The topic of mental health services for youth has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on recent trends and the growing global focus on mental well-being, it’s highly likely that questions related to this subject will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has been featured in past IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people think that the government should provide mental health services for young people. Others believe this is not a priority and there are more important things to spend money on. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.

Analyzing the Question

This question asks you to discuss two contrasting views on government spending priorities regarding mental health services for young people. It requires you to:

1. Explain why some people believe the government should provide mental health services for youth
2. Discuss reasons why others think this is not a priority
3. Present your own opinion on the matter

Remember to address all parts of the question and provide a balanced discussion before stating your personal view.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Mental health has become a pressing concern in modern society, particularly among young people. While some argue that government-funded mental health services for youth should be a priority, others contend that there are more crucial areas for public expenditure. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own stance on the issue.

Proponents of government-provided mental health services for young people argue that early intervention can prevent long-term psychological problems and their associated societal costs. By offering accessible and affordable mental health support, the government can help young individuals overcome challenges such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, which often emerge during formative years. This investment in youth mental health can lead to a more productive and emotionally stable adult population, ultimately benefiting the economy and reducing the burden on healthcare systems in the long run.

On the other hand, those who believe mental health services for youth are not a priority argue that there are more pressing issues demanding government attention and resources. They contend that infrastructure development, education, and physical healthcare should take precedence, as these areas have a more immediate and tangible impact on society. Critics also argue that mental health issues can be addressed through other means, such as family support and community initiatives, without requiring significant government expenditure.

In my opinion, while there are undoubtedly many important areas requiring government funding, investing in mental health services for young people should be considered a priority. The long-term benefits of early intervention in mental health far outweigh the initial costs. By nurturing a mentally healthy youth population, governments can preemptively address numerous social issues, reduce healthcare costs, and foster a more resilient and productive society.

In conclusion, although there are valid arguments for prioritizing other areas of public spending, I believe that the provision of mental health services for young people is a crucial investment in the future well-being of society. Governments should strive to balance various needs, but recognizing the importance of youth mental health is essential for building a stronger, healthier nation.

(Word count: 309)

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Mental health is a big issue these days, especially for young people. Some think the government should provide mental health services for youth, but others say there are more important things to spend money on. I will discuss both views and give my opinion.

Those who support government-funded mental health services for young people say it’s important because it can help prevent bigger problems later in life. If young people can get help early for things like depression or anxiety, they might not have such serious issues when they’re older. This could save the government money in the long run because there would be fewer adults needing expensive treatments. Also, helping young people with their mental health can make them do better in school and work, which is good for the whole country.

On the other hand, some people think there are more important things the government should spend money on. They might say that things like building roads, improving schools, or providing better physical healthcare are more urgent. These things can help everyone in society, not just young people with mental health problems. Some also think that families and communities should be responsible for supporting young people’s mental health, not the government.

In my opinion, I think the government should provide mental health services for young people. Even though other things are important too, mental health affects everything else in a person’s life. If young people are mentally healthy, they can do better in school, get good jobs, and contribute more to society. This will benefit everyone in the long term.

To conclude, while there are many things the government needs to spend money on, I believe that mental health services for young people should be a priority. It’s an investment in the future that will help create a healthier and more productive society.

(Word count: 295)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Mental health is very important for young people. Some people think the government should give mental health services to youth, but others say it’s not the most important thing. I will talk about both ideas and give my opinion.

People who want the government to give mental health services to young people say it’s good because it can help stop big problems later. If young people get help for things like feeling very sad or worried, they might not have big problems when they grow up. This can save money for the government because they won’t need to spend a lot on helping adults with mental health problems. Also, if young people feel good in their minds, they can do better in school and work, which is good for everyone.

But some people think there are more important things to spend money on. They might say that building roads, making schools better, or giving people better doctors and hospitals are more important. These things can help everyone, not just young people who have mental health problems. Some people also think that families should help young people with their mental health, not the government.

I think the government should give mental health services to young people. Even though other things are important too, mental health is very important for everything else in life. If young people have good mental health, they can do well in school, get good jobs, and help make the country better. This will be good for everyone in the future.

In the end, even though the government needs to spend money on many things, I think mental health services for young people are very important. It will help make a better and healthier country in the future.

(Word count: 278)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic. It:

• Fully addresses all parts of the task with a well-developed response
• Presents a clear position throughout the essay
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features
• Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy
• Organizes information coherently and uses cohesion very effectively

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows a competent handling of the task, although with some limitations. It:

• Addresses all parts of the task, although some parts may be more fully covered than others
• Presents a relevant position throughout the essay
• Uses an adequate range of vocabulary with some errors in word choice and spelling
• Uses a mix of simple and complex sentence forms with some errors that do not impede communication
• Arranges information coherently and uses cohesive devices effectively, though with some repetition

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates a modest attempt at addressing the task. It:

• Addresses the task in a general way but may miss some key points
• Presents a position, but it may not be clear throughout the essay
• Uses a limited range of vocabulary with noticeable errors in word choice and spelling
• Uses mainly simple sentences with limited accuracy in more complex structures
• Organizes information with some coherence but may lack overall progression

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Mental health (noun) – /ˈmen.təl helθ/ – The state of one’s psychological and emotional well-being
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. Proponent (noun) – /prəˈpəʊ.nənt/ – A person who supports an idea or course of action
4. Precedence (noun) – /ˈpres.ɪ.dəns/ – The condition of being more important than something else and therefore coming or being dealt with first
5. Resilient (adjective) – /rɪˈzɪl.i.ənt/ – Able to quickly recover from difficult conditions
6. Expenditure (noun) – /ɪkˈspen.dɪ.tʃər/ – The act of spending or using money
7. Preemptively (adverb) – /priˈemp.tɪv.li/ – Taking action in order to prevent an anticipated event from happening
8. Tangible (adjective) – /ˈtæn.dʒə.bəl/ – Clear and definite; real

Conclusion

The topic of mental health services for youth is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:

• The role of schools in providing mental health support
• The impact of social media on youth mental health
• Government funding priorities in healthcare
• The balance between mental and physical health services

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and fully address all parts of the question. Consider posting your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and further improvement.

For more information on related topics, you may find these articles helpful:

• Mental Health Support for Adolescents in Schools
• How to Address the Rising Issue of Mental Health in Youth
• The Role of Mental Health Initiatives in Schools