NHÓM TỪ VỰNG – ĐỌC HIỂU 6

BÀI TẬP KHÓA CHUYÊN

BÀI TẬP TUẦN 9
Compiled by Mrs Trang Anh
Facebook: Mrstranganh87

BÀI TẬP NGÀY 11/9/2023

The meaning of volunteering
A
Volunteering is often misunderstood to involve a diverse range of people and activities, but data from the
other side of the world contradicts this notion. For instance, a survey conducted by the Office for National
Statistics (ONS) in the United Kingdom revealed that individuals from higher-income households are more
likely to engage in volunteering. In England and Wales, 57% of adults with gross annual household incomes
of £75,000 or more participated in formal volunteering within the 12 months preceding the survey, nearly
twice as likely as those in households earning less than £10,000 annually.
B
Apart from having higher household incomes, volunteers also tend to possess better academic
qualifications, belong to higher socio-economic groups, and be employed. Among those with a degree or
postgraduate qualification, 79% participated in informal volunteering and 57% in formal volunteering
during the previous 12 months. In contrast, only 52% of those with no qualifications engaged in informal
volunteering, and 23% participated in formal volunteering. Nonetheless, volunteering is not exclusively
reserved for the wealthy. The answer might lie in the fact that those with higher incomes often have the
resources and time to dedicate to voluntary work compared to less affluent individuals.
C
A breakdown of volunteering activities in Australia in the year 2000, sourced from The Australia Bureau
of Statistics, provides an idea of the typical scope of involvement for people. The data covers eleven sectors,
with Community and Welfare accounting for just over a quarter of the total volunteer hours in Australia.
On the other end of the scale, Law/Justice/Politics represented only 1.2 percent of the total hours. Other
fields included sports/recreation, religious activities, and education, making up 21.1 percent, 16.9 percent,
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and 14.3 percent of the total hours, respectively. This data also suggests that volunteers often possess
expertise and experience in their respective fields.
D
The impact of volunteering on individuals' lives can be profound. Voluntary work fosters independence
and equips people with the ability to navigate through various situations simultaneously, preparing them
for the real world and their future.
E
While young adults in their late teens might not appear to have the expertise or knowledge of professionals
like teachers, agriculturalists, or nurses, they possess numerous skills that can benefit others. Even in the
absence of specialized talents, their energy and enthusiasm can be harnessed for the betterment of their
fellow human beings and, ultimately, themselves. Regardless of the number of volunteers involved, the
benefits to any community are immeasurable.

F
Employers generally view individuals who can work effectively as part of a team favorably. It showcases a
willingness to learn, an independent spirit, and desirable qualities in any employee. Volunteering can serve
as a means for gaining experience that might otherwise be challenging to obtain and can lead to paid
employment in the desired field, satisfying employers' demands for experience when applying for work.
G
What are the prerequisites for becoming a volunteer? One might immediately think of attributes like
kindness, selflessness, strength of character, ability to deal with others, determination, adaptability,
flexibility, and a capacity to understand the perspectives of different people. While volunteering requires
offering oneself selflessly, it also places further demands on individuals. It necessitates strength of will, a
sense of moral responsibility towards fellow human beings, and the ability to align with the ethos of an
organization. Surprisingly, and seemingly contradictory at first, volunteering also involves an element of
self-interest, which in no way diminishes the value of the work done by volunteers.
H
Organizations involved in voluntary work must be realistic about this aspect. If someone, regardless of age,
volunteers their time without financial compensation, they should gain something personally from the
experience. Unemployed individuals can use volunteer work as a stepping stone to employment or as a
means of exploring their interests and finding their path in life.
I

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Using some form of community work as an alternative to national service or as a punishment for minor
criminals, such as having them clean up parks or remove graffiti or work with victims, may seem
acceptable. However, this does not qualify as volunteer work, which adheres to two cardinal rules:
volunteering must be a willing act without coercion, and it should be unpaid.
(Adapted from The Huffington Post)
Questions 1-6. The passage has nine paragraphs A -I. Which paragraph contains the following
information?
1. a description of what does not satisfy the criteria for volunteer work
2. the impact of voluntary work on the development of individuals
3. the requirement for both selflessness and self-interest in volunteers
4. various areas in which people volunteer
5. the benefit of voluntary work for the young
6. a mistaken view of volunteering

Questions 7-10. Choose the correct letter A, B, C or D.

