The gift
Oscola McCarty spent more than 75 years washing and ironing other people's clothes. Her lined hands were the evidence of hard work. So, it was a surprise, when Miss McCarty decided to give her entire life savings - $150,000 – to the University of Southern Mississippi. Miss McCarty's gift amazed even those who thought they knew her well.
The customers who have brought their laundry and ironing to her home for more than 75 years included three generations of some families. Initially she said she charged $1.50 to$2 a bundle but with inflation the price rose.
"When I started making $10 a bundle, I began to save money," recollected Miss McCarty, who was born on March 7 1908. "I put it in savings. I never would take any of it out. It just accumulated."
As her savings increased over years, McCarty washed and ironed and lived not a rich life. She never learned to drive and still walks everywhere she goes. When her mother and aunt died, they each left her some money, which she added to her savings. In 1947 her uncle died and left her a modest house in which she still lives.
Until her donation, she was afraid to fly and had only been out of the South once in 50 years. Since then she's travelled all over the country and has been the subject of many interviews and articles. She's even visited the White House and been honoured by the president.
Her donation of her life savings is for students who clearly demonstrate a financial need. "I want to help somebody's child go to college," said the quite spoken McCarty, who left school in sixth grade and has never married or had children. "I just want it to go to someone who will appreciate it and learn. I'm old. I'm not going to live always."
Miss McCarty's generosity inspired many to give money to the university, and contributions came in from all over the country. Her gift has now been more than doubled.
In a recent magazine interview McCarty was asked why she didn't spend the money earned over a lifetime on herself. "I am spending it on myself," she answered smilin.
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
1) Miss McCarty spent more than 75 years washing and ironing clothes.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
2) Miss McCarty was 75 years old.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
3) Her work was very hard.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
4) The people of two generations were her clients.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
5) Miss McCarty had much money.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
6) She goes to her clients by car.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
7) Once Miss McCarty visited the White House.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
8) She helped the students of the University with money.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
9) Many people didn't like her generosity.
true
false
Task І. Point out if the statement is true (T) or false (F).
10) Recently she gave an interview to a local newspaper.
true
false
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
1. How old was Miss McCarty?
a) 65
b) 55
c) 75
d) 85
65
55
75
більше 85
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
2. What was her job?
she made laundry for other people
she ironed the clothes of other people
she fixed the other people's clothes
she washed and ironed the other people's clothes
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
3. Why were people surprised one day?
they got to know that Miss McCarty was very rich
they got to know about Miss McCarty's donation
they got to know that Miss McCarty was going to travel
they got to know that Miss McCarty was going to stop her work
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
4. People of how many generations were the clients of Oscola?
a) one
b) two
c) three
d) four
one
two
three
four
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
5. What did Miss McCarty do with her money?
she saved them
she travelled a lot
she gave them to other people
she bought clothes
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
6. What did her mother leave her?
her house
her work
her money
her clothes
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
7. What house did she live in?
the one her mother has left her
the one she has bought on her savings
the one her uncle has left her
the one the University has given to her
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
8. Why did Miss McCarty travel all over the country?
she wanted to see a lot
she gave interviews to newspapers and magazines
she visited Universities
she met with students
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
9. How many years did Oscola study at school?
she studied for 11 years
she studied for 9 years
she studied for 7 years
she studied for 6 years
Task ІІ. Point out the right answer.
10. What did Miss McCarty's generosity inspire many people to do?
to accumulate money
to contribute to universities
to organize meetings with students
to write letters to Oscola
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