My name is Alan and I have been working as a volunteer for three years. I started when I was still at school and now, while I'm writing application letters and waiting for job interviews, I'm carrying on with this type of work.Sometimes people ask me what makes these young people spend their free time in the service of others instead of enjoying themselves doing what most teens usually do. Well, many young people decide to do voluntary work as they get the chance to feel good about themselves, because helping out with something they believe in can be very gratifying and enjoyable. They feel they can make a difference by being useful to someone in need. On the other hand, they can choose what they want to do. So they have the opportunity to get involved in issues they care about. At the same time, they meet other young people who have similar interests. They may make new friends, have fun, gain experience and confidence and develop their sense of responsibility and learn new skills that may be very useful in the future.When the time comes to choose a career or to get a job, things may be easier because they already know the kinds of tasks they are best at and which things they enjoy the most. Besides, the experience they acquired may be of great advantage when they write their CVs or go to job interviews.Question 27:What is the main topic of the passage?Writing application lettersChoosing a career as a volunteerJoining in voluntary workTaking advantages of volunteeringQuestion 28:According to the passage, teenagers spend their time volunteering when they ____________.satisfy about themselvesmake a differencehelp other peoplekeep themselves activeQuestion 29:The word ‘gratifying' has the closest meaning to ________.carefuldelightfulcalmingexcitingQuestion 30:What of the following statements is NOT true according to the passage?Helping others makes teenagers feel gratifying and enjoyable.Young people can take part in issues they care about.Young people can experience difficult things to get a job.Volunteering helps them to improve their responsibility.Question 31:Writing CVs and interviewing for a job can ________________.help teenagers to know things they enjoy the mostbe easier for people who gain experience from volunteerknow the types of tasks young people are best attake advantages of the experience and new friends

The Importance of VolunteeringMauri Rapp1Today’s high school students lead hectic lives. Between classes, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs, many teens have little free time. Although most students would prefer to spend their downtime hanging out with friends, it’s important for students to incorporate volunteering into their schedules. Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride. Volunteering can also help you stand out among the thousands of other anonymous students applying to college. In addition, it’s extremely gratifying to know that you’re making a difference.2One major benefit of volunteering is social interaction. Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds. These people may become your lifelong friends. You’ll also learn how to collaborate with new people to reach a common goal. Meeting new people is a great way to expand your interests. New friends can introduce you to exciting hobbies and teach you new skills. Volunteering also helps introverted students develop confidence and self-esteem. There’s no reason to agonize over meeting other volunteers. You’ll soon discover that volunteer organizations are extremely inclusive. This can alleviate any fears you might have about not fitting in with the group.3Volunteering also shows students what it takes to keep a community operating smoothly. Participating in roadside cleanups or planting trees around town will help you realize the enormous amount of effort it takes to keep a city sparkling. Becoming a junior councilperson and attending town meetings will enhance your understanding of the dilemmas that preoccupy your municipal leaders. Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another. Volunteering can also help you with your career aspirations. It may even “inspire you” to become a civic leader.4Volunteering is also a phenomenal addition to your college applications. It gives you an advantage over other students who didn’t volunteer in high school. A record of volunteerism shows prospective colleges that you’re an accomplished individual with many interests. Volunteering also tells admissions counselors that you’re active in your community, meaning that you’ll likely participate in campus activities, school fundraisers, and other university programs. Counselors often select students who take pride in their community because they know these students will demonstrate the same pride for their school.5Although volunteering might seem strenuous, it doesn’t have to be! Make volunteering less laborious by joining a program that complements your interests. If you love animals, consider donating your time to a local shelter. Students who adore reading might volunteer for story hour at the neighborhood library. Athletes can offer to coach little league teams or referee scrimmages. If there isn’t a volunteer program that suits your interests, establish one yourself. Not only will you be helping your community, but you’ll also gain leadership experience. Remember, volunteering isn’t just about helping others—it’s an invaluable experience that teaches you about yourself!QuestionWhich statement shows how volunteering can be beneficial to college applications?ResponsesA Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.Volunteering affords you the opportunity to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds.B Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride.Volunteering is a wonderful way to make new acquaintances while learning about civic duty and pride.C Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another.Volunteering at local preschools or senior centers teaches you compassion while showing you how people in the community care for one another.D Volunteering also tells admissions counselors that you’re active in your community, meaning that you’ll likely participate in campus activities, school fundraisers, and other university programs

Role of the youth in strengthening volunteerism and the importance of voluntary action

Volunteering in hospitals, schools, food banks, and other community based service organizations helps to make a difference in many individuals' lives.TrueFalse

Think about the following statement made by 16-year-old junior firefighter Kailee Hufnell:"I've learned to take control in situations…and I've gained a ton of confidence in the way I talk to people of all ages."The author's purpose for including this quote was to __________. A.suggest that teen EMS volunteers feel underappreciated for the services they provideB.argue that teens should be paid for the important EMS responsibilities they carry outC.highlight the benefits that teens feel they derive from participating in EMS volunteer programsD.show that teen EMS volunteers manage situations better than volunteers in other age groups

Philanthropy, volunteerism, and charity are all about giving to others and lifting them up through a voluntary contribution of money, talents, and/or time.Group of answer choicesTrueFalse