■ Direction· Task 1
You should spend about 20 minutes on this task. Write at least 150 words.

· Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task. Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

Topic ▼
[Many people say that people who live in modern society are more stressed as compared to the people who lived in the past. What do you think are the causes of stress? Cite examples on how to alleviate it.]

Few would deny that there are more people who suffer from various stress than the past. In this sense, the solution is required from individuals for their well-being. In this essay, I will address the causes of stress and solutions with my opinions in the following passages. 

One of the serious causes of stress is overworking. Nowadays, due to significant development of technology, tasks conducted by individuals have increased. Moreover, it also forced people to work fastly regardless of time and location. As a result, many people lose their mental health with some phenomenon like burn-out syndrome. Another reason of stress is comparison with others. As social networking systems have prevailed, a number of people may witness others' lives, making comparisons between themselves and others. Sometimes, that comparison often leads people to feel worthlessness, and to lose their self esteem. Therefore, stress from society allows people to lose health in both physical and mental aspects. 

To solve these problems, a positive mindset is required first. It is true that removing stress completely is impossible. So, an attitude which regards stress naturally is needed to people, and keep in mind the idea that damage from stress depends on individual mindset. In addition, physical efforts can be another solution. For example, there are many people who relieve their stress by doing some hobbies such as sport and travel. By spending their time without thinking of work and other causes of stress, their stress may be reduced, and their health may recover. 

In conclusion, especially in modern times, there are many causes of stress which have to be reduced for society’s health. From my personal point of view, having an opened mindset and doing some physical activities can be great methods of alleviating stress.