Bem Explicado

Centro de Explicações Lda.

Inglês 9º Ano – Teste Diagnóstico

Nome: _________________________________________________ Data: ___/___/___

Voluntary work

My name is Eileen and I’ve been working as a volunteer for three years. I started when I was still
at school and now, while I’m writing applications letters and waiting for job interviews. I’m 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 don’t 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 CV’s or to job
interviews.

COMPREHENSION
a) Who/ What do the following words refer to?
1. This type of work (line 3) _______________________________________________
2. Me (line 4) ___________________________________________________________
3. Their (line 4) __________________________________________________________
4. They (line 6) __________________________________________________________

b) Choose the meaning of the words or expressions in the box.

Have the opportunity work in activities they feel strongly about

A house for old people Spend time with them so that don’t feel lonely
The feeling of being sure about yourself a place to keep abandoned animals

1. Get the chance _________________________________________________________

2. Get involved in issues they care about ____________________________________
3. Animal shelter ___________________________________________________________
4. A retirement community _________________________________________________
5. Keep people company __________________________________________________
6. Confidence _____________________________________________________________

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 c) Find evidence in the text for the following statements.
1. Voluntary work is not a new activity for Eileen.
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2. At the moment she is looking for a job.
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3. People don’t understand why these teenagers are volunteers.
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4. Young people work as a volunteer because they are happy with it.
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5. They believe grown-ups don’t pay much attention to them.
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d) Answer the following questions:

1. When did Eileen star her voluntary work?
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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?
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4. Which one would you like to do? Explain why.
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5. What are the personal advantages of being volunteer?
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 6. How important is it to have done voluntary work to get a job?
________________________________________________________________________________
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e) Complete the following.

1. 1964 was the year ____________________________________________________
2. “Hangman” was ____________________________________________________
3. She says “I’ve hit the jackpot when ___________________________________

GRAMMAR
1. Complete the sentences with the verbs in the box. Use the infinitive or –
ing form.

Organise Go Live Help Work Visit Buy Watch

a) I don’t feel like _______________ out tonight. I’m too tired. I need to go to
bed early.
b) I can’t stand _______________ TV programmes about poverty and famine.
c) My family can’t afford _______________ a new car now that my father is
jobless.
d) I’m looking forward to _______________ my Scottish friend that works at
soup kitchen.
e) Sarah, would you mind _______________ me do the dishes?
f) Kelly enjoys _______________ charity events to help poor people.
g) Peter refused _______________ for that fishy man.
h) I can’t imagine myself _______________ in a country like India.

2. Say what these people have been doing. Use the verbs in brackets.

a. Anna’s friends are upset because she ______________________________

(work) a lot.
b. The reporter ______________________________ (talk) on the phone for
more than a hour.
c. Henry is annoyed because he ______________________________ (wait) all
day for John.
d. Raul, what ______________________________ (you/do)? You look so tired.
e. Julia is happy now. She ______________________________ (take) a lot of
photos for the exhibition.
f. The gallery is destroyed. A strong wind ______________________________
(blow) all day long.

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 g. Vanessa loves art but ______________________________ (not/paint)
anything for a long time.

3. Complete the sentences with a relative pronoun. Put it in brackets if it can

be omitted.

a. This is the couple _______________ house needs to be urgently repaired.

b. The charity sale _______________ we organised last month was a huge
success!
c. Do you know anyone _______________ could help me distribute food
next weekend?
d. The supermarket _______________ is near the bus station has closed
down.
e. The British food bank, which provides food items to the unemployed, is
open every day.

COMPOSITION
Read part of a letter you received from your friend Rick. Then answer the
letter in approximately 100 words.

I’m looking forward to having you here in London with me. What do you
want to do when you arrive? How long are you going to stay?
I volunteer at the food bank on Thursdays in the evening. I help out there
sorting food... would you like to join me? Have you ever been a volunteer?
I’d love to hear what you think about all this.

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