7. The ONS survey was done to find out
A. why people undertook volunteering.
B. how many people participated in volunteering.
C. how many rich people did volunteer work.
D. which people were involved in volunteering.
8. The ONS survey found that people with university qualifications were _______.
A. as likely to volunteer as those with no qualifications.
B. more likely to volunteer than those with no qualifications.
C. less likely to volunteer than those with no qualifications.
D. the only group likely to do formal volunteer work.
9. It is suggested that rich people volunteer as a result of having_________.
A. clearer goals.
B. fewer children.
C. more spare time.
D. greater guilt.
10. Volunteer work benefits people by teaching them how to _________.
A. function in the system.

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B. communicate clearly.
C. deal with failure.
D. overcome shyness.

Questions 11-13. Complete each sentence with the correct ending, A-F below.
11. One of the requirements of being a volunteer is being able to
12. Volunteering can be used as a way for the unemployed to
13. Employers in general tend to
A. consider workers with volunteer work experience an asset.
B. gain a very well-paid job.
C. gain access to a job in a field of interest.
D. benefit most from volunteer work.
E. understand how people behave.
F. want much younger workers.

BÀI TẬP NGÀY 12/9/2023

You are going to read four commentaries on working abroad as a volunteer. Choose from the reviews
A-D. The extracts may be chosen more than once.
Volunteering to work abroad
Four commentators write about the increase in ‘voluntourism’ and people doing volunteer work abroad.
A
There are many so-called ‘voluntourism’ agencies that specialize in arranging trips for well-meaning
students and other people who want to do voluntary work abroad. These agencies charge the volunteers a
fee but the volunteers themselves are unpaid. Most of these paying volunteers have a sincere desire to do
good. But how much good they actually do may depend on the extent to which the trips are organized with
the needs of the target communities in mind, rather than those of the volunteers. For example, on average,
volunteers only stay two weeks, which is not enough time for them to make their mark on the community
they work with. It is easy to criticize this system and the hypocrisy of an industry that sells the experience
of helping others while developing its own interests. Ultimately, however, voluntourism creates important
links to sources of funding for needy communities. These links could be impossible to make without the
physical presence of volunteers.
В

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Over the years, many students have chosen to do voluntary work overseas but now this has become far
more complicated. The reason may be the growth of ‘voluntourism’ agencies which are driven by an
underlying commercial agenda. This is not the only complication, however.
The relationship between different countries is complex and many emerging market countries are
booming. Some are arguably better run than so-called developed countries and, consequently, the view
that help is a one-way gift is old-fashioned. In this case, agencies do have a part to play. Voluntourism
should be seen as a two-way exchange which is as good for the giver as the receiver. The volunteers
themselves probably remain convinced of their ability to change the world but what is actually more
valuable for them is the way the experience of listening to and learning from other cultures can bring about
a change in attitude.
C
It is said that volunteering enables students to become more concerned global citizens and then potentially
push for policy change. Ultimately, this may be the biggest benefit of doing voluntary work, rather than
what any idealistic volunteer dreams they can achieve during their trip, which is usually far beyond what
is possible. What volunteers often underestimate, however, is the fact that new ideas put into practice in
the developing world can also have relevance back home. The spread of such ideas can be an important
outcome of the growth of volunteering in general. Of course, this type of ‘reverse innovation’ is not what
was imagined years ago but it is a sign of shifting times and changing attitudes.
D
The impact of volunteering on those who choose to do it can be very different. Volunteers may arrive in a
critical frame of mind, unprepared to try and understand the local way of life. This may be because their
underlying assumption is that it needs changing. Their aim is, then, to do this, although it is actually
impossible. Volunteering may not always be a positive experience and there may be negative aspects, so
volunteers need to have the right attitude. Many who react negatively are simply disappointed because of
their unfulfilled expectations of what was realistically achievable. They have not understood that in the
end, volunteering is as much about what they can learn and share as what they can change. Of course, this
doesn’t mean idealistic students and others should simply stay at home but they should revise their
expectations. If volunteering were sold as a learning experience, this would be more useful and more
honest.
(Adapted from https://engexam.info/)
Which commentator…
1. expresses a different view from the others about the real value of volunteering?

