Sample 1: Describe something that you do to reduce stress. Explain why it is helpful. Include details and examples to support your answer.

Introduction
Reading books helps me to relieve stress like nothing else can.

Body
This is true for several reasons. First, when I read a book I mentally enter the world of ideas. I can forget my day-to-day worries.

Second, from an emotional angle, reading is a solitary act. It enables me to spend time alone, away from others. This helps me feel more peaceful.

Third, from a physical perspective, reading allows me to stop working and relax my body. At home, I like to read while lying in bed or on the sofa.

Conclusion
The act of reading transports me to another world. That’s why books are good friends and why reading is such an effective way of reducing my level of stress.    

Sample 2: What is the best quality of a good son or daughter? Why? Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.

Introduction
I think the most important quality is kindness.

Body
This is because kindness automatically includes so many other qualities. First, kindness implies that a son or daughter is helpful to the parents. This is critical no matter how old the child is.

Second, kindness means being respectful. There is nothing that touches parents’ hearts more than being treated well by a child. Conversely, nothing hurts parent more than when a child shouts at them.

Last, kindness incorporates so many other positive traits such as thoughtfulness, cooperation, caring, compassion, understanding and so on.

Conclusion
In today’s world, having loving parents is a blessing and children of all ages should honour that through their kind actions.

Sample 3: What is your favourite day of the year? Use reasons to support your answer.

Introduction
My favourite day of the year is December 31.

Body
This is due to many reasons. Personally, December 31 is full of hope and promise for the year ahead. Like others, I love to make resolutions to improve myself in the coming year. December 31 makes everything seem possible.

Professionally, since I have my own business, December 31 enables me to take stock of my strengths and weaknesses. It forces me to make better plans for the next year

Socially, Dec 31 shows me who means the most to me because you usually think of those people on this day. It is a lovely time when people from around the world are united in joy.

Conclusion
All days in life are special but December 31 makes me feel the most optimistic, hopeful and thankful of all.

Sample 4: Do you like to try new kinds of food or eat the same kind of food all the time? Use details and examples to support your answer.

Introduction
I prefer to eat the food I know most of the time.

Body
From the time I was young, I was always a bit fussy and finicky about eating. I don’t really know the reason why. I never liked to feel an unfamiliar taste in my mouth. It’s almost as if I could tell how foods tasted without trying them, and so I restricted my diet to those foods I really enjoyed.

As I got older, I realized that I was actually very healthy, even if I was a little thin. So I continued to eat the foods I loved, when I was at home or in restaurants. I never enjoyed going to people’s homes for dinner because the choices would be limited and I didn’t know in advance what they were going to cook.

Conclusion
Oh well, everyone has their pet peeves and this one is mine!

Sample 5: Do you prefer to go out to dinner or stay home and cook a meal? Use reasons to support your response.

Introduction
I love cooking in my own home.

Body
There are so many reasons for this. First, financially, it’s impossible to eat out often. You would end up spending a lot of extra money for no reason.

Second, health-wise, when I cook at home, I have control and can produce much more nutritious meals. Outside, I have no idea of the quality or quantity of the ingredients they have used.

Third, emotionally, cooking at home makes me feel relaxed, happy and secure. It gives me a warm feeling to know that my home smells of the delicious food that I have cooked. I also enjoy sharing a meal with my loved ones.

Conclusion
That’s why I only eat out on very special occasions or when I have no choice.