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Opinionacademic·2025

Many people today are too stressed and unhealthy. What are the reasons for this, and how can we solve these problems?

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Step 1

IELTS Examiner Tips for This Topic

1

State a clear position in your introduction regarding the primary drivers of stress and unhealthiness, and how these can be resolved. While it's crucial to acknowledge that individual choices play a role, your essay should consistently advocate for the broader societal or systemic factors as the main culprits and propose solutions that address these larger issues, rather than solely focusing on personal responsibility.

2

To provide depth, consider specific arguments such as the impact of demanding work cultures and constant digital connectivity leading to burnout syndrome, exemplified by phenomena like Japan's 'karoshi' (death from overwork) or the 'always-on' expectation in many industries. For solutions, discuss the effectiveness of government-led public health campaigns promoting active lifestyles, similar to Singapore's efforts in urban planning for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, or corporate wellness initiatives that foster better work-life balance.

3

The most common mistake students make on this specific question is listing too many reasons and solutions superficially without developing any of them in sufficient depth or establishing clear connections between a specific problem and its proposed remedy. To avoid this, select 2-3 main reasons and 2-3 corresponding solutions, dedicating a full paragraph to each, ensuring you elaborate with explanations, examples, and implications.

4

Employ a 'problem-solution pairing' linking strategy. After detailing a specific reason for stress or unhealthiness in one paragraph, use a transition phrase at the start of the subsequent paragraph to introduce its direct solution. For instance, after discussing 'the pressures of a hyper-connected work environment,' you could begin the next paragraph with 'To mitigate the pervasive issue of work-related stress, it is imperative that...' thereby creating a cohesive flow.

5

Examiners look for a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted nature of modern stress and unhealthiness, moving beyond simplistic explanations. A band 8-9 answer will demonstrate a sophisticated grasp of both individual and systemic factors, offering well-reasoned, holistic solutions that consider various stakeholders (individuals, governments, corporations), all while employing a wide range of precise vocabulary and complex grammatical structures with minimal error.

Step 2

Recommended Essay Structure (Band 7+ Standard)

1
Introduction

Hook the examiner and establish your position immediately.

  • Rephrase the question using powerful synonyms — avoid copying words
  • State your opinion clearly in the final sentence — leave no doubt
  • Keep it tight: 2-3 sentences max. Every word must earn its place.

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

It is often argued that...There is a growing debate about whether...In my view, ... because ...
2
Body Paragraph 1 — Your Strongest Argument

Make your most compelling case with undeniable evidence.

  • Start with a powerful topic sentence — state your argument boldly
  • Support with concrete evidence: statistics, real-world cases, or expert research
  • Explain exactly HOW your evidence proves your point — connect the dots for the examiner

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

The primary reason I hold this view is that...This is clearly illustrated by...For instance, in many countries...
3
Body Paragraph 2 — Supporting Argument

Strengthen your position with a complementary perspective.

  • Choose a different angle — if paragraph 1 was economic, try social, environmental, or ethical
  • Use fresh evidence — avoid repeating the same examples or reasoning
  • Explicitly link back to your thesis — show how this strengthens your overall position

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

Furthermore, it is worth considering that...Another compelling argument is that...This is further supported by the fact that...
4
Conclusion

Leave a lasting impression with a confident, memorable ending.

  • Never introduce new ideas — this is your final summary
  • Restate your position using stronger vocabulary than the introduction
  • Keep it powerful: 2 sentences max. End with authority.

Band 7+ sentence starters for each paragraph

In conclusion, I firmly believe that...To sum up, the evidence clearly suggests that...

Step 3

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Collocations

sedentary lifestyleA type of lifestyle with no or irregular physical activity.
digital detoxA period during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers.
burnout syndromeA state of physical or emotional exhaustion that also involves a sense of reduced accomplishment and loss of personal identity.
it is widely acknowledged thatA phrase used to introduce a commonly accepted fact or belief.
a compelling argument can be madeA phrase used to suggest that a particular argument is strong and convincing.
this notion is predicated onA phrase used to explain that a particular idea or belief is based on something else.
from my perspectiveA phrase used to introduce one's personal opinion or viewpoint.
the evidence overwhelmingly suggestsA phrase used to indicate that there is a large amount of strong proof supporting a particular point.
notwithstandingDespite; in spite of.
this is not to say thatA phrase used to clarify that a previous statement does not imply something else.

Step 4

Academic Phrases for This Essay Type

It is widely acknowledged thatThere is compelling evidence to suggestThis phenomenon can be attributed toA growing body of research indicatesThe implications of this are far-reachingThis raises important questions aboutFrom a broader perspectiveIt would be short-sighted to ignore

Addition

MoreoverFurthermoreIn additionWhat is more

Contrast

HoweverNeverthelessOn the other handConversely

Cause / Effect

ConsequentlyAs a resultThereforeThis leads to

Example

For instanceTo illustrateA case in point isSuch as

Concession

AlthoughWhile it is true thatDespiteAdmittedly

Step 5

Grammar Patterns for Band 7+

Complex sentence with concession

Although some argue that technology isolates people, the evidence suggests it strengthens connections.

Shows advanced grammatical control. Start with 'Although/While' + opposing view, then state your position — demonstrates nuanced thinking.

Conditional (Type 2)

If governments invested more in public transport, traffic congestion would decrease significantly.

Perfect for hypothetical scenarios and solutions. Structure: 'If + past simple, would + infinitive' — shows flexibility and imagination.

Passive for academic tone

It is often argued that education should be free. However, this view overlooks the practical challenges.

Academic writing favors passive constructions. 'It is + past participle + that' creates authoritative, objective tone.

Relative clause

Students who study abroad, which is becoming increasingly common, tend to develop greater independence.

Adds sophistication without complexity. Use 'who' for people, 'which' for things, 'that' for either.

Noun phrase for density

The rapid expansion of urban areas has led to increased pollution levels.

Packs more information into fewer words. 'The implementation of effective policies' vs 'policies are implemented effectively' — boosts Lexical Resource score.

Step 6

Band 9 Model Answer (Fully Marked)

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