A – Essay Structure

Placing the sentences in the diagram:

• Introduction:

→ b (Introduces the stress factors for first-year college students)

• Body Paragraphs:

• Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 1: Differences in academics and grading standards

→ a (Assignments and grading standards in college differ from high school)

• Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 2: Adjusting to life away from home

→ c (Being away from home, building a new social life, and learning a new way of studying)

• Topic Sentence for Body Paragraph 3: How students adapt to being away from home

→ d (Some students adjust quickly, while others struggle)

• Conclusion:

→ e (Even with social media, students still experience loneliness)

B – Writing a Thesis Statement for the Given Topic Sentences

Thesis Statement:

“Divorce is not just the separation of two people but also a source of stress due to financial difficulties, loss of friendships, and the emotional pain of being away from children.”

C – Writing Three Topic Sentences for Body Paragraphs

1. Preparing for college in advance can help students reduce stress caused by a new academic environment.

2. Building a strong support system, including friends and mentors, can help students cope with loneliness and social pressure.

3. Developing time management and stress management skills can help students adapt more quickly to college life.

D – Writing a Thesis Statement, Three Topic Sentences, and the Opening of a Conclusion

Thesis Statement:

“There are many causes of stress in life, but three of the most common are work pressure, family conflicts, and financial problems.”

Three Topic Sentences:

1. Work pressure can lead to prolonged stress, affecting both mental and physical health.

2. Family conflicts can create psychological stress, reducing overall well-being.

3. Financial problems cause anxiety and instability, especially without good financial management.

Opening of Conclusion:

“Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but by understanding its causes and finding ways to manage it, we can reduce its negative impact.”

1. His target was to lose 40 pounds over the next six months.

2. The researcher randomly put people into three different groups.

3. People who attend religious services regularly often have a large network of friends.

4. He gets angry very easily, but he refuses to acknowledge that he has a problem.

5. What the president said was very clear. There was no ambiguity at all.

6. The consumption of too much fat in one’s diet can lead to a buildup of cholesterol in the bloodstream.

7. You’ll undergo withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit smoking.

8. Don’t alter anything. Everything is perfect just the way it is.

9. The odds of dying from lung cancer are greatly increased if you smoke.

10. She experienced feelings of intense happiness during the wedding service.

11. Your arguments just don’t seem to be coherent to me. I’m having trouble seeing the logic in what you are saying.

12. You’ll feel considerably better if you give up smoking, exercise more, and have a better diet.

Practicing Academic Writing

Anh sẽ chia nhỏ từng phần để em dễ sao chép nhé!

⸻

A. Understanding the Topic

1. Definition of a health risk factor:

A health risk factor is anything that increases the likelihood of developing a disease or health problem. This can include lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, poor diet), environmental factors (e.g., pollution, stressful jobs), and genetic predispositions.

⸻

B. Brainstorming: Making a List

People I could write about:

1. My uncle

2. My best friend

3. A famous celebrity

Possible health risk factors:

• Stressors: Job pressure, family conflicts, financial problems

• Unhealthy behaviors: Smoking, drinking alcohol, lack of exercise

⸻

C. Choosing My Subject

I choose to write about my uncle because he has a stressful job and unhealthy habits that affect his health.

⸻

D. Organizing My Ideas: Chart of Stressors and Behaviors

Stressors Unhealthy Behaviors Possible Health Problems

Job pressure Smoking Lung disease, heart disease

Family conflicts Drinking alcohol Liver disease, high blood pressure

Financial problems Lack of exercise Obesity, diabetes

E. Supporting Ideas with Evidence

1. Stressors and Their Health Risks

• Job Pressure: People with stressful jobs are more likely to develop illnesses such as heart disease and stomach ulcers (Unit 1, “What Is Stress?”).

• Family Conflicts: Long-term stress from family issues can lead to anxiety and depression, increasing the risk of high blood pressure.

• Financial Problems: According to research, financial stress can cause sleep disorders and weaken the immune system.

2. Unhealthy Behaviors and Their Consequences

• Smoking: The reading “Smoking” (p. 36) states that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and heart disease.

• Drinking Alcohol: “Heart Disease” (p. 30) explains that excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and increase blood pressure.

• Lack of Exercise: According to “Healthful Behavior” (p. 44), physical inactivity can lead to obesity and diabetes.

