The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the exam, testing candidates’ ability to comprehend complex texts and answer various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: promoting mental health for athletes. This subject has appeared in several IELTS exams over the past decade, reflecting its growing importance in sports and society. Given its relevance and the increasing awareness of mental health issues in athletics, there’s a high likelihood that similar themes may resurface in future IELTS tests.
Let’s dive into a practice reading passage and questions to help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS exam.
Mental health support for athletes
Practice Reading Passage
The Importance of Mental Health in Athletics
A) For decades, the focus in sports has predominantly been on physical prowess and performance. Athletes have been trained to push their bodies to the limit, with rigorous training regimens designed to enhance strength, speed, and endurance. However, in recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in the world of athletics. The spotlight is now also shining brightly on an equally crucial aspect of an athlete’s well-being: mental health.
B) The pressure to perform at elite levels can take a significant toll on athletes’ mental state. The constant scrutiny from fans, media, and coaches, coupled with the fear of failure or injury, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. High-profile cases of athletes speaking out about their struggles have brought this issue to the forefront, challenging the long-standing stigma surrounding mental health in sports.
C) Promoting mental health for athletes is not just about addressing problems when they arise; it’s about creating an environment that fosters psychological well-being from the outset. This proactive approach involves several key strategies. Firstly, education plays a vital role. Athletes, coaches, and support staff need to be educated about the signs of mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. This knowledge can help create a culture where mental health is given the same priority as physical health.
D) Secondly, providing access to mental health professionals is crucial. Many sports organizations are now employing sports psychologists as part of their regular staff. These professionals can offer counseling, teach coping strategies, and help athletes develop mental resilience. Regular check-ins with mental health professionals should be normalized, just like physical check-ups with team doctors.
E) Another important aspect is the promotion of work-life balance. While dedication to the sport is important, athletes should be encouraged to pursue interests outside of their athletic careers. This not only provides a mental break from the pressures of competition but also helps athletes develop a sense of identity beyond their sport, which can be crucial for long-term mental health.
F) The role of coaches in promoting mental health cannot be overstated. Coaches who prioritize their athletes’ mental well-being, foster open communication, and create a supportive team environment can significantly impact an athlete’s mental state. Training programs should incorporate elements that promote mental health, such as mindfulness exercises, stress management techniques, and team-building activities that focus on emotional intelligence.
G) Furthermore, the sports industry as a whole needs to reassess how it views and treats athletes. The narrative around athletes needs to shift from seeing them solely as performance machines to recognizing them as whole individuals with complex emotional needs. This includes how athletes are portrayed in the media and how their performances are discussed by commentators and fans.
H) Lastly, it’s important to recognize that promoting mental health in athletics is an ongoing process. As our understanding of mental health evolves, so too should our approaches to supporting athletes. This might involve regular reviews of mental health policies, staying abreast of the latest research in sports psychology, and being open to innovative approaches to mental wellness.
I) In conclusion, promoting mental health for athletes is not just beneficial for the individuals involved; it’s essential for the future of sports. A mentally healthy athlete is more likely to perform at their best, have a longer career, and transition more successfully to life after sports. By prioritizing mental health alongside physical health, we can create a sports culture that truly supports the whole athlete, leading to not just better performances, but happier, healthier individuals both on and off the field.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage? Write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
- The focus on athletes’ mental health is a recent development in the sports world.
- High-profile athletes discussing their mental health struggles has reduced stigma in sports.
- All major sports organizations now employ full-time sports psychologists.
- Coaches play a significant role in promoting athletes’ mental health.
- The media’s portrayal of athletes has a minimal impact on their mental well-being.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
According to the passage, what is one reason athletes may experience mental health issues?
A) Lack of physical training
B) Constant scrutiny and pressure to perform
C) Insufficient financial compensation
D) Overemphasis on team sportsWhat does the passage suggest about mental health education in sports?
A) It should be mandatory for athletes only
B) It’s unnecessary for experienced coaches
C) It should include athletes, coaches, and support staff
D) It’s less important than physical health education
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs. Write the correct letter, A-F, next to questions 8-13.
