The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools - TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Practice Test

In the TOEFL iBT^® exam, the writing test assesses a candidate's ability to write academically, where they are required to successfully integrate the knowledge into their work and organize the ideas coherently. The two Writing Sections, such as Academic Discussion and Integrated Writing, make up the Writing Section.

In this practice test on 'The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools', you will hear a lecture on a certain subject from a professor in the Academic Discussion activity. After that, you'll take part in a conversation where you'll have to voice your opinion and provide solid justification for it

The best method to get ready for this part of the test is to practice on tests specifically made for the Academic Discussion format. Let's start your study with our "The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools"-themed TOEFL Academic Discussion practice exam.

Writing Instructions:

• You will read a discussion related to an academic topic in class where your classmates have written their opinions on the said topic.
• You have 10 minutes to prepare and write your personal opinion on the academic topic. 
• Try to answer the question based on the discussion. You can also take ideas from the opinions posted by your classmates.
• There is no maximum word limit. However, an effective response should be a minimum of 100 words.
• Your response will be judged on the quality and clarity of your writing with well-supported reasons.

Instruction: Your professor is teaching a class on education. Write a post responding to the professors question. In your response, you should

1. express and support your personal opinion
2. make a contribution to the discussion in your own words.

An effective response will contain at least 100 words. You have ten minutes to write.

Professor: As we prepare to discuss the role of mental health awareness in schools, I want to hear your thoughts on this topic. Why do you think it is important for schools to prioritize mental health awareness among students?

Grace: I think focusing on mental health awareness in schools is important because it helps students manage stress and anxiety, which can really affect their academic performance. For example, students who know about mental health help are more likely to seek help when needed. This leads to a healthier school environment. Also, promoting mental health awareness can reduce the shame around mental health issues, encouraging more open conversations.

George: Although I agree that mental health awareness is important, I think schools should focus more on doing well in school. Schools have limited support, and focusing on mental health might take attention away from core subjects like math and science. Rather, schools could partner with outside organizations to provide mental health support. This would allow teachers to focus on delivering high-quality education. This way, students can excel academically while still having access to mental health resources outside of school.

Before delving into sample responses, let us examine the parameters of a strong TOEFL score!

Sample Response for the Academic Discussion Writing Task on The Importance of Mental Health Awareness in Schools

Below are the two responses for the Academic Discussion Writing question where one of them showcases a mid-level proficiency while the other exhibits a high level of skills. Through examining the distinctions, you will acquire valuable insights into the components that lead to attaining an exceptional score in the Writing section.

Score 3 Response

I think mental health awareness in schools is very important. Grace is right that it helps students manage stress and anxiety, which can affect their grades. But I also think that schools should not ignore mental health because it can lead to bigger problems like students missing school or even dropping out. George said schools should focus on academics, but I think mental health is just as important. If students are not mentally healthy, they can't do well in their studies. Schools should have mental health resources available so students can get help when they need it. This way, students can be healthy and do well in school. (Word Count - 108)

Rater’s Comment

This response addresses the prompt by expressing the importance of mental health awareness in schools and supporting the argument with relevant points. The writer agrees with Grace about the impact of stress and anxiety on academic performance and adds that neglecting mental health can lead to absenteeism and dropouts. However, the response lacks depth and detailed examples to fully support the argument. The writer also makes a redundancy error by stating, "schools should not ignore mental health because it can lead to bigger problems like students missing school or even dropping out," which could be more concise. Additionally, there is an incorrect linking word usage in "George said schools should focus on academics, but I think mental health is just as important," where "but" should be replaced with "yet" to improve coherence. Despite these issues, the response is generally comprehensible and contributes to the discussion, making it a mid-level response.

Score 5 Response

While George raises a valid point about the importance of academic focus, I believe that prioritizing mental health awareness in schools is crucial for overall student success. Grace mentioned that mental health awareness helps students manage stress and anxiety, which directly impacts their academic performance. I would add that mental health issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to severe consequences such as absenteeism, dropouts, and even more serious mental health crises. Schools are not just places for academic learning; they are environments where students develop holistically. By integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum, schools can create a supportive atmosphere that fosters both academic and personal growth. Additionally, having mental health resources readily available within the school can ensure that students receive timely help, rather than having to seek external support, which might not be accessible to everyone. Therefore, mental health awareness should be a fundamental part of the educational system to ensure the well-being and success of all students. (Word count - 160 words)

Rater’s Comment

This response effectively addresses the prompt by providing a clear and well-supported argument for prioritizing mental health awareness in schools. The writer acknowledges George's concern about academic focus but counters it by emphasizing the holistic development of students and the potential severe consequences of neglecting mental health. The response builds on Grace's point about managing stress and anxiety and adds the critical aspect of absenteeism and dropouts, which strengthens the argument. The writer also highlights the importance of having mental health resources readily available within the school, making the case for an integrated approach rather than relying solely on external organizations. The response is well-organized, coherent, and free from major grammatical errors, making it a strong contribution to the discussion.

Strategies for Taking the Academic Discussion Writing Task 

The TOEFL Academic Discussion Writing Task may seem difficult and can cause you to become nervous. But don't feel scared! You can do this task effectively by incorporating a few vital strategies to ace your proficiency in academic writing.

• It is important to have a detailed examination of the question which is necessary to comprehend both the main idea and the setting for that specific question. It is necessary to consider the provided guidelines, such as providing a response that addresses all relevant angles.
• Finding the key arguments is made simpler by dissecting the question into its constituent parts. It's critical to successfully manage each component at the same time while organising the response.
• Before attempting to write the answer, always plan and come up with ideas and use them as examples so that you can showcase a range of perspectives.
• Making an outline ensures that the response is cohesive and the concepts are well-organized.
• Giving evidence or statistics to support assertions and points of view demonstrates your grasp of the subject.
• Avoid using any slang or informal language; instead, stick to professional language and academic terminologies, paying close attention to grammar and punctuation.

Finally, it's time for you to shine! Attempt the practice question and share your response in the comments! 

Our TOEFL experts are more than willing to provide valuable feedback which would help you achieve your target score!  Let's improve your writing skills together!

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