Youngsters usually benefit from having a relationship with someone older and wiser to mentor（指导） them. The mentor might be a teacher, family member or more experienced peer. However, not everyone is suitable to be an influential, positive role model. 【小题1】 Here are some common characteristics of good role models.

They are confident. Most people admire those who have much confidence in themselves. 【小题2】 So they are able to acknowledge their skills and achievements without becoming arrogant ( 自 大 的 ). Just as Child Development Specialist Dr.Robyn Silverman suggests, healthy self-confidence shows as pride in who you are and what you've learned throughout your life.

【小题3】 Role models show their commitment to a desired goal by their actions and are willing to invest the necessary time and effort to achieve success. They don't give up easily and continue trying when faced with challenges. Their determination to succeed encourages youngsters to follow through and reach the goals they set for themselves.

They are respectful. 【小题4】 Young people appreciate being treated with respect and admire those who treat them and others that way. Role models who show selflessness and an equal, non-prejudiced view of those different from them earn the admiration of others.

They are optimistic and creative. Role models inspire others with a positive outlook on life. For example, a community leader faced with a financial setback （ 挫折） might welcome the opportunity to organize a fund-raising project that pulls everyone together in a constructive manner. 【小题5】

Imagine you are talking with a friend. Your friend tells you that they have a big test or job interview coming up soon. 【小题1】 But how do you do so?

Social situations give us many chances to wish other people well. Such wishes can come in the form of sentence fragments(片段)or complete sentences .A fragment is a kind of incomplete sentence—it is missing part of the sentence.In general,fragments that wish other people well are missing the subject(主语) .

Consider,for example,the phrase“good luck”,which is used to say that you hope someone will succeed. But the phrase suggests something more. 【小题2】

In any case,English speakers often just use the phrase“good luck” .So,a person might say, “Good luck with the job interview!”In terms of complete sentences,English speakers often use words such as“wish”or“hope” .For example,a person might say,“I hope the job interview goes well tomorrow.”Or“ 【小题3】 ”

English speakers also use complete sentences to express trust in another person. Such expressions are another way to show kindness or warmth to other people.For example,a person might say,“I know you are worried about the test tomorrow. 【小题4】 ”Or“The job interview will be easy. You’re going to do great!”

【小题5】 There are,of course,many other ways to do so. The next time you are listening to English speakers,pay careful attention to how they wish each other well.Take careful note of the kinds of words and phrases that they use.

In 1973, I was teaching elementary school. Each day, 27 kids entered “The Thinking Laboratory.” That was the name students voted for after deciding that “Room 104” was too dull.

Freddy was an average student, but not an average person. He had the rare balance of fun and compassion（同情）. He would laugh the loudest over fun and be the saddest over anyone’s misfortune.

Before the school year ended, I gave the kids a special gift, T-shirts with the words “Verbs Are Your Friends ” on them. I had advised the kids that while verbs（动词）may seem dull , most of the fun things they do throughout their lives will be verbs.

Through the years, I’d run into former students who would provide updates on old classmates. I learned that Freddy did several jobs after his graduation from high school and remained the same caring person I met forty years before . Once, while working overnight at a store, he let a homeless man sleep in his truck. Another time, he lent a friend money to buy a house.

Just last year, I was conducting a workshop when someone knocked at the classroom door. A woman excused the interruption and handed me an envelope. I stopped teaching and opened it up. Inside were the “Verbs” shirt and a note from Freddy’s mother. “Freddy passed away on Thanksgiving. He wanted you to have this. ”

I told the story to the class. As sad as it was, I couldn’t help smiling. Although Freddy was taken from us, we all took something from Freddy.