Name: ___________________

Surname: __________________
Number: _____ Date: ___________________________________________
Teacher: ______________________ Evaluation: ______________________

VOLUNTARY WORK
My name is Eileen and Ive been working as a volunteer for three years. I
started when I as still at school and now, while Im writing applications letters
and waiting for job interviews. Im carrying on with this type of work.
Sometimes people ask me that 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 decided to do voluntary
work because they get the chance to feel good about themselves. It can be very
gratifying. They feel they can make a difference being useful to someone in
need (they often think adults dont listen to them or take them seriously). On the
other hand they can choose what they want to do. For example, if they like
animals, they may help out a local animal shelter. If they like children, there are
many ways in which they may be useful. If they care about old people, they may
help out a retirement home. If they like to help the sick, they may work with
organizations that raise money for research or they may go to hospital and keep
ill people company. If they like sports, they may work in clubs teaching children
to play basketball, tennis, football, etc. at the same time they meet other young
people who have similar interests. They may make new friends, have fun, gain
experience, confidence, develop their sense of responsibility and learn new
skills that may be very useful in future.
When the time comes to choose a career or to get a job, things may be
easier because they already know the kind of tasks they are best and which
things they enjoy the most. Besides, the experience they acquired may be of
great advantage when they write their CVs or to job interviews.

A. Find evidence in the text for the following statements.

1. Voluntary work is not a new activity for Eileen.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

2. At the moment she is looking for a job.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

3. People dont understand why these teenagers are volunteers.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

4. Young people work as a volunteer because they are happy with it.
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5. They believe grown-ups dont pay much attention to them.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

B. Answer the following questions:

1. When did Eileen star her voluntary work?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

2. Why is being a volunteer gratifying and enjoyable?

a) _______________________________________________________________
b) _______________________________________________________________
c) _______________________________________________________________

3. What are the different types of voluntary work mentioned in the text?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

4. Which one would you like to do? Explain why.

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

5. What are the personal advantages of being volunteer?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

6. How important is it to have done voluntary work to get a job?

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

C. Complete the following proverbs.

1. A friend in need _______________________________________________

2. God helps those_______________________________________________
3. It takes two___________________________________________________