1. Stress is now a major problem in many countries around the world
Stress is now a major problem in many countries around the world. What is a major source of stress in modern society, and how can we reduce it? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge. Nowadays, stress is a serious problem that can have detrimental effects on many people’s lives. Pollution, rising living costs and healthcare problems are some of the many factors related to stress. The modern world we live in today presents us with many issues that we did not have to cope with in the past. In my opinion, “healthcare related stress”, particularly from fast food, is a major concern as cancer is on the rise around the world.
With the advent of urbanization and the rise in popularity of fast food, there have been accompanying issues with rising cancer rates, especially in countries such as Britain and the USA. To begin with, it should be unsurprising that “fast food” is incredibly popular in countries like Britain and the USA. Consumers spend a large portion of their income on fast foods. the American Dietary Association found that, compared to the average Indian household, the average American household’s budget for “take-away fast foods” is six times larger per month. Consequently, it is to be expected that cancer rates will be much higher in such nations.
Second of all, processed meats such as hamburgers and hot dogs, which are usually the primary ingredients in fast foods, contain chemicals called “nitrites” which are toxic to humans in large amounts. Furthermore, almost 99% of food, including bread, contains added white sugar which is known to feed cancer cells over time. Consequently, Diabetics who stop adding white sugar to their food and beverages still end up consuming it anyway in solid foods. Hence, this is a major source of stress for diabetics who must be cautious as to what they eat in order to control their blood sugar.
Finding solutions is a challenging task but there are a number of ways in which developed countries could battle these issues more effectively. Firstly, new laws should be enacted to regulate how “fast foods meat” is processed, and to prevent food manufacturers from adding sugar to shelf products. Secondly, public health initiatives could be advertised and promoted far more vigorously. For example, modules that inform citizens about healthy dietary requirements should be addressed in Universities so students may in turn relay this information to their families by “word of mouth” . In addition, doctors and other healthcare practitioners should have information about diabetes and cancer prevention in the waiting room.
In conclusion, there are many factors around us today which lead to stress. Although diabetes and cancer are serious issues around world, if the above steps are taken, the situation will surely improve in the coming years, hence, reducing individual stress as well.

2. It is a fact that people nowadays are under a lot of pressure and their lives are becoming increasingly stressful. What could be the possible reasons for this? What are some solutions to address this issue? In today's modern society, stress has unfortunately become an inevitable part of our lives. Even young children lead stressful lives these days. In my point of view, increasing competition is the number one cause of stress. Everybody wants to achieve more and more. They want to do better than their peers. People are never happy with what they have. This perpetual struggle to do better than one’s peers leads to stress and causes many health problems.
First of all, modern lifestyles are very expensive around the world. Employees are forced to “burn the midnight oil” to meet unrealistic deadlines. “Cut throat competition” exists in the job market, and if one isn’t willing to stretch oneself thin, one can get laid off. Hence, homelessness and fear of losing one's job has become a major source of stress around the world. In addition, most people have several financial liabilities. Getting laid off is the last thing they want to happen to them. Thus, they work harder and harder even if it affects their sleep and causes poor eating habits. Consequently, they don’t find time for their family or themselves, leading to tension, illness and stress at home.
Second of all, social media also plays a major role in causing stress. People carelessly post images of their holidays and rant about their expensive acquisitions on social media such as Facebook and Instagram. They have just one mission – they want to show that their lives are actually better than the lives of others. This makes their friends feel inadequate and psychologically stressed out.
Finally, perhaps the biggest problem that plagues our world is the pursuit of material gains. We equate happiness with cars, villas and foreign vacations. Constantly focusing on these properties causes stress and depression, as their acquisition is a long and time-consuming process requiring years of patience and work. In my opinion, the only way to beat stress is to look for meaning in life. Instead of rushing after material gains, people should set priorities and small realistic goals for themselves. For example, if one wishes to study abroad, they should take small realistic steps in preparation for it, such as studying a few hours everyday for the IELtS , taking a review course etc.In conclusion, once we have a clear idea of our goals and take small steps to achieve them, we can work towards them at a realistic pace. This approach actually makes our lives a lot more focused, and hence, a lot less stressful.

3. IELTS Speaking/Writing basic outlines
Well, that's an interesting question.
1. In my opinion/perspective/point of view, I agree/disagree with...
2. First of all...Furthermore..
3. Second of all... In addition..
4. Finally...
5. Overall...Based on these reasons, I suppose..
I'm sorry, could you please repeat the question? Thank you.
1. To begin with/Generally speaking...
2. Personally I believe...
3. On the one hand...For example,
4. On the other hand...
5. But overall, I believe...