We usually think volunteer work takes up a lot of time. But just a little time and effort can be a big help to others. For example, you can be a big brother or sister to young children in an orphanage.

Question

We usually think volunteer work takes up a lot of time. But just a little time and effort can be a big help to others. For example, you can be a big brother or sister to young children in an orphanage.

You can help people take care of old people in the nursing homes. *It can give you happiness when you give happiness to others.

(In this passages, what is the meaning of *it? )

Answer 1

helping people/volunteer work

Answer 2

In this passage, the pronoun "it" is referring to the act of helping others and giving happiness. By volunteering and being a big brother or sister to children in an orphanage or helping take care of old people in nursing homes, you can bring happiness to others, which in turn can bring happiness to yourself. So, the meaning of "it" here is the feeling of happiness that comes from giving happiness to others through volunteer work.