Focus Vocabulary :
- mental illness
- BrE: /ˈmen.təl ˈɪl.nəs/
- AmE: /ˈmen.t̬əl ˈɪl.nəs/
Definition: A health problem that affects a person’s thoughts, emotions, or behavior.
Easy Explanation: When a person’s mind is not healthy, and they feel very sad, worried, or confused for a long time.
Example: “Depression is a type of mental illness that many people have.”
2. therapy
- BrE: /ˈθer.ə.pi/
- AmE: /ˈθer.ə.pi/
Definition: Treatment involving talking to a trained person to help solve emotional or mental problems.
Easy Explanation: Talking to someone like a doctor or counselor to help with your feelings or stress.
Example: “She goes to therapy every week to talk about her problems.”
3. stigma
- BrE: /ˈstɪɡ.mə/
- AmE: /ˈstɪɡ.mə/
Definition: A negative attitude or shame people feel about something, often unfairly.
Easy Explanation: When people are afraid or embarrassed to talk about something, like mental illness.
Example: “There is still a stigma around mental illness in many countries.”
4. resilience
- BrE: /rɪˈzɪl.i.əns/
- AmE: /rɪˈzɪl.jəns/
Definition: The ability to recover quickly from problems, sadness, or difficult times.
Easy Explanation: Being strong inside and able to feel better after something bad happens.
Example: “Children can build resilience by learning how to deal with stress at school.”
IELTS Speaking Challenge
Warm-Up Questions:
- Do people in your country talk about mental health?
- Is going to therapy normal in your culture?
- How can we help young people be strong and happy?
Band 6 Style Speaking Example:
“Some people feel sad or worried. They don’t talk about it. It is hard. They need help.”
Try This Frame:
“In my country, ______ is a big problem. I think we should help people and talk more about ______.”
IELTS Writing Challenge
Task 2 Question:
Some people think mental health should be taught in school. Others think it is the family’s job. Discuss both and give your opinion.
Band 6 Writing Sample:
“Some families help kids with feelings. But school is also important. If schools teach about stress and talking, students can feel better. I think schools and families both should help.”
Structure Plan:
- Introduction: Say what the issue is
- Paragraph 1: Family helps children feel safe
- Paragraph 2: School gives students tools to handle stress
- Conclusion: Both family and school are important
Use These Words:
mental illness | therapy | stigma | resilience
Grammar Focus: Modal Verbs (should / must)
- “People should talk about their problems.”
- “Schools must teach students how to manage stress.”
Practice this rewrite:
“Some students are sad. School can help.”
→ “Schools should help students feel better.”
Rewrite Challenge
Question:
Should schools teach mental health?
*Your Task: Write a 4-sentence paragraph using:
- mental illness
- therapy
- stigma
- resilience
Example:
“Mental illness is a big problem today. Some people feel afraid to talk because of stigma. Schools should give therapy or support. This can help students be more strong and build resilience.”
Final Reflection:
You’ve just…
✔️ Learned key words like mental illness, therapy, stigma, and resilience
✔️ Practiced how to talk about mental health in simple and clear English
✔️ Understood how schools and families can help with emotional support
✔️ Used modal verbs to give advice and express opinion
✔️ Wrote and spoke about how to reduce stigma and help other
Now ask yourself:
- What is one thing you learned about mental health today?
Example: I learned that therapy can help people feel better. - Do you think mental health should be part of school education? Why?
Example: Yes, because it helps students know they are not alone. - What word or phrase will you remember from this lesson?
Example: I will remember the word “resilience”. - What will you do if a friend is feeling sad?
Example: I will listen to them and tell them they can get help.
You’re not just learning English. You’re learning how to speak with care and confidence.
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