内容正文:
Unit 8 Making a Difference
Section B Writing
Lesson Outline
01. Lead-in & Warm-up
Engage in a lively discussion to explore the meaning and significance of volunteer work in our communities.
02. Reading Comprehension
Analyze a real-world volunteer recruitment advertisement to understand its structure, tone, and key information.
03. Language Focus
Master essential vocabulary related to volunteering and practice sentence patterns for expressing intentions and qualifications.
04. Writing Guidance
Learn the step-by-step process of crafting a formal volunteer application letter, including structure and key sections.
05. Sample Writing
Read and dissect a well-written model application letter to identify effective language use and successful writing strategies.
06. Practice & Homework
Draft your own volunteer application letter and polish it using the skills and vocabulary learned in the lesson.
Let's Talk! Warm-up Discussion
Have you ever been a volunteer?
If yes, share what you did and how it made you feel. If no, discuss whether you’d like to try and the reasons behind your choice.
What volunteer work feels meaningful to you?
Reflect on the impact of different roles—supporting vulnerable groups, educating children, protecting the environment, or connecting with the elderly. What resonates most with your values?
Animal Shelter Care
Nurturing and caring for homeless animals, giving them love and attention.
Teaching
Sharing knowledge and hope with children in need, fostering growth.
Environmental Action
Cleaning up public spaces to protect nature and build a greener community.
Nursing home
Visiting seniors to reduce loneliness and brighten their days with conversation.
Vocabulary in use
2a
Write the correct words in the puzzle with the help of the clues.
Down
1. a polite term for a man
3. a polite term for a woman
4. first in importance
6. full of energy and always on the go
Across
2. the worth or importance of something
5. a person who belongs to a group or an organization
7. an organization that helps those in need
8. to look for something or someone
在忙碌中
需要帮助的;生活困难的
A U
A
D
Y
R
I
M
A
R
Y
E B E R
T
I
V
E
A R C H
H R I T
Vocabulary in use
2b
Complete the sentences with the correct words in brackets.
1. Joining the reading programme is completely ___________. Each __________ helps
to improve the reading skills and confidence of the kids. (volunteer, voluntary)
2. Everybody wants to be ___________. But to achieve ________, you need to have
a clear goal and stick to it. (success, successful)
3. Mr Black had a __________ examination in the hospital. The doctor gave him
some ___________ for his throat. (medicine, medical)
4. She works as a teacher of _________ children. She believes the _________ of
today will help to create a better future for all. (youth, young)
5. My _________ brother volunteers at the nursing home because he wants to
help the __________. (elder, elderly)
voluntary
volunteer
successful
success
完全地;彻底地
medical
medicine
young
youth
elder
elderly
(两人中)年纪较长的(尤指哥哥姐姐)
Language points
But to achieve success, you need to have a ...
(1) 〔不可数名词〕成功 反义词:failure 失败 success in (doing) sth 在(做)……方面成功
Failure is the mother of success. 失败是成功之母。(谚语)
I sincerely wish you success in starting your own business. 我衷心祝愿你成功开创自己的事业。
(2)〔可数名词〕成功的人(或事物)
What a great success his new book has made! 他的新书取得了多么大的成功啊!
拓展success 的相关词:
Doctor Wang has succeeded in working in the hospital. He is a successful doctor because he successfully saved many people’s lives. We believe this operation will be a great success. 王医生在这所医院的工作取得了成功。他是一名成功的医生,因为他成功地挽救了许多人的生命。我们相信这次手术将会非常成功。
My elder brother volunteers at the nursing home ...
Language points
辨析:elder与older
elder (两人中)年纪较长的(尤指哥哥姐姐) 只能指人 用来比较年龄大小,尤指兄弟姐妹的长幼关系,只能用于名词前作定语
older 年龄较大的 指人 在句中可作定语,也可作表语
较旧的 指物
My elder brother is two years older than me. And his bike is older than mine.
我哥哥比我大两岁。他的自行车比我的旧。
Vocabulary in use
2c
Complete the passage with the phrases in the box. Use the correct forms of the verbs.
provide aid make a difference donate pocket money sign up be worth the effort clean up
Eleven-year-old Harry wanted to help out his community. He and his mum
__________ with a local charity organization two years ago, and he has worked
there once a week ever since to ___________ to people in need. He helps to ________ the kitchen and hand out hot meals to people. Harry realized that his work
__________________ when he saw the smiles on the faces of the people he helped. Harry has even ____________________ to the organization to help them buy food
for special festivals! His work shows us that anyone can ________________.
signed up
provide aid
clean up
捐赠;赠送
零花钱
努力;艰难的尝试
分发
was worth the effort
donated pocket money
make a difference
B
D
A
C
Volunteer Opportunity: Sunshine Community Center Tutor
Are you a high school student passionate about making a difference? Join our "Homework Help" program to support local children aged 6-10 with English and Math, fostering a love for learning in a warm community setting.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with daily homework, design engaging learning activities, nurture a positive and supportive environment, and regularly update the center coordinator on each child’s progress and needs.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Current high school student with strong academics; patient, kind, and fluent in English (spoken/written). Must be available 2-4 PM every Saturday and have excellent communication & teamwork skills.
How to Apply
Send your application letter tovolunteer@sunshinecc.orgby June 30, 2026.
Let's Check the Answers!
