at 5:18 p.m. on Sunday. If I come then, we could pick up the developed prints on Monday, scan them, and start a small family album together. I also want to record your stories about when you first learned photography. Wouldn’t it be great to write a short caption under each picture, with the place and a note about why it matters?
Let me know which days work for you. If you’re up to it, I’d love to take a short walk by the river and try a few portraits. I promise to keep the camera closed until the film is finished this time.
Love,
Ryan
Thank you again for the 35mm film camera you passed down to me. I finally took it out on a short cycling trip with my friend Leo last week. We rode the trails along the lakeshore for five days—nothing too intense, but enough to see if I could handle a camera without a screen. I brought two rolls of film with 36 pictures each and tried to remember your advice: hold steady, breathe out, then press the shutter.
I have to admit, I almost ruined the first roll. On the second day, I opened the camera back by mistake when I thought it was empty. A bright stripe ran across a few pictures. I took the rolls straight to the small photo lab on Queen Street. They said most of the shots survived, and they’ll have the prints ready on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. The lab is closed on Monday because of the long weekend, so I have to wait a little longer than I hoped. Still, I’m excited to see what turned out.
Using the camera made me think about you a lot. The focusing ring is smooth, and the click of the shutter feels solid, like it will last for years. Inside the strap, I found your name lightly scratched into the leather. It sounds silly, but that small mark made me feel like you were right there, reminding me to be patient and pay attention to light. I kept a simple journal each evening so I could write down where I took the pictures and what I did wrong or right.
Before college starts on September 3, I have a full week free—from August 24 to August 31. If it works for you, I’d like to come stay for five or six days. I’ve saved $240 from my weekend job at the bookstore, which should cover a train ticket. There’s a 2:05 p.m. train that arrives in your town at 5:18 p.m. on Sunday. If I come then, we could pick up the developed prints on Monday, scan them, and start a small family album together. I also want to record your stories about when you first learned photography. Wouldn’t it be great to write a short caption under each picture, with the place and a note about why it matters?
Let me know which days work for you. If you’re up to it, I’d love to take a short walk by the river and try a few portraits. I promise to keep the camera closed until the film is finished this time.
Love,
Ryan
Choose the best option according to the information given in the message:
1. What is the main purpose of Ryan’s message?
2. According to the email, when will the photo prints be ready?
3. Why does Ryan feel connected to his grandfather while using the camera?
4. In the sentence, “They said most of the shots survived,” the pronoun “They” refers to …
5. As used in the email, the word “exposures” most nearly means …
6. Which plan does Ryan suggest for his visit?
Here is a response to the message. Complete the response by filling in the blanks. Select the best choice for each blank from the drop-down
Dear Ryan,
You made my day. I’m delighted you’re using the camera and keeping notes like a true photographer. If you can come that last week of August, 7..... The spare room is ready, and I’ll make sure the kettle is on when you arrive.
About the film, don’t worry about the bright stripe—every beginner has a story like that. We’ll look through the prints on Monday afternoon and choose a few to frame. Please 8.... so we can scan everything properly. As for the train, 9....; I’m happy to help with costs if that gets you here safely.
On Tuesday or Wednesday, let’s walk by the river in the late afternoon when the light is soft. I’ll show you the little trick for steady hands that my teacher showed me long ago. If you’re up for it, we can record a short story for each photo and label the album neatly. By the way, 10....—I still have the small tripod you used as a kid.
Thank you for writing such a thoughtful letter. You make your old grandpa proud. 11....
Love,
Grandpa