Mental health and family support have become increasingly prevalent topics in IELTS Writing Task 2, appearing in various forms across recent test papers. This theme resonates strongly with current global discussions on mental wellbeing and reflects the growing awareness of Mental health services in schools.
Based on analysis of past IELTS exams, here’s a relevant question that has appeared:
Some people believe that family support is crucial for mental health recovery, while others think professional help is more important. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Analysis of the Question
This question requires candidates to:
- Discuss the importance of family support in mental health recovery
- Compare it with professional mental health assistance
- Provide a balanced argument with a clear personal stance
Family members providing emotional support during mental health recovery
Sample Essay 1 (Band 8.5)
In the realm of mental health recovery, both family support and professional intervention play vital roles, though I believe a combination of both approaches yields the most effective results.
Family support provides an irreplaceable foundation for mental health recovery. The constant presence of loved ones creates a nurturing environment where individuals feel understood and accepted. This emotional safety net enables people to express their struggles openly without fear of judgment, similar to how The role of community support in mental health initiatives work on a broader scale. Moreover, families can offer practical assistance in daily activities, ensuring patients maintain routine and stability during their recovery journey.
However, professional mental health assistance brings essential expertise that families cannot provide. Mental health professionals possess specialized training to diagnose conditions accurately and implement evidence-based treatment strategies. They can offer objective perspectives and therapeutic techniques that family members, despite their best intentions, may not be equipped to provide. Additionally, professional intervention becomes crucial in severe cases where specialized medical treatment or therapy is necessary.
I firmly believe that the most effective approach to mental health recovery combines both family support and professional help. While professionals can provide clinical expertise and structured treatment plans, families offer the emotional foundation and continuous support necessary for long-term recovery. This complementary relationship ensures that individuals receive comprehensive care addressing both their clinical and emotional needs.
Sample Essay 2 (Band 6.5)
Mental health is a big problem today, and people have different ideas about how to help those who are suffering. Some think family is most important, while others believe professional help is better.
Family support has many benefits for mental health recovery. When family members are supportive, patients feel less alone and more confident. They can talk about their problems easily and get help with daily tasks. Also, families know the patient’s history and habits, which helps in understanding their problems better.
On the other hand, professional help is also important. Doctors and therapists are trained experts who know how to treat mental health problems. They can give proper medicine and therapy that families cannot provide. Professional help is especially needed for serious mental health conditions.
In my opinion, both family support and professional help are necessary. Families can provide emotional support and daily care, while professionals can give proper medical treatment. Together, they can help patients recover better than either one alone.
Scoring Analysis
Band 8.5 Essay:
- Sophisticated vocabulary: “nurturing environment,” “emotional safety net,” “evidence-based treatment”
- Complex sentence structures with proper cohesion
- Clear progression of ideas
- Balanced argument with well-supported points
- Strong conclusion with personal stance
Band 6.5 Essay:
- Simple but clear vocabulary
- Basic sentence structures
- Adequate organization but less sophisticated
- Limited use of complex language
- Some repetition in ideas
Key Vocabulary
- nurturing (adj) /ˈnɜːtʃərɪŋ/ – providing care and support for development
- intervention (n) /ˌɪntəˈvenʃn/ – the action of becoming involved to improve a situation
- evidence-based (adj) /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ – based on scientific research and proof
- therapeutic (adj) /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ – having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
- complementary (adj) /ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/ – combining in a way that enhances qualities of each part
For further practice, consider writing about related topics like should there be a universal minimum wage or other social issues that commonly appear in IELTS Writing Task 2.
Share your practice essays in the comments section for feedback and improvement suggestions.
