IELTS Reading Practice: Promoting Mental Health in College Students

As an experienced IELTS instructor, I understand the importance of practicing with authentic and relevant materials. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has been gaining significant attention in recent years: promoting mental health in college students. This subject is not only crucial for societal well-being but also appears frequently in IELTS Reading tests due to its relevance and complexity.

Based on my analysis of past IELTS exams and current trends, there’s a high probability that you may encounter a similar topic in your upcoming test. Let’s dive into a practice exercise that will help you prepare for the Reading section while exploring this important issue.

Reading Passage

College students discussing mental health

Promoting Mental Health on College Campuses

A) Mental health has become a critical concern for college students worldwide. The transition to higher education, coupled with academic pressures, social challenges, and personal development, can significantly impact students’ psychological well-being. Recognizing this, universities are increasingly implementing strategies to support and enhance mental health among their student populations.

B) One effective approach is the integration of mental health education into the curriculum. Many institutions now offer courses or workshops that focus on stress management, emotional intelligence, and resilience-building. These programs aim to equip students with practical tools to navigate the challenges of college life and beyond. For instance, mindfulness techniques and cognitive-behavioral strategies are taught to help students manage anxiety and depression.

C) Another crucial aspect of promoting mental health is the provision of accessible and comprehensive counseling services. Universities are expanding their mental health centers, offering both in-person and virtual counseling options. Some institutions have implemented innovative solutions such as 24/7 crisis hotlines and online therapy platforms to ensure support is available whenever students need it. Additionally, peer counseling programs have gained popularity, allowing students to seek advice from trained peers who can relate to their experiences.

D) Creating a supportive campus environment is equally important. Many universities are focusing on fostering a culture of openness and acceptance around mental health issues. This includes organizing awareness campaigns, hosting mental health fairs, and encouraging student-led initiatives that promote well-being. Some institutions have even designated “quiet spaces” or “relaxation rooms” where students can unwind and practice self-care techniques.

E) Physical health plays a significant role in mental well-being, and universities are increasingly recognizing this connection. Many campuses are enhancing their recreational facilities and offering a wide range of fitness classes, from yoga to high-intensity interval training. Some institutions have gone further by integrating physical activity into their mental health programs, offering “walk and talk” therapy sessions or outdoor group counseling.

F) Technology is also being leveraged to support student mental health. Many universities have developed or adopted mobile applications that allow students to track their mood, set wellness goals, and access mental health resources. These apps often include features such as guided meditation sessions, sleep tracking, and self-assessment tools. Some institutions are even exploring the use of artificial intelligence to identify students who may be at risk of mental health issues based on their online behavior and academic performance.

G) Addressing the stigma surrounding mental health remains a crucial challenge. Universities are tackling this through education and by encouraging open dialogue. Many institutions now train faculty and staff to recognize signs of mental distress and provide appropriate support or referrals. Some universities have implemented mandatory mental health screenings for all incoming students, normalizing the conversation around psychological well-being from the outset of their college experience.

H) Financial stress is a significant contributor to poor mental health among college students. In response, some universities are offering financial wellness programs that teach budgeting skills and provide resources for managing student loans. Others have established emergency funds to assist students facing unexpected financial crises, reducing the anxiety associated with financial insecurity.

I) As the importance of mental health continues to gain recognition, universities are increasingly collaborating with external mental health organizations and researchers to develop evidence-based interventions. These partnerships not only enhance the quality of mental health services on campus but also contribute to the broader understanding of mental health in young adults.

J) Promoting mental health on college campuses is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. As student needs evolve and new challenges emerge, universities must remain committed to innovating and improving their mental health support systems. By prioritizing mental health, institutions of higher education can create an environment where students not only survive but thrive, setting the foundation for lifelong well-being and success.

Questions

Multiple Choice

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

1. According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy for promoting mental health on college campuses?
   A) Integrating mental health education into the curriculum
   B) Providing comprehensive counseling services
   C) Mandatory weekly therapy sessions for all students
   D) Creating a supportive campus environment

2. The passage suggests that peer counseling programs are beneficial because:
   A) They are more cost-effective than professional counseling
   B) Peers can relate to students’ experiences
   C) They eliminate the need for professional mental health staff
   D) They are available 24/7

3. Which of the following is described as a way that universities are addressing the connection between physical and mental health?
   A) Requiring all students to participate in sports teams
   B) Offering “walk and talk” therapy sessions
   C) Eliminating unhealthy food options from campus dining halls
   D) Mandating daily exercise for all students

True/False/Not Given

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage?