A) The evolving approach to mental health in sports
B) The importance of a balanced life for athletes
C) The shift from physical to mental focus in athletics
D) The role of mental health professionals in sports
E) The need for ongoing development in mental health strategies
F) The influence of coaching on athletes’ mental well-being
- Paragraph A
- Paragraph D
- Paragraph E
- Paragraph F
- Paragraph G
- Paragraph H
Summary Completion
Complete the summary below. Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Promoting mental health for athletes involves several key strategies. Firstly, (14)__ about mental health issues is crucial for everyone involved in sports. Providing access to (15)__ is also important, as they can offer counseling and teach coping strategies. Athletes should be encouraged to maintain a good (16)__, which includes pursuing interests outside of their sport. Coaches play a vital role by creating a (17)__ and fostering open communication. The sports industry needs to change its narrative, viewing athletes as (18)__ rather than just performance machines. Lastly, it’s important to recognize that promoting mental health in athletics is an (19)__, requiring regular policy reviews and openness to new approaches.
Answer Key and Explanations
True/False/Not Given
- TRUE – Paragraph A mentions a “paradigm shift” and “recent years,” indicating this focus is new.
- NOT GIVEN – While the passage mentions high-profile cases bringing attention to the issue, it doesn’t state whether this has reduced stigma.
- FALSE – Paragraph D states “Many sports organizations,” not all, are employing sports psychologists.
- TRUE – Paragraph F explicitly states that coaches’ role “cannot be overstated” in promoting mental health.
- NOT GIVEN – While the passage mentions media portrayal, it doesn’t specify its impact on mental well-being.
Multiple Choice
- B – Paragraph B mentions “constant scrutiny” and “pressure to perform” as factors affecting mental health.
- C – Paragraph C states that “Athletes, coaches, and support staff need to be educated” about mental health.
Matching Headings
- C – Paragraph A discusses the shift from focusing solely on physical aspects to including mental health.
- D – Paragraph D focuses on the role of mental health professionals in sports.
- B – Paragraph E discusses the importance of work-life balance for athletes.
- F – Paragraph F is entirely about the influence of coaches on athletes’ mental health.
- A – Paragraph G discusses how the sports industry needs to change its approach to athletes’ mental health.
- E – Paragraph H emphasizes the need for ongoing development in mental health strategies.
Summary Completion
- education
- mental health professionals
- work-life balance
- supportive team environment
- whole individuals
- ongoing process
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overlooking key words: In True/False/Not Given questions, pay attention to words like “all,” “many,” or “some.” These can change the meaning significantly.
Making assumptions: Stick to the information given in the passage. Don’t let your personal knowledge influence your answers.
Misinterpreting partial matches: In Matching Headings questions, be careful of headings that partially match the paragraph content but don’t capture the main idea.
Exceeding word limits: In Summary Completion, strictly adhere to the word limit given. Using more words than allowed will result in a wrong answer.
Spelling errors: Even if you’ve identified the correct word, a spelling mistake will make your answer incorrect. Double-check your spelling.
Vocabulary
- Paradigm shift (noun) – /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
- Scrutiny (noun) – /ˈskruːtəni/ – Critical observation or examination
- Proactive (adjective) – /proʊˈæktɪv/ – Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes
- Resilience (noun) – /rɪˈzɪliəns/ – The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties
- Overstated (verb) – /ˌoʊvərˈsteɪtɪd/ – Stated too strongly; exaggerated
- Abreast (adverb) – /əˈbrest/ – Up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information
Grammar Focus
Complex sentences with subordinate clauses are common in IELTS reading passages. For example:
“While dedication to the sport is important, athletes should be encouraged to pursue interests outside of their athletic careers.”
This sentence uses a subordinate clause introduced by “while” to present a contrast. The main clause follows the comma. Understanding these structures can help you grasp the relationships between ideas in the text.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
Time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
Skim and scan: Quickly skim the passage for main ideas, then scan for specific information when answering questions.
Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to understand their meaning from the context.
Practice regularly: Consistent practice with various question types will improve your speed and accuracy.
Read actively: Engage with the text by underlining key points or making brief notes.
Don’t panic if you find a passage difficult: Remember, the questions are designed to test your understanding at different levels.
Check your answers: If time allows, review your answers for any obvious mistakes.
By following these strategies and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Reading section. Remember, understanding the content is just as important as finding the correct answers. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more IELTS practice and tips, check out our articles on how to promote physical activity in schools, describing a person who is very good at sports, and the impact of sport on society. These resources will help you expand your vocabulary and understanding of sports-related topics, which can be beneficial for various sections of the IELTS exam.