Since being introduce to chess at age of six, Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi has had one goal. He wants to become the world’s youngest-ever grandmaster—the highest title a chess player can achieve. The record is currently held by Russian chess player Sergey Alexandrovich Karjakin, who won the title in 2002 at the age of 12 years and 7 months.

On May 1, 2021, the now 10-year-old Tani came one step closer to achieving his dream by becoming America’s newest national chess master. The title, awarded by the US Chess Federation, requires players to get a rating of between 2200 to 2400. The boy, who practices for up to 11 hours every day after school, says the secret to his success is thinking of his plays ahead of time. Tani told NPR, “In a normal position, I can do up to moves in advance.”

The now fifth-grade fell in love with chess in 2017 after being taught the basic by a part-time teacher at his elementary school in Manhattan, New York. However, his mother couldn’t make up her mind to allow him to join the school’s chess club due to the travel and chess competition costs. The family of four were living in a homeless shelter and did not have extra funds to spare.

When his mother explained the family’s situation to the chess club’s instructor, Russell Makofsky, he immediately waived (免除) all costs for the young boy. Tani did not disappoint those who supported him. Less than a year after joining the club, he had won seven awards. In 2019, the then eight-year-old, who was still living in a homeless shelter, made national headlines when he beat 73 competitors to win the New York State K-3 scholastic championship. His moving story went viral and a GoFundMe campaign (活动), set up by Makofsky, helped raise enough funds for Tani and his family to move into a new house.

【小题1】What’s the main factor in Tani’ success in his own opinion?

A．Practicing chess for a long time every day.

B．Learning from national chess masters.

C．Thinking twice before making a move.

D．Setting up a role model for himself.

【小题2】How did Tani’s mother feel about his entering into the chess club at first?

A．Proud.	B．Undecided.
C．Scared.	D．Unbelievable.

【小题3】What can we infer about Russell Makofsky?

A．He managed to post Tani’s story online.

B．He helped improve Tani’s living conditions.

C．He became famous after Tani’s winning awards.

D．He was disappointed at Tani’s performance at first.

【小题4】Which words can best describe Tani?

A．Independent and helpful.

B．Talented and hard-working.

C．Kind-hearted and grateful.

D．Curious and creative.