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2. has a similar opinion to Commentator В about the benefits of the experience to the volunteer?
3. shares Commentator D’s concerns about what volunteers feel they are able to do?
4. holds a similar opinion to Commentator C about changes in modern attitudes to volunteering?

BÀI TẬP NGÀY 13/9/2023

Read the passage and choose sentences from A-H the one which fits each gap.
Volunteer Work Around the World
Volunteer work, also known as volunteering, is a selfless act of offering one’s time, skills, and efforts to
support and contribute to various causes, organizations, or communities without expecting financial
compensation. (1) ______.
In many countries, volunteer work is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric, often reflecting the values and
principles of the community. People engage in volunteer activities for a myriad of reasons, including
fostering a sense of civic responsibility, giving back to society, promoting positive change, and forming
meaningful connections with others.
Around the world, numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and
international agencies rely on the dedication and passion of volunteers to carry out their missions
effectively. These volunteers may be involved in diverse endeavors, such as assisting in disaster relief
efforts, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, protecting the environment, advocating for human
rights, and promoting sustainable development.
Some of the most impactful volunteer work can be witnessed in regions facing economic hardship, political
instability, or natural disasters. (2) ______. They work tirelessly to rebuild communities, restore essential
services, and empower vulnerable populations to create better futures.
Moreover, international volunteering has gained popularity in recent years, attracting individuals from
different countries to engage in cross-cultural exchanges. These volunteers immerse themselves in foreign
communities, learn about different customs, and contribute to projects aimed at enriching the lives of the
local residents.
(3) ______. Volunteers often experience personal growth, enhanced empathy, and a broader perspective on
global issues. They develop invaluable skills, build lasting friendships, and become ambassadors of positive
change in their own societies.
While volunteer work undoubtedly brings about positive outcomes, it is not without its challenges. (4)
______. Nevertheless, the dedication of volunteers, paired with the support of organizations and local
communities, continues to drive remarkable change and inspire collective action on a global scale.
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In conclusion, volunteer work is a powerful force that transcends borders, uniting people across the world
in their shared commitment to making a difference. (5) ______. Whether it’s building homes in
underprivileged regions, protecting wildlife in distant lands, or advocating for social justice in local
communities, the impact of volunteer work reverberates far beyond geographical boundaries, leaving a
lasting legacy of compassion and hope for generations to come.
(Adapted from The Atlantic)
The missing sentences:
A. However, the significance of volunteer work extends beyond the direct impact on the communities being
served.
B. Volunteers often step in to offer aid, provide resources, and offer a glimmer of hope in challenging
circumstances.
C. Ensuring sustainable impact, coordinating logistics, and addressing cultural sensitivities can be complex
tasks.
D. This philanthropic practice is not confined to any particular country or culture; it is a global phenomenon
that plays a crucial role in addressing social, environmental, and humanitarian challenges worldwide.
E. It showcases the best of humanity's altruistic nature and serves as a testament to the potential for
positive transformation when individuals come together to serve a greater purpose.

