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Group 1

Names: Bruce, Isaac, Hannes

(Sophomore, German)
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Why Do I Smoke?   

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    Ever since I have learned how to smoke, I often ask myself ¡§Why do I smoke?¡¨ However, I can¡¦t get a certain answer. Maybe I was just influenced by some good friends who gave me the first cigarette. Perhaps it was because I was under the big pressure in the third year of senior high school. Until now I can still remember the taste of my first cigarette. At that time when I totally suffered from the sentiment of frustration, a cigarette did perk me up. It has also consoled my mind. Now when I feel tense or upset, I smoke. When I need more energy, I smoke. Just as caffeine in coffee is a stimulant, nicotine plays the same role. It gives me a boost in much the same way. There is another reason for why I smoke. I like to watch the smoke when I exhale. This action makes me have this feeling that I¡¦m alive. It is so simple to reduce tension. Just take a cigarette out, light it, and take a deep breath. It has been my crutch.

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¡@     Therefore, two reasons can be generalized for why I smoke. One is the addiction of nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive chemical found in tobacco plants. Once human body becomes accustomed to it, it may demand 10 to 60 times a day which means one is going to smoke 1 to 5 packs a day.  Nicotine brings temporary energy but risks health. But I simply ignore the health problem since I need my energy back when I am suffering stress from overloaded work. The second is out of habit. Sometimes I just unconsciously light up a cigarette when reading newspaper, answering the phone, or drinking coffee. Likewise, relaxing is irresistible to me. I believe that these two are also reasons for other smokers. ¡@
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    Although I am deeply aware of the danger of smoking like lung cancer, heart disease and other damage to body, I just cannot get rid of it. I know the whole responsibility should be taken over by myself. However, the process is quite difficult.  There was one time when I tried not to smoke for 1 week, I went through a withdrawal period that includes headaches, anxiety, problems of concentrating and weight gaining. That¡¦s why I still smoke. Nevertheless, I can control the cigarette quantity which I take daily. Even though I smoke, I will care for my friends who do not smoke. I usually stay away from them when smoking or remain as possible no smell by opening window. Cigarette is also a big disbursement. Not only the cost is very high but also it costs my health and even other people¡¦s. To respect people¡¦s right such as not to smoke for the good sake of their health is a big issue, isn¡¦t it?

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    Consequently, it is important for me to quit smoking. The first thing I have to do is taking a deep breath to enjoy the fresh air.  Seeing that there is clear air, why should I breathe the tobacco smoke? The second is the quantity control. In this part, I think I have already made a great progress. In early time, I used to smoke 10 cigarettes a day. Now I cut it down to 3.  Third, I find out some replacements. When feeling worn out, I try to get a rest instead of smoking. When I want to relax or feel tense or upset, I¡¦ll try a few deep breathing exercises to calm down. Besides, I avoid stressful situation that may tempt me to smoke. At last, I put cigarettes in places where I cannot easily reach. I only buy them one pack a time. This helps me to refrain from smoking. Where there¡¦s a will, there¡¦s a way. I think if I can stick to these tips, I can really terminate this bad habit.
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659 words

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