比较:Prices rose sharply, and this worried people. → The sharp rise in prices caused concern. 名词化把整个事件打包成名词,句子更紧凑、更学术。但别过度,以致句子难读。
例句
The growing reliance on processed food is a major cause of poor health.
对加工食品日益增长的依赖是健康状况不佳的主要原因。
A reduction in sugar consumption would bring significant benefits.
减少糖的摄入将带来显著益处。
常见错误
✗ The government should do the improvement of public health. → ✓ The government should improve public health. / bring about an improvement in public health.
名词化要搭配自然,不要生造 do the improvement 这类不地道结构。
↑ 提分:8.5档能在名词化与动词化之间自由切换,选最自然、最省字的一种,而非机械名词化。
Emphasis: cleft sentences & frontingC1
突出句中某一信息,增强论证力度与语言灵活度
It is ... that ...;What ... is ...;将状语/宾语前置
强调句让论点更有力:It is not diet alone that determines health, but a combination of factors. / What many people underestimate is the role of sleep. 适度使用能明显提升语言分。
例句
It is the combination of poor diet and inactivity that poses the greatest risk.
真正构成最大风险的,是不良饮食与缺乏运动的叠加。
What is often overlooked is the impact of stress on the body.
人们常常忽视的,是压力对身体的影响。
常见错误
✗ It is exercise what keeps us healthy. → ✓ It is exercise that keeps us healthy.
强调句用 that,不用 what(What 引导的是另一种 what-cleft 结构)。
↑ 提分:8.5档会把强调结构与倒装、让步自然融合,而不显刻意。
阅读 Reading general interest
Why We Should Take Sleep Seriously
Most people are aware that sleep is important, but few realise just how damaging a persistent lack of it can be. The short-term effects – irritability, poor concentration and low energy – are well known. What is often underestimated, however, are the far-reaching consequences for long-term health.
Studies have consistently shown that adults who sleep fewer than six hours a night are at a significantly higher risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression. The connection is not merely coincidental; during deep sleep, the body repairs tissue, regulates hormones and consolidates memory. When this restoration is cut short, the body's systems begin to suffer.
One factor that has exacerbated the problem is the modern obsession with screens. The blue light emitted by phones and tablets suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals to the body that it is time to sleep. As a result, many people stay up later than they intend, gradually building up a sleep debt.
So what can be done? Public health experts generally favour a two-pronged approach. Education campaigns can help people understand that sacrificing sleep is not a sign of productivity but a threat to health. At the same time, employers can play a part by discouraging after-hours emails and respecting work-life boundaries. After all, a well-rested workforce is likely to be both happier and more effective.
In the end, the message is clear: sleep should be seen not as a luxury, but as a fundamental pillar of health, alongside diet and exercise.
melatonin褪黑素two-pronged双管齐下的sleep debt睡眠债
TFNG1.Adults who sleep fewer than six hours face a higher risk of disease.
✅ TRUE — 文中明确提到:adults who sleep fewer than six hours a night are at a significantly higher risk of developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and depression。
MCQ2.According to the passage, what is one cause of poor sleep?
A too much exercise
B blue light from screens
C eating late at night
✅ B — 第三段指出:The blue light emitted by phones and tablets suppresses the production of melatonin。
gap_fill3.During deep sleep, the body repairs tissue, regulates hormones and consolidates ________.
✅ memory — 第二段结尾:consolidates memory。
matching4.Match the following measures to the group that can implement them: (i) Respect work-life boundaries (ii) Education campaigns
✅ employers; public health experts — 最后一段分别提到 employers 可以 discouraging after-hours emails and respecting work-life boundaries,而 public health experts 可以开展 education campaigns。
💡 技巧:7分以上的阅读要能分辨「事实」与「观点」,并抓住作者的态度。注意 however / what is often overlooked / after all 这类信号词,它们标示立场转折和作者真正想强调的点。
听力 Listening Section 3 · UK
情景:两名学生与导师讨论一份关于睡眠习惯的报告(Section 3 多人讨论)
Dr Grant
So, how's your report on sleep patterns coming along?
Alice
It's interesting. We found that almost 40% of students in our survey get less than seven hours.
Ben
Yes, but we're not sure the data is reliable. Many participants said they underestimated their screen time.
Dr Grant
That's a common problem. Did you look at any intervention studies?
Alice
There's one from a school where they banned phones an hour before bed. Sleep quality improved significantly.
Ben
But the sample was quite small. We need to be cautious with the conclusion.
Dr Grant
Good point. Make sure you discuss the limitations. So what will you recommend?
Alice
A combination of education and perhaps a 'digital curfew', but we'd need further research.
gap_fill1.Nearly ________ percent of students sleep less than 7 hours.
✅ 40 — Alice 说 almost 40% of students in our survey get less than seven hours。
MCQ2.Why is Ben cautious about the data?
A It's too old
B Participants underestimated screen time
C The sample was biased
✅ B — Ben 说:Many participants said they underestimated their screen time。
MCQ3.What improved sleep in one study?
