Mental health services in schools have become an increasingly important topic in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on recent exam data and trends, questions about student mental health support appear approximately once every 3-4 months, making it a high-frequency topic. This theme connects strongly with should mental health checkups be routine and reflects growing global concern about youth mental wellbeing.
The importance of mental health services in schools for student wellbeing
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that schools should provide mental health services like counseling and psychological support for all students. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
This question requires examining the role of schools in supporting student mental health, similar to discussions about The role of public health education in disease prevention. Let’s analyze three sample responses at different band levels.
Band 8.5 Sample Essay
In my opinion, I strongly agree that educational institutions should offer comprehensive mental health support services to their student body. This approach is crucial for creating a healthy learning environment and ensuring students’ overall wellbeing.
Firstly, school-based mental health services can provide early intervention and prevention of serious psychological issues. Many mental health conditions first manifest during school years, and having professional support readily available allows for prompt identification and treatment. For instance, in South Korea, schools that implemented counseling services reported a significant decrease in cases of severe anxiety and depression among students.
Moreover, integrating mental health services into schools reduces the stigma associated with seeking psychological help. When these services become a normal part of school life, similar to how Addressing mental health issues: how societies and governments can better handle them, students are more likely to seek assistance without fear of judgment. This normalization creates a more supportive and understanding school community.
Furthermore, accessible mental health services can significantly improve academic performance. Students struggling with emotional or psychological challenges often experience decreased academic performance. Professional support can help them develop coping mechanisms and stress management skills, ultimately enhancing their learning capacity and educational outcomes.
In conclusion, providing mental health services in schools is essential for creating a supportive educational environment that promotes both academic success and personal wellbeing. The benefits extend beyond individual students to create healthier, more resilient school communities.
Band 6.5 Sample Essay
I agree that schools should give mental health services to students. This is important because many students have problems that need help.
First, many students feel stress from studying and exams. When they have counselors at school, they can talk about their problems easily. For example, in my country, many students feel very worried about university entrance exams, and talking to counselors helps them feel better.
Second, mental health problems can affect studies badly. If students are sad or worried, they cannot concentrate on their lessons. School counselors can help them solve their problems so they can study better. This is like how impact of environmental policies on financial markets affects business performance.
Also, some students have family problems or friend problems. These problems make them feel bad and sometimes they don’t want to come to school. If schools have mental health services, these students can get help quickly.
In conclusion, I think schools should definitely provide mental health services because it helps students deal with their problems and study better.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear organization with well-developed ideas
- Effective use of examples
- Coherent arguments with smooth transitions
- Academic tone throughout
Band 6.5 Essay Features:
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple but mostly accurate grammar
- Some development of ideas
- Basic organization
- Limited range of expressions
Key Vocabulary to Remember
- Psychological support (n.) /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl səˈpɔːt/ – mental or emotional assistance
- Early intervention (n.) /ˈɜːli ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/ – acting quickly to address problems
- Stigma (n.) /ˈstɪɡmə/ – negative attitudes about mental health
- Coping mechanisms (n.) /ˈkəʊpɪŋ ˈmekənɪzəmz/ – ways to deal with stress
- Resilient (adj.) /rɪˈzɪliənt/ – able to recover from difficulties
Practice Suggestions
Try writing your own essay on this related topic:
“Should schools make mental health education a mandatory part of their curriculum?”
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and discussion.
