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Unit 8 Mental Disorders: Popular Myths
Skills focus
Reading
• understanding dependent clauses with passives
Writing
• paraphrasing
• expanding notes into complex sentences
• recognizing different essay types/structures:
descriptive
analytical
comparison/evaluation
argument
• writing essay plans
• writing essays
Vocabulary focus
• synonyms
• nouns from verbs
• definitions
• common ‘direction’ verbs in
essay titles (discuss, analyze,
evaluate, etc.)
8.1 Vocabulary
8.2 Reading
8.3 Extending
skills
8.4 Extending
skills
8.1 Vocabulary
A Discuss the following questions.
1 What does the word insanity mean to you?
Insanity is a term for serious mental illness. It is
often associated with impetuous behaviour and
irrational decisions and linked with violence.
2 Which words in box a are correct psychological terms and which words are
colloquial? What do they mean?
Psychological terms: autistic, psychotic
Colloquial terms: crazy, deranged, insane, lunatic, retarded, mad
8.1 Vocabulary
A Discuss the following questions.
Terms
Meanings
autistic
affected by a mental disorder which inhibits social interaction, communication and
emotional development.
psychotic
affected by a mental illness which is characterized by delusions, hallucinations and
losing touch with reality.
crazy & mad
colloquial, or slang, terms meaning mentally unbalanced. Crazy is the colloquial
word for insane in US English, but it is used worldwide. In UK English, mad is the
colloquial word for insane, but in US English, mad means angry.
deranged
insane
insane
affected by a mental illness. Insane is used in general conversation, but is not a
technical term for psychological diagnosis.
lunatic
a person afflicted by mental illness. Historically, people with mental disorders were
thought to be affected by the phases of the moon (luna means moon in Latin).
retarded
used as a derogatory term for people with learning difficulties or brain damage.
8.1 Vocabulary
B What stereotypes are depicted in headlines
A-D on the textbook page opposite?
8.1 Vocabulary
B What stereotypes are depicted in headlines
A-D on the textbook page opposite?
The stereotype is of people with
mental illness committing violent
crimes. The headline evokes images
of a crowd of savages attacking
defenceless children. Insanity is popularly linked with arson, and research has
shown that it is the crime most frequently committed by psychiatric patients. The
word ‘crazies’ is a colloquial noun, formed from the adjective ‘crazy’ and then made
plural.
8.1 Vocabulary
B What stereotypes are depicted in headlines
A-D on the textbook page opposite?
The stereotype of a schizophrenic
committing murder, particularly
his/her mother. The knife is
popular in films as the preferred
weapon of an insane person. The film Psycho is an example of the confusion
between schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder and psychotic
episodes. Psycho (adj and n) is a colloquial word for insane or a person who is
mentally ill.
8.1 Vocabulary
B What stereotypes are depicted in headlines
A-D on the textbook page opposite?
The autistic genius
stereotype comes from
the factual relationship between autism and exceptional talent (savant syndrome).
10% of people with autism possess an unusual ability in art, music or mathematics.
This stereotype is combined with the image of the antisocial personality
committing intellectually complex crimes. In 2001, Gary MacKinnon, a Scottish
computer enthusiast with a form of autism, hacked into confidential US Pentagon
files.
8.1 Vocabulary
B What stereotypes are depicted in headlines
A-D on the textbook page opposite?
The depressed adolescent has
been a popular stereotype
throughout history. The link
between depression and suicide is, however, factual. Since the advent of the
Internet and social networking sites, for example, teenagers have taken part in
online suicide pacts.
8.1 Vocabulary
C Look up each noun in box b in a dictionary.
1 Is it countable, uncountable or both?
2 What is its psychological meaning?
3 What is a good synonym?
4 What useful grammatical information
can you find?
8.1 Vocabulary
C Look up each noun in box b in a dictionary.
