[D] Helping Hands, Giving Back

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

carpentry

[ ˈkahr-puhn-tree ]

noun

- making beautiful things out of wood or fixing them

I can do simple painting, carpentry and plumbing.

landscaping

[ ˈland-ˌskey-puhng ]

noun

- arranging plants outside

The flooring and landscaping will be done by contractors.

get involved

phrase

- become a part of something

Encourage her to get involved in fundraising for charity.

helping out

phrase

- doing something to make things easier for someone

The kids are always good about helping out with the chores.

nursing home

noun

- a place for older people who need extra care and help

He had to move his mother into a nursing home.

LET'S READ! 📖

Direction: Read the passage aloud. Then, read it silently.

Helping Hands, Giving Back

Sometimes, the best way to make yourself at home in your new country is to get involved by helping out in the community. Actually, volunteerism is a very important value to Americans. We are aware that we have many advantages, and we value showing appreciation for this by sharing with others who may have less. Giving back doesn't only mean giving things. It also means giving time, or sharing talent. The number of ways to help others is almost limitless. You might think, "I'm new here. What can I do?" Actually, newcomers have plenty to offer. In fact, the talents of people new to the United States have always been huge assets to the country. Your community needs you!

Where do you start? Well, what do you like to do? Do you sing in the shower? How about going to a nursing home and singing for the residents? They'll love it, and if you sing in your native language, they may think you're a world famous star! Can you knit? Do you enjoy carpentry? Do you know a lot about plants and landscaping? Libraries and large stores are always looking for people to demonstrate special skills for small groups of people. This is a great way to practice your English! Do you have special job experience? Sometimes it's difficult to get the same kind of job in a new country that you had in your home country. A good way to stay connected is to volunteer in your field. Maybe you were in the health-care field. Hospitals and care centers would love to have you. Even if you spend time talking to patients, you can boost their morale.

You may have more talents than you realize!

COMPREHENSION CHECK 🧠 A. Direction: Choose the correct answer to the following questions.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

What is a good way to feel at home in a new country?
a. Immersing oneself in fun activities
b. Meeting different people in a certain place
c. Participating in different sports games
d. Getting involved in the community and volunteering
Why is volunteerism important to Americans?
a. Because they like to share and help others who may have less.

b. Because they don't want to share what they have with others.

c. Because they are forced to give.

d. Because it is taught by their families.
What are some ways to give back to the community?
a. Giving clothes, spending money, and looking for stunning places.

b. Giving time, sharing talents, and helping in various ways.

c. Spending time with friends, giving expensive things, and drinking with families.

d. Giving time, sharing tasks, and helping adults.
What can newcomers offer the United States?
a. Their talents and skills, which are valuable assets to the country.

b. Their effort and experiences, which are important qualities.

c. Their skills and educational attainment, which are important qualities.

d. Their talents and mastery in business fields.
How can you start volunteering in your community?
a. By knowing a lot of people in the community.

b. By identifying what you enjoy doing and finding opportunities that match your interests.

c. By searching for some fun activities.

d. By finding good places to do some activities.

B. Direction: Answer the following questions based on the article.

What's a suggestion for someone who enjoys singing?
Where can you demonstrate special skills for small groups of people?
What's a way to stay connected to your field if you had a special job experience?
What can talking to patients in a hospital do?
What does the text suggest about people's talents?

C. Direction: Match the words in column A with their synonyms in column B.

A	B
1. asset	A. ability
2. limitless	B. advantage
3. talent	C. show
4. demonstrate	D. personality
5. star	E. endless