Grammar Practice: Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering helps others — and it helps you grow too. Read about the personal and community benefits of volunteering while reviewing present perfect, modal structures, and useful collocations for impact and purpose.

9. Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering is often seen as a way to help others, but it also brings many personal benefits. Whether it's cleaning up a park, teaching children, or helping at an animal shelter, volunteering (1)____________ people the chance to make a real difference in their communities.

One major benefit is the chance to learn new skills. Volunteers often gain experience that can be useful in school, work, or everyday life. For example, someone who helps organise a charity event might improve their communication or teamwork skills. These experiences can (2)____________ to stronger confidence and better job prospects.

Volunteering is also good for mental health. Studies show that helping others can reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of connection. Even a few hours a month (3)____________ a positive impact on both the volunteer and those receiving help.

While some people volunteer for a short time, others continue for years. What keeps them going is not just the feeling of giving, but the friendships and memories they build. Many say that volunteering has (4)____________ their lives in unexpected ways.

If you've never volunteered before, now might be a great time to start. Every little action counts, and the world needs more people (5)____________ to give their time and energy to a good cause.

Grammar Points & Explanations

1. Simple Present Tense: “gives people the chance”

• Why it matters: This tense expresses general truths and regular actions. It's useful for essays and formal writing.

2. Modal + Base Verb: “can lead”

• Why it matters: Learners need to recognise that after modals like can, we always use the base form of the verb (not leads or led).

3. Subject-Verb Agreement: “a few hours… has”

• Why it matters: “A few hours” may look plural, but it's treated as a singular idea here (like “a period of time”), so it uses has. This is often tricky for learners.

4. Present Perfect: “has changed”

• Why it matters: Shows an experience that started in the past and still matters now. Essential for IELTS Speaking Part 1 and 2.

5. Adjective Usage: “people willing to…”

• Why it matters: “Willing” is an adjective describing the noun “people.” This pattern is common and useful for describing behaviour or intentions.

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Correct Answers:

1. (A) gives

“...volunteering gives people the chance to make a real difference…”

2. (B) lead

“...can lead to stronger confidence and better job prospects.”

3. (A) has

“...a few hours a month has a positive impact…”

4. (B) changed

“...volunteering has changed their lives…”

5. (A) willing

“...people willing to give their time…”