Word
C/U
Meaning in psychology
Synonym
Useful grammatical
information
abuse
C/U
1. excessive or incorrect
use of a substance
2. physical or mental
harm
1. misuse,
mishandling
2. injure, mistreat,
damage, hurt
usual use is in phrase: drug
abuse, alcohol abuse. Usually
meaning to take in excess
and/or without medical
guidance. Can be found as
countable in fixed expressions.
v = to abuse
delusion
C/U
1. a false belief or
opinion about yourself or
your situation
2. the act of believing or
making yourself believe
something that isn’t true.
fantasy, illusion,
hallucination
distancing self from
disturbing events
detachment,
separation
dissociation
U
8.1 Vocabulary
C Look up each noun in box b in a dictionary.
Word
C/U
episode
C
a period when the
symptoms of a disorder
appear
event, incident,
occurrence
frenzy
C/U
state of uncontrolled
mental excitation
outburst, hysteria,
derangement
imbalance
C/U
1. excess or deficit of a
chemical element
2. disproportionate
behaviour
mood
C
Meaning in
psychology
an emotional state
Synonym
1. disparity, discrepancy
2. derangement, insanity
disposition, frame of
mind, mindset
Useful grammatical
information
usual use is in set
phrases: manic episode,
depressive episode
usually used in the
singular
8.1 Vocabulary
Word
C/U
C Look up each noun in box b in a dictionary.
Meaning in
psychology
Synonym
Useful grammatical
information
pact
C
an agreement to do
something together
arrangement,
promise
used in the phrase:
suicide pact
psychosis
C/U
inability to differentiate
between imagination
and reality; a symptom
of mental illness
derangement,
mental disturbance
used in the set phrase:
psychotic episode
usually used in the
singular
suicide
C/U
act of killing yourself
take your own life
v = to commit suicide
syndrome
C/U
a group of symptoms
that indicate a specific
disorder
condition, illness,
disease
used in the phrase:
Down’s syndrome,
Asperger’s syndrome
8.1 Vocabulary
D Study the two lists of verbs in box c.
1 Match the verbs with similar meanings.
2 Make nouns from the verbs if possible.
8.1 Vocabulary
D Study the two lists of verbs in box c.
Verb
Noun
Verb
Noun
characterize
characteristic
define
definition
expel
expulsion
eliminate
elimination
exploit
exploitation
take advantage of
_____
link
link
connect
connection
lose touch with
___
be detached from
detachment
manifest
manifestation
display
display
perpetuate
perpetuation
continue
continuation
propagate
propagation
spread
spread
vary
variety, variation
differ
difference
8.1 Vocabulary
1
E Look at the Hadford University handout.
How does the writer restate each section
heading within the paragraph?
Model answers:
A: Sensationalism in the press = melodramatic
headlines in the newspaper
B: Mental health and violence = people who
suffer from mental disorders are violent
8.1 Vocabulary
E Look at the Hadford University handout.
2 Find synonyms for the italicized words and phrases. Use a dictionary if necessary.
Italicized words/phrases
synonyms
Italicized words/phrases
synonyms
Melodramatic
Sensational
misconceptions
mistaken beliefs
improve
increase
of
about
With this in mind
Taking this into account popular
common
exploits
takes advantage of
violent
aggressive
primitive
basic
intimidating
hostile
such as
like
characterizes
typifies
linking
associating
acute
severe
mental illness
psychiatric disorders
episodes
incidents
perpetuate
promote
8.1 Vocabulary
E Look at the Hadford University handout.
3 Rewrite each sentence to make paraphrases of the texts. Use:
• synonyms you have found yourself
• synonyms from Exercise C
• the nouns you made in Exercise D
• passives where possible
• any other words that are necessary
Example:
Melodramatic headlines in the press can affect sales considerably.
→ Newspapers sell far more when they have sensational headlines.
8.1 Vocabulary
E Look at the Hadford University handout.
3 Rewrite each sentence to make paraphrases of the texts.
Possible paraphrases:
A Sensationalism in the press
Newspaper sales are enhanced by dramatic headlines. To appeal to the public’s basic
instincts, the press presents people afflicted with mental disorders as hostile and
aggressive. The media does this both by misusing psychological terminology and by
directly associating violence and psychiatric disturbance. This results in the
continuation of negative stereotypes of mental illness.
