Đề thi VSTEP Full B2 — Đô thị xanh & Sức khỏe tinh thần (mẫu 1)

As cities grow denser and busier, mental health challenges among urban residents have become a growing concern. However, research increasingly shows that urban green spaces—parks, community gardens, and tree-lined streets—play a vital role in supporting psychological well-being. A recent study conducted across several European cities found that people living within walking distance of a park reported significantly lower stress levels than those without easy access to greenery. The presence of trees and natural landscapes appears to reduce cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, after as little as twenty minutes of exposure. Beyond physiological effects, green spaces also encourage social interaction. Community gardens, in particular, bring neighbors together, fostering a sense of belonging that combats loneliness—a major contributor to mental health issues in urban areas. City planners are now recognizing these benefits. Many municipalities are investing in creating new parks and protecting existing ones, understanding that green infrastructure is not a luxury but a necessary component of healthy urban living.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Sarah Chen, coordinator of the Plastic-Free Neighbourhood project. Today, I'd like to share the progress we've made over the past six months. Our initiative began with a simple goal: to reduce single-use plastic waste in our local community by thirty percent within one year. We started by surveying residents about their plastic consumption habits. The results were eye-opening—on average, each household used over three hundred plastic items per month. To address this, we launched three main programs. First, we partnered with local shops to offer discounts to customers who bring reusable bags and containers. Second, we established a community swap shop where residents can exchange items instead of buying new ones. Third, we organized monthly clean-up events in our local park and along the riverside. The results so far have been encouraging. Participating households have reduced their plastic use by nearly twenty percent, and community participation continues to grow. We believe small changes, when multiplied across many households, can create meaningful environmental impact.