18. It was a hot August day. Joey and his sister Jenny played soccer. Ruben and Rebecca joined them. Joey kicked the ball to Ruben. It rolled into the busy street, and Ruben started to chase it. Just then a car passed by. The car hit the ball and popped (爆裂) it. "There are more cars on our street all the time!" said Ruben.
A few nights later, Joey and Jenny talked to their parents. "We've been doing our research," said Jenny. "We think there should be stop signs at the corner, because that will slow traffic and make it safer to cross our street," "Stop signs are a great idea," said mom. "You've been counting cars before and after school?" "Yes," said Joey. "Also, Ruben has a camera. He's been taking pictures of people trying to cross." "Good work!" said dad. "The next step is a petition (请愿书)."
Dad and mom showed Jenny and Joey how to write a petition. The petition stated (陈述) the reasons for adding stop signs. People could sign the petition if they agreed.
"You need signatures (签名) from more than half of the people in the neighborhood," said dad. Over the next week, Joey, Jenny, Ruben and Rebecca talked to people in the neighborhood. Many people signed their petition.
Next week, the kids brought the petition, photos and traffic counting to the city council (议会) meeting. When their names were called, Joey, Jenny, Ruben and Rebecca stood at the microphone. When they finished, neighbors took turns speaking. Everyone said stop signs were needed. The city council president said they would discuss this and vote in two weeks.
Two weeks later there was a result of the voting. The city council voted YES!
The kids were happy because they tried their best to make a difference.
1. Where did the accident happen?
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2. Why did the kids think there should be stop signs on the corner?
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3. What did the kids bring to attend the council meeting?
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4. What was the result of the voting?
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5. What do you think of the kids?
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