F. Lifestyle Changes to Improve Health

1. Coping with Stress

• Practicing meditation and mindfulness can help manage job-related stress and reduce anxiety.

• Engaging in hobbies and social activities provides emotional support and relieves stress.

• Seeking professional counseling can help address severe stress and mental health issues.

2. Healthy Habits to Reduce Risk Factors

• Quitting Smoking: Using nicotine patches or joining support groups can help stop smoking.

• Limiting Alcohol Intake: Reducing alcohol consumption and replacing it with healthier drinks like herbal tea.

• Regular Exercise: Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day improves heart health and reduces obesity risk.

NOW WRITE: Writing First Drafts

Introduction Paragraph

Many people experience health risks due to their lifestyles and behaviors. My uncle, for example, faces several health issues related to his job and habits. He works in a high-stress environment and often deals with pressure from deadlines. Additionally, he smokes regularly and has a short temper, which increases his risk of developing heart disease. This essay will discuss the stressors in his life, his unhealthy behaviors, and the possible lifestyle changes he can make to improve his health.

Body Paragraph 1: Stressors in His Life

One major stressor in my uncle’s life is his demanding job. He works as a sales manager, which requires him to meet strict deadlines and handle customer complaints daily. According to research, people with high-pressure jobs are more likely to suffer from chronic stress, which can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease. In addition to work stress, my uncle also experiences emotional stress due to family conflicts. Disagreements with relatives and financial burdens create further pressure, negatively affecting his overall well-being.

Body Paragraph 2: His Unhealthy Behaviors

Aside from stress, my uncle engages in several unhealthy behaviors that put his health at risk. One of his worst habits is smoking. According to the reading “Smoking,” regular tobacco use significantly increases the chances of developing lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory issues. Additionally, my uncle has a short temper, which further worsens his health condition. Research from “Heart Disease” suggests that people who get angry easily are more prone to cardiovascular diseases. If he continues these habits, he might face serious health consequences in the future.

Body Paragraph 3: Possible Lifestyle Changes

To improve his health, my uncle should adopt several lifestyle changes. First, he needs to learn how to manage stress more effectively. Practicing meditation and engaging in relaxing activities like yoga could help him cope with daily pressures. Second, quitting smoking is essential to reduce his risk of lung and heart disease. He could try using nicotine patches or seek professional support to stop smoking. Lastly, he should develop a calmer personality by practicing deep breathing exercises and conflict resolution techniques. These changes would contribute to a healthier and longer life for my uncle.

Conclusion Paragraph

In conclusion, my uncle’s high-stress job and unhealthy habits put him at serious health risks. His exposure to constant stress, smoking addiction, and short temper contribute to his potential health problems. However, by making lifestyle changes such as managing stress, quitting smoking, and controlling his emotions, he can significantly improve his health. Taking these steps will not only help him feel better physically but also improve his overall quality of life.

B. List of Changes in the Paraphrase

1. Sentence Structure: The paraphrase breaks the original sentence into multiple sentences for clarity.

2. Synonyms Used:
   

   • view adolescence as → perceive adolescence

   • great turmoil, stress, rebellion, and negativism → a dark period, full of problems and stress

   • growth and positive change → a chance to grow and develop

3. 
   

4. Rewording: The phrase “Psychologists differ in how they perceive adolescence” replaces “Some psychologists consider this a period of…”, making it more general.

C. Comparing the Three Paraphrases

Most Acceptable Paraphrase: The Second One

Analysis:

1. First Paraphrase:
   

   • It is close to the original but still retains many of the same structures and ideas.

   • It effectively changes words (e.g., broad interests → a wide range of new interests).

   • However, it is somewhat long and could be more concise.

2. 
   

3. Second Paraphrase (Most Acceptable):
   

   • It keeps the key ideas of the original while significantly changing the sentence structure.

   • It avoids copying phrases like “boy crazy” and instead integrates them naturally.

   • The meaning remains the same, but the sentence feels more original.

4. 
   

5. Third Paraphrase:
   

   • It simplifies the original too much, losing some meaning.

   • While it still captures the main idea, it removes the retrospective aspect.

6. 
   

✅ Best choice: The second paraphrase because it balances accuracy and originality.

D. Paraphrased Sentences

1️⃣ Original: Wanting to be independent, to be one’s self, often does not fit in with the values of the past, of childhood. Hence, the teenager tries to experiment with different possibilities in an attempt to see what works out best, occasionally to the dissatisfaction of bewildered parents.