BÀI TẬP NGÀY 14/9/2023

You are going to read an introduction to a book about how to organize local events. For questions 1–
14, choose from the sections of the introduction (A–E). The sections may be chosen more than once.
Organizing local events
Are you thinking of setting up a fundraising event for your local school or community? Sarah Passingham,
a professional fundraiser, offers advice.
A
I have had a lot of fun from running events; it has been hard work but I have always done it in the knowledge
that I was being paid for my many hours of toil. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of volunteers
who work just as hard for no financial remuneration at all, and I have enormous admiration for them. I
have worked with a good many groups and individuals who have had a burning ambition to do something
for a particular community, remaining enthusiastic even in the face of adversity. When things go wrong, it
is desperately disappointing and disheartening. Perhaps by looking at some of my suggestions and learning
from my mistakes, most of those disappointing times can be averted. However, this guide is not meant as
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the definitive work on organizing events; rather it is meant as a framework on which to hang your own
ideas and methods of doing things.
B
A very important piece of advice is: Don’t panic! Organizing events can be a fraught business and I have
myself come close to falling apart on occasions, but it achieved nothing and did not inspire my colleagues.
I hope this book will act as a buffer - to be used before you go off the rails! — and that it will allow you not
only to appear calm and well organised but genuinely to be those things. In nearly 10 years of working with
every type of professional and amateur, indoors and out, when plans have moved from A to B and
sometimes to C due to bad weather or other reasons too numerous to mention, I don’t think the general
public have ever realized what was going on behind the scenes. Sometimes what they were experiencing
was far removed from the original concept but nobody minded and, more often than not, nobody knew.

C
Even if you have unlimited spare time and resources to set an event up, it is almost impossible to organize
the day itself with only one person. You physically cannot be in two or more places at once. Committees
can be tiresome, unwieldy groups of people who may have come out for the evening just to enjoy some
social chit-chat. However, if you have a committee that operates efficiently and decisively, it can relieve
you of much of the time-consuming but necessary work, and allow you to get to grips with the real nitty-
gritty and keep a good overview without getting bogged down by details. And when you are dealing with
money from the public, it is always worth having at least a cashier or treasurer as a second person to keep
an eye on your balance or banking. You never want to be put in the position of having the finger of doubt
or suspicion pointed at you, even if you know that you are entirely innocent.

D
When I first started, my critics would say that one of my failings was an unwillingness to delegate. I hope
that is no longer true, as in time I have come to realize the value of help, especially from the volunteer. Help
can come in many forms apart from the obvious muscle and brawn. Support, encouragement and infectious
enthusiasm all come from working with people who have chosen to give their time and sometimes their
belongings for a cause they care passionately about. But what can you expect from volunteers? There is
one rule of thumb here. Let volunteers know exactly what job it is that they are volunteering for. They can
then make the choice to put themselves forward or not. But don’t expect anyone to do anything you would
not be prepared to tackle yourself!

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E
In my experience, as long as they are prepared beforehand, people will have a go at almost anything. Of
course, you have to be able to rely on your volunteers once they have offered their services. You need
commitment from them, and if they can’t make it on a particular day or are going to be late, you need to
know well in advance so that you can make alternative arrangements. Now, what’s in it for them? Fun,
companionship, a sense of responsibility or, conversely, allowing someone else to hold responsibility, or
simply an opportunity to get out of the house. But, above all, we all need to feel needed and you will often
find that the more you show that you need your volunteers, the more they will be prepared to commit their
time and energy to you, often time and time again. If you, as a leader, keep the atmosphere as light as
possible by sharing the decisions and being flexible, they will manage to get what they want out of the work
and you will get a job well done.
(Adapted from CAE Practice Tests 2)
In which section(s) of the text are the following mentioned?
1. the importance of making it clear to people that you value them
2. the writer’s natural instinct to want to do everything herself
3. times when the writer has felt she may become unable to cope
4. a way in which the writer’s situation has been different from that of people she has
worked with
5. people who get involved in organising events but don’t really want to do any work
6. some people preferring others to be in charge
7. the assistance provided by people who are physically strong
8. people who get involved because of their strongly held views (two answers)
9. a situation in which you are free to concentrate only on the most important aspects
of organising an event
10. the willingness of people to try things they may not have done before
11. the feeling that you really are in control, not just pretending to be
12. the writer’s belief that she cannot tell readers everything they need to know
13. the difference that may exist between the way events are planned and the way they
turn out
14. a situation when it is desirable to have someone else checking what you are doing

