Reference no: EM132695215 , Length: word count:1500

Academic Essay

Learning Outcome 1: Execute foundational interpretation of mental health literacy inclusive of programs, strategies, interventions and information for individuals of diverse backgrounds

Learning Outcome 2: Demonstrate a developing mental health literacy using different modalities

Assessment Details and Instructions

Mental health literacy consists of the knowledge and attitudes about mental health which enables the recognition of mental health issues in a number of ways. In Australia, mental health literacy has been promoted in several ways, targeted at particular individuals and community groups. As a student counsellor it is essential to explore and reflect both on your own developing mental health literacy and critique the ways the mental health initiatives are developed for particular individuals and groups.

Purpose:
Define mental health literacy in relation to mental health knowledge and attitudes and its recognition in contemporary times. Discuss the ways student counsellors can foster a foundational understanding of mental health literacy. Review and evaluate TWO mental health literacy initiatives that target TWO different individual/community groups and identify the strengths and limitations of the ways mental health literacy is fostered within the initiatives.

Process:
To complete the essay, you will:
• Write an introduction to your essay;
• Define mental health literacy in contemporary times;
• Discuss the ways student counsellors can foster a foundational understanding of mental health literacy;
• Identify, review and evaluate TWO mental health initiatives, identifying the strengths and limitations of the ways mental health literacy is fostered within the initiatives E.g., Children of parents with a mental illness AND suicide awareness for returned armed services.
• Write a conclusion to your essay.
Format and reference your essay (in-text and in the reference list) using APA 7'" Edition (choose one Edition and use it consistently).

Content
The content of an essay is based around research of the topic. This means explaining and justifying your ideas based on information and examples from reliable sources. It is important that your essay has a central idea or argument that the essay content is focussed on. This is known as a thesis statement.
Depending on the essay question, the essay may contain:
• a thesis statement (claim, proposition, main idea)
• context (background, framework, setting)
• reasons (support, evidence, examples)
• counter-arguments (objections, contrary considerations)
• responses (refutations, answers to objections)

Any terminology, jargon words, or words that relate to the essay topic should be defined using relevant theory (and should be referenced correctly). Any key terms you use should come from journal articles, books, and other reliable sources. Note that general dictionary definitions usually do not have the same word meaning/s as those used in your specialised area/s of study. Generally, an introduction is approximately 5%-10% of your actual word count.

Body Paragraphs
The body of your essay expands on your arguments/thesis statement. In each body paragraph, you present relevant information and research that supports your arguments/thesis statement. It is important that the information is organised into clear paragraphs with a logical order. When writing your body paragraphs you should aim to guide the reader through your reasoning process and offer a clear explanation of each point you make so that you develop your argument effectively. Each paragraph should explore just one main idea. Body paragraphs have the following structure:
• a topic sentence identifying what the paragraph will be about (usually developing from a previous paragraph's linking sentence)
• a series of supporting sentences that develop the topic of the paragraph, and include explanations, examples, details, research, quotations, and references

Structure
Usually, an essay has four main components: an introduction, a series of body paragraphs, a conclusion, and a reference list.

Introduction

The introduction consists of:
• a general statement (usually called a 'topic sentence') about the topic/issue under discussion
• background information on the topic/issue
• definitions of key terms (if applicable)*
• an outline of the main structure of the essay (usually called 'signposting').
This can be drawn from the content area/s you need to address
• a thesis statement that introduces the argument's you will be making in your essay (usually your answer to the assignment question)

Generally, a conclusion is approximately 5%-10% of your actual word count.

Style

Essays should incorporate plenty of linking words/phrases and signposts, which make your essay easy for the reader to follow.
These words/phrases help by making the connections between sentences and paragraphs clear and indicate the flow of your ideas. They also signal to the reader how to approach the information that follows. For example:
• Use words like similarly, also and in addition to indicate that you are adding a similar idea to one already presented
• Use words like in contrast, however, and on the other hand to make a contrast or add an opposite idea to one alreay presented
• Use words like therefore, consequently and as a result to show an outcome from one of the ideas presented
• Use words like for example and for instance to give an example that further develops an idea you have presented

Linking words are very useful in creating cohesion and 'flow' in your writing. Without them, your assignment will read like a series of sentences that do not flow or present a logical argument.