✅ Paraphrase:

Teenagers strive for independence and self-identity, which sometimes conflicts with the values they grew up with. As a result, they explore different options to find what suits them best, though this can leave their parents confused and unhappy.

2️⃣ Original: With the emergence of one’s own identity comes independence and autonomy. The resulting conflict for teenagers is often very real. On the one hand, they want to become autonomous and strike out on their own. At the same time, they sense sadness and even fear over giving up the security of home and family.

✅ Paraphrase:

As teenagers develop their sense of self, they gain independence and freedom. However, this transition can be challenging. While they want to be self-sufficient, they also experience anxiety and sadness about leaving the comfort and familiarity of home and family

Two of Life’s Stages: Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Life is divided into different stages, each with its own challenges and rewards. Among them, adolescence and early adulthood are two consecutive stages that mark significant changes in a person’s development. While adolescence is a period of self-discovery and transition, early adulthood is a time of independence and responsibility. This essay will compare and contrast these two stages, highlighting their characteristics, challenges, and pleasures. Finally, it will discuss which stage is more preferable and why.

Characteristics of Adolescence and Early Adulthood

Adolescence, typically between the ages of 12 and 18, is a time of rapid physical, emotional, and psychological growth. Teenagers experience hormonal changes, leading to physical development and emotional fluctuations. They begin to form their identity, develop independence, and establish relationships outside the family. However, they are still under parental guidance and do not have full control over their lives.

Early adulthood, from around 18 to 30 years old, is when individuals take on more responsibilities. They pursue higher education, start careers, and build long-term relationships. Unlike adolescents, young adults have greater freedom to make their own decisions, but this also means they face more responsibilities, such as financial independence and career stability.

Challenges and Pleasures

Both stages come with unique challenges. Adolescents often struggle with identity crises, peer pressure, and academic stress. They must balance their desire for independence with family expectations. Additionally, emotional instability can lead to difficulties in relationships and self-confidence.

In contrast, early adults face different struggles, mainly related to financial stability, career development, and personal relationships. They must learn to balance work and social life while making important life decisions. The pressure to succeed can be overwhelming, leading to stress and anxiety.

Despite these challenges, each stage also brings joy. Adolescents enjoy the excitement of discovering new interests, friendships, and personal growth. They have fewer responsibilities and can focus on exploring their passions. On the other hand, early adulthood offers the pleasure of independence, self-reliance, and the ability to pursue dreams without parental restrictions. Many people find joy in starting their careers, forming meaningful relationships, and shaping their future.

Which Stage is Preferable?

Choosing between adolescence and early adulthood as the preferable stage of life depends on personal preference. Some may prefer adolescence due to its carefree nature and the support of family, while others may enjoy the freedom and independence of early adulthood. However, early adulthood is generally more fulfilling because it allows individuals to make their own choices, achieve personal goals, and build their future. Despite the challenges, the sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency make it a rewarding stage of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adolescence and early adulthood are two crucial life stages with distinct characteristics, challenges, and pleasures. Adolescents focus on self-discovery, while early adults take on independence and responsibilities. Although both stages have their difficulties, early adulthood is often more rewarding due to the opportunities it provides for personal and professional growth. Ultimately, each stage is valuable in shaping a person’s identity and future.

D. Deciding the Preferable Life Stage

After reviewing the chart, I find Early Adulthood preferable because it offers greater independence, self-sufficiency, and opportunities for personal growth, even though it comes with more responsibilities.

E. Paraphrasing Key Passages

1️⃣ Original: Teenagers struggle with identity crises, peer pressure, and academic stress. They must balance their desire for independence with family expectations.

✅ Paraphrase: Adolescents face challenges in forming their identity while dealing with the influence of peers and school-related pressure. They also need to manage their growing need for independence while respecting family expectations.

2️⃣ Original: Early adults have greater freedom to make their own decisions, but this also means they face more responsibilities, such as financial independence and career stability.

✅ Paraphrase: Young adults enjoy increased autonomy in life choices; however, this comes with added responsibilities like managing finances and securing a stable career.

3️⃣ Original: Adolescents enjoy the excitement of discovering new interests, friendships, and personal growth.

