The post-1990s generation（九零后）is often described as self-centered and always asking for help.

However, research results have painted a rather different picture. The post-1990s generation is independent, strong-minded and hardworking, according to a Peking University report.

When it comes to learning and working, over 60% think their own interests are more important than others’ opinions.

Most of them see successful businessmen as their idols（偶像）. But not because they are rich. Their strong belief in themselves and never-give-up spirit have won the hearts of the generation, the report said.

In addition, the post-1990s generation has a strong sense of social responsibility （责任）. Many of them have taken part in volunteer work. They also try to be responsible by studying hard and behaving（表现得体）online.

In the UK, many of the post-1990s generation have given up the drinking habits that the past generations had. Most of them now have healthier hobbies, such as knotting（编织）and cooking.

“It’s hard to find time for a hobby if you are going out drinking,” Kate Payne, author of The Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking, told the Telegraph.

Changes in their hobbies have also helped them learn good manners. The 2013 Youth Justice Statistics report in the UK showed that young people are less rude and noisy in public.

However, a generation’s traits （特征） don’t belong to （属于） every single person in it. “It’s what you do that can make you the kind of person you want to be,” said Cheng Dongfeng.

Director of the youth ideological and moral education（思想道德）center of West Anhui University.

Although the world is hungry, it is even thirstier. While nearly 3/4 of the earth is covered with water, we are still short of drinking water. This is because about 97% of the water on the earth is sea water. So we can’t use it for watering plants or drinking directly. Humans can only drink and use fresh water from places including rivers, lakes and underground.

How can we avoid a serious water shortage? First, we should save water and not waste it. Second, we should protect our water resources and not pollute them. Third, we should discover ways to reuse water. Scientists have made some progress in this field. Today, some large cities are reusing their water. But people’s need for water is increasing day by day. We still don’t have enough water. What else can we do?

The sea seems to have the best answer. There is plenty of water in the sea. But we need to take the salt away from the sea water. This is very expensive. If scientists can find the cheaper ways to do it, we can solve the problem of the shortage of water.