Volunteering Is Its Own reward

In paragraph 12, what does the word Paradoxically mean?

• Improbable but humorous

• Contradictory yet accurate

• Impressive but selfish

• Competent yet inconsistent

What is the best summary of the information in paragraphs 1 through 4?

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  The Peace Corps served as an inspiration for the AmeriCorps and Senior Corps programs, which allow volunteers to serve near their homes. Some volunteers work with senior citizens and hospital patients. Others work with animals or in outdoor areas. Some adult age groups are volunteering more today than in 1974.

• The Peace Corps was started by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, and since then volunteerism in the United States has greatly increased. Americans also continue to volunteer around the world in the Peace Corps. The Corporation for National and Community Service has reported that volunteerism for people over age 65 has increased.

• Since President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961, American volunteerism has been widespread. Millions of people have volunteered in government programs around the world and throughout the United States. Many people have also volunteered in local programs run by charities and civic organizations. Volunteerism rates today show significant increases since the 1970s.

• When President John F. Kennedy created the Peace Corps in 1961, he began an era of volunteerism. Volunteers serve around the world and throughout the United States. Some volunteer programs require a large amount of time. Some programs utilize youth and senior citizens. It is surprising that volunteerism has increased for middle-aged adults.

The information in paragraphs 9 through 11 supports which conclusion?

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  People who find that volunteering increases their happiness most likely recruit other volunteers.

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  Future research studies most likely will focus on how volunteers deal with stress experienced while volunteering.

• Family members who volunteer together regularly most likely share the same motives for volunteering.

• Multiple occurrences of volunteering most likely are needed to produce health benefits in the volunteer.

Which group is most likely the author’s intended audience?

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  Skeptical people who are unsure about devoting the time to be a volunteer

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  Selfless people who believe in doing something virtuous with their lives

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  Generous people who treasure the joy that comes from doing good deeds

• Ambitious people who are eager to look good to potential employers

Which statement best expresses the author’s claim about volunteerism?

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  People should volunteer in order to help themselves as well as others.

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  Volunteering their time is a sacrifice more people should make.

• Volunteering is a declining American tradition

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  People who volunteer deserve good health

What is the most likely reason the author includes contrasting ideas about stress in paragraph 7?

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  To restate a key point more vividly

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  To emphasize an unusual perspective

• To question conflicting evidence

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  To challenge an opposing viewpoint

Which quotation from the article shows that people who volunteer only to boost their résumés are unlikely to experience increased well-being as a result?

• For those already stressed out and stretched to the limit, why offer to do extra work? (paragraph 6)

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  Like other studies, it found participants who volunteered on a regular basis lived longer. (paragraph 11)

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  Rodlescia Sneed, who conducted a study in 2013 on volunteering, notes that volunteering appears to lower stress. (paragraph 9)

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  In other words, to get the health benefits of volunteering, the volunteers had to be doing it for the right reasons. (paragraph 11)

What effect does the shift in tone between paragraphs 6 and 7 have on the author’s argument?

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  The shift from a doubtful tone in paragraph 6 to a patronizing one in paragraph 7 undermines the sincerity of the argument.

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  The shift from a cynical tone in paragraph 6 to an indignant one in paragraph 7 strengthens the force of the argument.

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  The shift from a dubious tone in paragraph 6 to a reassuring one in paragraph 7 refocuses the direction of the argument.

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  The shift from an analytical tone in paragraph 6 to a self-confident one in paragraph 7 builds a logical foundation for the argument.