Mental health screenings in schools have become an increasingly important topic in recent years. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS examinations and is likely to continue being a relevant issue for future tests. After analyzing several past IELTS Writing Task 2 questions, we’ve identified a recurring theme related to mental health in educational settings. Let’s focus on one specific question that closely resembles those seen in actual IELTS exams:
Some people believe that schools should conduct regular mental health screenings for all students. Others think this is unnecessary and potentially harmful. Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Analyzing the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss arguments for mandatory mental health screenings in schools
- Present reasons against such screenings
- Provide a personal opinion on the matter
It’s crucial to address all parts of the question to achieve a high band score. Let’s examine sample essays for different band scores, starting with a high-scoring response.
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)
Mental health has become a pressing concern in modern society, and there is ongoing debate about whether schools should implement mandatory screenings for all students. While some argue that this practice is essential for early intervention and support, others contend that it may be unnecessary and potentially detrimental. This essay will explore both perspectives before presenting my own viewpoint.
Proponents of mental health screenings in schools argue that these assessments can identify students who may be struggling with emotional or psychological issues at an early stage. Early detection allows for timely intervention, which can prevent more severe problems from developing later in life. Moreover, regular screenings can help destigmatize mental health issues by normalizing discussions about emotional well-being within the school environment. This approach could create a more supportive atmosphere for students who may be hesitant to seek help on their own.
On the other hand, critics of mandatory screenings raise valid concerns about privacy and potential negative consequences. They argue that such assessments may infringe upon students’ personal boundaries and could lead to unnecessary labeling or over-diagnosis. There is also the risk that students might feel pressured to provide certain responses, potentially skewing the results and leading to misguided interventions. Furthermore, some argue that schools may not have the resources or expertise to properly conduct these screenings or provide adequate follow-up support.
In my opinion, while the intentions behind mandatory mental health screenings are commendable, a more nuanced approach may be more effective. Instead of imposing blanket screenings on all students, schools could focus on creating a supportive environment that encourages open discussions about mental health. This could involve integrating mental health education into the curriculum, training teachers to recognize signs of distress, and providing easily accessible counseling services. Such a holistic approach would address mental health concerns without the potential drawbacks of mandatory screenings.
In conclusion, while mental health screenings in schools have the potential to identify and support struggling students, they also come with significant challenges and risks. A balanced approach that prioritizes education, awareness, and voluntary support systems may be more beneficial in promoting students’ mental well-being without compromising their privacy or autonomy.
(Word count: 345)
Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)
This essay demonstrates excellence in several key areas:
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Task Achievement: The essay fully addresses all parts of the question, discussing both views and providing a clear personal opinion.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with clear paragraphing and effective use of linking words (“On the other hand”, “Moreover”, “Furthermore”).
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Lexical Resource: The writer uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately (“proponents”, “destigmatize”, “infringe upon”, “nuanced approach”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay showcases a variety of complex sentence structures with minimal errors.
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Critical Thinking: The writer presents a balanced view and offers a thoughtful alternative solution in the opinion paragraph.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)
Mental health is a big problem these days, and some people think schools should check all students regularly. Others say this is not needed and might cause problems. I will talk about both sides and give my opinion.
People who support mental health checks in schools say it can help find students with problems early. If we find these problems quickly, we can help students before things get worse. Also, if we talk about mental health more in schools, students might feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.
However, some people think these checks are not a good idea. They worry about students’ privacy and say that the checks might make some students feel bad or different from others. There’s also a chance that schools might not have enough money or trained people to do these checks properly.
In my opinion, I think schools should not force all students to have mental health checks. Instead, they should teach students about mental health and how to take care of themselves. Schools can also train teachers to notice when students might need help and make it easy for students to talk to a counselor if they want to.
To sum up, while mental health checks in schools might help some students, they could also cause problems. I believe that teaching students about mental health and giving them ways to get help if they need it is a better way to support their well-being.
(Word count: 250)
Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)
This essay demonstrates competence but falls short of excellence in several areas:
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Task Achievement: The essay addresses all parts of the question but lacks depth in its analysis.
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Coherence and Cohesion: The essay has a clear structure, but the use of cohesive devices is limited and sometimes repetitive (“Also”, “However”).
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Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is adequate but lacks sophistication. There is some repetition (“problems”, “checks”).
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Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses mostly simple and compound sentences with few complex structures.
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Critical Thinking: The writer presents both views and offers an opinion, but the analysis lacks nuance and depth compared to the Band 8-9 essay.
Key Vocabulary for this Topic
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Mental health screening (noun): A process of checking for signs of mental health issues.
Pronunciation: /ˈmen.təl helθ ˈskriː.nɪŋ/ -
Early intervention (noun): Action taken as soon as possible to tackle a problem.
Pronunciation: /ˈɜː.li ˌɪn.tə.ˈven.ʃən/ -
Destigmatize (verb): To remove the negative associations or shame attached to something.
Pronunciation: /diːˈstɪɡ.mə.taɪz/ -
Over-diagnosis (noun): The practice of labeling a condition as a problem when it isn’t.
Pronunciation: /ˌəʊ.və.daɪ.əɡˈnəʊ.sɪs/ -
Holistic approach (noun): A method of treatment that considers the whole person, not just symptoms.
Pronunciation: /həˈlɪs.tɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ -
Well-being (noun): The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy.
Pronunciation: /wel ˈbiː.ɪŋ/ -
Autonomy (noun): The right or condition of self-government; freedom from external control.
Pronunciation: /ɔːˈtɒn.ə.mi/
In conclusion, the topic of mandatory mental health screenings in schools is a complex and nuanced issue that requires careful consideration. As you practice for your IELTS Writing Task 2, consider exploring related topics such as the role of technology in mental health support, the impact of academic pressure on student well-being, or the balance between privacy and support in educational settings.
We encourage you to practice writing your own essay on this topic and share it in the comments section below. This active practice is an excellent way to improve your writing skills and prepare for the IELTS exam. Remember to carefully address all parts of the question, use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, and present a clear and well-supported argument.