Mental health is a crucial topic that has gained significant attention in recent years, both in society and in IELTS writing tasks. The question of whether mental health services should be free and accessible to all is a common theme in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing frequently in past exams and likely to continue as a relevant issue in future tests. Based on our analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, we’ve identified several prompts related to this topic. Let’s focus on one particular question that has a high probability of appearing in future IELTS Writing Task 2 exams:
Some people believe that governments should provide free mental health services to all citizens. Others think individuals should be responsible for their own mental health care costs. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This prompt requires candidates to:
- Discuss the view that governments should provide free mental health services
- Discuss the opposing view that individuals should be responsible for their mental health care costs
- Provide their own opinion on the matter
It’s important to address all parts of the question, providing a balanced discussion of both viewpoints before presenting a well-supported personal stance.
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Sample
Mental health has become a pressing concern in modern society, prompting debates about who should bear the responsibility for providing and funding mental health services. While some argue that governments should offer these services free of charge to all citizens, others contend that individuals should be accountable for their own mental health care expenses. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of government-funded mental health services argue that this approach ensures equal access to care for all citizens, regardless of their financial status. They contend that mental health is as crucial as physical health and should be treated with the same level of importance in public healthcare systems. Moreover, by providing free mental health services, governments can potentially reduce the long-term societal costs associated with untreated mental health issues, such as decreased productivity, increased healthcare expenses, and higher crime rates.
On the other hand, those who believe individuals should be responsible for their own mental health care costs argue that this promotes personal accountability and more efficient use of resources. They suggest that when people invest in their own mental health, they are more likely to value and actively participate in their treatment. Additionally, this approach could potentially reduce the burden on public healthcare systems, allowing governments to allocate resources to other critical areas.
In my opinion, while personal responsibility is important, the benefits of government-provided mental health services far outweigh the potential drawbacks. Mental health issues often stem from complex societal factors beyond an individual’s control, and the stigma surrounding these conditions can prevent many from seeking help if cost is a barrier. By offering free and accessible mental health services, governments can create a more equitable and healthy society, ultimately benefiting both individuals and the community as a whole.
In conclusion, although there are valid arguments for both government-funded and individual-funded mental health care, I believe that the provision of free mental health services by governments is crucial for ensuring the overall well-being of society. This approach not only addresses immediate mental health needs but also contributes to long-term societal progress and stability.
(Word count: 329)
Expert discussing mental health services
Band 6-7 Essay Sample
In today’s world, mental health is becoming a big issue. Some people think the government should give free mental health services to everyone, but others say we should pay for it ourselves. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
There are good reasons why the government should provide free mental health services. First, it helps everyone get the care they need, no matter how much money they have. This is important because mental health problems can affect anyone. Also, if people can get help easily, it might stop bigger problems in society, like crime or homelessness.
However, some people think we should pay for our own mental health care. They say this makes us take it more seriously and not waste resources. When we spend our own money, we might try harder to get better. It also saves the government money that can be used for other things.
In my opinion, I think the government should provide free mental health services. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and many people can’t afford to pay for help. If the government helps, it can make the whole society healthier and happier.
To conclude, while there are reasons for both sides, I believe free mental health services from the government are better for everyone. It can help more people and make our society stronger.
(Word count: 233)
Band 5-6 Essay Sample
Mental health is very important today. Some people say the government should give free mental health services. Other people think we should pay for it ourselves. I will write about both ideas.
The government giving free mental health services is good because:
- Everyone can get help, even poor people
- It might stop big problems in society
- People will be healthier and happier
But some people think we should pay for our own mental health care because:
- We will take it more seriously
- It saves government money
- We might try harder to get better
I think the government should give free mental health services. Many people can’t pay for help, and mental health is very important. If the government helps, everyone can be healthier.
In the end, I believe free mental health services from the government is better. It can help more people and make our country better.
(Word count: 146)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent control of language and ideas, warranting a high band score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a well-developed response with relevant, extended and supported ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression throughout. Paragraphing is well-managed, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used with full flexibility and accuracy.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows a competent handling of the task, justifying a mid-range band score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, though some parts are more fully covered than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some ideas may be inadequately developed.
- Lexical Resource: An adequate range of vocabulary is used for the task, with some attempts at less common vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with generally good control and only occasional errors.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at the task, warranting a lower-mid range band score:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task only partially, with limited development of ideas.
- Coherence and Cohesion: The overall progression is evident but not always clear, with some repetition.
- Lexical Resource: A limited range of vocabulary is used, adequate for basic communication but lacking precision.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Mainly simple sentences are used, with only rare attempts at complex structures.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Mental health (noun) /ˌmen.təl ˈhelθ/: The state of one’s psychological and emotional well-being.
- Accessible (adjective) /əkˈses.ə.bəl/: Easy to reach, obtain, or use.
- Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡ.mə/: A strong feeling of disapproval that most people in a society have about something.
- Proponent (noun) /prəˈpəʊ.nənt/: A person who advocates for or supports something.
- Accountability (noun) /əˌkaʊn.təˈbɪl.ə.ti/: The fact of being responsible for what you do and able to give a satisfactory reason for it.
- Equitable (adjective) /ˈek.wɪ.tə.bəl/: Fair and impartial.
- Allocate (verb) /ˈæl.ə.keɪt/: To give something to someone as their share of a total amount, to use in a particular way.
- Barrier (noun) /ˈbær.i.ər/: Something that prevents people from doing something or makes it more difficult.
- Societal (adjective) /səˈsaɪ.ə.təl/: Relating to society or social relations.
- Crucial (adjective) /ˈkruː.ʃəl/: Extremely important or necessary.
Mental health vocabulary flashcards
In conclusion, the question of whether mental health services should be free and accessible to all is a complex and relevant topic for IELTS Writing Task 2. By understanding the different perspectives and practicing with sample essays of varying band scores, you can improve your ability to tackle this and similar questions effectively.
To further enhance your skills, try writing your own essay on this topic or related ones, such as:
- “Should governments prioritize mental health funding over other areas of healthcare?”
- “How can societies reduce the stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment?”
- “Is it the responsibility of employers to provide mental health support for their employees?”
Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below. This active engagement will help you refine your writing skills and prepare you for success in your IELTS Writing Task 2.