a) The passage examines the considerable impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of
children and adolescents. It highlights how pandemic-related measures like social isolation and
disruption of routines have resulted in both immediate and long-term mental health difficulties. The
text also emphasizes the worsened mental health issues experienced by individuals with pre-existing
conditions and those in vulnerable situations, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged or
neurodiverse individuals. It underscores the urgency of monitoring mental health at a population
level and developing innovative approaches to enhance access to mental health services. Finally, it
suggests that the pandemic could serve as an opportunity to identify and improve gaps in mental
health service provision.
b) Various approaches can be employed to raise awareness about mental health issues in children.
Firstly, educational programs implemented in schools can educate children about mental health, its
significance, and how to seek help when needed. Secondly, media campaigns can be utilized to reach
a broader audience, including parents and caregivers, informing them about the signs of mental
health issues in children and available resources. Lastly, community outreach programs can be
organized to directly provide information and resources to families in need. The American
Psychological Association and the World Health Organization endorse these methods, highlighting
the importance of education, media campaigns, and community outreach in promoting mental
health awareness.
c) The seriousness of mental health issues in children stems from their potential long-term impact on
various aspects of their lives, such as academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-
being. The text stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues due to factors like
social isolation, disrupted routines, and increased stress levels. Furthermore, children with pre-
existing mental health conditions may experience intensified symptoms, while those in vulnerable
situations face a higher risk. Consequently, policymakers and practitioners must prioritize the mental
health of children and adolescents to mitigate these impacts and ensure their healthy development.
d) The passage demonstrates several characteristics of academic writing. Firstly, it employs formal
language and a professional tone, evident in phrases like "prolonged social isolation and home
confinement may lead to immediate and long-term mental health and well-being challenges."
Secondly, it provides evidence to support its assertions by referencing various studies and authors
such as Kaufman et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020; Aknin et al., 2021, among others. Thirdly, it
maintains objectivity by presenting facts and research findings without personal bias or emotional
influence.
e) I concur with the statement that "Students who rely on special education, lack digital access or
tools, or live in unstable home settings fall behind their peers as schools move online." The transition
to online learning during the pandemic has resulted in a digital divide, disadvantaging students who
lack access to necessary technology or a stable internet connection. Moreover, students dependent
on special education services may not receive the same level of support in an online environment.
The text supports this notion by discussing how the pandemic has disrupted routines and resources,
leading to increased mental health challenges for children and adolescents.
children and adolescents. It highlights how pandemic-related measures like social isolation and
disruption of routines have resulted in both immediate and long-term mental health difficulties. The
text also emphasizes the worsened mental health issues experienced by individuals with pre-existing
conditions and those in vulnerable situations, such as socioeconomically disadvantaged or
neurodiverse individuals. It underscores the urgency of monitoring mental health at a population
level and developing innovative approaches to enhance access to mental health services. Finally, it
suggests that the pandemic could serve as an opportunity to identify and improve gaps in mental
health service provision.
b) Various approaches can be employed to raise awareness about mental health issues in children.
Firstly, educational programs implemented in schools can educate children about mental health, its
significance, and how to seek help when needed. Secondly, media campaigns can be utilized to reach
a broader audience, including parents and caregivers, informing them about the signs of mental
health issues in children and available resources. Lastly, community outreach programs can be
organized to directly provide information and resources to families in need. The American
Psychological Association and the World Health Organization endorse these methods, highlighting
the importance of education, media campaigns, and community outreach in promoting mental
health awareness.
c) The seriousness of mental health issues in children stems from their potential long-term impact on
various aspects of their lives, such as academic performance, social relationships, and overall well-
being. The text stresses that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these issues due to factors like
social isolation, disrupted routines, and increased stress levels. Furthermore, children with pre-
existing mental health conditions may experience intensified symptoms, while those in vulnerable
situations face a higher risk. Consequently, policymakers and practitioners must prioritize the mental
health of children and adolescents to mitigate these impacts and ensure their healthy development.
d) The passage demonstrates several characteristics of academic writing. Firstly, it employs formal
language and a professional tone, evident in phrases like "prolonged social isolation and home
confinement may lead to immediate and long-term mental health and well-being challenges."
Secondly, it provides evidence to support its assertions by referencing various studies and authors
such as Kaufman et al., 2020; Wang et al., 2020; Aknin et al., 2021, among others. Thirdly, it
maintains objectivity by presenting facts and research findings without personal bias or emotional
influence.
e) I concur with the statement that "Students who rely on special education, lack digital access or
tools, or live in unstable home settings fall behind their peers as schools move online." The transition
to online learning during the pandemic has resulted in a digital divide, disadvantaging students who
lack access to necessary technology or a stable internet connection. Moreover, students dependent
on special education services may not receive the same level of support in an online environment.
The text supports this notion by discussing how the pandemic has disrupted routines and resources,
leading to increased mental health challenges for children and adolescents.
