The topic of mental health checkups as a routine practice is becoming increasingly relevant in today’s society. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a recurring theme. Given its importance and potential frequency, let’s examine a related question that has been featured in recent IELTS Writing Task 2 tests:

Some people think that mental health check-ups should be mandatory, just like physical check-ups. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether mental health check-ups should be compulsory, similar to physical health examinations. It’s an agree/disagree type question, which means you need to clearly state your position and support it with relevant arguments and examples.

Key points to consider:

• The comparison between mental and physical health check-ups
• The concept of mandatory health screenings
• Potential benefits and drawbacks of compulsory mental health evaluations
• Ethical considerations regarding personal privacy and autonomy

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of mental health, leading some to advocate for mandatory mental health check-ups akin to routine physical examinations. While I acknowledge the potential benefits of such a policy, I ultimately disagree with making mental health screenings compulsory due to concerns about privacy, effectiveness, and potential stigmatization.

Undoubtedly, regular mental health assessments could yield significant benefits for individuals and society at large. Early detection of mental health issues could lead to timely interventions, potentially preventing the escalation of problems that might otherwise result in severe personal distress or even harmful behaviors. Moreover, normalizing mental health check-ups could help reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, encouraging more people to seek help when needed.

However, the mandatory nature of such check-ups raises serious ethical concerns. Mental health is a deeply personal matter, and forcing individuals to undergo evaluations could be seen as an infringement on personal privacy and autonomy. Unlike physical health issues, which often have clear, objective markers, mental health assessment relies heavily on self-reporting and subjective evaluation. This subjectivity makes it challenging to implement standardized, compulsory screenings that would be truly effective and fair for all individuals.

Furthermore, there is a risk that mandatory mental health check-ups could paradoxically increase stigma and discrimination. If such evaluations become linked to employment, insurance, or other important aspects of life, individuals might fear being labeled or disadvantaged based on their mental health status. This could lead to people concealing their true feelings or experiences during assessments, defeating the purpose of the check-ups and potentially exacerbating mental health issues.

Instead of making mental health check-ups mandatory, I believe a more effective approach would be to improve access to voluntary mental health services and education. By increasing awareness about mental health, destigmatizing seeking help, and ensuring that quality mental health care is readily available and affordable, we can encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards maintaining their mental well-being without infringing on personal freedoms.

In conclusion, while the intention behind mandatory mental health check-ups is commendable, the potential drawbacks outweigh the benefits. A more balanced approach that respects individual autonomy while promoting mental health awareness and accessibility to care is likely to be more effective and ethically sound in addressing society’s mental health needs.

(Word count: 395)

Mental health services and education promotion

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

The idea of making mental health check-ups mandatory, like physical check-ups, is an interesting one that has both advantages and disadvantages. While I can see some benefits to this approach, I ultimately disagree with making it compulsory for everyone.

On the positive side, regular mental health check-ups could help identify problems early. Many people might not realize they have mental health issues, and routine screenings could catch these problems before they become serious. This could lead to better overall mental health in society and possibly reduce more severe mental illnesses. Also, if everyone had to get mental health check-ups, it might help reduce the stigma around mental health problems.

However, there are several reasons why I don’t think these check-ups should be mandatory. First, mental health is very personal and complex. Unlike physical health tests that can measure things like blood pressure or cholesterol levels, mental health assessments often rely on people talking about their feelings and experiences. Forcing people to do this might not give accurate results if they don’t feel comfortable sharing.

Another problem is that mandatory check-ups could make some people feel like their privacy is being invaded. Mental health is a sensitive topic, and some individuals might not want to discuss it with a professional unless they choose to do so themselves. There’s also a risk that if these check-ups are required for things like jobs or insurance, it could lead to discrimination against people with mental health issues.

I think a better approach would be to make mental health services more available and encourage people to use them voluntarily. This could include offering free or low-cost counseling, providing more education about mental health in schools and workplaces, and creating campaigns to reduce stigma around seeking help for mental health issues.

