What makes a good roommate?
　　TOPIC:
　　Many students have to live with roommates while going to school or university. What are some of the important qualities of a good roommate? Use specific reasons and examples to explain why these qualities are important.
　　While studying at university, many students find that sharing an apartment with roommates is the best living situation available. These arrangements can work out quite well, as long as one chooses the right roommate. There are a number of important qualities that one should look for in a potential roommate. These qualities include friendliness, cleanliness, and a good work ethic.
　　Choosing a friendly roommate is very important if one wants to create a healthy living environment. If one's roommate is unfriendly, many annoying situations can occur. For example, if one's roommate is unfriendly, it is difficult to hold a conversation with him/her. Being able to have a pleasant conversation is vital, as everyone needs to have a short break from studying from time to time. Conversations can help us to relax a little bit, and can even be a stimulus to continue our work.
　　Having a clean roommate is also very important. If one's roommate is messy, it can lead to many arguments over whose turn it is to do the cleaning. If one constantly has to clean up after his/her roommate, he/she will have less time to concentrate on his/her studies. Also, living in a clean environment allows one to be much more successful in all endeavors.
　　Finally, a roommate should have a good work ethic. If one's roommate is constantly procrastinating and waiting until the last minute to do assignments, it can ruin one's ability to do his/her own work. If a roommate is always coming home late or playing music loudly instead of doing work, it will be very difficult for a studious person to get anything done.
　　In conclusion, I believe that having a clean friendly roommate with a good work ethic is most enjoyable. It allows one to get on with his/her own work, and to concentrate on what matters most: getting good grades.
　　What are the best ways of reducing stress?
　　People have different ways of escaping the stress and difficulties of modern life. Some read; some exercise; others work in their gardens. What do you think are the best ways of reducing stress? Use specific details and examples in your answer.
With today's hectic schedules, it is necessary to spend some time each day to relax, and let the stress dissipate from our bodies and minds. Most people find that the working world is quite difficult at times, and need a method to relax. I find that the best way to relax is to read a good book, because it allows me to escape from real life, it gives me a new perspective on the world, and reading a book is very peaceful.
　　I find that reading a good fiction novel is the best way to forget about my troubles during the day. Many of the books I read have fascinating plot lines, which allow me to be absorbed into the drama and action. When you are completely captivated with your book, nothing in the outside world seems to exist anymore. Of course, one cannot stay in this dreamland forever, but for an hour or so a day, it is very calming.
　　Reading books can also have the added benefit of increasing my knowledge' and giving me a new perspective of the outside world. Even a fictional book can have this effect. When an author writes a book, it is full of his nuances and feelings about how the world works. By reading these works, I find that I understand more about other people, and how people think. This allows me to be more accepting of others on a daily basis, and also stops me from building up stress in the first place.
　　Finally, the most important reason as to why reading a book is good for taking care of stress and relaxing, is that it is a very peaceful activity. You do not need to go anywhere to read a book. You can stay at home, perhaps sit in your favorite chair, and have the house be completely quiet. Reading does not involve anything but you and your book. Also, if there does happen to be noise around you, it is possible to block out that noise once you become engrossed in the plot line.