TOEFL Speaking
volunteering
Practice questions
- 1.What motivates people to volunteer in their communities?
- 2.Describe a volunteering experience that had a significant impact on you.
- 3.Do you think volunteering should be a mandatory part of high school education? Why or why not?
- 4.How has technology changed the way people volunteer?
- 5.What are the benefits of volunteering for the volunteer themselves?
Model answer
Volunteering is often driven by a combination of altruism and personal growth. People volunteer because they genuinely want to help others and make a positive difference in their community. This altruistic motivation stems from empathy and a sense of social responsibility. Additionally, many volunteers seek personal benefits such as gaining new skills, building their resume, or expanding their social network. For instance, students may volunteer to acquire practical experience in a field they are interested in, while professionals might offer their expertise to give back. Moreover, volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from contributing to a cause larger than oneself. Ultimately, the desire to create meaningful change, coupled with the opportunity for self-improvement, drives individuals to dedicate their time and effort to volunteer activities.
Target vocabulary
altruism
selfless concern for the well-being of others
social responsibility
the obligation to act for the benefit of society
empathy
the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
resume
a summary of a person's education, skills, and work experience
sense of purpose
a feeling of having a clear direction and meaning in life
fulfillment
a feeling of satisfaction or achievement
contribute to
to give something (time, effort, resources) to help achieve something