The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing candidates’ ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: supporting mental health in children. 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.
As we delve into this practice exercise, remember that the IELTS Reading section requires careful time management and strategic approach. Let’s explore a passage on this important topic and practice some key reading skills.
Reading Passage
Supporting Children’s Mental Health: A Holistic Approach
Mental health in children has become a pressing concern in recent years, with studies showing an alarming increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people. This trend has been exacerbated by factors such as increased academic pressure, social media influence, and global events like the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, parents, educators, and healthcare professionals are seeking effective ways to support and nurture children’s mental well-being.
One of the most crucial aspects of supporting children’s mental health is creating a safe and nurturing environment. This involves providing consistent emotional support, establishing open lines of communication, and fostering a sense of security at home and in school. Children who feel loved, valued, and understood are better equipped to handle stress and emotional challenges.
Another key strategy is promoting healthy lifestyle habits. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are all essential for maintaining good mental health. Encouraging children to engage in sports, outdoor activities, or other forms of exercise not only improves their physical health but also boosts mood and reduces stress. Similarly, ensuring that children have a nutritious diet and establish good sleep routines can significantly impact their emotional well-being.
Supporting children's mental health
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques have also proven beneficial for children’s mental health. Teaching children simple meditation exercises, deep breathing techniques, or yoga can help them manage stress and anxiety more effectively. These practices can be particularly helpful in academic settings, where children often face pressure and competition.
It’s equally important to limit screen time and encourage face-to-face social interactions. While technology has its benefits, excessive use of digital devices can contribute to feelings of isolation and anxiety. Encouraging children to engage in social activities, join clubs, or participate in community events can help build their social skills and sense of belonging.
Recognizing and addressing mental health issues early is crucial. Parents and educators should be aware of signs that might indicate a child is struggling with their mental health, such as changes in behavior, sleep patterns, or academic performance. If concerns arise, seeking professional help from child psychologists or counselors can provide the necessary support and guidance.
Schools play a vital role in supporting children’s mental health. Implementing comprehensive mental health programs, providing access to counseling services, and creating a supportive school culture can make a significant difference. Additionally, educating children about mental health, reducing stigma, and teaching coping strategies as part of the curriculum can empower them to take care of their own mental well-being.
Lastly, it’s essential to remember that every child is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. A personalized approach, taking into account each child’s individual needs, strengths, and challenges, is often the most effective way to support their mental health. By combining these strategies and maintaining a consistent, supportive environment, we can help children develop the resilience and emotional well-being they need to thrive.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
Determine if the following statements are True, False, or Not Given based on the information in the passage.
- Mental health issues among children have decreased in recent years.
- Creating a safe and nurturing environment is crucial for supporting children’s mental health.
- Physical activity has no impact on children’s mental health.
- Mindfulness techniques can help children manage stress and anxiety.
- All children respond equally well to the same mental health support strategies.
Multiple Choice
Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a factor contributing to mental health issues in children?
A) Academic pressure
B) Social media influence
C) Global events like the COVID-19 pandemic
D) Genetic factorsWhat does the passage suggest about screen time?
A) It should be increased to improve mental health
B) It has no effect on children’s mental well-being
C) It should be limited to promote face-to-face interactions
D) It is beneficial for children’s social skills
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number (i-vii) next to the paragraph number (8-11).
i. The Role of Schools in Mental Health Support
ii. Early Intervention and Professional Help
iii. The Importance of Physical Health
iv. Creating a Supportive Environment
v. Personalized Approaches to Mental Health
vi. Teaching Relaxation Techniques
vii. The Impact of Technology on Mental Health
- Paragraph 2: __
- Paragraph 3: __
- Paragraph 5: __
- Paragraph 7: __
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What two activities, along with exercise, are mentioned as essential for maintaining good mental health?
- What specific relaxation practices are suggested for helping children manage stress?
- According to the passage, what should parents and educators be aware of to identify potential mental health issues in children?
Answer Key and Explanations
False – The passage states that there has been “an alarming increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues among young people.”
True – The passage mentions that “creating a safe and nurturing environment” is “one of the most crucial aspects of supporting children’s mental health.”
False – The passage states that physical activity “improves their physical health but also boosts mood and reduces stress.”
True – The passage mentions that “Mindfulness and relaxation techniques have also proven beneficial for children’s mental health” and can help them “manage stress and anxiety more effectively.”
Not Given – The passage does not provide information about whether all children respond equally to the same mental health support strategies. In fact, it suggests a personalized approach may be most effective.
D – Genetic factors are not mentioned in the passage as a contributing factor to mental health issues in children.
C – The passage states, “It’s equally important to limit screen time and encourage face-to-face social interactions.”
iv – This paragraph discusses the importance of creating a safe and nurturing environment.
iii – This paragraph focuses on promoting healthy lifestyle habits, including physical activity, diet, and sleep.
vii – This paragraph discusses the impact of technology and screen time on children’s mental health.
ii – This paragraph talks about recognizing mental health issues early and seeking professional help.
Balanced diet and adequate sleep
Meditation, deep breathing (techniques), yoga
Changes in behavior
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking specific details: In questions like True/False/Not Given, pay close attention to the exact wording in the passage.
- Making assumptions: Avoid drawing conclusions not explicitly stated in the text, especially for Not Given questions.
- Misinterpreting Multiple Choice questions: Read all options carefully before selecting an answer.
- Ignoring word limits in Short Answer questions: Stick strictly to the word limit given.
Vocabulary
- Exacerbated (verb) /ɪɡˈzæsəbeɪtɪd/: Made worse or more severe
- Nurturing (adjective) /ˈnɜːrtʃərɪŋ/: Providing care and encouragement for growth and development
- Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties
- Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person
Grammar Focus
Pay attention to the use of present perfect tense in sentences like “Mental health in children has become a pressing concern in recent years.” This tense is used to describe actions or situations that started in the past and continue to be relevant in the present.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental notes.
- Improve your time management: Allocate specific time for each section and stick to it.
- Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and their contextual usage.
- Practice skimming and scanning: These techniques help you quickly locate specific information.
- Read a variety of texts: Expose yourself to different topics and writing styles to improve comprehension.
Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes with consistent practice and a strategic approach. Focus on understanding the overall message while being attentive to specific details. By regularly engaging with complex texts on diverse topics, you’ll build the skills needed to excel in this section of the IELTS exam.
For more tips on improving your English language skills, check out our articles on how to encourage reading habits in children and how to promote effective communication skills in children. These skills are not only crucial for children’s development but also beneficial for IELTS preparation.