01. Project Name
The "Homework Help" program, organized at the Sunshine Community Center to support young learners with their studies.
02. Eligibility
This volunteer opportunity is exclusively open to current high school students who are eager to make a difference in their community.
03. Key Responsibilities
Assist children with homework, prepare engaging learning activities, foster a positive environment, and regularly report on participants' progress.
04. Required Skills & Qualities
Maintain good academic standing, possess patience and a passion for working with children. Fluency in English, strong communication/teamwork skills, and availability on Saturday afternoons are essential.
05. Application Process
Prepare and send a detailed application letter tovolunteer@sunshinecc.org. All submissions must be received by the deadline: June 30, 2026.
Language Focus: Key Vocabulary
Volunteer(n./v.)
志愿者;自愿做
e.g., She is a volunteer at the hospital. / He volunteered to help.
Passionate(adj.)
热情的,热诚的
e.g., She is passionate about music and spends hours practicing every day.
Responsibility(n.)
责任,职责;义务
e.g., Taking care of the baby is her main responsibility at the moment.
Opportunity(n.)
机会;时机
e.g., This is a great opportunity to practice your English with native speakers.
Enthusiastic(adj.)
热情的,热心的;极感兴趣的
e.g., He gave an enthusiastic speech that inspired everyone in the audience.
Essential(adj.)
极其重要的,必不可少的;本质的
e.g., Fresh water is essential for life, and we must protect our water resources.
Responsible(adj.)
负责的;有责任感的;对...负责
e.g., She is a responsible student, and you are responsible for cleaning your own room.
Possesses(v.)
拥有(某种品质、能力等);具有
e.g., He possesses great leadership skills, which makes him a perfect team leader.
Fluent(adj.)
(语言)流利的,流畅的;熟练的
e.g., She is fluent in French and can speak it as well as a native speaker.
Your Task: Write an Application Letter
Imagine you are a student applying for a volunteer position. Follow the structured outline below to craft a compelling and professional letter that highlights your strengths and enthusiasm.
01. Personal Info
Kick off with a clear introduction of yourself—share your name, grade level, and a brief, friendly opening to set a positive tone.
02. Motivations
Explain your passion for volunteering and why this specific program resonates with you—what draws you to this opportunity?
03. Strengths & Skills
Showcase your suitability—mention relevant skills (e.g., language fluency, patience) and personal traits that make you a great fit.
04. Closing
Reiterate your eagerness to join the team, thank the reader for their time, and express hope for a positive response.
Phrases to Help You Write
Introduction
Introduce yourself clearly: "My name is ... and I am a student in Grade ..." State your purpose directly: "I am writing to express my interest in the volunteer position..."
Stating Reasons
Explain your motivation: "I have always been passionate about helping others..." Connect to the program: "I am particularly interested in this program because..." and "I believe this is a great opportunity to use my skills..."
Highlighting Skills
Showcase your strengths: "I am a patient and responsible person." Mention relevant abilities: "I have strong communication skills..." and "I am fluent in English and have excellent grades..."
Closing
Conclude professionally: "I would be very grateful for the opportunity..." Express eagerness: "I am eager to contribute my time and effort..." End with thanks: "Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to hearing from you soon."
暑期将至,一批外国学生将到你校参观交流。他们想了解中国的传统节日。作为学校的一员,你可以通过自己的努力帮助他们了解中国文化,这正是一种“做出改变”的方式。请你以八年级(3)班李华的身份,用英语给学校英语社团负责人王老师写一封自荐信,申请成为本次活动的志愿者。
写作要点:
1.表明你想成为志愿者的意愿;
2.介绍你的优势(如:善于沟通、英语流利、熟悉中国传统节日等);
3.表达你希望成为志愿者并为此做出努力的期望。
要求:
词数80左右(已给出的信件开头不计入总词数);
信中不得出现真实的姓名和校名;
语言通顺,格式正确。
信的开头已给出:
Dear Mr. Wang,I’m Li Hua from Class 3, Grade 8. I’m writing to apply to be a volunteer to ... .
(帮助他人与做出改变)
1. A small action can make a big difference.
小小的行动也能带来巨大的改变。
2.No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.
善举无论多小,都不会白费。
3.Helping others is the key that unlocks happiness.
帮助他人是开启幸福之门的钥匙。
4.One person can change the world.
一个人可以改变世界。
As the old saying goes" "
Dear Mr. Wang,
I’m Li Hua from Class 3, Grade 8. I’m writing to apply to be a volunteer to help the foreign students learn about Chinese festivals.
I believe I can do the job well. First, I have learned about many traditional festivals, like the Spring Festival and the Dragon Boat Festival. I have also told foreign friends about them before. Second, I have studied English for several years, so I can speak clearly and kindly. Most of all, my teachers have always encouraged me to help others and taught us "Helping others is the key that unlocks happiness."
I firmly believe that " a small action can make a big difference." I really hope to become a member of the volunteer team. By sharing our culture, I will try my best to help the foreign students better understand our wonderful culture and make a small difference .
Yours sincerely,
Li Hua
Dear Mr. Wang,
I’m Li Hua from Class 3, Grade 8. I’m writing to apply to be a volunteer to... .
First, I have learned about
Second, I have studied
Most of all, my teachers have encouraged and taught
I firmly believe that
I really hope to become a member of
Thank You!
Keep making a difference — grow kindness, inspire change.
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