The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to comprehend complex texts and answer questions accurately within a time limit. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: supporting mental health for students. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature in future tests as well. Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this important aspect of the IELTS Reading test.
Students discussing mental health
Practice Passage: Supporting Student Mental Health
The Growing Concern for Student Well-being
In recent years, the mental health of students has become a pressing concern for educational institutions worldwide. The pressures of academic performance, social expectations, and an increasingly complex world have contributed to a rise in stress, anxiety, and depression among learners of all ages. Recognizing this challenge, schools and universities are implementing various strategies to support student mental health and create more nurturing educational environments.
One of the primary approaches to supporting student mental health is the integration of mental health education into the curriculum. Many institutions now offer courses or modules that focus on emotional intelligence, stress management, and coping strategies. These programs aim to equip students with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of academic life and beyond. For instance, mindfulness and meditation techniques are being taught to help students manage stress and improve focus.
Another critical aspect of supporting student mental health is the expansion of counseling services. Schools and universities are increasing their investment in on-campus mental health professionals, making it easier for students to access support when they need it. Some institutions have even implemented online counseling services, allowing students to seek help remotely, which has proven particularly valuable during times of distance learning or for those who may feel uncomfortable with face-to-face sessions.
Peer support programs have also gained traction as an effective way to promote mental health among students. These initiatives train students to recognize signs of distress in their peers and provide initial support or guide them to professional help. Such programs not only extend the reach of mental health services but also foster a culture of empathy and support within the student community.
The physical environment of educational institutions plays a significant role in student well-being. Many schools and campuses are redesigning their spaces to create more relaxing and social areas where students can unwind and connect with others. Green spaces, quiet zones for reflection, and communal areas that encourage interaction are becoming common features in modern educational settings.
Technology is also being harnessed to support student mental health. Mobile applications that offer mood tracking, guided meditation, and access to mental health resources are being developed and promoted within educational communities. These digital tools provide students with 24/7 support and can be particularly helpful for those who may be hesitant to seek help through traditional channels.
However, the implementation of these support systems is not without challenges. Issues of stigma surrounding mental health continue to be a barrier for many students seeking help. Educational institutions are working to address this through awareness campaigns and by normalizing conversations about mental health.
Moreover, the effectiveness of mental health support initiatives often depends on the broader context of a student’s life. Factors such as family environment, socioeconomic status, and cultural background all play a role in a student’s mental well-being. As such, many institutions are adopting more holistic approaches that consider these external factors and work to provide comprehensive support.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of mental health support for students. The sudden shift to online learning, social isolation, and uncertainty about the future have exacerbated existing mental health challenges and created new ones. In response, educational institutions have had to rapidly adapt their support systems, emphasizing flexibility, accessibility, and innovation in their approaches to student well-being.
As awareness of the importance of mental health continues to grow, it is likely that supporting student well-being will remain a key priority for educational institutions. The ongoing challenge will be to continuously evolve these support systems to meet the changing needs of students in an ever-shifting global landscape.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Mental health education is now a mandatory part of the curriculum in all schools worldwide.
- Online counseling services have become more popular, especially during periods of remote learning.
- Peer support programs are designed to replace professional mental health services in educational settings.
- The physical design of educational spaces can impact student mental well-being.
- All students feel comfortable using mobile applications for mental health support.
Multiple Choice
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According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy to support student mental health?
A) Integrating mental health education into the curriculum
B) Expanding on-campus counseling services
C) Implementing mandatory psychological evaluations for all students
D) Creating peer support programs -
The passage suggests that the effectiveness of mental health support initiatives depends on:
A) The size of the educational institution
B) The amount of funding available for mental health programs
C) The broader context of a student’s life, including external factors
D) The number of mental health professionals employed by the institution
Matching Information
Match the following statements (8-12) with the correct paragraph (A-E) from the passage. Write the correct letter A-E in the answer sheet.
- The impact of the global health crisis on student mental health
- The role of digital technology in providing mental health support
- The importance of creating supportive physical environments in educational settings
- The integration of mental health education into academic programs
- The expansion of professional counseling services in educational institutions
A. Paragraph 2
B. Paragraph 3
C. Paragraph 4
D. Paragraph 7
E. Paragraph 9
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What two techniques are mentioned as being taught to help students manage stress and improve focus?
- What type of programs train students to recognize signs of distress in their peers?
- What continues to be a barrier for many students seeking help for mental health issues?
Answer Key and Explanations
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False – The passage states that “many institutions now offer courses or modules” on mental health, but it does not say this is mandatory worldwide.
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True – The passage mentions that “online counseling services” have “proven particularly valuable during times of distance learning.”
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Not Given – The passage describes peer support programs as an additional support system, not as a replacement for professional services.
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True – The passage states, “The physical environment of educational institutions plays a significant role in student well-being.”
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Not Given – While the passage mentions mobile applications for mental health support, it does not state that all students feel comfortable using them.
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C – The passage does not mention mandatory psychological evaluations as a strategy.
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C – The passage states, “the effectiveness of mental health support initiatives often depends on the broader context of a student’s life.”
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E – Paragraph 9 discusses the impact of COVID-19 on student mental health.
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B – Paragraph 6 talks about the use of technology and mobile applications for mental health support.
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A – Paragraph 5 discusses the importance of physical environments in educational settings.
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A – Paragraph 2 discusses the integration of mental health education into the curriculum.
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B – Paragraph 3 talks about the expansion of counseling services in educational institutions.
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Mindfulness and meditation
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Peer support programs
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Stigma
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking subtle distinctions in the text, such as the difference between “many institutions” and “all institutions.”
- Making assumptions about information that is not explicitly stated in the passage.
- Misinterpreting the scope of statements made in the text, such as assuming a local trend is a global one.
- Failing to recognize when information is simply not provided in the passage (Not Given answers).
Vocabulary Focus
- Pressing concern: urgent issue requiring attention
- Nurturing: supportive and encouraging
- Integrating: incorporating or combining
- Traction: acceptance or popularity
- Stigma: negative associations or shame
- Holistic: considering the whole rather than just parts
- Exacerbated: made worse or more severe
Grammar Spotlight
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in sentences like “The COVID-19 pandemic has further highlighted the importance of mental health support for students.” This tense is used to connect past events with the present situation, indicating ongoing relevance.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice active reading by engaging with the text and predicting possible questions.
- Improve your time management skills by regularly timing your practice sessions.
- Develop your vocabulary, especially in topics likely to appear in IELTS, such as education, health, and social issues.
- Pay close attention to qualifying words like “some,” “many,” or “all,” as these can change the meaning of statements significantly.
- For True/False/Not Given questions, be prepared to accept that some information may not be provided in the text.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and familiarity with various question types. Keep challenging yourself with diverse texts and question formats to build your skills and confidence.
For more strategies on improving your IELTS performance, consider exploring our articles on how to promote mental health in college students and how to promote mental health in schools. These resources can provide additional context and vocabulary related to mental health in educational settings, which may be valuable for your IELTS preparation.