FREE Gaokao English 'Cloze' Test Questions and Answers

I used to be a person who was afraid of public speaking.
The mere thought of standing before an audience would make my palms sweat and my heart __1__.
This fear held me back in many ways, both in school and in my personal life.
I knew I had to __2__ it.
My opportunity came when our English teacher announced a speech contest. __3__ everyone else was excited, I was terrified.
However, a friend encouraged me, saying, 'The only way to get over a fear is to face it.' His words __4__ with me.
I decided to participate.
I spent weeks preparing, practicing in front of a mirror, and then in front of my family.
On the day of the contest, I was still nervous, but as I walked onto the stage, I took a deep breath and remembered my friend's advice.
I started speaking, and to my __5__, the words flowed smoothly.
When I finished, the audience applauded.
That moment was a turning point.
I didn't win the contest, but I won something more __6__: confidence.