Question 1

Describe someone you have helped to become healthier or fitter.

Accepted Answer

I’d like to talk about my college roommate Lila, who I helped get into better shape about two years ago when she was cramming for her postgraduate entrance exam. Back then, she was perpetually burnt out, surviving on ultra-processed takeaways and pulling all-nighters, which left her with frequent migraines and a weakened immune system—she’d catch a cold every other week. I hated seeing her neglect her health when she was already under so much pressure, so I offered to help her build sustainable healthy habits instead of crash dieting or extreme workouts. First, we mapped out a realistic daily routine with 7 hours of sleep, and I dragged her to 25-minute low-impact home workouts (mostly yoga and bodyweight circuits) every evening. I also swapped her stash of sugary snacks for nutrient-dense alternatives like roasted chickpeas and Greek yogurt, and we did weekly meal prep for balanced lunches. After three months, she not only stopped getting sick all the time but also had way more energy to study, and she even ended up scoring higher than she expected on the exam. It was incredibly rewarding to see small, consistent changes make such a big difference, and we’ve kept up the workout routine ever since as a fun way to de-stress.

weakened immune system /ˈwiːkənd ɪˈmjuːn ˈsɪstəm/：免疫力低下

ultra-processed /ˌʌltrə ˈprəʊsest/：超加工的

nutrient-dense /ˈnjuːtriənt dens/：高营养的，营养密集的

perpetually /pəˈpetʃuəli/：持续地，不断地

sustainable /səˈsteɪnəbl/：可持续的，可长期坚持的

low-impact /ˌləʊ ˈɪmpækt/：低冲击的（对关节损伤小的）

burnt out /bɜːnt aʊt/：筋疲力尽的，心力交瘁的

rewarding /rɪˈwɔːdɪŋ/：有成就感的，值得的

cramming /ˈkræmɪŋ/：（考试前）突击学习，临时抱佛脚

Question 2

Which group pays more attention to health, young people or old people?

Accepted Answer

I'd say older people tend to pay more attention to their health compared to the younger generation. As people age, they naturally become more aware of potential health risks and are more likely to follow medical advice or adopt healthier lifestyles. On the other hand, many young people often take their health for granted, assuming they'll stay fit without much effort. That being said, awareness about fitness and healthy habits is rising among the youth nowadays, so the gap might be narrowing.

Question 3

What effect does stress have on health?

Accepted Answer

Stress can have a huge impact on health, both physically and mentally. It can lead to issues like headaches, fatigue, and even heart problems over time. Mentally, it causes anxiety or even depression, making everyday life harder to manage. Long-term stress can weaken the immune system, leaving people more prone to illnesses. While some stress might be motivating, too much is clearly harmful. Managing it through activities like exercise, talking to loved ones, or practicing mindfulness can make a big difference.

Question 4

Why do some young people neglect their health?

Accepted Answer

Many young people neglect their health because they often prioritize other aspects of their lives, like work, studies, or socializing. They might feel too busy to exercise or prepare healthy meals, opting instead for fast food and convenience. Additionally, many underestimate the long-term effects of poor habits, believing they're still young and invincible. Peer pressure can also play a role, with some choosing unhealthy behaviors like drinking or smoking to fit in. It's often only later that they realize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Describe Someone you have helped to become healthier

Describe someone you have helped to become healthier or fitter.

Part 3 Discussion