Mental health in schools has become an increasingly important topic in recent years, reflecting a growing awareness of its impact on students’ overall well-being and academic performance. This subject has also gained traction in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, appearing with increasing frequency in recent exams. Based on our analysis of past IELTS questions and current trends, we anticipate that this topic will continue to be a popular choice for future exams.
Let’s examine a relevant IELTS Writing Task 2 question that aligns closely with this theme:
Some people believe that schools should take responsibility for teaching students about mental health and well-being. Others think this is not the role of schools and should be left to parents and healthcare professionals. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question presents two contrasting viewpoints on the role of schools in mental health education:
- Schools should be responsible for teaching mental health and well-being.
- Mental health education should be left to parents and healthcare professionals.
The task requires you to:
- Discuss both perspectives
- Provide your own opinion
- Support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations
Sample Essays for Different Band Scores
Band 8 Essay Sample
Mental health has become a critical issue in modern society, prompting debates about who should be responsible for educating young people on this topic. While some argue that schools should take on this role, others believe it should be left to parents and healthcare professionals. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving all these parties would be most effective in addressing this crucial aspect of students’ development.
Those who advocate for schools teaching mental health and well-being argue that educational institutions are uniquely positioned to reach all students systematically. Schools can integrate mental health education into their curriculum, ensuring that every student receives consistent and accurate information about emotional well-being, stress management, and recognizing signs of mental health issues. Moreover, teachers often have daily interactions with students, allowing them to observe changes in behavior and provide timely support or referrals when necessary.
On the other hand, proponents of leaving mental health education to parents and healthcare professionals argue that these groups possess specialized knowledge and personal connections that schools may lack. Parents have an intimate understanding of their children’s personalities and family histories, which can be crucial in addressing mental health concerns. Healthcare professionals, particularly psychologists and psychiatrists, have extensive training in mental health and can provide expert guidance on complex issues that teachers may not be equipped to handle.
In my view, the most effective approach would be a collaborative effort between schools, parents, and healthcare professionals. Schools can provide a foundation of mental health education through structured programs and daily support, while parents reinforce these lessons at home and provide personalized guidance. Healthcare professionals can contribute by offering specialized workshops, training school staff, and being available for consultations when more complex issues arise.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that students receive comprehensive mental health education and support from various angles, maximizing the chances of fostering good mental health practices and early intervention when problems occur. By combining the strengths of each group, we can create a robust support system that addresses the diverse mental health needs of students in today’s challenging world.
In conclusion, while the debate about responsibility for mental health education is valid, the most beneficial solution lies in collaboration. By involving schools, parents, and healthcare professionals, we can create a holistic approach to mental health education that equips students with the knowledge and support they need to navigate their emotional well-being throughout their lives.
(Word count: 395)
Band 7 Essay Sample
The question of who should be responsible for teaching students about mental health and well-being is a topic of much debate. While some believe that schools should take on this responsibility, others argue that it should be left to parents and healthcare professionals. Both viewpoints have merit, and I believe that a combined approach would be most beneficial.
Those who support schools teaching mental health argue that educational institutions have a unique opportunity to reach all students. Schools can incorporate mental health education into their curriculum, ensuring that every student receives basic information about emotional well-being and stress management. Teachers interact with students daily and can identify potential issues early on, providing support or referring students to appropriate resources.
On the other hand, those who believe mental health education should be the responsibility of parents and healthcare professionals have valid points. Parents know their children best and can provide personalized support. Healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, have specialized training in mental health and can offer expert guidance on complex issues that teachers may not be equipped to handle.
In my opinion, the most effective approach would be a collaboration between schools, parents, and healthcare professionals. Schools can provide a foundation of mental health education, while parents reinforce these lessons at home. Healthcare professionals can contribute by offering specialized workshops and being available for consultations when needed.
This combined approach ensures that students receive comprehensive mental health education and support. It allows for the strengths of each group to be utilized, creating a more robust system for addressing students’ mental health needs.
In conclusion, while there are arguments for both sides, I believe that a collaborative effort between schools, parents, and healthcare professionals is the best way to address mental health education for students. This approach provides a well-rounded support system that can better equip young people to manage their mental well-being.
(Word count: 309)
Band 6 Essay Sample
Mental health is an important topic for young people. Some people think schools should teach about it, but others say parents and doctors should do this. I will discuss both ideas and give my opinion.
Schools teaching mental health can be good because they can reach many students. Teachers can include lessons about feeling good and dealing with stress in their classes. They see students every day and can help if someone has problems.
But some people think parents and doctors should teach about mental health. Parents know their children very well and can give personal help. Doctors know a lot about mental health and can give expert advice that teachers might not know.
I think the best way is for schools, parents, and doctors to work together. Schools can teach basic things about mental health. Parents can continue these lessons at home. Doctors can give special talks at school and help when there are big problems.
This way, students get help from different places, which is better for their mental health. It uses the good points of each group to help students the most.
To finish, I believe that schools, parents, and doctors should all help teach about mental health. This gives students the best chance to learn how to take care of their mental health.
(Word count: 218)
Explanation of Band Scores
Band 8 Essay:
- This essay demonstrates a high level of coherence and cohesion, with ideas logically organized and well-developed.
- It uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including more sophisticated terms like “systematic,” “intimate understanding,” and “multi-faceted approach.”
- The grammatical structures are varied and complex, with few errors.
- It fully addresses all parts of the task, providing a balanced discussion of both views and a clear personal opinion.
- The conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces the writer’s position.
Band 7 Essay:
- This essay is well-organized and coherent, with clear progression throughout.
- It uses a good range of vocabulary, though not as sophisticated as the Band 8 essay.
- The grammatical structures are generally well-controlled, with some complex sentences.
- It addresses all parts of the task, providing a discussion of both views and a personal opinion.
- The conclusion summarizes the main points and restates the writer’s opinion.
Band 6 Essay:
- This essay is coherent and generally well-organized, though the ideas are less developed than in higher band essays.
- It uses a more limited range of vocabulary, with some repetition.
- The grammatical structures are mostly simple, with some errors that do not impede communication.
- It addresses the task, discussing both views and providing a personal opinion, but with less depth and detail.
- The conclusion restates the main points but is less sophisticated than higher band essays.
Key Vocabulary to Remember
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Mental health (noun) /ˈmen.təl helθ/ – The state of one’s psychological and emotional well-being.
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Well-being (noun) /ˌwel ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ – The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
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Curriculum (noun) /kəˈrɪk.jə.ləm/ – The subjects comprising a course of study in a school or college.
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Intervention (noun) /ˌɪn.təˈven.ʃən/ – The action of becoming involved in a difficult situation in order to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.
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Collaborate (verb) /kəˈlæb.ə.reɪt/ – To work jointly on an activity or project.
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Holistic (adjective) /hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk/ – Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are interconnected and can be explained only by reference to the whole.
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Reinforce (verb) /ˌriː.ɪnˈfɔːrs/ – To strengthen or support, especially with additional personnel or material.
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Equip (verb) /ɪˈkwɪp/ – To provide someone with the tools or knowledge they need to do something.
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Multi-faceted (adjective) /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – Having many different aspects or features.
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Systematic (adjective) /ˌsɪs.təˈmæt.ɪk/ – Done or acting according to a fixed plan or system; methodical.
Mental health education in schools
In conclusion, the topic of mental health in schools is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare effectively, consider practicing with similar topics such as:
- The role of schools in promoting physical health and nutrition
- The importance of teaching life skills in schools
- The balance between academic subjects and emotional intelligence in education
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to focus on addressing all parts of the question, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and organizing your ideas coherently.
