Final answer:
Volunteering is an example of civic life, as it involves engaging in the public sphere to address community issues, which differs from the more personal activities associated with private life such as working, studying, or socializing.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of civic, rather than private, life among the options given is volunteering. Civic life includes activities where individuals engage in the public sphere to address issues of public concern or contribute to the betterment of their community. While working, taking classes, and meeting with friends generally pertain to private life where the main benefits and interactions are personal, volunteering is often aimed at providing some benefit to the public or the community, reflecting a civic responsibility.
Participation in civic life can take many forms beyond just volunteering. This includes discussing civic problems, becoming informed, attending public meetings like town halls, joining political parties, or creating issue ads. Each of these actions is centered around engaging with society collectively rather than individually for personal gain.
In contrast, private life activities, such as leisure activities or personal development opportunities, tend to focus on the individual or their immediate social circle and do not have the collective societal focus that defines civic engagement