Reading Comprehension: The Zhang Xue Phenomenon in Motorcycle Racing
Zhang Xue, a name that has become synonymous with courage and skill in the Chinese motorcycle racing scene, recently achieved a remarkable feat. In the highly competitive 2026 China Motorcycle Grand Prix held in Zhuhai, Zhang not only secured his first national championship title but also successfully defended it, marking an impressive "two consecutive championships" in the sport.
Just five years ago, Zhang was working as a delivery driver in Beijing, with little more than a passion for motorcycles. He often spent his free time watching international racing videos online, dreaming of one day competing on a real track. However, turning professional seemed like an impossible dream due to financial constraints and the lack of formal training opportunities.
Everything changed when a local racing team noticed his exceptional talent during an amateur street race. They offered him a spot in their training program, and Zhang seized the opportunity. Despite facing skepticism from critics who doubted whether a former delivery man could compete at the national level, Zhang proved them wrong through sheer dedication. He spent countless hours practicing cornering techniques and improving his reaction time.
His recent victory in Zhuhai was particularly challenging. Due to bad weather, the race started on a wet track, which required special tires and different handling skills. While many experienced racers struggled to adapt, Zhang remained calm. He made a crucial decision to switch to slick tires earlier than his competitors during a pit stop, a move that gave him the speed advantage needed to overtake the leader in the final lap.
Off the track, Zhang is known for his humility. He often visits vocational schools to share his story, encouraging young people not to let their current circumstances define their future. "Talent means nothing without hard work," he said in a post-race interview. "My goal is not just to win races, but to show that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things."
Zhang’s journey has inspired a new generation of motorsport enthusiasts in China. His story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance, even the wildest dreams can come true.
Choose the best answer for each question (根据短文内容选择最佳答案):
1. What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Zhang Xue won two championships in a row despite a difficult start.
B. Zhang Xue wants to become a professional delivery driver.
C. Racing teams in China are looking for talented young riders.
D. Weather conditions often affect the results of motorcycle races.
2. How did Zhang Xue get his chance to enter professional racing?
A. He saved enough money from his delivery job to buy a racing bike.
B. He was discovered by a team during an amateur street race.
C. He graduated from a famous sports university.
D. He moved to Zhuhai to look for better opportunities.
3. Why was Zhang Xue’s performance in the Zhuhai race considered impressive?
A. He finished the race without using any tires.
B. He competed against international racers from Europe.
C. He made a smart tire choice during the rainy race.
D. He broke the world record for the fastest lap time.
4. Which of the following words best describes Zhang Xue according to the passage?
A. Arrogant and careless.
B. Humble and determined.
C. Lazy but talented.
D. Wealthy and proud.
5. What does Zhang Xue hope to achieve by sharing his story?
A. To encourage young people to follow their dreams.
B. To become a teacher at a vocational school.
C. To earn more money from advertisements.
D. To convince the government to ban street racing.
Answers (答案):
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. B
5.A
Reading Comprehension: Zhang Xue – A Racing Star
Zhang Xue is a famous motorcycle racer in China. In 2026, he took part in the China Motorcycle Grand Prix in Zhuhai. To everyone’s surprise, he won the race. This was his second championship in a row, making him one of the most successful riders in the country.
Five years ago, Zhang had a very different life. He worked as a delivery driver in Beijing and rode a motorcycle every day. He loved motorcycles, but he never thought he could be a professional racer. At that time, he did not have much money, and he had no chance to get formal training.
However, his life changed suddenly. During an amateur street race, a local racing team noticed his excellent riding skills. They invited him to join their team and receive professional training. Although some people did not believe in him, Zhang worked extremely hard. He practiced every day to improve his speed and control.
The race in Zhuhai was not easy. It was raining, so the track was wet and slippery. Many riders found it hard to control their bikes. But Zhang stayed calm. During a pit stop, he made a smart decision—he changed to slick tires earlier than others. This helped him go faster and finally overtake the leader in the last lap.
Zhang is not only a good racer but also a kind person. After winning, he often visits schools and talks to students. He tells them not to give up on their dreams, no matter how hard life is. “Hard work is more important than talent,” he says. “I want to show that ordinary people can do great things.”
Now, many young people see Zhang as a role model. His story teaches us that with enough effort, big dreams can come true.
Choose the best answer for each question (根据短文内容选择最佳答案):
1. What is the passage mainly about?
A. A delivery driver who became a champion racer.
B. A rich boy who bought an expensive motorcycle.
C. A famous singer who loves motorcycles.
D. A student who wants to be a delivery driver.
2. How did Zhang Xue start his professional racing career?
A. He paid a lot of money to join a team.
B. A racing team found him in an amateur race.
C. He went to a famous sports university.
D. He moved to Zhuhai to learn racing.
3. Why did Zhang Xue make a good decision during the race?
A. He chose the right tires at the right time.
B. He asked other riders to slow down.
C. He stopped the race because of the rain.
D. He used a broken motorcycle to win.
4. Which sentence best describes Zhang Xue?
A. He is lazy but lucky.
B. He is rich and proud.
C. He is hard-working and humble.
D. He is shy and afraid of challenges.
5. Why does Zhang Xue visit schools and talk to students?
A. To ask them to buy his motorcycles.
B. To tell them not to ride motorcycles.
C. To encourage them to follow their dreams.
D. To teach them how to be delivery drivers.
Answers (答案):
1. A
2. B
3. A
4. C
5. C