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 BÀI TẬP NGÀY 15/9/2023
Read the magazine article about four volunteers (A–D) who talk about their recent work. Then answer
the questions 1-10.
VOLUNTEERS
A. Teresa
For a long time, I had daydreamed about spending December on a secluded, tropical beach on a remote
island with white sands. Last year, my dream finally came true when I found my own paradise in Seychelles,
although it didn't quite unfold the way I had imagined. Feeling burnt out from work and eager to escape
the winter, I wanted to learn new skills and decided that joining a volunteer project was a good option.
Focusing my search on marine research helped me narrow down the overwhelming number of options,
and eventually, I joined a coral protection project aimed at studying the long-term impact of rising sea
temperatures on the ecosystem. From the moment our group arrived, we were immersed in the world of
coral, both underwater and at the camp, where we had to master 52 types of coral and conduct up to three
research dives daily. While there were some endless camp chores, I didn't mind as the experience overall
was incredible, pushing me beyond my wildest imagination.
B. Patrioia
Picture spending the summer like I did, working on the edge of an active volcano in Hawaii. Some time ago,
I had visited the place with my family on a ranger-guided walk, and it had filled me with fear. However, as
I relaxed, I realized that being a ranger might be a job I'd love to do. A few years later, I applied for and got
a volunteer ranger position. Surprisingly, living there was both laid-back and exciting. After receiving a
crash course in geology, I received my volunteer ranger uniform and began my job. On my first morning, I
found myself in front of a group of visitors. Suddenly, I was the "authority," delivering a talk about the
volcanic past and present of the islands. As a volunteer, I brought the park to life for the visitors, and in
return, they made Hawaii come alive for me.
C. Helen
After months of studying, I needed a break. My dad, an artist who often paints tropical birds, had sparked
my interest in learning more about them. On the internet, I discovered a parrot-breeding farm that was in
need of volunteers. My arrival coincided with a panic situation caused by a storm that had knocked out the
electricity, leaving the generator, crucial for keeping the eggs warm, almost out of petrol. After a frantic
search for fuel, we made it back just in time. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. Unlike some hosts who set strict
work expectations, mine, Darryl, preferred to present projects he needed help with. My tasks mainly
revolved around basic maintenance and feeding the birds. Darryl warned me about their powerful beaks,

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capable of breaking coconuts and potentially injuring fingers, so I took extra care as I chopped bananas and
used a long fork to pass the fruit to the birds.
D. Kate
During my time in Guatemala, I volunteered to work on a plantation. One day, my supervisor, Rene, noticed
the scratches on my hands and gently asked if I needed gloves. Gathering my courage, I told him that gloves
might indeed be helpful, and then I grasped my knife, resuming my battle against the invading roots
constantly threatening the delicate new cacao plantation, trying to pull it back into the rainforest. In the
sticky red earth, everything seemed to grow uncontrollably, often not what you had originally planted.
Walking through the plantation, Rene had to point out the treasured cash crops of coffee, cacao, and
macadamias to me, as they were nearly indistinguishable from the surrounding jungle. Each day, I caught
glimpses of small waterfalls and vividly colored butterflies amid the towering bamboo. The air was
constantly filled with the sounds of insects, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
(Adapted from https://myigcseworksheets.wordpress.com/)

The questions below are about the volunteers (A–D) who talked about the recent work they did. For
each question write the correct letter A, B, C or D.
Which volunteer … Answer
1. found that there was a wide choice of opportunities?
2. was very aware of all aspects of natural life around her?
3. was warned of a possible danger?
4. did not achieve her ambition quite as she had expected?
5. thought that she had gained as much as she had given?
6. was shown sympathy by someone on her project?
7. says her family had influenced her choice of work?
8. says she amazed herself by what she achieved?
9. appreciated the flexibility of her boss?
10. describes the difficulties posed by the environment she was in?

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