IELTS Writing Task 2: Addressing Mental Health Impacts of Economic Downturns – Sample Essays and Analysis

Economic crises and their effects on mental health have become increasingly prominent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. This theme touches on crucial aspects of public health, societal well-being, and government policy, making it a highly relevant and frequently appearing subject in recent exams. Based on trends observed in past IELTS tests and the growing global awareness of mental health issues, we can expect this topic to continue featuring prominently in future exams.

Let’s examine a typical IELTS Writing Task 2 question on this subject:

Some people believe that governments should focus on economic issues during times of financial crisis, while others argue that it’s essential to address the mental health impacts on citizens. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question presents a classic IELTS debate-style prompt, asking candidates to discuss two contrasting viewpoints and provide their own perspective. The key elements to address are:

1. The view that governments should prioritize economic issues during financial crises
2. The opposing view that addressing mental health impacts is crucial
3. Your personal opinion on the matter

It’s important to discuss both perspectives equally before presenting your own standpoint, supported by relevant examples and logical reasoning.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Economic downturns can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only a nation’s financial stability but also the mental well-being of its citizens. While some argue that governments should focus solely on economic recovery during such times, others contend that addressing the psychological impact on the population is equally crucial. In my opinion, a balanced approach that considers both aspects is essential for a comprehensive and sustainable recovery.

Those who prioritize economic issues during financial crises argue that stabilizing the economy is the most effective way to alleviate overall societal distress. They believe that by focusing on job creation, stimulating growth, and implementing fiscal measures, governments can restore financial security, which in turn will naturally improve citizens’ mental state. For instance, during the 2008 global financial crisis, countries that swiftly implemented economic stimulus packages, such as China, experienced faster recovery and arguably less prolonged psychological impact on their populations.

On the other hand, proponents of addressing mental health impacts argue that neglecting the psychological well-being of citizens can lead to long-term societal problems that may hinder economic recovery. They point out that increased rates of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse during economic downturns can result in reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs, and social instability. For example, following the Greek debt crisis, the country experienced a significant rise in suicide rates and mental health issues, which some experts believe contributed to the prolonged nature of their economic struggles.

In my view, governments should adopt a holistic approach that addresses both economic and mental health concerns simultaneously. By integrating mental health support into economic recovery plans, nations can create more resilient and adaptive societies. This could involve initiatives such as providing accessible mental health services, implementing job retraining programs with psychological support components, and conducting public awareness campaigns about coping with financial stress. Countries like New Zealand have successfully implemented such integrated approaches, recognizing that economic and mental well-being are intrinsically linked.

In conclusion, while economic stability is undoubtedly crucial during financial crises, the mental health of citizens should not be overlooked. A balanced strategy that addresses both aspects is likely to result in a more robust and sustainable recovery, benefiting both the nation’s economy and the overall well-being of its population.

(Word count: 368)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Financial crises can have big effects on a country’s economy and people’s mental health. Some think governments should only focus on fixing the economy, while others say it’s important to help people’s mental health too. I believe both are important and should be dealt with together.

People who say governments should concentrate on the economy think this will solve most problems. They believe that if the economy gets better, people will have jobs and money, which will make them feel better. For example, after the 2008 financial crisis, some countries focused on creating jobs and this helped many people.

On the other hand, those who want to address mental health say that ignoring it can cause long-term problems. They think that if people are depressed or anxious because of money problems, it can make the economic situation worse. In some countries, mental health problems increased during economic crises, which made it harder for people to work and contribute to the economy.

I think governments should try to fix both the economy and people’s mental health at the same time. They could offer mental health services while also working on economic plans. This could include things like counseling for unemployed people or teaching stress management in schools and workplaces. Some countries have tried this and it seems to work well.

In conclusion, I believe that dealing with both economic issues and mental health during a financial crisis is the best approach. This can help countries recover faster and make sure that people are healthy enough to participate in the economic recovery.

(Word count: 269)

Key Considerations When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing each viewpoint, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. The band 8-9 essay demonstrates more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.

2. Vocabulary: The higher band essay utilizes a wider range of vocabulary and more precise language. For example, “far-reaching consequences” and “intrinsically linked” in the band 8-9 essay versus simpler phrases in the band 6-7 essay.

3. Grammar: The band 8-9 essay showcases more complex sentence structures and a variety of tenses, while the band 6-7 essay uses simpler constructions.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: The band 8-9 essay demonstrates stronger coherence with smoother transitions between ideas and paragraphs.

5. Examples: Both essays provide examples, but the band 8-9 essay offers more specific and relevant ones, such as referencing the Greek debt crisis.

6. Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the band 8-9 essay provides a more nuanced discussion and a clearer personal opinion.

Challenging Vocabulary to Remember

1. Far-reaching (adjective) /fɑːr ˈriːtʃɪŋ/ – having a wide range of effects or implications
2. Contend (verb) /kənˈtend/ – assert or argue
3. Alleviate (verb) /əˈliːvieɪt/ – make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe
4. Prolonged (adjective) /prəˈlɒŋd/ – continuing for a long time or longer than usual
5. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions
6. Intrinsically (adverb) /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪkli/ – in an essential or natural way
7. Holistic (adjective) /həʊˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole
8. Integrate (verb) /ˈɪntɪɡreɪt/ – combine (one thing) with another to form a whole

Economic crisis impacting mental health

In conclusion, addressing the mental health impacts of economic downturns is a complex but crucial topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. As you prepare for your exam, consider practicing with similar prompts, such as:

• Discuss the role of community support in mitigating the psychological effects of financial crises.
• To what extent should employers be responsible for their employees’ mental health during economic recessions?
• Compare the effectiveness of government-led versus private sector initiatives in addressing mental health issues during economic downturns.

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide relevant examples to support your arguments. We encourage you to practice writing an essay on this topic and share it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will significantly enhance your IELTS writing skills and prepare you for success in the exam.