Big Brothers Big Sisters is based on the simplicity and power（力量） of friendship．It is a program which provides friendship and fun by matching
vulnerable young people (ages 7-17) with a volunteer adult who can be both a role model and a supportive friend.
Volunteer tutors come from all walks of life—married, single, with or without children. Big Brothers and Big Sisters are not replacement parents or social workers. They are tutors: someone to trust, to have fun with, to talk and go to when needed.
A Big Sister and Little Sister will generally spend between one and four hours together three or four times each month for at least twelve months. They enjoy simple activities such as a picnic at a park, cooking, doing sports or going to a football match. These activities improve the friendship and help the young person develop self-respect, confidence and life direction.
Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations can be found throughout the world. It is the largest and most well-known provider of tutor services internationally and has been operating for 25 years.
Emily and Sarah have been matched since 2008. Emily is a 15-year-old girl who has experienced some difficulties being accepted by her schoolmates at school. “ I was pretty sure there was something wrong with me.”
Emily’s mum came across Big Brothers Big Sisters and thought it would be of benefit to Emily by “providing different feedback about herself other than just depending on schoolmates to measure(測量) her self-worth.
Sarah wanted to get involved(使參與) in a volunteer program. “I googled it and found out how to be a part of it. I thought it would be fun for me to get involved in making time to do something because sometimes it is all work and no play.”
Big Brothers Big Sisters has been of great benefit and enjoyment to both Emily and Sarah. They love and look forward to their time together and the partnership has certainly helped Emily be more comfortable in being the wonderful and happy girl she is!
小題1:According to the passage, “vulnerable young people” are probably those who are _________.
| A．popular at school | B．rather weak physically |
| C．easily hurt emotionally | D．confident in themselves |
小題2:A volunteer is usually expected to work within a year for at least______．
| A．72 hours | B．48 hours | C．36 hours | D．24 hours |
小題3:Why did Sarah want to get involved in the program?
| A．She felt a bit bored with her life. |
| B．She used to be a volunteer. |
| C．She needed a part-time job. |
| D．She wanted to get a difficult job. |
小題4:What is the purpose of Big Brothers Big Sisters?
| A．To offer students public services． |
| B．To help students improve their grades． |
| C．To organize funny sport activities for young people． |
| D．To provide partnership and fun for young people． |
It was an exciting moment for Shen Xue and Zhao Hongbo, a retired married couple from Harbin, China. It was also a great moment for China because it was the country’s first gold medal in the pairs figure(花樣) skating competition at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.