IELTS Writing Task 2: Why Mental Health Services Should Be Free – Sample Essays and Analysis

Mental health services have become an increasingly important topic in recent years, and it’s no surprise that this subject has found its way into IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. Based on trends observed in past IELTS exams and the growing global emphasis on mental health, it’s highly likely that questions related to free mental health services will continue to appear in future tests. Let’s examine a relevant question that has appeared in recent IELTS exams and provide sample essays for different band scores.

Some people believe that governments should provide free mental health services to all citizens. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Analyzing the Question

This question asks for your opinion on whether governments should offer free mental health services to everyone. Key points to consider:

1. The role of government in healthcare
2. The importance of mental health
3. The potential benefits and drawbacks of free mental health services
4. The economic implications of such a policy

Now, let’s look at sample essays for different band scores.

Sample Essay 1 (Band 8-9)

Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being, yet it often receives less attention and funding than physical health. While some argue that providing free mental health services to all citizens would be too costly, I strongly believe that governments should implement such a policy due to its numerous benefits for individuals and society as a whole.

Firstly, free mental health services would significantly improve access to care for those who need it most. Many people with mental health issues avoid seeking help due to financial constraints, leading to worsened conditions and potentially dire consequences. By removing this barrier, governments can ensure that all citizens, regardless of their economic status, can receive the support they need. This increased access could lead to earlier interventions, preventing the escalation of mental health problems and reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems.

Moreover, investing in mental health services can yield substantial economic benefits. A mentally healthy population is more productive, creative, and resilient, which can boost a nation’s economic output and reduce costs associated with absenteeism and decreased productivity. Furthermore, addressing mental health issues early can prevent more severe problems that may require expensive treatments or hospitalization in the future. Thus, while the initial investment may be significant, the long-term savings and economic gains could far outweigh the costs.

Additionally, free mental health services can help destigmatize mental health issues and promote a culture of openness and support. When mental health care is treated with the same importance as physical health care, it encourages people to seek help without shame or fear of judgment. This shift in societal attitudes can lead to stronger communities, improved relationships, and overall better quality of life for citizens.

However, it is important to acknowledge the challenges of implementing such a policy. Governments would need to allocate substantial resources to ensure high-quality care and prevent overburdening of the system. This might require careful budgeting and potentially redirecting funds from other areas. Nevertheless, I believe that the long-term benefits to public health and the economy justify this investment.

In conclusion, while providing free mental health services to all citizens is a complex undertaking, I strongly agree that governments should pursue this policy. The potential improvements in public health, economic productivity, and social well-being make it a worthwhile investment in a nation’s future. By prioritizing mental health care, governments can create healthier, more resilient societies capable of facing the challenges of the modern world.

(Word count: 398)

Essay Analysis (Band 8-9)

This essay demonstrates excellent characteristics of a high-scoring IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position and developing it thoroughly with well-elaborated ideas and relevant examples.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is well-organized with a clear progression of ideas. Each paragraph focuses on a specific point, and ideas are linked effectively using cohesive devices.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses a wide range of vocabulary accurately and appropriately, including topic-specific terms and more sophisticated expressions.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay demonstrates a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately and flexibly, with only minor errors that do not impede communication.

Sample Essay 2 (Band 6-7)

Mental health is becoming more important in today’s society. Some people think that governments should give free mental health services to everyone. I agree with this idea because it can help many people and make society better.

One reason why free mental health services are good is that they can help people who can’t afford to pay for treatment. Many people with mental health problems don’t get help because it’s too expensive. If the government makes these services free, more people can get the help they need. This can stop small problems from becoming big ones and help people live better lives.

Another benefit of free mental health services is that they can make the country’s economy stronger. When people are mentally healthy, they can work better and be more productive. This means they can earn more money and pay more taxes. Also, if mental health problems are treated early, it can save money in the long run because people won’t need more expensive treatments later.

Free mental health services can also help change how people think about mental health. If the government treats mental health as important as physical health, people might feel less ashamed about getting help. This can make society more understanding and supportive of people with mental health issues.

However, there are some problems with giving free mental health services. It can be very expensive for the government, and they might have to take money from other important things like education or roads. Also, if too many people use the free services, it might be hard to give everyone good quality care.

In conclusion, I think the good things about free mental health services are more important than the problems. It can help many people, make the economy stronger, and create a better society. Governments should try to find ways to offer these services to all citizens, even if it’s challenging.

(Word count: 317)

Essay Analysis (Band 6-7)

This essay demonstrates characteristics of a mid-range IELTS Writing Task 2 response:

1. Task Response: The essay addresses the task and presents a clear position. Ideas are relevant but could be more fully developed with more specific examples or details.

2. Coherence and Cohesion: The essay is generally well-organized with a clear overall progression. Paragraphing is appropriate, but the use of cohesive devices could be more sophisticated.

3. Lexical Resource: The essay uses an adequate range of vocabulary, with some attempt at less common words. However, there is some repetition and the language could be more precise in places.

4. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The essay uses a mix of simple and complex sentence structures, with generally good control. There are some errors, but they do not significantly impede communication.

Free mental health services concept

Key Vocabulary for Mental Health Topics

1. Mental well-being (noun) /ˈmen.təl wel-ˈbiː.ɪŋ/: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy in terms of one’s mental state.

2. Stigma (noun) /ˈstɪɡ.mə/: A strong feeling of disapproval that most people in a society have about something.

3. Resilience (noun) /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties.

4. Intervention (noun) /ˌɪn.təˈven.ʃən/: The act of becoming involved in a difficult situation to improve it or prevent it from getting worse.

5. Destigmatize (verb) /diːˈstɪɡ.mə.taɪz/: To remove the negative associations or stigma attached to something.

6. Absenteeism (noun) /ˌæb.sənˈtiː.ɪ.zəm/: The practice of regularly staying away from work or school without good reason.

7. Escalation (noun) /ˌes.kəˈleɪ.ʃən/: The act of becoming or making something become greater or more serious.

8. Productivity (noun) /ˌprɒd.ʌkˈtɪv.ə.ti/: The rate at which goods are produced or work is completed.

9. Allocation (noun) /ˌæl.əˈkeɪ.ʃən/: The act of giving a particular amount of something to a particular person or for a particular purpose.

10. Overburdening (verb) /ˌəʊ.vəˈbɜː.dən.ɪŋ/: To give someone too much work or responsibility.

Conclusion

The topic of free mental health services is likely to remain relevant in IELTS Writing Task 2 questions. To prepare for such questions, consider practicing with similar prompts, such as:

1. Should mental health education be mandatory in schools?
2. Is it the government’s responsibility to ensure the mental well-being of its citizens?
3. How can societies reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues?

Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and support your arguments with relevant examples. Practice writing essays on these topics and share them in the comments section below for feedback and discussion. This active practice is an effective way to improve your IELTS Writing skills.

For more information on healthcare-related IELTS topics, you may find these articles helpful:

• Should Governments Fund Free Healthcare for Everyone?
• Should Governments Provide Universal Healthcare?
• Should Governments Provide Free Health Care for Everyone?