IELTS Reading Practice: How to Support Mental Health in the Education System

The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to understand complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: supporting mental health in the education system. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its ongoing relevance, is likely to feature in future tests as well.

Let’s dive into a practice reading passage and questions to help you prepare for this type of content in your IELTS exam.

Reading Passage

Mental Health Support in Education: A Holistic Approach

Mental health has become a pressing concern in educational institutions worldwide. As students face increasing academic pressures, social challenges, and uncertain futures, the need for comprehensive mental health support within the education system has never been more critical. This article explores various strategies and initiatives that schools and universities can implement to foster a mentally healthy environment for students and staff alike.

One of the primary ways to support mental health in education is through awareness and education. Many institutions are now incorporating mental health literacy into their curricula, teaching students about common mental health issues, coping strategies, and the importance of seeking help when needed. This approach not only equips students with valuable life skills but also helps to destigmatize mental health concerns.

Another crucial aspect is the provision of accessible mental health services. Schools and universities are increasingly employing on-site counselors and psychologists, offering confidential support to students struggling with various issues. Some institutions have gone a step further by implementing telehealth services, allowing students to access mental health support remotely, which has proven particularly valuable during times of distance learning or for students in rural areas.

Mental health education in classroom

Creating a supportive school climate is equally important. This involves fostering a sense of community, promoting positive relationships between students and staff, and implementing anti-bullying policies. Many schools have introduced peer support programs, where trained students provide a listening ear and guidance to their peers, creating a more approachable first line of support.

Physical well-being plays a significant role in mental health, and schools are recognizing this connection. Initiatives such as promoting regular physical activity, providing nutritious meal options, and educating students about the importance of sleep are becoming more common. Some institutions have even introduced mindfulness and meditation practices into the school day, helping students manage stress and improve focus.

Technology is also being harnessed to support mental health in education. Many schools are using apps and online platforms to provide resources, self-help tools, and even anonymous reporting systems for students to flag concerns about themselves or their peers. These digital solutions offer privacy and accessibility, appealing to tech-savvy students who might be hesitant to seek face-to-face help.

Teacher training is another critical component of mental health support in education. Educators are often the first to notice changes in a student’s behavior or performance that may indicate mental health issues. By providing teachers with mental health first aid training, schools empower them to identify warning signs, offer initial support, and guide students towards professional help when necessary.

Collaboration with families and the wider community is essential for comprehensive mental health support. Schools are increasingly reaching out to parents, offering workshops and resources to help them support their children’s mental health at home. Partnerships with local mental health organizations and healthcare providers can also expand the range of support available to students.

Finally, addressing systemic issues that contribute to poor mental health is crucial. This includes reviewing homework policies to ensure a healthy balance, providing adequate support for students transitioning between educational levels, and creating inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote equity.

By implementing these multifaceted approaches, educational institutions can create an environment that not only supports academic achievement but also nurtures the mental well-being of all members of the school community. As we continue to recognize the importance of mental health in overall well-being and success, these initiatives will likely become standard practice in education systems worldwide.

Questions

True/False/Not Given

Decide if the following statements agree with the information given in the 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

1. Mental health literacy is now being included in some school curricula.
2. All educational institutions now employ on-site counselors and psychologists.
3. Peer support programs have been proven to be more effective than professional counseling.
4. Some schools have introduced mindfulness and meditation practices during the school day.
5. Digital mental health solutions are preferred by all students over face-to-face support.

Multiple Choice

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

6. According to the passage, one of the primary ways to support mental health in education is through:
   A) Increasing academic pressure
   B) Awareness and education
   C) Mandatory counseling sessions
   D) Reducing school hours

7. The article suggests that technology is being used in mental health support by:
   A) Replacing traditional counseling entirely
   B) Monitoring students’ online activities
   C) Providing resources and self-help tools
   D) Conducting online therapy sessions only

Matching Headings

Match the following headings to the correct paragraphs in the passage. Write the correct number i-x next to questions 8-12.

i. The role of physical health in mental well-being
ii. Digital solutions for mental health support
iii. The importance of community involvement
iv. Addressing systemic issues in education
v. Creating a supportive school environment
vi. The need for accessible mental health services
vii. Incorporating mental health awareness into curricula
viii. Teacher training for mental health support
ix. The future of mental health support in education
x. The challenges of implementing mental health programs

8. Paragraph 2 ___
9. Paragraph 3 ___
10. Paragraph 4 ___
11. Paragraph 5 ___
12. Paragraph 6 ___

Short Answer Questions

Answer the following questions using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.