Write:
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

4. All universities now offer 24/7 crisis hotlines for students.
5. Some universities have created designated spaces for students to relax and practice self-care.
6. Mobile applications developed by universities always include sleep tracking features.
7. Universities are training faculty and staff to recognize signs of mental distress in students.

Matching Information

Match the following statements (8-12) with the correct paragraph (A-J).

8. The use of technology in supporting student mental health
9. The importance of addressing financial stress for student mental health
10. The integration of physical activity into mental health programs
11. The implementation of mental health screenings for new students
12. The collaboration between universities and external mental health organizations

Summary Completion

Complete the summary below using words from the box.

accessibility curriculum stigma holistic technology financial
peer physical virtual mandatory research emotional

Universities are adopting a (13)____ approach to promoting mental health among college students. This includes incorporating mental health education into the (14)____, expanding counseling services to include both in-person and (15)____ options, and leveraging (16)____ through mobile applications. Institutions are also addressing the (17)____ surrounding mental health issues and providing (18)____ wellness programs to alleviate stress. The focus on (19)____ health through improved recreational facilities demonstrates the recognition of the mind-body connection. (20)____ counseling programs have been introduced to provide additional support. These efforts are often supported by collaborations with external organizations and ongoing (21)____ to develop evidence-based interventions.

Answer Key and Explanations

1. C
   Explanation: The passage does not mention mandatory weekly therapy sessions for all students. It discusses various voluntary mental health support options, but not compulsory therapy.

2. B
   Explanation: Paragraph C states, “peer counseling programs have gained popularity, allowing students to seek advice from trained peers who can relate to their experiences.”

3. B
   Explanation: Paragraph E mentions “offering ‘walk and talk’ therapy sessions” as one way universities are integrating physical activity into mental health programs.

4. FALSE
   Explanation: Paragraph C states that “Some institutions have implemented innovative solutions such as 24/7 crisis hotlines,” indicating that not all universities offer this service.

5. TRUE
   Explanation: Paragraph D mentions that “Some institutions have even designated ‘quiet spaces’ or ‘relaxation rooms’ where students can unwind and practice self-care techniques.”

6. NOT GIVEN
   Explanation: While the passage mentions that some university apps include sleep tracking, it does not state that all of them do.

7. TRUE
   Explanation: Paragraph G states, “Many institutions now train faculty and staff to recognize signs of mental distress and provide appropriate support or referrals.”

8. F

9. H

10. E

11. G

12. I

13. holistic

14. curriculum

15. virtual

16. technology

17. stigma

18. financial

19. physical

20. peer

21. research

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking specific details: In multiple-choice questions, pay attention to qualifiers like “all,” “some,” or “always.” These can change the meaning of a statement significantly.

2. Making assumptions: For True/False/Not Given questions, stick strictly to the information provided in the passage. Avoid using your personal knowledge or making inferences beyond what’s explicitly stated.

3. Mismatching information: In matching exercises, read the entire passage carefully before attempting to match statements. Some paragraphs may contain similar themes, so it’s important to identify the main focus of each.

4. Ignoring context in summary completion: When filling in summary gaps, consider the context of the entire summary and the passage. The correct word should make sense within the sentence and align with the information in the passage.

Vocabulary

Here are some challenging words from the passage, along with their definitions and pronunciations:

1. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪliəns/: The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.

2. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

3. Innovative (adjective) /ˈɪnəveɪtɪv/: Featuring new methods; advanced and original.

4. Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

5. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/: The action or process of intervening.

Grammar Focus

Pay attention to the use of present tense throughout the passage, particularly the present simple and present perfect tenses. For example:

• Present Simple: “Universities are expanding their mental health centers” (describing current actions)
• Present Perfect: “Some institutions have implemented mandatory mental health screenings” (describing actions completed recently with current relevance)

This use of tenses emphasizes the ongoing nature and current relevance of the efforts to promote mental health on college campuses.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Time management: Allocate your time wisely. Spend about 20 minutes on each passage in the Reading test.

2. Skim and scan: Quickly skim the passage for general understanding, then scan for specific information when answering questions.

3. Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to understand their meaning from the context.

4. Practice regularly: Consistent practice with various types of texts and question formats will improve your speed and accuracy.

5. Read actively: Engage with the text by underlining key points or making brief notes.

6. Don’t leave blanks: Even if you’re unsure, always provide an answer. There’s no penalty for incorrect answers in IELTS Reading.

Remember, success in IELTS Reading comes from a combination of strong English skills, effective test-taking strategies, and familiarity with the test format. Keep practicing, and you’ll see improvement in your performance.

For more IELTS preparation resources, you might find our articles on how to promote physical activity in schools and the importance of affordable education helpful in expanding your knowledge on related topics.