Mental health is an increasingly important topic in today’s society, and its significance is reflected in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the topic “importance of public policies in promoting mental health,” including sample essays and valuable insights for IELTS test-takers.
Based on recent trends and past exam questions, it’s highly likely that this topic will continue to appear in future IELTS Writing Task 2 tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent exams:
Some people believe that governments should be responsible for promoting good mental health among their citizens. Others think that individuals should take care of their own mental well-being. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires you to:
- Discuss the view that governments should be responsible for promoting good mental health.
- Discuss the view that individuals should take care of their own mental well-being.
- Provide your own opinion on the matter.
Remember to address all parts of the question and support your arguments with relevant examples and explanations.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Mental health has become a critical concern in modern society, and there is ongoing debate about who should bear the primary responsibility for promoting it. While some argue that governments should take the lead, others believe individuals should be accountable for their own mental well-being. In my opinion, a collaborative approach involving both government initiatives and personal responsibility is the most effective way to address this complex issue.
Proponents of government intervention argue that mental health is a public health concern that requires systematic, large-scale solutions. Governments have the resources and authority to implement comprehensive policies that can reach entire populations. For instance, they can allocate funding for mental health services, integrate mental health education into school curricula, and launch public awareness campaigns. Moreover, governments can enact legislation to protect workers’ mental health, such as mandating stress management programs in workplaces or regulating work hours to prevent burnout.
On the other hand, those who advocate for individual responsibility contend that mental well-being is deeply personal and ultimately depends on one’s own choices and actions. They argue that individuals are best positioned to understand their own needs and should take proactive steps to maintain their mental health. This can include practicing self-care, seeking therapy when needed, cultivating healthy relationships, and developing coping mechanisms for stress. Additionally, personal responsibility fosters resilience and empowers individuals to take control of their mental well-being rather than relying solely on external support.
In my view, the most effective approach to promoting mental health involves a synergy between government initiatives and individual efforts. Governments can create a supportive environment by providing resources, education, and accessible mental health services. This foundation enables individuals to make informed decisions and take meaningful actions to support their own mental well-being. For example, a government-funded mental health awareness campaign can educate the public about the importance of self-care and available resources, empowering individuals to take charge of their mental health within a supportive societal framework.
In conclusion, while both government involvement and individual responsibility play crucial roles in promoting mental health, a balanced approach that combines these elements is likely to yield the best outcomes. By fostering a society that values mental health at both the institutional and personal levels, we can create a more resilient and psychologically healthy population.
(Word count: 365)
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Mental health is a big problem in today’s world, and people have different ideas about who should be responsible for it. Some think the government should help, while others say it’s up to individuals. I believe both have important roles to play.
Those who support government involvement say that mental health is a public issue. Governments have money and power to make big changes. They can create laws to protect people’s mental health at work, provide free counseling services, and teach about mental health in schools. For example, the government can start programs to help people deal with stress or depression.
On the other hand, people who think individuals should be responsible say that mental health is very personal. Each person knows themselves best and should take care of their own mind. This can mean doing things like exercising, meditating, or talking to friends when feeling down. They say that if people rely too much on the government, they might not learn how to cope with problems on their own.
I think both the government and individuals have important parts to play. The government can create a good environment for mental health by providing services and education. This helps people understand mental health better. Then, individuals can use this knowledge to take care of themselves. For instance, if the government provides free mental health checkups, people can choose to go and learn about their own mental health.
In conclusion, I believe that the best way to promote good mental health is for governments and individuals to work together. The government should provide support and resources, while individuals should take responsibility for using these resources and taking care of themselves. This way, we can create a society where everyone’s mental health is valued and protected.
(Word count: 292)
Key Points to Note When Writing
Structure: Both essays follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs discussing both views, the writer’s opinion, and a conclusion. This organization is crucial for achieving a high band score.
Vocabulary: The Band 8-9 essay uses more sophisticated vocabulary and phrases, such as “systematic, large-scale solutions,” “comprehensive policies,” and “foster resilience.” The Band 6-7 essay uses simpler language but still maintains clarity.
Grammar: The higher band essay demonstrates a wider range of complex sentence structures, while the lower band essay uses simpler constructions. Both are grammatically correct, but the complexity differs.
Coherence and Cohesion: Both essays use appropriate linking words and phrases to connect ideas, but the Band 8-9 essay shows more sophisticated transitions and a smoother flow of ideas.
Task Response: Both essays address all parts of the question, but the Band 8-9 essay provides more detailed explanations and examples.
Public mental health policies
Vocabulary to Remember
Mental well-being (noun) /ˈmen.təl wel-ˈbiː.ɪŋ/: A state of psychological and emotional health.
Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.
Proactive (adjective) /proʊˈæk.tɪv/: Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.
Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒm.prɪˈhen.sɪv/: Including or dealing with all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.
Intervention (noun) /ˌɪn.təˈven.ʃən/: The action or process of intervening or taking action in a situation.
Burnout (noun) /ˈbɜːn.aʊt/: Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.
Empower (verb) /ɪmˈpaʊər/: Give (someone) the authority or power to do something.
Synergy (noun) /ˈsɪn.ə.dʒi/: The interaction or cooperation of two or more organizations, substances, or other agents to produce a combined effect greater than the sum of their separate effects.
Conclusion
The topic of public policies in promoting mental health is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare, practice writing essays on related topics such as:
- The role of schools in promoting mental health among students
- The impact of workplace policies on employees’ mental well-being
- The effectiveness of public awareness campaigns in reducing mental health stigma
Remember to analyze the question carefully, plan your essay structure, and use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures appropriate to your target band score. Feel free to share your practice essays in the comments section below for feedback and discussion with fellow IELTS aspirants.
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