TEST 1 – LIFESTYLE

Lesson Brief
Students are preparing for an English-speaking competition.
There are two main parts of the competition.
In part 1, students will be given a topic and present for 3 minutes.
In part 2, the examiners will ask follow-up questions relating to the topic
in part 1.

Part 1

Context: The modern lifestyle has led to increased stress and health
problems for many people.

Question: What are the causes of this, and what solutions can be
implemented to address it?

Students will have 3 minutes to prepare, and they can present within 3
minutes.

IDEAS FOR ANSWERING THE QUESTION:

Opening

 Introduce the topic: The modern lifestyle has brought

convenience and technological advancements, but it has also
resulted in heightened stress levels and various health issues.
 Thesis statement: This presentation explores the primary causes
of these problems and suggests practical solutions to mitigate them.

Body 1: Causes of Stress and Health Problems

  Topic Sentence: Several factors contribute to the rise in stress and
health issues in modern life.
 Cause 1: High work pressure and long hours.
o Explanation: Modern workplaces demand constant
availability, often blurring the lines between work and
personal life.
o Example: The "always-on" culture driven by technology.
 Cause 2: Sedentary lifestyles and lack of physical activity.
o Explanation: Many people spend hours sitting at desks or
using screens, leading to physical and mental health issues.
 Cause 3: Unhealthy diets and reliance on fast food.
o Explanation: Busy schedules encourage consumption of
processed foods, contributing to obesity and chronic illnesses.

Body 2: Solutions to Address Stress and Health Problems

 Topic Sentence: To counter these issues, individuals and

governments can take proactive steps.
 Solution 1: Promote work-life balance.
o Action: Companies should implement flexible working hours
and encourage breaks.
o Example: Policies like "no after-hours emails" adopted in
some countries.
 Solution 2: Encourage regular physical activity.
o Action: Governments can fund public fitness programs and
create accessible parks and gyms.
o Example: Subsidized gym memberships or free yoga sessions
in community centers.
 Solution 3: Raise awareness about healthy eating.
o Action: Educate people about the benefits of nutritious meals
and limit the advertising of unhealthy foods.
Conclusion

 Restate the main points: Modern lifestyles are a double-edged

sword, bringing both benefits and challenges.
 Summary: Stress and health problems arise due to work pressure,
sedentary habits, and poor diets, but solutions like promoting work-
life balance, physical activity, and healthy eating can help combat
these issues effectively.
 Final thought: By making conscious lifestyle changes and
implementing supportive policies, we can foster healthier and less
stressful lives.

Part 2: Discussion

The examiner will ask the following questions, and the students can
answer each question within one or two minutes.

General Lifestyle Trends

1. How have people’s lifestyles changed over the last few decades?
2. What are the main factors influencing people’s lifestyle choices
today?
3. Do you think technology has made people’s lives easier or more
complicated?

Work-Life Balance

4. Why is achieving a work-life balance difficult for many people?

5. Do you think people should spend more time on leisure activities?
Why or why not?
6. Should employers take responsibility for ensuring their employees
have a balanced lifestyle?
Healthy Living

7. What can governments do to encourage people to adopt healthier

lifestyles?
8. Why do you think some people struggle to maintain a healthy
lifestyle?
9. Do you think people in the past had healthier lifestyles compared to
now?

Social and Cultural Aspects

10. How does culture influence people’s lifestyle choices?

11. Is it important for people to maintain traditional lifestyles?
Why or why not?
12. Do you think urban lifestyles are better than rural ones? Why?

Personal Choices and Lifestyle Differences

13. Why do people have such different lifestyles?

14. How does someone’s lifestyle affect their relationships with
others?
15. Do you think material wealth plays an important role in
shaping a person’s lifestyle?

IDEAS FOR ANSWERING FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

General Lifestyle Trends

1. How have people’s lifestyles changed over the last few

decades?
o People now lead more technology-driven lives, with
smartphones, the internet, and AI-integrated devices.
o Increased focus on individualism, with many preferring self-
expression over conforming to societal norms.
 o More sedentary lifestyles due to desk jobs and less outdoor
activity.
o Shift towards urban living with easier access to modern
amenities and services.

2. What are the main factors influencing people’s lifestyle

choices today?
o Technology: Smart gadgets and the internet shape
communication, work, and entertainment.
o Economic conditions: Financial stability affects spending on
luxury, travel, and leisure.
o Cultural trends: Social media heavily influences fashion,
diet, and fitness choices.

3. Do you think technology has made people’s lives easier or

more complicated?
o Easier: Improves communication, work efficiency, and access
to information.
o Complicated: Creates stress due to constant connectivity
and information overload.

Work-Life Balance

4. Why is achieving a work-life balance difficult for many

people?
o Long working hours and job demands leave little time for
family or personal interests.
o Remote work can blur boundaries between professional and
personal life.
o Social expectations to succeed often lead to overworking.

5. Do you think people should spend more time on leisure

activities? Why or why not?
 o Yes: Promotes mental well-being, reduces stress, and
improves overall productivity.
o No: Excessive leisure may lead to procrastination and a lack of
ambition.

6. Should employers take responsibility for ensuring their

employees have a balanced lifestyle?
o Yes: Happy, well-rested employees are more productive and
less likely to quit.
o Employers can provide flexible hours, remote work options, or
wellness programs.

Healthy Living

7. What can governments do to encourage people to adopt

healthier lifestyles?
o Create campaigns promoting fitness, balanced diets, and
regular health check-ups.
o Subsidize healthy food options and discourage junk food with
higher taxes.
o Build more public parks and fitness centers to make physical
activity accessible.

8. Why do you think some people struggle to maintain a

healthy lifestyle?
o Lack of time due to busy schedules and long commutes.
o Unhealthy habits like eating processed foods and skipping
exercise.
o Lack of awareness about the long-term benefits of a healthy
lifestyle.

9. Do you think people in the past had healthier lifestyles

compared to now?
 o Yes: Physical labor and natural diets kept people more active
and fit.
o No: Medical advancements and fitness awareness make
modern lifestyles healthier.

Social and Cultural Aspects

10. How does culture influence people’s lifestyle choices?

o Culture shapes food preferences, traditional clothing, and
recreational activities.
o It influences family dynamics, such as collectivism in Asian
societies versus individualism in Western countries.

11. Is it important for people to maintain traditional

lifestyles? Why or why not?
o Yes: Preserving traditions helps people stay connected to their
roots and identity.
o No: Modern lifestyles often offer more convenience and
adaptability to current times.

12. Do you think urban lifestyles are better than rural

ones? Why?
o Urban: Provides better access to healthcare, education, and
job opportunities.
o Rural: Offers tranquility, close-knit communities, and a
healthier environment.

Personal Choices and Lifestyle Differences

13. Why do people have such different lifestyles?

 o Economic status, cultural background, education, and
personal priorities shape lifestyles.
o Urban dwellers tend to have fast-paced, career-focused lives,
while rural people may prioritize agriculture or community.

14. How does someone’s lifestyle affect their relationships

with others?
o Busy or career-oriented lifestyles may lead to less time for
family and friends.
o Shared interests and hobbies often strengthen relationships.

15. Do you think material wealth plays an important role in

shaping a person’s lifestyle?
o Yes: Affluence enables access to luxury goods, travel, and
high-end services.
o No: Contentment and a simple lifestyle often depend on
values rather than wealth.