C1 Advanced: Speaking Part 3
Part 1 — 2-minute Discussion Level C1
Candidate A:
Well, looking at the first point, I’d say that working fewer hours could be incredibly beneficial for a healthier lifestyle. Nowadays, so many people suffer from burnout or chronic stress because they’re glued to their desks until late evening. If we had more free time, we’d likely use it to cook nutritious meals or actually get enough sleep, which are the foundations of well-being. Don’t you agree?
Candidate B:
Absolutely. One of the main problems that leads to unhealthy choices is the overworking culture we live in, which also promotes over-consumption. So if we could eliminate that excessive time spent being sedentary, that would benefit our health instantly. Besides, another change that could have immensely advantageous outcomes is taking up a new sport. Exercising is going to boost our immune systems as well as improve our mood and energise us. Would you agree?
Candidate A:
I completely see your point. Engaging in a new sport doesn’t just help with physical fitness; the mental health boost from endorphins is huge. It also adds a social element that you just don’t get from sitting behind a desk. However, thinking about diet, what’s your take on avoiding all unhealthy food? Personally, I’m a bit sceptical. While cutting out sugar is obviously recommended, I wonder if being too strict might actually induce more stress. It’s quite hard to maintain that kind of “all or nothing” approach, isn’t it?
Candidate B:
You hit the nail on the head. I couldn’t have expressed it better myself. Being strict to that extent can only be unduly restrictive. Therefore, I would say this is too radical. Moving on to cutting down on the use of the internet, I believe this is one of the pillars of good health because a lot of apps and websites have created addictive behaviours. This is having a negative effect on our mental wellness, as we are constantly comparing ourselves to other people who supposedly have better lives, although this is not based on reality; it is a fictional image of the world. Don’t you think that less internet in our everyday lives would improve our well-being?
Candidate A:
You’ve raised a really valid point there. By cutting down on internet use, we’d likely reclaim a lot of mental space and improve our focus. That brings us to the last point: moving out of the city. On one hand, the fresh air in the countryside would be a massive relief for the nervous system. However, I wonder if the potential isolation might actually counteract some of those health benefits. What’s your perspective on the trade-off between urban convenience and rural peace?
Candidate B:
That’s very perceptive. I see how there are lots of pros and cons to living in the countryside. However, I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Living in the countryside is not synonymous with isolation; rural communities tend to be tight-knit in that people know each other. There is a sense of community spirit and awareness of your neighbours’ needs. That doesn’t necessarily happen anymore in cities. What’s your view on this?
Candidate A:
I see exactly where you’re coming from. You’re highlighting the social cohesion that acts as a buffer against stress.
Part 2 — 1-minute Decision Making Level C1
Candidate B:
So, looking at the big picture, which two do you think would be the most effective in helping someone sustain a healthy lifestyle in the long term?
Candidate A:
Well, considering that moving out of the city is not feasible for most people, I would say that the most effective and simple steps to take would be working fewer hours and reducing the use of the internet, especially social media. Both would result in more free time and, therefore, better sleep quality and probably more socialising. Would you choose the same two?
Candidate B:
That is a very compelling argument. I’m inclined to agree on working fewer hours, but if I had to challenge one, I might swap the internet for a new sport. Sure! Mind you, I see your point about the internet being a rabbit hole that eats into our free time, but a sport provides a structured way to ensure that free time is used for movement. Indirectly, it would mitigate internet addiction. Shall we settle on those two?
Candidate A:
Yes, I see what you mean about taking up a new sport being a fundamental measure to achieve a better lifestyle, so I think that by combining this with a reduced workload, we would be significantly enhancing health.
Candidate B:
That is a brilliant way to link the two points. I’m fully on board with that reasoning. We’ve reached a consensus!