CPE Cambridge English Proficiency Exam 2017 Sample of an Essay

Submitted by Maria L

Read the two texts below. Write an essay summarising and evaluating the key points from both texts. Use your own words throughout as far as possible and include your own ideas in your answers. Use 240-280 words.

The Financial Costs of Stress Research carried out by the Health and Safety Council estimates that stress and mental illness continues to be neglected by many businesses, both small and large. And the economic impact of this is huge, costing employers around £26bn a year. Stress at work can lead to a lack of concentration, fatigue and low motivation, all of which will cost the company in terms of low productivity, customer satisfaction and the very reputation of the company itself. Employers are being urged to become more "emotionally intelligent" and to improve the way they deal with stress and mental illness.

Speak up about Stress Many people find it difficult to talk about their feelings, particularly if we're feeling weak or vulnerable. However, when suffering from stress it’s vital you seek help. It's important to feel you can talk honestly with a close friend, a loved one, a work colleague or doctor about what’s going on. Stress is easily diagnosed and there is plenty you can do to successfully treat and manage stress. One of the most effective of these is to share your feelings with those you trust. Remember that accepting help and support is not a sign of weakness. Close relationships are vital to helping you get through this tough time.

Write the essay. (around 240 - 280 words)

Essay on Stress and Work

The texts above deal with some of the effects of stress at work. This essay aims at summarising and evaluating certain aspects of work stress. It also provides some suggestions in order to get rid of stress or at least minimise it.

The first text revolves around the impact that stress has on companies, especially the finnacial one, pointing out that, at £26bn a year, it really amounts to a staggering sum. Then, it moves onto exposing a few of the consequences stress has on those who suffer from it, manely: lack of concentration, fatigue and low motivation. All of these unfortunately translate into reduced productivity and customer satisfaction and a poor public perception of the companies affected.

Tthe second text comments on some of the actions workers suffering from stress should take, so as to deal with it adequately. Thus, the main idea that could be inferred from the text is that in such situation it becomes crucial to seek help. Whether this is in the form of a talk with a close friend or reaching out for a professional hand it is down to the worker itself.

I believe that companies can take simple measures to help reduce stress, such as weekly team meetings to deal with work problems as a team, adequate tasks distribution within the workplace and last but no least, free counseling sessions with medical professionals. All of these actions combined with the support of family and friends could help to reduce the sources of stress and therefore to deal with it effectively. 

260 words

Edited by Gustavo Albarracín

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