Read this announcement. Then, listen to a conversation between to classmates and answer the question.
Volunteer work within the community
State University will now require all students to complete ten hours of volunteer work in the local community before graduating. Serving as a volunteer is not only helpful to communities, but also beneficial and convenient for students. When they take time to help others: students experience a deep sense of satisfaction. This sense of fulfillment leads them to continue working within their communities. Furthermore, volunteering will be convenient for students. There are a number of nearby organizations in need of student volunteers, so students can easily arrange to work locally.
The woman in the conversation expresses her idea about the announcement. Summarize the announcement and explain what she thinks about it.
The text discusses a new requirement at State University for students to complete ten hours of volunteer work in the local community before graduating, highlighting the benefits and convenience of volunteering. In the conversation, the female student expresses skepticism about the plan for two main reasons. Firstly, she reflects on the text by expressing doubts about the effectiveness of the mandatory requirement for volunteer work. She believes that making it mandatory may lead to negative outcomes, such as resentment and reluctance to volunteer in the future. She also raises practical concerns about transportation limitations for students without cars on campus, making it difficult for them to access volunteer opportunities even if they are local. Her perspective suggests that she may not fully support the university’s approach and has reservations about its implementation.
Requirement – (noun) something that is necessary or obligatory; a condition or demand that must be fulfilled.
Example: The university’s new requirement for volunteer work has sparked discussion among students.
Skepticism – (noun) a doubtful or questioning attitude; a feeling of uncertainty or hesitation towards something.
Example: The female student expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of the mandatory volunteer work requirement.
Effectiveness – (noun) the degree to which something is successful in producing the desired results or outcomes.
Example: The student has concerns about the effectiveness of making volunteer work mandatory.
Negative outcomes – (noun phrase) undesirable or adverse results or consequences.
Example: The female student believes that mandatory volunteer work may lead to negative outcomes, such as resentment and reluctance.
Resentment – (noun) a feeling of bitterness or indignation towards something or someone; a sense of being treated unfairly.
Example: The student is worried that mandatory volunteer work may result in resentment among students.
Reluctance – (noun) unwillingness or hesitation to do something; a lack of enthusiasm or eagerness.
Example: The student expresses concerns about potential reluctance to volunteer in the future due to the mandatory requirement.
Practical concerns – (noun phrase) issues or problems related to practical aspects, such as logistics, feasibility, or convenience.
Example: The student raises practical concerns about transportation limitations for students without cars on campus.
Transportation limitations – (noun phrase) restrictions or difficulties related to transportation, such as lack of access to vehicles or public transportation.
Example: The student has concerns about transportation limitations for students without cars, making it difficult for them to access local volunteer opportunities.
Access – (verb) to be able to reach, enter, or make use of something.
Example: Transportation limitations may hinder students’ access to volunteer opportunities.
Implementation – (noun) the process of putting a plan or policy into effect; the act of carrying out or executing something.
Example: The student has reservations about the implementation of the mandatory volunteer work requirement at the university.
Feasibility – (noun) the state or quality of being possible, practical, or achievable.
Example: The student raises concerns about the feasibility of accessing volunteer opportunities for students without cars.
Perspective – (noun) a particular point of view or way of looking at things.
Example: The student’s perspective suggests that she may not fully support the university’s approach.
Obligatory – (adjective) required or mandatory; something that must be done as a duty or obligation.
Example: Volunteer work is presented as an obligatory requirement for students at State University.
Reservations – (noun) doubts, hesitations, or concerns about something; a feeling of not being fully convinced or committed.
Example: The student has reservations about the mandatory volunteer work requirement and its potential negative impacts.
Local – (adjective) relating to or located in a particular area or region; nearby or within a short distance.
Example: The mandatory volunteer work requirement at State University focuses on volunteering in the local community.
Transcript
Narrator:
Now listen to two students discussing the announcement.
Male Student:
Did you read the announcement?
Female Student:
Yeah, but you know, I really don’t think it’ll be that beneficial.
Male Student:
How come? It seems alright. I know they need some volunteers in town to work at the Youth Center.
Female Student:
Well, it’s a nice idea. But making it mandatory will probably have the opposite effect from what the announcement says. It’s a great thing for the university to encourage and all.
Male Student:
Sure.
Female Student:
But having a requirement… that’s gonna cause resentment, not inspire students to volunteer more. We’ll probably all fulfill the requirement then try to avoid volunteering in the future. It’ll leave a bad taste in my mouth I’m afraid.
Male Student:
Yeah, I can see that.
Female Student:
And also, I mean it’s great that there’s opportunities nearby. But still, most of them probably aren’t within walking distance. Like the park, they’re always looking for volunteers to clean the area, but most students including me don’t have cars on campus.
Male Student:
Yeah, me neither.
Female Student:
And there isn’t much public transportation either. Even if these places are local, how are we supposed to get there? It’s just not practical.