13. What type of policies are mentioned as part of creating a supportive school climate?
14. What practice is mentioned alongside mindfulness to help students manage stress?
15. What kind of training is suggested for teachers to help them support students’ mental health?

Answer Key and Explanations

True/False/Not Given

1. TRUE
   Explanation: The passage states, “Many institutions are now incorporating mental health literacy into their curricula.”

2. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage mentions that “Schools and universities are increasingly employing on-site counselors and psychologists,” which implies that not all institutions have done so yet.

3. NOT GIVEN
   Explanation: While peer support programs are mentioned, there is no comparison made between their effectiveness and professional counseling.

4. TRUE
   Explanation: The passage explicitly states, “Some institutions have even introduced mindfulness and meditation practices into the school day.”

5. FALSE
   Explanation: The passage states that digital solutions offer privacy and accessibility, “appealing to tech-savvy students who might be hesitant to seek face-to-face help,” which implies that not all students prefer digital solutions.

Multiple Choice

6. B) Awareness and education
   Explanation: The passage states, “One of the primary ways to support mental health in education is through awareness and education.”

7. C) Providing resources and self-help tools
   Explanation: The passage mentions, “Many schools are using apps and online platforms to provide resources, self-help tools, and even anonymous reporting systems.”

Matching Headings

8. vii
   Explanation: Paragraph 2 discusses incorporating mental health awareness into curricula.

9. vi
   Explanation: Paragraph 3 focuses on the provision of accessible mental health services.

10. v
    Explanation: Paragraph 4 discusses creating a supportive school climate.

11. i
    Explanation: Paragraph 5 talks about the role of physical well-being in mental health.

12. ii
    Explanation: Paragraph 6 discusses the use of technology and digital solutions for mental health support.

Short Answer Questions

13. anti-bullying policies
    Explanation: The passage mentions “implementing anti-bullying policies” as part of creating a supportive school climate.

14. meditation
    Explanation: The passage states, “Some institutions have even introduced mindfulness and meditation practices into the school day.”

15. mental health first aid
    Explanation: The passage mentions “providing teachers with mental health first aid training.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking subtle differences in wording between the passage and the questions.
2. Making assumptions based on general knowledge rather than the information provided in the text.
3. Failing to carefully read the instructions for each question type.
4. Spending too much time on difficult questions at the expense of easier ones.
5. Not managing time effectively to complete all questions within the allotted time.

Vocabulary

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

1. Holistic (adjective) – /həˈlɪstɪk/ – characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.

2. Destigmatize (verb) – /diːˈstɪɡməˌtaɪz/ – remove associations of shame or disgrace from (something).

3. Telehealth (noun) – /ˈtelɪˌhelθ/ – the provision of healthcare remotely by means of telecommunications technology.

4. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many facets or aspects.

5. Nurture (verb) – /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ – care for and encourage the growth or development of.

Grammar Focus

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

• Present Simple: “Mental health has become a pressing concern…” (used for general truths and habits)
• Present Continuous: “Schools and universities are increasingly employing…” (used for ongoing actions and changing situations)

This use of tenses reflects the current and ongoing nature of the efforts to support mental health in education.

Tips for High Scores in IELTS Reading

1. Practice active reading techniques, such as skimming and scanning.
2. Improve your vocabulary, especially in academic and topic-specific terms.
3. Work on your time management skills to ensure you complete all questions.
4. Familiarize yourself with all question types that appear in the IELTS Reading test.
5. Read widely on various topics to improve your general knowledge and reading speed.
6. Pay attention to transition words and paragraph structures to better understand the text’s organization.
7. Always refer back to the passage when answering questions, avoiding the use of prior knowledge.

Remember, consistent practice with a variety of text types and question formats is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Good luck with your preparation!

For more IELTS practice materials and tips, check out our articles on how to support mental health for teenagers and the importance of mental health days for students.