A banning phones before bed
B more exercise
C diet changes
✅ A — Alice 提到:they banned phones an hour before bed. Sleep quality improved significantly。
gap_fill4.The pair recommend a combination of education and a __________.
✅ digital curfew — Alice 最后说:A combination of education and perhaps a 'digital curfew'。
💡 技巧:Section 3 是多人学术讨论,考点常在「态度与分歧」。要跟住谁同意谁、谁提出保留意见(I'm not convinced / that's a fair point),MCQ 干扰项往往是被否定或被修正的观点。
写作 Writing Task 2 (essay) · 目标 250 词
Some people think that governments should invest more in promoting healthy lifestyles rather than treating illnesses. Others believe that funding should go primarily to medical treatment. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
The allocation of healthcare budgets invariably sparks debate. While some argue that governments should channel more funds into promoting healthy lifestyles, others contend that treating illnesses should remain the top priority. This essay will examine both perspectives before offering a nuanced view.
On one hand, preventative measures have undeniable long-term benefits. By educating the public about nutrition, exercise and the risks of smoking, governments could reduce the incidence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. This not only improves overall well-being but also eases the financial pressure on healthcare systems. What is more, prevention is often far cheaper than cure; investing in awareness campaigns can yield a high return over time.
However, those who prioritise treatment point to the immediate and pressing needs of patients already suffering from serious conditions. They argue that diverting funds away from hospitals and medical research could have catastrophic consequences, particularly for those with life-threatening illnesses who depend on advanced treatments. From this perspective, prevention can seem a luxury when lives are at stake.
In my opinion, the dichotomy is a false one. A truly effective healthcare strategy must integrate both approaches, but with a gradual shift towards prevention. Governments could, for example, earmark a fixed percentage of the health budget for preventive programmes while ensuring that treatment standards remain uncompromised. Such a balanced approach would address immediate medical needs while building a healthier future.
In conclusion, while treatment of illnesses will always be essential, a proactive focus on healthy living should not be sidelined. Only by blending the two can we hope to create sustainable healthcare systems.
逐句标注
词汇“The allocation of healthcare budgets invariably sparks debate.”高分开头:用名词化短语(allocation)引入话题,不套模板,语言精练。
语法“preventative measures have undeniable long-term benefits”名词化(preventative measures, benefits)使论述客观正式。
衔接“What is more, prevention is often far cheaper than cure”what-cleft 强调结构,突出核心论点,同时自然衔接。
任务“the dichotomy is a false one”立场清晰且有思辨深度(指出是虚假对立)。
语法“Only by blending the two can we hope to create sustainable healthcare systems.”倒装结构(Only by... can we)增强论证力度,符合C1要求。
To be honest, not always. I try to aim for seven or eight hours, but during busy periods I'm often running on less. I know I should prioritise it more, but it's a constant struggle.
💡 用 hedging(to be honest, tend to, should)和地道表达(running on less, a constant struggle),显得自然、真实。
Q: Do you think schools should teach children about the importance of sleep?
Absolutely. I think it's just as important as teaching them about diet and exercise. Many children, and even parents, underestimate how crucial sleep is for learning and growth. It could make a real difference if it was part of the curriculum.
💡 观点明确,用比较结构自然强调,语气口语化。
Part 2 · 提示卡
Describe a health-related habit you would like to change. You should say: what the habit is; why you want to change it; what steps you will take; and explain how you think your life will improve.
One habit I'm determined to break is my tendency to stay up late scrolling through my phone. It's a terrible habit that I know is affecting my concentration and mood the next day. What motivates me to change is not just the grogginess, but the growing awareness that chronic sleep deprivation is linked to serious health issues down the line.
To tackle it, I've already started by setting a 'screen curfew' at 10 p.m. – I put my phone in another room, which removes the temptation entirely. I'm also experimenting with a wind-down routine: reading a physical book and having a cup of herbal tea.
The payoff, I hope, will be substantial. I expect to feel sharper during the day, to have more energy for exercise, and to be less irritable with people around me. Ultimately, protecting my sleep feels like an investment in my long-term health, not just a quick fix. It's a change that's long overdue, and I'm optimistic I can stick to it this time.
💡 自然口语 + 名词化(grogginess, deprivation)+ 强调(What motivates me)+ 地道短语(down the line, a quick fix, stick to it)。四点全覆盖。
Part 3
Q: To what extent do you think modern technology has affected people's sleep?
It's been a double-edged sword, without a doubt. On one side, technology has given us tools to track and improve sleep, like apps that monitor sleep cycles. But overwhelmingly, I'd say the impact has been negative. Constant notifications and the temptation to check social media keep our brains wired at the wrong time. And as I mentioned earlier, the blue light suppresses melatonin, making it harder to fall asleep. So while it offers some solutions, I think the net effect is harmful.
Q: Should employers be concerned about their employees' sleep habits?
Yes, I think they should, and not merely out of kindness. When employees are sleep-deprived, their productivity, decision-making and mood all suffer, which directly affects the company's bottom line. Some forward-thinking companies are now providing nap rooms or subsidising wellness apps, and I believe this is a wise investment. After all, a well-rested workforce is a more creative and efficient one.