B Mental health and violence
Although mental disorders and violent behaviour are often associated in the popular
imagination, there is no scientific proof to support this. In fact, studies indicate that
aggression is only typical of a minority of psychiatric patients in moments of severe
psychosis.
8.1 Vocabulary
F Study the chart on the page opposite.
1 Look up the definitions of the types of crime represented in the chart.
8.1 Vocabulary
F Study the chart on the page opposite.
1 Look up the definitions of the types of crime represented in the chart.
Types of crime
definitions
Common assault
intentionally attacking and physically harming a person
Arson
deliberately setting fire to a building
Threats and harassment
to threaten is to frighten people by telling them that they, or anyone
associated with them, are going to be harmed; to harass is to bully or
intimidate people by insulting them or making them afraid of what might
happen to them
Assaulting a police officer
the same as common assault, but is a different category of crime because
the police represent law and order
Sexual offences
acts which force individuals, including children, into unacceptable
intimate contact
Robberies
stealing, theft, burglary
8.1 Vocabulary
F Study the chart on the page opposite.
2 What crime is most commonly committed by people with mental disorders?
Why do you think this is?
Possible answer:
Arson is the crime most commonly committed by psychiatric patients. The
reason is not fully understood, but research has shown that firesetters are
typically male with personality disorders and occasionally mental retardation.
The reasons given for starting fires deliberately often include anger and
revenge.
8.2 Reading
A Link the causes of mental illness in this list with
the items in box a:
a chemical imbalance in the brain
schizophrenia, depression
______________________________________
b traumatic experience
______________________________________
c poverty
anxiety, hysteria
______________________________________
d genetics
schizophrenia, depression
______________________________________
e abuse in childhood
dissociative identity disorder
______________________________________
f drug abuse
schizophrenia
______________________________________
dissociative identity disorder, phobias
8.2 Reading
A Link the causes of mental illness in this list with
the items in box a:
1 Which are stereotypically associated with violence?
Schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder are popularly associated
with violence.
2 Give an example of a common belief related to mental illness.
Examples of common beliefs:
Schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder are both characterized by
split personality.
All schizophrenics are violent.
Hysteria is exclusive to middle-aged women.
8.2 Reading
B Look at the five essay types on the right.
1 What should the writer do in each type?
What the writer should do
Descriptive
writing
describe or summarize key ideas/events/points.
Give the plain facts. Could involve writing about:
a narrative description (a history of something);
a process (how something happens); key ideas
in a theory; main points of an article (answers
the question what is/are …? )
Analytical
writing
try to analyze (=go behind the plain facts) or explain something
or give reasons for a situation; may also question accepted ideas
and assumptions (answers the question why/how …?)
Comparison
compare two or more aspects/ideas/things/people, etc.; usually
also evaluate, i.e., say which is better/bigger, etc.
8.2 Reading
B Look at the five essay types on the right.
1 What should the writer do in each type?
What the writer should do
Argument
writing
give an opinion and support the opinion with
evidence/reasons, etc.; may also give opposing
opinions (counter-arguments) and show how
they are wrong
Practical report outline background of experiment (previous
experiments/literature); give reasons for conducting
experiment; state hypothesis; describe the design,
materials and methodology; report results; discuss
results (e.g., identify problems with design, materials,
methodology); evaluate results of experiment (in
relation to hypothesis); recommend future research
8.2 Reading
B Look at the five essay types on the right.
2 Match each essay type with one of the
questions below the slide (A-E).
3 What topics should be covered in each
essay question?
See Vocabulary bank.
8.2 Reading
Type of writing
Descriptive
writing
Analytical
writing
Question
B Look at the five essay types on the right.
