English Recordings

Stress

Topic: Many psychologists recommend that the best way to relieve stress is to do nothing at all for a period of time during the day. Do you agree or disagree?

Model answer:

One of the most pressing issues for first world countries is how to reduce their stress levels and this has led some psychologists to propose a daily period of rest. Although I think that daily rest would be helpful, it is more important to take an active role in stress relief.

Proponents of a rest period suggest that taking a break has proven health benefits related to stress reduction. It is very common in Latin American countries and some Southeast Asian countries to take an afternoon ‘siesta’ or short nap before resuming work. Research has supported the myriad health benefits related to this stress-free period. It lowers blood pressure, increases serotonin in the brain, and aids memory function. Besides the statistics from studies that breaks reduce stress, there is also anecdotal evidence that taking a break energises people in both the short and long term. Plowing on without breaks, on the contrary, can lead to an increase in stress and has been linked to related health problems.

Instead of taking a rest, I believe that joining a team sport will do more to relieve stress. Doctors and scientists agree that exercise is the best way to cut down on stress overall. In most parts of the world, football is the most common sport both to watch and participate in. Playing football reduces your stress by releasing endorphins in the brain that make people happier, strengthening the heart to better withstand stressful situations, and helping people to relax by working in a team towards a shared goal. The teamwork aspect cannot be underestimated, and is integral to most sports, as it does more to reduce stress and reset your body for a new day than any other activity.

To conclude, although taking a rest certainly helps reduce stress, the best way to unwind is to play a sport. People should set aside time at least once a week to partake in team sporting activities.

1. We enjoy swimming, hiking and tennis.
2. Is a barbecue all right if it doesn’t rain?
3. If it rains tomorrow, the game is off.
4. Is he sick? I hope not.
5. Please bring me the hammer, nails, and scissors.
6. Do you like grapes, pears, and plums?
7. May I leave now, or should I wait?
8. He’s good at math but not spelling.
9. Call me later if it’s not too late.
10. Will you visit us if you’re in town?
11. Do you want coffee, tea, or milk?

Mmm

- Can you introduce yourself?
- I'm John. I live in England, I'm fourteen, and I have two little sisters - Lucie and Julia.
- When is your birthday?
- My birthday is on the 25th of January.
- I want to get a bike for my birthday because I broke mine and for now, I've no choice but to use my sister's.
- There's nothing wrong with it, except that it's pink.
- The boys in the neighborhood saw me riding it last Tuesday, and they made fun of me for 10 minutes.

Volcanoes needn't erupt constantly to be classified as "active".
Nowadays it needn't cost a fortune to own an e-book reader.
I need not have told you about that.
I was very nervous before the interview, but I needn't have worried - I got the job.
High school dropouts need not apply. = they should not apply because they will not get the job
To give permission not to do something we can use "needn't"
You needn't cut the grass, I'll do it later.
This need not mean drastically reducing food intake.
You needn't worry about me. I'll be fine.

He has got long black wavy hair and a black beard. He is very tall.
She has got long brown wavy hair and brown eyes. She has got a tie.
He has got short straight red hair and blue eyes.
He has got short straight blond hair and green eyes.
He has got short brown hair, green eyes, glasses and a scar. He has got a tie.

What if you were a volunteer?

Would you… ?

1. donate money
...
2. demonstrate in the strret
...
3. protest in the street
...
4. adopt a pet or a stray dog
...
5. give food to homeless people
...
6. collect trash, clean the beach
...
7. donate second hand stuff like toys, books
...
9. sign a petition
...
10. work in a charity

I want to know

In spoken English, the verb "GET" sometimes replaces the verb "BE" in passive sentences.
Teddy got injured playing baseball.
My best friend got picked to be the school president.
My umbrella got destroyed in the storm.
All the pizza got eaten quickly.
These are very important issues that must not get lost in all the details.
My favorite cup got broken.
Vanessa got promoted to program director!
The company’s server got hacked last week.

Yesterday, I went to the swimming pool in the morning. Then, I went to the supermarket by bus. I bought a CD and a new toothbrush. I had lunch in the café. I ate spaghetti and drank soda. In the afternoon, I went to the cinema with my sister. I saw a good film.