Читать книгу Английский для старшеклассников. Учись, говори, достигай - - Страница 9

Volunteering is the act of giving your time and effort to help others, without expecting anything in return. While many people volunteer to contribute to their community or a cause they care about, the benefits of volunteering extend far beyond just helping others. In fact, volunteering can have a positive impact on your mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. It can also improve your skills, build your network, and enhance your sense of purpose.

One of the most significant benefits of volunteering is the positive effect it can have on your mental health. Helping others can boost your mood and reduce stress. When you volunteer, you focus on the needs of others, which can take your mind off your own problems and worries. Many people report feeling a sense of fulfillment and happiness after volunteering because they are making a positive difference in the lives of others. Additionally, volunteering can help combat loneliness and isolation, as it gives you the opportunity to meet new people and build meaningful connections.

Another important benefit of volunteering is the development of new skills and experiences. Volunteering allows you to gain practical experience in areas such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. For example, you might work with a group to organize an event, communicate with clients or colleagues, or take the lead on a project. These experiences can be valuable when applying for jobs or pursuing further education, as they demonstrate that you are proactive, responsible, and committed to personal growth. Volunteering can also give you the opportunity to explore different careers and industries, helping you gain clarity about what you enjoy doing and where your skills are best utilized.

Volunteering can also help you build and expand your professional network. By working with others who share similar interests or goals, you can form valuable connections that may lead to future job opportunities or collaborations. Networking through volunteering can introduce you to mentors, peers, and professionals who can provide guidance, advice, and support. It can also help you develop a positive reputation in your community, which can be beneficial for both your personal and professional life.

In addition to the mental and professional benefits, volunteering can also have a positive impact on your physical health. Studies have shown that volunteering can reduce the risk of depression, lower blood pressure, and even improve your overall life satisfaction. The social interaction, physical activity, and sense of purpose that come with volunteering contribute to these health benefits. By staying active and engaged in helping others, you can improve your own well-being and lead a more fulfilling life.

Volunteering also promotes a sense of community and social responsibility. When you volunteer, you contribute to the well-being of others and the development of your community. Whether you’re helping at a local food bank, tutoring children, or supporting environmental initiatives, volunteering connects you with others who care about similar issues. It’s an opportunity to work together for the common good, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Finally, volunteering can provide a sense of personal satisfaction and achievement. Knowing that you’ve made a difference in someone’s life or contributed to a cause you care about can give you a deep sense of pride. This sense of accomplishment can increase your self-esteem and motivate you to continue volunteering, creating a positive cycle of giving and personal growth.

In conclusion, the benefits of volunteering go far beyond just helping others. Volunteering can improve your mental and physical health, develop your skills, expand your network, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community, explore new career opportunities, or simply make a difference in someone’s life, volunteering is a powerful way to create positive change – for both yourself and the world around you.

Useful Phrases and Expressions

To volunteer – Волонтерить

To give back to the community – Возвращать обществу

To make a positive difference – Оказывать положительное влияние

To gain practical experience – Получать практический опыт

To develop skills – Развивать навыки

To build a network – Строить сеть контактов

To take the lead – Взять на себя руководство

To expand your network – Расширять свою сеть контактов

To work with others – Работать с другими людьми

To combat loneliness – Борьба с одиночеством

To promote social responsibility – Содействовать социальной ответственности

To contribute to a cause – Вносить вклад в дело

Exercises

1. Matching:

Match the phrases with their meanings.

To give back to the community

To gain practical experience

To combat loneliness

To build a network

To contribute to a cause

a) Создавать связи с людьми, которые могут помочь в профессиональной сфере.

b) Делать что-то для других, чтобы улучшить общество.

c) Стать частью группы людей, работающих ради общей цели.

d) Приобретать реальный опыт, который может быть полезен в будущем.

e) Бороться с чувством одиночества, участвуя в деятельности с другими людьми.

2. Fill-in-the-Blanks:

Complete the sentences with the correct word from the list below.

Words: network, experience, cause, loneliness, community

Volunteering helps you meet new people and expand your __________.

Helping others can provide a sense of fulfillment and reduce __________.

By volunteering, you can gain valuable __________ that will help you in your career.

It’s important to give back to your __________ by supporting local initiatives.

Many people volunteer to support a __________ they feel passionate about.

3. Translation Exercise:

Translate the following sentences into English.

Волонтерство помогает не только другим людям, но и нам самим, улучшая психическое и физическое состояние.

Получая новый опыт и навыки, можно улучшить свою карьеру и профессиональную сеть.

Помощь другим способствует преодолению одиночества и созданию новых связей.

Волонтерство помогает строить связи и участвовать в социальных инициативах.

Занятие волонтерской деятельностью приносит удовлетворение и гордость за сделанное.

4. Speaking Practice:

Practice the following dialogue with a partner or in front of a mirror.

A: Have you ever volunteered before?

B: Yes, I’ve helped at a local food bank. It felt great to give back to the community and make a difference.

A: That’s amazing! How did volunteering affect you?

B: It gave me the chance to meet new people and develop new skills. I also felt proud to contribute to a good cause.

A: I agree! Volunteering is such a fulfilling way to spend your time.

Answers to Exercises

1. Matching:

1 – b (To give back to the community = Делать что-то для других, чтобы улучшить общество)

2 – d (To gain practical experience = Приобретать реальный опыт, который может быть полезен в будущем)

3 – e (To combat loneliness = Бороться с чувством одиночества, участвуя в деятельности с другими людьми)

4 – a (To build a network = Создавать связи с людьми, которые могут помочь в профессиональной сфере)

5 – c (To contribute to a cause = Стать частью группы людей, работающих ради общей цели)

2. Fill-in-the-Blanks:

network

loneliness

experience

community

cause

3. Translation Exercise:

Volunteering helps not only others but also ourselves by improving our mental and physical well-being.

By gaining new experiences and skills, you can improve your career and professional network.

Helping others helps combat loneliness and build new connections.

Volunteering helps build connections and participate in social initiatives.

Engaging in volunteer work brings satisfaction and pride in what has been done.