The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and analyze complex texts. One topic that has gained increasing importance in recent years is mental health support in educational settings. This article will provide you with a practice passage on “Best ways to support mental health in schools,” along with questions and detailed explanations to help you prepare for the IELTS Reading test.
Based on recent trends and the growing awareness of mental health issues, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS exams. Let’s dive into a practice passage that mirrors the style and difficulty level you might encounter in the actual test.
Practice Passage
Supporting Mental Health in Educational Environments
Mental health has become a critical concern in schools worldwide, with increasing numbers of students experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychological issues. Educators and policymakers are now recognizing the urgent need to implement effective strategies to support students’ mental well-being. This article explores some of the best practices for promoting mental health in educational settings.
One of the most crucial steps in supporting mental health is creating a positive school climate. This involves fostering an environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. Schools can achieve this by implementing anti-bullying programs, promoting inclusivity, and encouraging positive relationships between students and staff. Research has shown that a supportive school environment can significantly reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
Another effective approach is integrating mental health education into the curriculum. By teaching students about emotional intelligence, stress management, and coping skills, schools can equip them with the tools they need to navigate life’s challenges. This education should start from an early age and continue throughout a student’s academic journey, adapting to the specific needs of different age groups.
Early identification and intervention are also key components of successful mental health support in schools. Training teachers and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues can lead to timely interventions. Schools should have clear referral systems in place, allowing staff to connect students with appropriate support services when needed. Additionally, having on-site counselors or partnerships with mental health professionals can provide students with easy access to expert help.
Promoting physical health is another essential aspect of supporting mental well-being. Regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, and adequate sleep all contribute to better mental health. Schools can encourage these habits by offering nutritious meal options, implementing physical education programs, and educating students about the importance of sleep hygiene.
Technology can play a significant role in mental health support. Many schools are now using digital platforms to provide resources, anonymous reporting systems for concerns, and even teletherapy services. These tools can be particularly beneficial for students who may feel uncomfortable seeking help in person or those with limited access to traditional mental health services.
Parental involvement is crucial in creating a comprehensive approach to mental health support. Schools should strive to educate parents about mental health issues, provide resources for home support, and maintain open communication channels. This collaboration ensures that students receive consistent support both at school and at home.
Lastly, it’s important for schools to regularly evaluate and adapt their mental health support strategies. Conducting surveys, analyzing data on student well-being, and staying informed about the latest research in child and adolescent mental health can help schools continually improve their support systems.
By implementing these best practices, schools can create an environment that not only supports academic achievement but also nurtures the mental and emotional well-being of students. This holistic approach to education is essential in preparing young people for the challenges of the modern world and helping them lead fulfilling lives.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Creating a positive school climate is considered the most important step in supporting mental health in schools.
- Mental health education should only be introduced at the high school level.
- Physical education programs in schools contribute to better mental health.
- All schools now use digital platforms for mental health support.
- Parental involvement is not necessary for effective mental health support in schools.
Multiple Choice
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According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way to create a positive school climate?
A) Implementing anti-bullying programs
B) Promoting inclusivity
C) Encouraging positive relationships between students and staff
D) Increasing homework assignments -
Early identification and intervention in mental health issues involve:
A) Only providing support to students with diagnosed conditions
B) Training teachers to recognize signs of mental health issues
C) Waiting for students to self-report their problems
D) Focusing solely on academic performance
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the appropriate paragraphs in the passage:
- Utilizing Technology for Support
- The Importance of Physical Well-being
- Collaborative Efforts with Parents
Short Answer Questions
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What two benefits does the passage mention regarding a supportive school environment? (Give two answers)
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Name three aspects of physical health that contribute to better mental well-being, according to the passage.
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What is suggested as a method for schools to continually improve their mental health support systems?
Answer Key and Explanations
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Not Given – While creating a positive school climate is described as crucial, the passage doesn’t state it’s the most important step.
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False – The passage states that mental health education should “start from an early age and continue throughout a student’s academic journey.”
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True – The passage mentions that “implementing physical education programs” is a way schools can encourage habits that contribute to better mental health.
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False – The passage states that “Many schools are now using digital platforms,” not all schools.
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False – The passage emphasizes that “Parental involvement is crucial in creating a comprehensive approach to mental health support.”
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D – Increasing homework assignments is not mentioned as a way to create a positive school climate.
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B – The passage states, “Training teachers and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues can lead to timely interventions.”
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Paragraph 6
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Paragraph 5
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Paragraph 7
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Reduce stress and improve overall mental well-being.
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Regular physical activity, healthy nutrition, and adequate sleep.
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Conducting surveys, analyzing data on student well-being, and staying informed about the latest research in child and adolescent mental health.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking subtle language: Pay attention to words like “many,” “some,” or “most” which can change the meaning of a statement.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the passage and avoid bringing in outside knowledge.
- Misinterpreting True/False/Not Given questions: Remember, “Not Given” means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the passage.
- Rushing through the passage: Take time to understand the main ideas and structure of the text before attempting the questions.
Vocabulary
- Policymakers (noun) /ˈpɒlɪsiˌmeɪkəz/: People responsible for making policy, especially in government.
- Inclusivity (noun) /ˌɪnkluːˈsɪvəti/: The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
- Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/: The action of intervening, especially to improve a situation or prevent it from getting worse.
- Teletherapy (noun) /ˈteliˌθerəpi/: The provision of therapy or counseling services via telecommunication technologies.
- Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/: Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Grammar Focus
Passive Voice in Academic Writing
The passage uses passive voice in several instances, which is common in academic and formal writing. For example:
“Mental health has become a critical concern in schools worldwide.”
Formula: Subject + to be (in appropriate tense) + past participle
This structure is useful when the focus is on the action rather than the doer of the action. It’s particularly common in describing research findings or general observations.
Example: “Research has shown that a supportive school environment can significantly reduce stress.”
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries as you read.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and practice using them in context.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
- Skim and scan effectively: Use these techniques to quickly locate specific information in the text.
- Read the instructions carefully: Make sure you understand what each question is asking before answering.
- Stay informed about current issues: Reading widely on various topics can improve your general knowledge and reading speed.
Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Try to read academic texts regularly and attempt practice tests under timed conditions to build your skills and confidence. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!