Topics
B
•
•
•
•
C
• images of mentally ill: dangerous, homeless, criminal, embarrassing
• irresponsible reporting, exaggerated link between crime, violence and
mental imbalance: examples
• use of graphics, fonts, colours in press: examples from headlines
• use of terminology to misrepresent mental illness: examples
Comparison
E
stereotype: definition
four stereotypes: e.g., violent, unpredictable, criminal, deluded
symptoms of mental illnesses: examples
how stereotypes linked to symptoms: examples
• schizophrenia: definition
• dissociative identity disorder: definition
• examples of similarities:
-- symptoms: delusions, unpredictability
• examples of differences:
-- causes: genetic, physiological/trauma
-- disorganization/coherence
-- treatment
8.2 Reading
Type of writing
Argument
writing
Question
A
Practical report
D
B Look at the five essay types on the right.
Topics
•
•
•
•
violent crimes: often linked to mental illness
thesis statement: mental illness is/is not linked to crime
mental disorders associated with crime: examples
disorders not associated with crime: statistics
• background: social pressure to conform
• reasons for experiments: investigate effect of social pressures on
individuals
• hypothesis: individual attitudes affected by the majority
• describe experiments and result
• relate to effect of mass media on individual thinking
• strengths and weaknesses of experiments in relation to media
influence
• conclusion: conformity promoted by mass media to some degree
Vocabulary bank
Understanding direction verbs in essay titles
Special verbs called direction verbs are used in essay titles. Each direction verb
indicates a type of essay. You must understand the meaning of these words so
you can choose the correct writing plan.
Kind of essay
Direction verbs
Descriptive
State … Say … Outline … Describe … Summarize… What is/are…?
Analytical
Analyze … Explain … Comment on … Examine … Give reasons for…
Why? How …?
Comparison/evaluation
Compare (and contrast)… Distinguish between … Evaluate …
What are the advantages and/or disadvantages of …?
Argument
Discuss … Consider … (Critically) evaluate … To what extent …?
How far …?
Practical reports
Outline … Explain … State… Describe …. Summarize … Discuss …
8.2 Reading
C Read the title of the text on the opposite page
and the first sentence of each paragraph.
1 What will the text be about?
The title of the text suggests that the text will discuss common approaches to mental
illness. The expression ‘You must be crazy’, is an example of the way language related to
mental illness is used colloquially. The title implies that misuse of language supports
popular misunderstandings about psychiatric disorders.
Para. 1 will outline the historical and cultural background of attitudes to mental illness.
Para. 2 will describe the misconception that mental illness is not real.
Para. 3 will discuss the myth that mental disorders are linked to violent crime.
Para. 4 will consider the stereotype of those with a mental illness being out of touch with
reality.
Para. 5 will describe and discuss schizophrenia.
Para. 6 will ask how myths are perpetuated in society.
Para. 7 will give examples of films that misrepresent psychiatric disorders.
Para. 8 will give examples of how the press promotes negative stereotypes of mental
disorders.
Para. 9 will conclude that mental illness remains misunderstood, in spite of psychiatric
advances.
8.2 Reading
C Read the title of the text on the opposite page and
the first sentence of each paragraph.
2 Choose one of the essay questions in Exercise B. Write four research
questions which will help you to find information for your essay.
8.2 Reading
D Read the text.
1 Using your own words, make notes from the text on information
for your essay question.
2 Work with another person who has chosen the same essay
question as you. Compare your notes.
8.2 Reading
D Read the text.
Possible notes:
A ‘Violent crimes are often committed by those who are mentally ill.’ To what extent do
you agree with this statement? Give examples to support your points.
• common misconception = mentally ill individuals aggressive and intimidating
• fact = violence occasionally caused by psychiatric patients: e.g., psychiatric patients
+ acute, psychotic events: e.g., = schizophrenia
• but research – Pescosolido (ref. 1 in reading text) → alcohol and drug abuse
principal causes of violent crime
• mental illnesses not common cause: e.g., depression, phobia, anxiety
8.2 Reading
D Read the text.
Possible notes:
B Describe four stereotypes of mental illness. How do they relate to the symptoms of
real illnesses?
