Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
Why do we find celebrities so fascinating? These days, it seems to be almost impossible to open a newspaper or magazine without seeing an image of a celebrity in it. The argument often made by members of the press is that they are only (16) -
to public demand - it seems that people are far
more interested in celebrity gossip and scandal than in the reality of our modern world. Rightly or wrongly, the paparazzi make a very good livelihood by keeping up with the rich and famous.
(17)
, some high-profile celebs are endlessly hounded by the media. In these cases, does the
press go too far? Don't these individuals have a right to some personal (18)
-
? Then again,
celebrities often do seem to lead such interesting lives that it is perhaps understandable that we want to find out more about them. In fact, (19)
evolutionary scientists have said it is natural for humans
to look up to the most successful individuals in a society. In prehistoric times, this would have meant respecting good hunters. Today's equivalents are our celebrities, (20)
fame and fortune we are
so envious of.
(Adapted from Objective by Annette Capel and Wendy Shape )Question 16.