Mental health and suicide prevention are increasingly important topics in IELTS Writing Task 2. Based on analysis of past exam questions, this theme appears approximately every 4-6 months, particularly in questions about healthcare systems, government responsibilities, and social issues. Let’s examine a recent exam question that reflects this growing concern.
Question Analysis
Some people believe that governments should increase spending on mental health services to reduce suicide rates. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
This question requires candidates to:
- Take a clear position on government funding for mental health services
- Explain the relationship between mental health services and suicide prevention
- Support arguments with relevant examples
- Provide a balanced discussion
Mental health services impact on reducing suicide rates worldwide
Band 9 Sample Essay
Mental health services undoubtedly play a crucial role in preventing suicides, and I strongly agree that governments should allocate more resources to these essential services. This investment could significantly reduce suicide rates while addressing broader societal challenges.
Increased funding for mental health services can prevent suicides through several mechanisms. Firstly, professional counseling and therapy services can help individuals manage depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions that often precede suicidal thoughts. For instance, in countries like South Korea, where mental health funding has increased substantially, suicide rates have decreased by 30% over the past decade. Additionally, better-funded services can provide crisis intervention and support hotlines, which offer immediate assistance to those contemplating suicide.
Moreover, enhanced mental health funding enables broader preventive measures. When governments invest in mental health awareness programs and educational initiatives, they help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help before reaching crisis points. For example, Australia’s increased spending on youth mental health programs has resulted in more teenagers accessing support services and a corresponding decrease in youth suicide rates. Furthermore, well-funded mental health services can provide better training for healthcare professionals, enabling them to identify and assist at-risk individuals more effectively.
However, this investment must be strategic and well-planned. Governments need to ensure that funds are allocated efficiently, focusing on evidence-based interventions and accessible services for all communities. This includes developing comprehensive mental health infrastructure, training qualified professionals, and implementing effective monitoring systems to evaluate program effectiveness.
In conclusion, while increasing mental health funding alone cannot eliminate suicide entirely, it represents a crucial step toward addressing this serious public health issue. Governments must prioritize this investment as part of their commitment to public welfare and social development.
Band 7 Sample Essay
I agree that governments should increase funding for mental health services as this could help reduce suicide rates. This investment could save many lives and benefit society in multiple ways.
Mental health services can prevent suicides by providing professional help to people in crisis. When people have access to counseling and therapy, they can get help before their problems become too severe. For example, in many Asian countries, increasing mental health funding has helped create more counseling centers and suicide prevention hotlines. These services give people somewhere to turn when they feel hopeless.
Another benefit of increased funding is better public awareness about mental health. When governments spend more money on mental health education, people learn to recognize warning signs and know where to get help. This reduces shame about mental illness and makes it easier for people to seek treatment. Schools and workplaces can also run better mental health programs when they have more funding.
However, the money needs to be spent wisely. Governments should focus on making services available in all areas, including rural regions where help might be harder to find. They should also ensure there are enough trained professionals to meet the growing need for mental health care.
In conclusion, I believe increasing government spending on mental health services is important for reducing suicide rates. While it requires careful planning, this investment could save many lives and create a healthier society.
Analysis of Band Scores
Band 9 Essay Features:
- Sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures
- Well-developed arguments with specific examples
- Clear organization and cohesion
- Nuanced discussion of implementation challenges
- Academic tone throughout
Band 7 Essay Features:
- Good vocabulary with some repetition
- Clear arguments but simpler examples
- Basic organization with clear paragraphing
- Less sophisticated discussion
- Appropriate but simpler language
Key Vocabulary
- mental health infrastructure (n.) /ˈmentl helθ ˌɪnfrəˈstrʌktʃər/ – basic physical and organizational structures for mental health services
- stigma (n.) /ˈstɪɡmə/ – negative attitudes or discrimination toward something
- crisis intervention (n.) /ˈkraɪsɪs ˌɪntərˈvenʃən/ – immediate assistance in emergencies
- preventive measures (n.) /prɪˈventɪv ˈmeʒərz/ – actions taken to stop something before it occurs
- evidence-based (adj.) /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ – based on scientific research and data
Professional mental health counseling session showing therapist and patient
Practice Suggestions
Consider practicing with these related topics:
- The role of schools in mental health education
- Work-related stress and mental health services
- Technology’s impact on mental health support services
Share your practice essays in the comments for feedback and discussion.
