The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand complex texts and answer questions accurately. One topic that has gained significant relevance in recent years is mental health during crises. This article provides a practice IELTS Reading passage on “How to protect mental health during a crisis” – a subject that has become increasingly important due to global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the frequency of related topics in past exams and current global concerns, it’s likely that similar themes may appear in future IELTS tests.
Mental health protection strategies
Practice Reading Passage
Safeguarding Mental Well-being in Times of Crisis
In an era marked by unprecedented global challenges, from pandemics to economic uncertainties, the importance of maintaining mental health has never been more critical. Crises can significantly impact our psychological well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. However, with the right strategies and support systems in place, it is possible to protect and even enhance our mental health during these turbulent times.
One of the primary ways to safeguard mental health during a crisis is to maintain a sense of routine and normalcy. This can involve setting a regular sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, and engaging in daily physical activity. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to have powerful mood-boosting effects, releasing endorphins that can help combat feelings of stress and anxiety.
Moreover, staying connected with others is crucial. While physical distancing may be necessary during certain crises, social connection remains vital for mental well-being. Utilizing technology to maintain relationships through video calls, social media, or online communities can provide essential emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation.
It’s also important to limit exposure to negative news and information overload. While staying informed is necessary, constant consumption of distressing news can exacerbate anxiety and stress. Setting specific times for news updates and ensuring a balance with positive or neutral activities can help maintain a healthier mental state.
Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques can be particularly beneficial during stressful periods. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga can help calm the mind and reduce the physiological effects of stress on the body. These practices can also improve overall emotional regulation and resilience.
Seeking professional help should not be overlooked. Many mental health professionals now offer telehealth services, making it easier to access support even during lockdowns or when physical meetings are not possible. Therapy can provide valuable coping strategies and a safe space to process difficult emotions.
Engaging in meaningful activities or hobbies can also play a significant role in protecting mental health. Whether it’s learning a new skill, pursuing a creative passion, or volunteering (even virtually), these activities can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment, counteracting feelings of helplessness that often accompany crises.
Lastly, practicing self-compassion is essential. Recognizing that it’s normal to feel stressed or anxious during challenging times and treating oneself with kindness can significantly impact mental well-being. This includes acknowledging personal limits, taking breaks when needed, and celebrating small victories.
In conclusion, while crises can pose significant challenges to mental health, adopting a proactive approach to self-care can make a substantial difference. By implementing these strategies and seeking support when needed, individuals can not only protect their mental health during difficult times but also develop resilience that will serve them well beyond the crisis.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Physical activity is ineffective in combating stress during a crisis.
- Technology can be used to maintain social connections during times of physical distancing.
- Constant exposure to news during a crisis is recommended for staying well-informed.
- Mindfulness practices can help reduce the physical effects of stress on the body.
- Professional mental health support is only available through in-person meetings.
Multiple Choice
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to protect mental health during a crisis?
A) Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
B) Engaging in daily physical activity
C) Watching television for extended periods
D) Practicing mindfulness techniquesThe text suggests that during a crisis, it’s important to:
A) Completely avoid all news sources
B) Limit exposure to negative news
C) Constantly check for news updates
D) Only read positive news stories
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:
- The role of professional support
- The importance of self-kindness
- Balancing information intake
- Maintaining daily structure
Short Answer Questions
Name two relaxation techniques mentioned in the passage that can help reduce stress. (No more than 5 words)
What type of activities does the passage suggest can provide a sense of purpose during a crisis? (No more than 10 words)
Answer Key
- False – The passage states that exercise has “powerful mood-boosting effects” and can help combat stress and anxiety.
- True – The text mentions using “technology to maintain relationships through video calls, social media, or online communities”.
- False – The passage advises limiting exposure to negative news and setting specific times for news updates.
- True – The text states that mindfulness practices can “reduce the physiological effects of stress on the body”.
- Not Given – The passage mentions telehealth services but doesn’t state that professional support is only available through in-person meetings.
- C – Watching television for extended periods is not mentioned as a way to protect mental health.
- B – The passage suggests limiting exposure to negative news while still staying informed.
- Paragraph 6
- Paragraph 8
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 2
- Meditation, deep breathing exercises (any two of these or yoga)
- Meaningful activities, hobbies, learning new skills, pursuing creative passions, volunteering
Common Mistakes
When answering questions for this type of passage, students often make the following mistakes:
- Overlooking key words: Pay attention to words like “only”, “always”, or “never” which can change the meaning of a statement.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text and avoid bringing in outside knowledge.
- Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Remember, “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor denied in the text.
- Providing too much information in short answer questions: Stick to the word limit and focus on the key points.
Vocabulary
- Unprecedented (adjective) /ʌnˈpresɪdentɪd/: Never done or known before
- Turbulent (adjective) /ˈtɜːbjʊlənt/: Characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion
- Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪt/: Make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
- Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of modal verbs in the passage, such as “can” and “should”. These are used to express possibility, ability, or necessity. For example:
- “Crises can significantly impact our psychological well-being” (possibility)
- “Seeking professional help should not be overlooked” (advice/recommendation)
Practice using these modal verbs in your own sentences related to mental health strategies.
Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading
- Time management is crucial. Spend about 20 minutes on each passage.
- Skim the text quickly before reading the questions to get a general idea of the content.
- Read the questions carefully and underline key words.
- Use the headings and subheadings to navigate the text quickly.
- Practice different question types regularly to become familiar with their formats.
- Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you’re unsure, move on and come back later if time allows.
- For True/False/Not Given questions, be careful not to bring in outside knowledge.
- In multiple-choice questions, eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
- For short answer questions, stick strictly to the word limit.
- Always check your spelling and grammar, even in the Reading test.
Remember, consistent practice with a variety of texts and question types is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Good luck with your preparation!
For more IELTS practice materials, check out our articles on challenges of managing public health crises and challenges in managing global pandemics.