✅ Paraphrase: Teenagers take pleasure in exploring new hobbies, forming meaningful friendships, and developing their personal identity.

E. Viết tóm tắt bài đọc “Facial Communication”

Ba câu có quá nhiều chi tiết và không cần đưa vào bản tóm tắt:

• f. However, research shows that women are usually better than men at reading facial expressions.

• g. For example, if we are feeling sad, but don’t want other people to know, we can mask our sadness with a happy expression.

• c. By putting a sad expression on your face, for example, you can actually start to feel sad.

Bốn câu còn lại tạo thành một bản tóm tắt hợp lý:

Facial expressions can express how we feel, hide how we feel, and even affect how we feel. Common facial expressions, such as happiness or fear, are fairly easy to interpret. However, we are also capable of putting expressions on our face that deceive people and don’t allow them to perceive what we are really feeling. Finally, according to the facial feedback hypothesis, simply adopting a certain facial expression can influence our emotional state.

3,

“The different friends in my life and the different functions they serve” (Những người bạn khác nhau trong cuộc sống của tôi và vai trò của họ).

Journal Entry

March 2, 2025

Friendship plays an essential role in my life, and I have different types of friends who fulfill different needs. Some friends are there for fun, some offer emotional support, and others help me grow as a person.

One of my closest friends is Minh. He is my ego-support friend because he always encourages me when I feel down. Whenever I doubt myself, he reminds me of my strengths and helps me regain confidence. He never judges me and always makes me feel valued.

Another important friend is Uyen. She is my stimulation friend because she introduces me to new perspectives and experiences. Uyen loves traveling and learning about different cultures, and she often shares interesting stories with me. Thanks to her, I have become more open-minded and curious about the world.

I also have a friend named Thai, who is a utility friend. He is great at solving problems and always gives me useful advice. When I needed help with my studies, Thai explained difficult concepts clearly. He also helped me prepare for a job interview, which gave me the confidence to succeed.

Of course, friendships change over time. Some friends drift apart, while new ones enter my life. However, each friend has played a meaningful role in shaping who I am today. I am grateful for all of them.

Reading 2. Ex3A

Nonverbal and Verbal Behaviors You Should Use When You First Meet Someone

When meeting someone for the first time, both nonverbal and verbal behaviors play an important role in making a good impression and establishing a connection.

Nonverbally, you should establish eye contact to show interest and awareness. Smiling while maintaining eye contact further signals your openness. Your posture should be open and inviting, avoiding closed-off gestures like crossing your arms. Additionally, positioning yourself at a comfortable distance from the other person can help create a sense of closeness without making them uncomfortable. Responding with visible signs like nodding or smiling reinforces positive interactions and encourages further engagement.

Verbally, introducing yourself in a natural way, such as simply stating your name, is a good starting point. You should focus the conversation on the other person by asking open-ended questions, which allows them to share more about themselves. Complimenting them sincerely and being energetic in your speech and body language also helps create a positive first impression. Furthermore, finding common interests can strengthen the connection, and maintaining a positive tone throughout the conversation makes you more approachable.

By integrating these nonverbal and verbal behaviors, you can successfully establish a friendly and engaging first encounter.

5. Journal Writing: Response to “Attraction Theory”

Journal Entry

After reading about Attraction Theory, I find that some of the five factors make a lot of sense in real life. Personally, I agree with the proximity factor because I have noticed that I am more likely to form relationships with people I see regularly. Whether at school, work, or social events, frequent interaction seems to create a natural connection.

The similarity factor also resonates with me. I tend to be more comfortable with people who share similar interests, values, and attitudes. For example, I enjoy discussing books and movies, so I naturally feel more drawn to people who share those interests. However, I also believe that differences can be attractive. Sometimes, being with someone who has a different perspective can be refreshing and exciting.

The reinforcement factor is also interesting. I agree that when someone compliments me or appreciates my efforts, I tend to like them more. Likewise, when I do something nice for someone, I feel more connected to them. It’s a psychological effect that I can relate to.

On the other hand, I don’t fully agree with the socioeconomic and educational status factor. While it may influence attraction for some people, I think personality and shared experiences are much more important in relationships. I don’t believe that higher status necessarily makes someone more attractive or likable.

Overall, this reading made me reflect on how attraction works in real life. While all five factors may play a role, I think similarity, proximity, and reinforcement are the most important for me.