Mental health support in universities has become an increasingly prominent topic in IELTS Writing Task 2 examinations. Based on analysis of past papers and current trends, questions about student mental health and university responsibilities have appeared multiple times in recent years, particularly in academic modules.
The importance of mental health support in education has gained significant attention, making it crucial for IELTS candidates to be well-prepared for this topic.
Sample Question Analysis
Some people believe that universities should prioritize mental health support for students over academic and sports facilities. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to express their opinion about the allocation of university resources between mental health services and other facilities. The key aspects to address are:
- Priority of different university services
- Importance of mental health support
- Balance between academic, physical, and mental well-being
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
The debate over whether universities should prioritize students’ mental health support over other facilities is increasingly relevant in today’s high-pressure academic environment. While I partially agree that mental health services deserve significant attention, I believe a balanced approach is more beneficial.
Universities must recognize that mental health support is fundamental to student success. Research consistently shows that students experiencing psychological distress perform poorly academically and are more likely to drop out. By investing in comprehensive counseling services and mental health programs, institutions can help students manage stress, anxiety, and depression effectively, thereby enabling them to achieve their full potential.
The challenges of addressing student mental health are complex and require careful consideration. However, academic and sports facilities play equally crucial roles in student development. Well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and research centers are essential for quality education, while sports facilities promote physical health and social interaction, both of which contribute to better mental well-being.
The optimal approach would be to integrate mental health support into the broader university infrastructure rather than treating it as a competing priority. For instance, universities could incorporate wellness centers within academic buildings or provide mental health resources in sports facilities. This integration would create a holistic support system that addresses students’ physical, academic, and psychological needs simultaneously.
how to address the rising issue of mental health in youth requires innovative solutions. Therefore, universities should allocate resources based on comprehensive student needs assessment rather than prioritizing one aspect over others.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
In modern society, many students face mental health problems during their university life. Some people think universities should focus more on mental health support than other facilities. I agree with this opinion for several reasons.
Firstly, good mental health is very important for students’ success. When students feel stressed or depressed, they cannot study well or enjoy university life. Many students face problems like exam stress and homesickness, so they need help from counselors and mental health experts.
addressing mental health in students is more important than having fancy sports buildings. Although sports are good for health, students cannot play sports if they are feeling mentally unwell. Also, students can find other places to play sports, but they cannot easily find professional mental health support outside university.
However, universities still need basic academic facilities like classrooms and libraries. These are necessary for learning. But they don’t need to spend too much money on expensive sports centers when students need mental health support more.
In conclusion, I think universities should make mental health support their main priority because it affects everything else in students’ lives. Without good mental health, students cannot use other facilities properly anyway.
Professional counseling session at university mental health center
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 8.5 Essay Analysis
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Clear position with nuanced arguments
- Excellent paragraph development
- Coherent ideas with smooth transitions
- Relevant examples and support
Band 6.5 Essay Analysis
- Basic but clear vocabulary
- Simple sentence structures
- Some development of ideas
- Basic coherence and progression
- Limited range of expressions
Key Vocabulary
- prioritize (v) /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ – to decide which things are most important
- comprehensive (adj) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete and thorough
- psychological distress (n) /ˌsaɪkəˈlɒdʒɪkəl dɪˈstres/ – mental or emotional suffering
- holistic (adj) /həˈlɪstɪk/ – considering the whole rather than parts
- infrastructure (n) /ˈɪnfrəstrʌktʃə/ – basic physical and organizational structures
- wellness (n) /ˈwelnəs/ – state of being healthy
- integration (n) /ˌɪntɪˈɡreɪʃn/ – process of combining or unifying different elements
In conclusion, successful essays on this topic demonstrate understanding of both mental health support and broader university facilities. Practice writing responses that balance different perspectives while maintaining clear structure and appropriate vocabulary.
