If I could give today’s young people three wishes, they would be: more hugs, more time outside in nature, more belief in their own power to change the world. The third one leaves some people wondering why young people’s belief in their own power is so essential.

Let’s start with the idea that all of us – especially young people – need heroes. Our modern society is terribly confused about the difference between a celebrity and a hero. A celebrity is all about fame – temporary, superficial fame, usually for qualities that are easy to see: a pretty face, a great dance move, etc. A hero, by contrast, is about character- qualities under the surface that aren’t seen until they take action.

Heroes are all around us. They truly hold our world together, through their unselfish devotion to helping others, teaching children, and protecting the environment. They don’t want fame, or glory; they just want to help. In so many ways, these unsung heroes pilot the boat in which all of us sail.

Yet, young people hear a lot more about celebrities than about heroes in the media. The hidden message they get from all this is that their self-worth comes from what they buy – which shoes, which cell phone – not who they are down inside. What gets lost in this? Young people’s sense of their own potential for heroic qualities – their own power to – make a positive difference in the world. Truth is, there is a potential hero, a future difference maker, in every young person.

How do we help young people believe in their own power? The best way is simply to share examples of other young people who have made a difference.

Barbara grew up on a farm in Texas. When she realized that local farmers were pouring their used motor oil into rivers, causing pollution, she organised the creation of a recycling centre for crude oil (原油). Her project has grown to include 18 recycling centres in Texas.

The list could continue. These are but a few examples of young people who have discovered that they can build on their own energy to do something great.

【小题1】What is the author’s purpose in writing Paragraph 2?

A．To give examples of celebrities and heroes around us.

B．To discuss the distinctions between celebrities and heroes.

C．To illustrate the details about being celebrities and heroes.

D．To explain the meanings of the words “celebrity” and “hero”.

【小题2】What does the underlined part mean in Paragraph 3?

A．Heroes only help specific groups of people.

B．Heroes want to be recognised for their work.

C．Heroes play a vital role in keeping the world running.

D．Heroes enjoy piloting boats to reach their destination.

【小题3】What can we learn from Paragraph 4?

A．Heroes and celebrities are both valued today.

B．Society doesn’t support the development of heroes.

C．The media turns ordinary celebrities into real heroes.

D．Young people don’t have the belief in their own strength.

【小题4】How does the author advance his view that young people believe in their own power?

A．By explaining the qualities that make a young person a hero.

B．By comparing the achievements made by different young people.

C．By giving examples of young people who show the qualities of a hero.

D．By providing examples of qualities that have made young people famous.

【小题5】What does the passage focus on?

A．More heroes are needed in the world.

B．Celebrities are reported too much in the media.

C．Adults should become role models for young people.

D．Young people should believe in their ability to make a difference.