Actual Materials / IELTS

In an era characterized by work stress and burnout, it has become increasingly common for countries to pass legislation to restrict working hours, especially in blue-collar jobs like construction and manufacturing. While there are clear reasons behind these governmental interventions, I believe that they represent a positive development in terms of employee morale and productivity.

Why are more and more nations limiting average work hours? With the emergence of intense competition in the job market, along with rapid economic growth and high recruitment requirements, many people are now compelled to tolerate harsh working conditions like long work hours, heavy workloads, and tight deadlines, all of which translate into feelings of exhaustion, overwhelmingness, and demoralization in the workplace. Given these circumstances, it is not surprising to see numerous nations introducing laws to regulate work weeks and hours to empower disenfranchised employees to feel satisfied and work productively. Gone are the days when business owners would exploit their staff members by forcing excessive overtime or paying low wages, as today's employee-friendly government policies have created an environment where they feel obligated to treat and compensate their personnel fairly.

In my opinion, the introduction of such regulations is a step in the right direction. When employees receive shorter work hours or flexible job arrangements, they can dedicate more time and attention to family-bonding activities [ sharing meals and taking trips ] and meaningful hobbies [ playing sports and reading books ], which in turn enhances their work-life balance and overall quality of life. In this way, they are more likely to return to work with greater motivation and enthusiasm, thereby pushing their limits, making wiser decisions, and solving complex problems effectively, ultimately boosting workplace efficiency and output as a whole. In a world where companies of all sizes struggle with significant employee issues like low engagement, high dissatisfaction, and rising absenteeism, limited work hours can make a big difference in encouraging workers to perform at their best and make great contributions, thereby driving company performance and success in the global market.

In conclusion, while the enforcement of reduced work hours is influenced by recent events like increased burnout and distress levels at work, I believe that it improves employee well-being and efficiency, representing a mutually beneficial scenario for employees and employers alike. Only by finding a balance between work and personal life can individuals fulfill their job duties effectively and contribute to their company's prosperity.

Rich people buy time.
Poor people buy stuff.
Ambitious people buy skills.
Lazy people buy distractions.

In an era characterized by unrealistic beauty standards, it has become increasingly common for individuals, irrespective of gender, to invest heavily in beauty products, especially in East Asian countries. While there are clear reasons behind this trend associated with social media influence, I believe that it poses serious problems in terms of finances.

Why is the sale of beauty products and cosmetics on the rise? With the advent of high-speed internet and the proliferation of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook, both men and women now come across carefully curated images and filtered videos of slim bodies, symmetrical faces, and flawless skins, thus leading to feelings of self-inadequacy and envy. Given these circumstances, it comes as no surprise that they splurge on a wide range of beauty items like makeup brushes and face masks to improve their facial complexion and appearance. Gone are the days when individuals were satisfied with their natural body structures and facial characteristics, as today's ubiquitous social networking sites and unbearable social expectations have created an environment where they turn to beauty care as a means of social acceptance and validation.

In my opinion, the increased expenditure on beauty care represents a negative development. Those who splash out on beauty products to enhance their skin texture and facial complexion may inadvertently strain their budgets, which pushes them into deep financial waters in extreme cases. In a world where the cost of living has spiraled out of control due to high taxes and inflation, the substantial expenses on their appearance can make it harder for people to make ends meet and save up, potentially creating a cycle of financial instability and debt.

In conclusion, both males and females are spending considerable amounts of money on beauty products and cosmetic surgeries under the influence of comparison-fueled social media platforms and external pressures, but it drains their wallets and leaves them unable to cover essential needs, thereby wreaking havoc on various aspects of life.