Kids often ask Scout Bassett, of Palm Desert, California, if she wishes she had two no

rmal legs.Scout, 18, answers, “No.I have never known anything different, and it would seem weird to me.Besides, if it weren’t for the missing leg, I wouldn’t have the opportunities I have today!”

Scout has faced big challenges.When she was only months old, she suffered from terrible burns.Her right leg was especially damaged, and doctors cut it off above the knee.When she was 14, she got a high-tech leg made for sports and put it to the test right away in a race for disabled athletes.“I remember being terrified because this was my first time,” she says.“But my doctor said,You have to start somewhere.”

Scout was waiting nervously for the race to start when athlete Sarah Reinestsen came up and said, “I’ve been doing this for a while.Let me give you some tips.”Reinertsen, who lost her leg when she was seven, is the first disabled women to have finished the Ironman Triathlon(铁人三项) in Hawaii.She works with an organization to help support people like Scout.

Reinertsen’s encouragement changed the teenager’s life.She lost that first race, but gained the confidence that she needed to compete.If Sarah could do it, she could too.Training hard, she now runs competitively and also finds time to share her story with school groups.

“Sometimes people look at me or at Sarah and think they have nothing in common with us.I tell them that even if you aren’t physically challenged, everybody has challenges of some kind — maybe with family, or homework, or friends.No matter what it is, you can overcome that obstacle,” she says.“Everything you need is inside your heart.Take small steps.As time goes by, the steps will get bigger and you will reach your dream.”

11.Why does Scout answer “No” when asked if she wants two normal legs？()

A.She’s scared of changing her current situation

B.She couldn’t have them even if she wanted to

C.She has never thought about it before

D.She’s satisfied with what she has achieved as a disabled

12.What dose the doctor mean by saying “You have to start somewhere”(Para.2)？()

A.She has to do it sooner or later

B.She has to find the right place to start

C.That will be a memorable first time

D.That is a perfect time to start

13.Scout’s childhood experiences ______.

A.were the cause of her shyness

B.were a nightmare until she reached 14

C.didn’t stop her from fulfilling herself

D.didn’t have much influence on her later life

14.Which of the following statements in true？()

A.Sarah shared her story with school students

B.Sarah started to compete at the age of seven

C.Scout has been inspired by Sarah’s success

D.Scout joined Sarah’s organization to help others

15.Through Scout’s story, the author wants to tell us that ______.

A.the disabled are mentally stronger than others

B.inner strength can help one overcome difficulties

C.good things will come no matter what

D.everybody has to challenge himself