IELTS Reading Practice: Why People Volunteer
IELTS · ReadingA passage on volunteering and its benefits, with True / False / Not Given questions.
1Read the text
Volunteers give their time without payment to help other people or their community. They work in hospitals, schools, sports clubs, animal shelters and many other places. In some countries a large part of the population volunteers at least once a year, while in others the tradition is much weaker.
Volunteers say they benefit as well as the people they help. Many report that they learn new skills, such as organising events or working in a team. Young people in particular often volunteer to gain experience that they can mention when they apply for a job or a university place. Some employers look at this experience favourably, although it does not replace formal qualifications.
Volunteering can also improve how people feel. Several surveys have found that people who volunteer regularly report being happier than those who do not. It is hard to say which comes first, however. Happier people may simply be more likely to volunteer, rather than volunteering making them happier.
Charities depend heavily on volunteers, but managing them takes effort. Volunteers need training, and organisations must make sure that the work is safe and suited to each person. A few critics also worry that volunteers could replace paid workers, if organisations try to save money. Most charities say that volunteers should add to the work of staff and not take their place.
2True, false or not given Tap an answer. You see why straight away.
1. Volunteers are paid a small wage for their work.
2. Many volunteers say they learn new skills, such as working in a team.
3. Some employers think well of volunteering experience.
4. Volunteering can take the place of formal qualifications.
5. Most volunteers work in hospitals.
6. Charities in cities have more volunteers than charities in villages.
Done. Your first lesson is on its way.
Answer key — IELTS Reading Practice: Why People Volunteer
- FALSE — The passage says volunteers give their time "without payment."
- TRUE — The passage says many report that they "learn new skills", such as organising events or working in a team.
- TRUE — The passage says some employers "look at this experience favourably."
- FALSE — The passage says volunteering "does not replace formal qualifications."
- NOT GIVEN — The passage lists hospitals as one place volunteers work, but it does not say where most of them work.
- NOT GIVEN — The passage does not compare cities and villages.