It was the last day of the final examination in a large eastern university. On the steps of one building, a group of engineering seniors gathered, discussing the exam due to begin in a few 1. On their faces was confidence. This was their last exam before they went on to 2and jobs.
Some talked of jobs they already had; others talked of jobs they 3get. With all this assurance(确信，自信） of four years of college, they felt ready and able to take 4of the world.
The approaching exam, they knew, would be a(n) 5task, because the professor had said they could bring 6books or notes they wanted, requesting only that they did not 7each other during the test.
After they entered the classroom8, the professor passed out the papers. And smiles9on the students' faces as they noted there were only five essay-type questions.
Three hours had passed 10the professor began to collect the papers. The students no longer looked confident. On their faces was a frightened expression. Papers in hand, no one spoke as the professor faced the class.
He looked at the11 faces before him, and then asked, "How many completed all five questions?"12a hand was raised.
"How many answered four?" Still no hands.
"Three? Two?" The students moved restlessly(不安地) in their seats.
"One, then? Certainly somebody finished 13."But the class remained silent.
The professor put down the papers. "That is exactly what I 14," he said. "I just want to impress upon you that, 15you have completed four years of engineering, there are still many things about the 16you don't know. These questions you couldn't answer are relatively 17 in everyday practice." Then smiling, he added, "You will all 18this course, but remember — even if you are now college graduates, your education has just 19."
The years have 20the name of this professor, but not the lesson he taught.
