Supporting Mental Health in Crisis: IELTS Writing Task 2 Sample Essays and Analysis

Mental health support during crises is a critical topic that has gained increasing attention in recent years. This subject has appeared in several IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, reflecting its relevance in today’s society. Given the growing awareness of mental health issues, it’s likely that this theme will continue to feature in future IELTS exams. Let’s explore a sample question and provide model essays to help you prepare for this topic.

Mental Health Crisis Support

Analyzing the Question

Some people believe that governments should focus on providing mental health support during times of crisis, such as natural disasters or pandemics. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?

This question asks for your opinion on the role of governments in providing mental health support during crises. Key points to consider:

1. The main focus is on government responsibility.
2. The context is specifically during crises (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics).
3. You need to express the extent of your agreement or disagreement.
4. You should provide reasons and examples to support your stance.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In times of crisis, the mental well-being of citizens becomes particularly vulnerable, and I strongly agree that governments should prioritize providing mental health support during such periods. This essay will explore the reasons why government intervention in mental health is crucial during crises and discuss the potential benefits of such support.

Firstly, crises such as natural disasters or pandemics can have a profound psychological impact on individuals and communities. The stress, uncertainty, and potential trauma associated with these events can lead to a surge in mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Governments, with their resources and reach, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges on a large scale. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries established national mental health hotlines and online counseling services, providing crucial support to millions of citizens struggling with isolation and anxiety.

Moreover, government-led mental health initiatives during crises can help maintain social stability and facilitate faster recovery. When individuals receive adequate psychological support, they are better equipped to cope with challenges, make rational decisions, and contribute positively to society. This, in turn, can prevent the exacerbation of social problems that often arise during crises, such as increased crime rates or domestic violence. For example, after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the government’s comprehensive mental health response, including community-based support programs, played a significant role in helping affected communities rebuild and recover.

However, it is important to note that government focus on mental health should not be limited to crisis periods alone. While crises may exacerbate mental health issues, ongoing support and infrastructure development are equally important. Governments should work towards creating robust mental health systems that can be quickly mobilized and scaled up during crises, while also providing continuous support during normal times.

In conclusion, I firmly believe that governments should prioritize mental health support during crises. The far-reaching impact of such support on individual well-being and societal stability cannot be overstated. By investing in mental health services during challenging times, governments can not only alleviate immediate suffering but also build more resilient communities capable of withstanding future crises.

(Word count: 340)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

I agree that governments should focus on providing mental health support during crisis situations like natural disasters or pandemics. This essay will discuss why this is important and some ways governments can help.

Firstly, crisis situations can cause a lot of stress and worry for people. Natural disasters can make people lose their homes or loved ones, which is very upsetting. Pandemics like COVID-19 can make people feel scared about their health and worried about the future. These feelings can lead to mental health problems like anxiety and depression. Governments have the power and money to help many people at once, so they should use this to support mental health.

Secondly, when people have good mental health, they can deal with problems better. This means they can help themselves and others during a crisis. For example, if someone feels calm and supported, they might be able to help their neighbors or follow important safety rules. This can make the whole community stronger and recover faster from the crisis.

There are several ways governments can provide mental health support. They can set up phone lines for people to call if they need to talk to someone. They can also train more counselors and make sure mental health services are free or cheap. Additionally, governments can use TV, radio, and social media to share information about how to take care of mental health during difficult times.

However, it’s also important for governments to think about mental health all the time, not just during crises. They should work on making mental health services better in general, so they’re ready when a crisis happens.

In conclusion, I believe it’s very important for governments to focus on mental health during crises. This can help people feel better and cope with difficult situations. It can also help communities recover faster. Governments should use their resources to provide various forms of mental health support during these challenging times.

(Word count: 309)

Key Points to Remember When Writing

1. Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The higher band essay has more sophisticated paragraph development and transitions.

2. Language: The Band 8-9 essay uses more advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, while the Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.

3. Arguments: Both essays present clear arguments, but the higher band essay provides more detailed examples and explores the topic more deeply.

4. Coherence and Cohesion: The Band 8-9 essay demonstrates better use of cohesive devices and a more logical flow of ideas.

5. Task Response: Both essays address the question directly, but the higher band essay provides a more nuanced perspective and considers counterarguments.

Vocabulary to Remember

1. Vulnerable (adjective) /ˈvʌl.nər.ə.bəl/: Easily hurt or harmed physically, emotionally, or mentally.

2. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪn.təˈven.ʃən/: The act of becoming involved in a difficult situation to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.

3. Exacerbate (verb) /ɪɡˈzæs.ər.beɪt/: To make a bad situation even worse.

4. Resilient (adjective) /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/: Able to quickly recover from difficult conditions.

5. Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/: Including everything or all important aspects of something.

6. Alleviate (verb) /əˈliː.vi.eɪt/: To make something bad less severe.

7. Mobilize (verb) /ˈməʊ.bə.laɪz/: To organize people or resources to be used for a particular purpose.

8. Infrastructure (noun) /ˈɪn.frəˌstrʌk.tʃər/: The basic systems and services that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively.

In conclusion, writing about mental health support during crises requires a good understanding of the topic and the ability to present clear arguments. Practice writing essays on similar topics, such as the role of community support in mental health or the impact of technology on mental health services during crises. Remember to focus on structure, vocabulary, and providing relevant examples to support your points. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement!