Neil Jones, a 59-year-old tiler (砖瓦匠), started an unexpected journey from £13 in his pocket to international pool star after winning a life-changing £2.4 million in the national lottery (博彩) just before Christmas in 2010. The money allowed Jones to retire comfortably, and the Covid lockdowns provided him with the precious time to refine his pool skills in the comfort of his Stoke-on-Trent home. He rapidly became a regular player for his county.

Reflecting on his experience into pool, Jones explained, “Not long after we won the lottery, I went to the local pool hall, and there was a friend of mine who I used to sing and watch the football with.” His fascination with the game led him to buy in a high-quality pool table for his home. “I was getting better, and as you get better, you can’t be practicing on something that isn’t very good,” he said. “Winning the lottery allowed me to put those hours in. If I didn’t win, I wouldn’t have been able to buy the table, I wouldn’t have had the time — I’d still be on my hands and knees working.”

Although he narrowly missed out on his first England trial in 2021, Jones was given another opportunity in early 2023, which he seized with determination. After a wonderful debut (首次亮相), he was not only chosen to represent England in the European Championships in Malta, but was also entrusted with the captaincy of the team.

Neil Jones’ story is a reminder that when opportunities arise, it’s our hard work that can turn them into true success. From a simple act of buying a pool table to the captaincy of the England B1 team, his journey is an inspiration to all, demonstrating that dreams can come true if we are willing to chase them with all our heart.

1.What does the underlined word “refine” mean?

A Battle.

B Improve.

C Cure.

D Decorate.

解析：选B。B词义猜测题。根据划线单词后面的“He rapidly became a regular player for his county.”可知，这笔意外之财让琼斯得以舒适地退休，新冠疫情封锁的到来为他提供了宝贵的练习时间，他迅速晋升，成为本县“常胜将军”，由此可知，在疫情封锁期间他在斯托克城舒适的家中提高他的台球技巧。故选B。

2.What can we know from the second paragraph?

A Winging the lottery was helpful to Jones.

B Jones gave up his fascination with pool.

C Jones had difficulties practising pool.

D Jones got the unwavering support from his family.

解析：选A。A细节理解题。根据第二段最后两句“Winning the lottery allowed me to put those hours in. If I didn’t win, I wouldn’t have been able to buy the table, I wouldn’t have had the time — I’d still be on my hands and knees working”可知，彩票中奖让琼斯可以投入很多时间在练习台球上，如果他没有中奖，就买不到台球桌，就不能练习了，可能现在他仍然在做瓦工，因此他认为彩票中奖对他的台球事业是很有帮助的。故选A。

3.What is Paragraph 3 mainly about?

A Jones’ childhood.

B Jones’ achievements.

C Jones’ dream.

D Jones’ skills.

解析：选B。B段落大意题。该段主要描述了琼斯取得的成就：被选中代表英格兰参加在马耳他举行的欧洲杯，而且还被任命为球队的队长。故选B。

4.What can be learned from the passage?

A A friend in need is a friend indeed.

B Experience is the mother of wisdom.

C God helps those who help themselves.

D Where there is a will, there is a way.

解析：选D。D推理判断题。根据最后一段的“dreams can come true if we are willing to chase them with all our heart”可知，如果我们愿意全心全意地追逐梦想，梦想就会成真，因此“有志者，事竟成”符合文意。故选D。