Question

Have you ever thought that by helping others you could be helping yourself? Teenagers certainly would not be likely to have asked themselves this question. Yet, that is exactly what the teenage founders of the two programs Cell Phones for Soldiers and the Dragon Slayers have found the answer too. Two groups of teens, each involved in two different programs helping other people, find that it is positively affecting their own lives too.
Without a doubt, these teens both volunteer, working to help other people in two very different ways. Cell Phone for Soldiers is a group of big-hearted teens that work to help military families from all over the country. While the other group of self-sacrificing teens, known as the Dragon Slayers, serve their local community located in a remote area of Alaska. They are serving their community as the first emergency responders. These two teens are contributing to others in ways that are incomparable.
Despite the differences in their programs, both the teens would agree that they share something in common. They share the sentiment that by their participation in these programs that they both have benefited greatly on a personal level themselves. The 14-year-old founder of Cell Phones for Soldiers, Brittany said “this has been the most positive and motivating experience of my life.” While Amanda of the Dragon Slayers believes that she is now prepared to handle nearly any situation that comes her way in her life.
To sum it up, both of these teens benefited personally by aiding others while participating in two very different programs. The Dragon Slayers, contribute to their local community daily serving as first emergency responders. The teens involved in Cell Phones for Soldiers, assist soldiers and their families from all over the United States. While each group of teens contributes in unique special ways they each find that they themselves have gained a sense of self reward by helping others. Teens around the country, must be encouraged by this and challenged to explore local volunteering prospects, to take part in meaningful work helping others and the opportunity to grow personally and improve themselves.


3. What are two specific questions that you wish the author had answered about the topic?


4. Identify three weak verbs that could be made more active, and suggest replacements.

Answer 1

I wish the author would have answered , In what way do the cell phones for soldiers particpants help military families?  Another question is, How did these teens get their start in these programs?

weak verbs: help is overused and could be replaced with aid. serve could be replaced with contribute, share could be replaced with  experience