Transcript b2blesson11

Describe a way to relax that you find effective. You should say: what you do, where & when you
usually do this, who you usually do it with, and explain why this is relaxing for you.
Quite frankly, I have many ways to relax, including reading books and taking long
walks. However, my recent trip to India has encouraged me to discover “Yoga”, and
wonderful peaceful “Indian instrumental” music as relaxation techniques.
First of all, as a busy student living in a big city, I often take public transportation
everyday. Therefore, listening to music in the morning is a relaxing way to de-stress
before I start my day. Unlike modern “pop music”, classic instrumentals helps to calm me
down without affecting my memory. I find it helps “clear my mind”. Indian instrumental
music is especially helpful as it is without any words, only the sound of a beautiful flute
and other simple musical instruments. For example, the instrumental flute music from
the Indian movie “Jodah Akbar” is amazing. Furthermore, I don't have to worry about
the “music getting stuck in my head” later on because there are no words in the music.
In addition, I recently signed up for “Yoga” lessons in my neighborhood, and they play
the same music in the Yoga studio. I attend Yoga lessons 3 times a week after work,
and it has helped increase my energy levels and focus better during the week.
Personally speaking, I enjoy going to Yoga alone, as this is one of the most effective
ways to relax both mentally and physically. It is far more effective than going online
which has unfortunately become a major waste of time. I use to go online all the timeon my phone, on the bus, in the morning, in the evening, and anytime I was “bored”
during the day. Unfortunately, I found it stressed me out right away. Perhaps absorbing
all that radiation and seeing “non-stop selfies”, and other useless posts online is not a
good way to start your day or end your day...
Overall, I am very happy with my new discovery. I definitely plan on sharing these
wonderful suggestions to all my “stressed out” friends and family soon!
Personal stress is now a major problem in many countries around the world and it causes untold damage to
millions of people daily. What are some of the factors in modern society that cause this stress, and how can
we reduce it? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge and
experience.
In this contemporary world, countless people worldwide are increasingly suffering from the detrimental effects of
stress. In my opinion, much of this is due to our “consumerist lifestyle”. There are, however, practical measures that
can be implemented to mitigate the dangerous effects of stress.
First of all, we now live in a world of consumerism, where the greatest needs has shifted from the basic survival
requirements of food and shelter, to the endless desire for material possessions. People now are requiring more and
more money, harder work, and a greater drive to show off and be shown off. Such pressure in todays “modern” world
are a major causes of stress that build up over time, and can then lead to a “nervous breakdown”. Furthermore,
stress also causes constant fatigue, migraines, stomach aches, and insomnia leading to a condition called “burn out”.
Consequently, people who are workaholics are in danger of “burning out” because they sleep too little, eat unhealthy
food, work long hours without a break, and keep problems inside, rather than speaking about it. Hence, stress can
damage the physical and mental stability of a person.
As a result, this may lead to reduced work efficiency, followed by failing to get a promotion and then being fired.
Other problems such as depression and anxiety then occur, and in severe cases, homelessness may follow unless
medical treatment is sought immediately.
Second of all there is the issue of “distractions”, particularly due to the internet and “internet addiction”. Quite frankly,
most people do not use the internet as a “business or educational tool”. As soon as one goes to any website these
days, they are bombarded with advertisements, gossip “useless” news, pop-ups or “notifications” from other social
media sites like Facebook, Twitter etc. In addition, seeing friends “show off” their latest pictures, accomplishments, or
expensive vacations is also a source of stress. Thus, going online to simply “relax” becomes virtually impossible.
Within minutes, the reader will become “distracted or bored”, and suffer long-lasting depression and anxiety as a
result.
Nevertheless, a person can act in several ways to reduce stress. One method is better time management. Setting
small, realistic goals is more effective than extended future plans. Moreover, a person should decide to undertake a
range of de-stressing activities such as music, meditation, yoga, reading, taking long walks to relax and “clear one's
mind”. The internet should be limited only “as needed” for “quick information” as it causes anxiety, wastes too much
valuable “free time”, and irritates the eyes and back with radiation and muscle problems. Consequently, by
performing “old fashioned” activities, one will be able to achieve a “work-life balance”, and relax.
In conclusion, it is true that stress can never be eradicated completely. In my point of view however, by taking
small “old fashioned” steps to relax, one may definitely reduce the level of stress to a manageable level.
Most people feel the disadvantages of the Internet
outweigh the advantages. Do you agree or disagree?
1-2 minutes maximum
In my opinion, I strongly agree/believe....
First of all or On the one hand, advantages.. For example:
1) Students (research, e-learning, homework help..) In addition,
2) Professionals (entrepreneurs (For Example Ameer Sharif?) Furthermore,
3) General public (Free International communication/apps), Personally speaking...I
also use Viber...
On the other hand... disadvantages..For instance:
1) Students (Facebook, no critical thinking, distracted, unable to study) Moreover,
2) Professionals (privacy issues,loss of reputation & concentration may get fired) Finally,
3) General Public (loss of creativity, libraries closed, no interest in reading or
volunteering or working harder)
As a result,
→ Free Time wasted
→ physiological problems most people are “addicted to “Social media” Facebook...
→ Unsuccessful future
Overall, even though.... many advantages,
Quite Frankly most people do not use the Internet for educational or business purposes,
Hence, the disadvantages outweigh the advantages
IELTS Speaking/Writing outline
1. In my
opinion/perspective/
point of view, I
agree/disagree with...
1. To begin with/Generally
speaking...
2. First of all... For
example, For Instance
2. Personally I believe...
3. Second of all...In
addition,
3. On the one hand...For
example, Moreover,
Furthermore,
4. Finally... Thus,
5.In conclusion/
Overall...Based on
these reasons, I
suppose..
4. On the other hand... Hence,
5. But overall, I believe...
Polite Disagreement

