Describe a way to relax that you find effective 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 time- on 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... 2. First of all... For example, For Instance 3. Second of all...In addition, 4. Finally... Thus, 5.In conclusion/ Overall...Based on these reasons, I suppose.. 1. To begin with/Generally speaking... 2. Personally I believe... 3. On the one hand...For example, Moreover, Furthermore, 4. On the other hand... Hence, 5. But overall, I believe...