The inclusion of mental health services in schools has garnered significant attention in recent years, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of student well-being. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2, prompting candidates to analyze and discuss the merits and drawbacks of integrating mental health support within educational settings.
This article will delve into the significance of this topic, analyze a recent IELTS essay question, provide a band-9 model answer, and offer valuable insights into vocabulary and grammar to help you excel in your IELTS writing.
IELTS Essay Question
<blockquote><strong> Some people believe that schools should provide mental health services to students. Others, however, argue that this is the responsibility of parents and families. Discuss both these views and give your own opinion. </strong></blockquote>
Analysis of the Essay Question
This question tackles a social issue within the context of education. It expects you to:
- Discuss both sides: You must present balanced arguments for both the view that schools should provide mental health services and the view that this responsibility lies with parents.
- Present your opinion: Clearly state your stance on the matter, supporting it with relevant examples and reasoning.
Model Essay
<blockquote><strong> The increasing prevalence of mental health issues amongst young people has sparked considerable debate regarding the role of educational institutions in addressing this concern. While some advocate for schools to provide mental health services, others maintain that this responsibility rests primarily with parents and families. This essay will examine both perspectives before presenting my own opinion.
Proponents of schools offering mental health support argue that it ensures early identification and intervention. Schools provide an ideal setting to observe students’ behaviour and identify potential signs of mental distress. Early detection, in turn, allows for timely intervention, potentially preventing more severe problems in the future. Additionally, having these services readily available reduces the stigma often associated with seeking help. When students can access support within their familiar school environment, they are more likely to reach out without fear of judgment.
Conversely, others argue that mental health is fundamentally a family responsibility. Parents, as primary caregivers, are better positioned to understand their child’s emotional and psychological needs. They can offer personalized support and guidance tailored to their child’s unique circumstances. Furthermore, involving families in the process can be instrumental in the long-term management and recovery of students facing mental health challenges.
While I acknowledge the importance of parental involvement, I firmly believe that schools have a crucial role to play in supporting students’ mental well-being. Schools are uniquely positioned to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters mental health. By offering counselling services, implementing mental health awareness programs, and training staff to identify and respond to students’ needs, schools can make a significant difference. This approach, however, should not negate the role of parents. Instead, schools and families should work collaboratively to provide comprehensive support for students.
In conclusion, while parents undoubtedly bear the primary responsibility for their children’s well-being, schools have a moral obligation to provide mental health services to students. Early identification, reduced stigma, and a supportive school environment are crucial factors in addressing this growing concern, ensuring that young people receive the help they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. </strong></blockquote>>
Word count: 320 words
Notes on Vocabulary and Grammar
- Use academic vocabulary: The essay incorporates terms like “prevalence,” “intervention,” “stigma,” and “comprehensive support,” demonstrating a strong command of academic language.
- Vary sentence structure: The essay employs a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences to maintain reader engagement. For instance, “Proponents of schools offering mental health support argue that it ensures early identification and intervention” is a complex sentence effectively conveying the argument.
- Use transition words: Words like “conversely,” “furthermore,” and “in conclusion” ensure a smooth flow of ideas and enhance the essay’s coherence.
- Avoid informal language: The essay maintains a formal tone throughout, avoiding contractions, colloquialisms, and personal anecdotes.
Key Vocabulary
- Prevalence (noun): The commonness or frequency of something. ( /ˈprevələns/)
- Intervention (noun): The act of intervening in a situation to improve it. (/ˌɪntəˈvenʃən/)
- Stigma (noun): A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person. (/ˈstɪɡmə/)
- Tailored (adjective): Made or adapted for a particular purpose or person. (/ˈteɪlərd/)
- Instrumental (adjective): Serving as a crucial means in achieving something. ( /ˌɪnstrəˈmentəl/)
- Collaborative (adjective): Involving two or more parties working together. (/kəˈlæbərətɪv/)
- Comprehensive (adjective): Complete and including everything that is necessary. (/ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/)
Conclusion
Discussing mental health services in schools requires sensitivity, a balanced approach, and a strong command of relevant vocabulary. By understanding both sides of the argument, presenting a clear opinion, and supporting it with relevant examples and reasoning, you can craft a compelling IELTS essay that showcases your writing skills and earns a high band score. Remember to practice writing essays on similar topics related to education, health, and societal issues to broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to articulate your thoughts effectively.
For further practice, consider these related essay questions:
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of incorporating mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques into the school curriculum?
- Some people argue that schools should focus solely on academic performance, while others believe that schools have a broader responsibility to promote students’ overall well-being. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
By continually honing your writing skills and expanding your knowledge base, you can confidently approach any IELTS Writing Task 2 question and achieve your desired score.