Unit 8 Reading Worksheet 1

Name

1 Read quickly and number the sections in the correct order.

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I started doing very simple things, like helping new students find their classroom, or helping elderly
people find products in the supermarket. And every time I felt good about myself. The article was
proving to be right and I decided to do more good deeds. Not only because I wanted to feel better
about myself, but also because I could clearly see people were pleased and nicely surpised every time
I approached them to help.
With this in mind, I contacted a non-profit organization that works with underprivileged children
in the State of Oaxaca, Mexico. They offer free education and meals for the kids in the area. They
encourage young people like me to come and help, giving you specific tasks to do. I’ll have to pay for
my accommodation, but in return for that and for my work they’ll provide Spanish classes.

Hello friends!
I want you to know this summer I won’t be updating my blog regularly. Normally when I travel I’m more than happy to share all my
“adventures” and thoughts with you, but this time is different. Let me explain why.
I recently read an article that discussed why we help ourselves more when we help others. The article explained that any good
deed, even the seemingly trivial one, generates a feeling that lowers stress levels and helps live a happier life. Inspired by the
article, I decided to change and be more helpful to others.

So, here is the reason why I won’t be updating my blog regularly: I will be in an isolated place with no wifi. And I will be a very
busy person: learning a new language, helping in the kitchen and teaching kids music (because as you know, I have an artistic
inclination). I am very nervous, but also excited because I think I’ll be learning much more than Spanish – I’ll be learning a lot about
myself and about helping others. I promise to take photos and share them with you when I get back. Visit my blog in the fall!

2 Read again and circle the correct option.

0. The purpose of the text is to

a. s hare information about b. c onvince people to c. teach readers about something G lossary
a future event. participate in an event. they are not familiar with. deed: action, effort
1. The author was initially motivated to volunteer in a program by seemingly: in
a. the Mexican Government. b. a magazine article. c. the situation in Oaxaca, Mexico. appearance, on
2. The author believes you benefit by helping others, and that is the surface
a. very selfish. b. a valid reason to help. c. not very intelligent. non-profit: not
3. The author will be learning existing for the
a. Spanish. b. about herself. c. both options A and B. purpose of making
4. The author claims to have profit
a. special interest in Mexico. b. interest in the arts. c. experience in volunteer work. underprivileged:
5. The writer won’t be updating her blog constantly because in difficult
a. v olunteers are advised to b. t he organization won’t c. it will be difficult to connect to the circumstances,
concentrate in their work. allow her to do it. Internet in the area she’ll be in. disadvantaged
6. The tone of the text in general is accommodation:
a. fatalistic. b. optimistic. c. nostalgic. housing,
somewhere to stay
Stop and Think! What have you done to help others? What feelings do you get from it? inclination:
preference, liking
6 D.R. © Richmond Publishing, S.A. de C.V., 2016 Photocopiable 6.8.R1