With all due respect, I'm afraid I can't agree
with you...


I'm sorry to disagree with you but...
With all due respect, I'm afraid I must
disagree...

Yes true, but don't you think...
Vocabulary: Suggestions

.
IELTS Letter Writing / General Writing Task 1:
You took your family to a nearby restaurant. You were disappointed with the meal and wish to complain
to the manager.Write a letter to the manager of the restaurant. In the letter:
» explain why you were at the restaurant
» describe the problems
» write about the action you want the manager to take
Dear Sir or Madam, On January 9th my family and I visited your establishment to have a traditional celebration
of my sister’s birthday. Since she lives in France we annually go to this restaurant, because we always
considered it as the ideal French cuisine place. Having the onion soup there is also our family tradition because
my sister loved it very much before moving to France. I suppose, you can imagine our disappointment when we
found the onion soup absolutely inedible last time.
First of all, it was cold.
Second of all, it seemed your chef did not stir it well while cooking, hence, there were some clogs of flour.
Finally, its taste made us feel that the cook used artificial instant soup base. We asked our waitress about why
the soup is so awful; apparently, the chef of the current shift has changed.
In my opinion, I highly disagree with your decision regarding hiring this new chef. Quite frankly, he is simply
not suitable for such a famous restaurant as yours. I strongly recommend sending him to professional
training so your loyal customers may continue to enjoy your genuine French cuisine that we have become
accustomed to for so many years. Thank you.
Respectfully,
Elizabeth Harley
IELTS Complaint Letter - Garbage Problem. Write a letter to the environment officer in your area complaining
about the garbage problem in your neighborhood and say:
- What is causing the problem?
- Why is it bothering you?
- Suggest a solution to rectify the problem.
To whom it may concern:
My name is ________, and I am a resident of Square Villa Colony located at_. I am writing this letter to
address a serious problem with litter/garbage pick up in our neighborhood.
First of all, In the past few months, the rubbish has not been picked up at the regularly scheduled time,
resulting in huge rubbish pile -ups. As a result, it has created a terrible smell and very unsanitary conditions.
Moreover, the pile-up has attracted various insects and harmful microorganisms. In addition, on windy
days, the rubbish gets thrown about the neighborhood thereby causing further health risks.
Second of all, my neighbors have become seriously ill because of this, and I am concerned about the safety of
my family members and the other residents. Furthermore, such negligence is especially harmful to the
elderly.
Hence, if left unresolved, it could have serious and tragic results which would not be in anyone's interest. to
help rectify the problem, I personally suggest your office organize a public community meeting so residents
may voice their concerns. I would be very grateful if you could please make this issue a priority since the
conditions in our neighborhood are worsening each day.
Considering the urgency of the matter, I am keen to resolve this issue as soon as possible please.