In conclusion, while regular mental health check-ups could have some benefits, making them mandatory for everyone is not the best solution. Instead, we should focus on making mental health care more accessible and encouraging people to take care of their mental health willingly.

(Word count: 339)

Sample Essay 3 (Band 5-6)

Nowadays, some people think that mental health check-ups should be mandatory like physical check-ups. I partly agree with this idea because it has both good and bad points.

On the one hand, making mental health check-ups mandatory could help many people. If everyone had to get their mental health checked regularly, it might find problems early. This is good because early treatment can stop small problems from becoming big ones. Also, if everyone does it, maybe people won’t feel so shy about talking about mental health. It could make it more normal.

But on the other hand, forcing people to have mental health check-ups might not be a good idea. Some people might not want to talk about their feelings with a doctor. It’s very personal, and not everyone feels comfortable sharing these things. Also, if these check-ups are required for jobs or school, it might not be fair. Some people might be treated differently if they have mental health problems.

I think a better way is to make mental health services easier to get, but not force people to use them. We could have more mental health doctors and make it cheaper to see them. Schools and workplaces could teach people about mental health so they know when to get help. This way, people can choose to get help if they want to.

In conclusion, while mandatory mental health check-ups could help some people, it’s not the best solution for everyone. It’s better to give people more choices and information about mental health care instead of forcing them to have check-ups.

(Word count: 270)

Explanation of Band Scores

Band 8-9 Essay:

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

• Clear position with a nuanced argument
• Well-developed ideas with specific examples and explanations
• Cohesive structure with clear paragraphing and use of linking devices
• Wide range of vocabulary used accurately and appropriately
• Complex sentence structures with few, if any, errors

Band 6-7 Essay:

This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band:

• Clear position with some supporting arguments
• Ideas are developed, but with less depth and specificity
• Generally coherent structure with some use of cohesive devices
• Good range of vocabulary with some less common words
• Mix of simple and complex sentences with some minor errors

Band 5-6 Essay:

This essay demonstrates adequate writing skills but has noticeable limitations:

• Position is stated but arguments are simpler and less developed
• Basic ideas are presented but lack depth and specific examples
• Paragraphing is present but cohesion between ideas is limited
• Vocabulary is sufficient but simpler and more repetitive
• Sentences are generally simple with some attempts at complexity
• More frequent grammatical errors, though meaning remains clear

IELTS Writing Task 2 band scores comparison chart

Key Vocabulary to Remember

1. Mandatory (adjective) /ˈmændətɔːri/: Required by law or rules; compulsory.

2. Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡmə/: A mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person.

3. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/: The action or process of intervening, especially in a problematic situation.

4. Autonomy (noun) /ɔːˈtɒnəmi/: The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control or influence.

5. Paradoxically (adverb) /ˌpærəˈdɒksɪkli/: In a seemingly contradictory or absurd way that is actually true.

6. Proactive (adjective) /prəʊˈæktɪv/: Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it after it has happened.

7. Destigmatize (verb) /diːˈstɪɡmətaɪz/: To remove the negative associations or social disapproval attached to something.

8. Escalation (noun) /ˌeskəˈleɪʃn/: A rapid increase; a rise.

9. Infringement (noun) /ɪnˈfrɪndʒmənt/: The action of breaking the terms of a law, agreement, etc.; a breach.

10. Accessibility (noun) /əkˌsesəˈbɪləti/: The quality of being able to be reached or entered; the quality of being easy to obtain or use.

Mental health awareness and education initiatives

In conclusion, the topic of mandatory mental health check-ups presents a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. While regular mental health assessments could potentially benefit individuals and society, the mandatory nature of such check-ups raises significant ethical and practical concerns. As you practice writing essays on this topic, consider exploring related themes such as:

• The role of schools and workplaces in promoting mental health awareness
• The impact of social media on mental health and potential screening measures
• Comparing mental health approaches in different cultures and healthcare systems

We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This exercise will help you refine your writing skills and engage in meaningful discussions about mental health policies and practices.