Reading Smart Unit 52

 Section 2---Unit 52 People

Ted Williams: A Second Chance for a Golden Voice

Ted Williams doesn't look remarkable. When he starts speaking, though, a smooth and rich voice flows out. Ten years ago, this man was begging for money on the street, and now he has a story that inspires us.

"Back in the day, I used to be somebody-a husband, a father, a successful radio personality," Williams says in his book, A Golden Voice. Alcohol and drugs took over his life, however, causing him to lose everything.

For 17 years, Williams lived on the streets. One morning, while standing on the side of a highway holding a sign that read, "I’m an ex-radio announcer who has fallen on hard times," Williams was spotted by Doral Chenoweth, who worked for a newspaper. Chenoweth pulled over and asked Williams for a sample of his professional radio voice. She recorded the interaction and put it on YouTube.

The video soon had millions of views, and job offers poured in. Within days, Williams went from begging to appearing on national talk shows. Companies and sports teams wanted him to be their official voice. It seemed like a dream come true.

Unfortunately, the publicity was more than he could handle, and he turned to alcohol once again. Luckily, he was rescued before blowing his second chance at life. "God brought me around a great circle of people" he explained in one interview. With their help, he got clean and has been on the right path ever since. His voice can now be heard again as a radio announcer, and he has started a foundation for the homeless.

"I was found at a moment of hope," he writes in his book, “when my heart was open and my spirit was trying to be free." His story shows that as long as there is hope and resolve, a second chance is always possible.

Reading Comprehension

(   ) 1. What can we infer from this story?

(A) Ted Williams blew his second chance at life.

(B) Ted Williams still drinks alcohol on occasion.

(C) Ted Williams now has plenty of work.

(D) Ted Williams did not write his own book.

(   ) 2. According to the article, what was the turning point that led to Ted getting a better life?

(A) Being discovered by someone who worked for a newspaper

(B) Becoming a husband and a father when he was younger

(C) Appearing on national talk shows and commercials

(D) Starting a foundation for the homeless

(   ) 3. Why did Ted Williams start drinking alcohol again?

(A) His friends offered him some.

(B) He couldn't handle being famous.

(C) He didn't like the way he was being treated.

(D) He stopped getting work as an announcer.

(   ) 4. Which of the following is true about Ted Williams?

(A) He is an ex-television announcer.

(B) He lost his house due to alcohol and drugs.

(C) His wife passed away many years go.

(D) His singing voice isn't as good as it used to be.