On January 11, 2007, as students sat and listened, a very important guest speaker named Richard, spoke to the students in the lecture hall. He not only showed the potential（潜能）within young adults, but encouraged them to work hard at their lessons.

Richard was a young child when his mother died and his father walked out. He was forced into many different foster homes（寄养家庭）where he felt unhappy. He did not know that his life was taking a turn for the worst.

His uncle, after getting out of prison, got him into drugs and alcohol. His uncle taught him that his place in life was either to be in prison or die trying to be “a man.” His uncle’s teaching almost started affecting him until a very important person came into his life: a teacher. This teacher taught him there is a place in the world for everyone and it isn’t related to drugs.

Richard is now a Harvard University graduate and has a great and loving family. Why? He was taught to have respect not only for others, but for himself.

After the meeting, it was hoped that the students realized within them there is a potential, and within everyone around them, is knowledge. As Richard reminded them, “Knowledge is power.”

1. On January 11, 2007, students listened to a speech made by Richard, who graduated from ________.

A. Harvard University　　　　　　　　 B. a foster school

C. his teacher’s school　　　　　 　 D. his uncle’s university

2. Richard encouraged the students ______.

A. to love life 　　 B. to be a man 　　 C. to study hard 　 D. to leave drugs

3. When he was young, Richard lived a（an）_______ life in foster homes.

A. rich 　　　　 B. unhappy 　　　　 C. relaxing 　　　　 D. interesting

4. Who played an important role in Richard’s successful life?

A. His uncle. 　 B. His teacher.　 　　　 C. His friends.　 　　 D. His parents.