The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the exam, testing your ability to understand complex texts and respond to various question types. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: promoting mental health in schools. This subject has appeared in several past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature again in future tests. Let’s dive into a practice passage and questions to help you prepare for this potential topic.
Mental health promotion in schools
Practice Passage: Fostering Mental Wellbeing in Educational Settings
Text
Mental health has become a pressing concern in educational institutions worldwide. As students face increasing academic pressures, social challenges, and the impacts of a rapidly changing world, schools are recognizing their crucial role in supporting and promoting mental wellbeing. This shift towards prioritizing mental health in schools is not just a trend, but a necessary evolution in education.
One of the primary ways schools are addressing mental health is through the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum. SEL programs teach students essential skills such as self-awareness, emotional regulation, and relationship building. These skills not only contribute to better mental health but also improve academic performance and create a more positive school climate.
Another effective strategy is the implementation of mindfulness practices in the classroom. Simple techniques like guided breathing exercises or short meditation sessions can help students manage stress, improve focus, and develop a greater sense of emotional balance. Many schools have reported significant improvements in student behavior and concentration after introducing regular mindfulness activities.
Creating a supportive school environment is equally important. This involves training teachers and staff to recognize signs of mental health issues and providing them with the tools to offer initial support. Some schools have adopted peer support programs, where students are trained to be mental health advocates, creating a network of support within the student body itself.
Access to mental health professionals within the school setting is another crucial aspect. Having counselors or psychologists readily available removes barriers to seeking help and ensures that students can receive timely support. Some schools have gone further by partnering with local mental health services to provide comprehensive care.
Physical activity and creative arts are also being recognized for their positive impact on mental health. Schools are incorporating more opportunities for movement and artistic expression into the school day, understanding that these activities can be powerful tools for stress relief and emotional expression.
Technology is playing an increasingly important role in mental health support. Many schools are utilizing apps and online platforms that offer resources for mental wellbeing, allowing students to access support discreetly and at their own pace.
Lastly, schools are working to destigmatize mental health issues through education and open dialogue. By normalizing conversations about mental health and providing accurate information, schools are creating an environment where students feel safe seeking help and supporting one another.
The promotion of mental health in schools is an ongoing process that requires commitment, resources, and a shift in educational priorities. However, the benefits – including improved academic outcomes, better social skills, and overall student wellbeing – make it a worthwhile investment in the future of education and society as a whole.
Questions
True/False/Not Given
- Social-emotional learning programs only focus on improving students’ mental health.
- Mindfulness practices in schools have been shown to improve student behavior.
- All teachers are required to have formal qualifications in mental health support.
- Schools are incorporating more physical activities to support mental health.
- Technology-based mental health support is less effective than traditional methods.
Multiple Choice
-
According to the passage, which of the following is NOT mentioned as a way schools are promoting mental health?
A) Integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum
B) Implementing mindfulness practices
C) Providing more homework to keep students engaged
D) Creating peer support programs -
The passage suggests that having mental health professionals in schools:
A) Is unnecessary if teachers are well-trained
B) Removes barriers to seeking help
C) Is too expensive for most schools
D) Can replace the need for external mental health services
Matching Headings
Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. There are more headings than paragraphs, so you will not use all of them.
- Paragraph 4
- Paragraph 6
- Paragraph 8
Headings:
A) The role of physical activities in mental wellbeing
B) Training staff for mental health support
C) The importance of nutrition in schools
D) Using technology for mental health support
E) Reducing stigma through education
Short Answer Questions
Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
- What type of learning is being integrated into the curriculum to teach skills like self-awareness and emotional regulation?
- What kind of programs involve students being trained to support their peers’ mental health?
- According to the passage, what two activities are recognized for their positive impact on mental health, besides traditional academic subjects?
Answer Key and Explanations
-
False
Explanation: The passage states that SEL programs “not only contribute to better mental health but also improve academic performance and create a more positive school climate.” -
True
Explanation: The text mentions that “Many schools have reported significant improvements in student behavior and concentration after introducing regular mindfulness activities.” -
Not Given
Explanation: While the passage mentions training for teachers, it doesn’t state that all teachers are required to have formal qualifications in mental health support. -
True
Explanation: The passage states, “Schools are incorporating more opportunities for movement and artistic expression into the school day.” -
Not Given
Explanation: The passage discusses the use of technology in mental health support but doesn’t compare its effectiveness to traditional methods. -
C
Explanation: The passage does not mention providing more homework as a way to promote mental health. All other options are mentioned in the text. -
B
Explanation: The passage states that having mental health professionals in schools “removes barriers to seeking help.” -
B
Explanation: Paragraph 4 discusses training teachers and staff to recognize mental health issues and provide initial support. -
A
Explanation: Paragraph 6 talks about incorporating physical activity and creative arts for their positive impact on mental health. -
E
Explanation: Paragraph 8 discusses destigmatizing mental health issues through education and open dialogue. -
Social-emotional learning
Explanation: The passage states, “One of the primary ways schools are addressing mental health is through the integration of social-emotional learning (SEL) into the curriculum.” -
Peer support
Explanation: The text mentions “peer support programs, where students are trained to be mental health advocates.” -
Physical activity and creative arts
Explanation: The passage states, “Physical activity and creative arts are also being recognized for their positive impact on mental health.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overlooking key words: Pay attention to qualifiers like “all,” “some,” or “many.” These can change the meaning of a statement significantly.
- Making assumptions: Stick to the information provided in the text. Don’t let your personal knowledge or opinions influence your answers.
- Misinterpreting “Not Given”: Remember, this option means the information is neither confirmed nor contradicted by the passage.
- Rushing through the text: Take time to understand the overall structure and main ideas of the passage before attempting the questions.
Vocabulary Focus
- Pressing concern: urgent issue
- Prioritizing: giving importance to
- Integration: incorporation
- Curriculum: course of study
- Self-awareness: consciousness of one’s own feelings and behaviors
- Mindfulness: the practice of being fully present and engaged in the moment
- Advocate: supporter or promoter
- Destigmatize: remove negative associations
Grammar Spotlight
Pay attention to the use of present continuous tense to describe ongoing actions and trends in education:
“Schools are recognizing their crucial role…”
“Schools are incorporating more opportunities…”
This tense is often used to discuss current developments and changes in various fields, including education and mental health.
Tips for IELTS Reading Success
- Practice active reading: Engage with the text by asking questions and predicting content as you read.
- Improve your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to education, health, and social issues.
- Time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.
- Skim and scan effectively: Quickly identify main ideas and locate specific information.
- Read instructions carefully: Ensure you understand what each question is asking before answering.
- Use context clues: If you encounter unfamiliar words, try to deduce their meaning from the surrounding text.
- Stay calm and focused: Remember, the information you need is in the passage. Approach each question methodically.
By practicing with passages like this and focusing on improving your reading strategies, you’ll be well-prepared for the IELTS Reading section. Remember, mental health in education is a relevant and important topic, so familiarizing yourself with related vocabulary and concepts can be beneficial beyond just exam preparation.
For more IELTS preparation resources and tips, check out our articles on how to support mental health for young professionals and the importance of health education in schools. Good luck with your IELTS journey!