1 mental illness not real ∵ causes not physiological; e.g., symptoms of clinical
depression similar to normal reaction to life’s problems ∴clinical depression not
recognized. But depression has physiological causes ∴genuine disease
2 people with psychiatric disorders are aggressive and anti-social; but mental illness
not often the cause of violence; only in exceptional cases of severe psychosis; more
common causes of violence = drugs and alcohol
3 psychiatric patients detached from reality; true for schizophrenia → delusions; but
most patients in touch with reality: e.g., depression, anxiety, phobias
4 schizophrenia = split personality ∵ Greek origin: schizo = split + phrene = mind; ∴
schizophrenia mistaken for dissociative identity disorder = multiple personality
disorder but different causes.
8.2 Reading
D Read the text.
Possible notes:
C Explain the methods used by the media to influence popular images of mental illness.
• conformity: Asch’s experiments (ref. 2 in reading text) = individual beliefs affected by
social pressure: e.g., mass media (film and press)
• media promotes stereotypes of mental illness: e.g., film
• examples in film: Three Faces of Eve = multiple personality disorder; very dramatic
+ frightening personality shifts; one Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest = violent, unstable
images of mental disturbance, and equally disturbing treatment of patients by
medical staff
• examples in press: link between mental illness and violence; misuse of psychological
terms + slang = perpetuate negative images
8.2 Reading
D Read the text.
Possible notes:
D Describe Asch’s conformity experiments. How do they explain the influence of the
media on individual attitudes to mental illness?
•continuation of stereotypes
•e.g., media (films and press) promotes harmful stereotypes
•conformity = effect of majority on attitudes of individuals Asch (ref. 2 in reading text)
E Outline the differences and similarities between schizophrenia and dissociative identity
disorder.
•schizophrenia = incoherent inner reality + separate from outer world
•dissociative identity disorder = multiple personality disorder
•similarities = delusions, unpredictable inner world
•differences = causes: schizophrenia = genetic; dissociative identity = trauma
8.2 Reading
E Study the highlighted sentences in the text.
1 Underline all the subjects and their verbs.
2 Which is the main subject and verb for each sentence?
Joining word
1
where
2
Subject
Verb
Object/complement
prejudices and misconceptions
persist
in a modern scientific society
the physiological causes
are (…) understood
than in the past
schizophrenia
is (…) confused
with multiple personality disorder,
(another name for dissociative
identity disorder)
is
in fact, the result of traumatic events
schizophrenia
is
largely inherited
It
is
interesting to ask
these popular myths
are perpetuated
in modern society
which
whereas
3
how
* the underlined noun is the head word of the noun phrase
8.2 Reading
F Study the table on the right.
1 Match each word or phrase with its meaning.
1 illusion
a psychiatric disorder which disconnects different aspects of the
personality
2 depression
3 mood
unreasonable or illogical beliefs
4 psychosis
a mental disorder characterized by losing touch with reality
5 delusions
6 multiple
an event that only occurs in the mind of an individual
an emotional state
personality
a mood disorder that makes a person feel very sad and unable to
live an active life
8.2 Reading
F Study the table on the right.
2 Underline the words or phrases in the text which the
writer uses to give the definitions.
See Vocabulary bank.
Word/phrase
Actual words giving the
meaning
Punctuation/vocab/structure
1 illusion
that it is an illusion
word/phrase followed by semicolon/definition/comma
2 depression
a mood disorder
word/phrase followed by comma/definition
3 mood
emotional state
word/phrase followed by comma/noun phrase
4 psychosis
when an individual loses touch
with reality
word/phrase followed by comma/when + definition
5 delusions
unreasonable beliefs
word/phrase followed by dash/definition
6 multiple
personality
disorder
(another name for dissociative
identity disorder),
word/phrase followed by brackets with phrase another
name for, followed by definition/comma
Vocabulary bank
Understanding new words: using definitions
You will often find new words in academic texts. Sometimes you will not be able to
understand the text unless you look the word up in a dictionary, but often a technical
term will be defined or explained immediately or later in the text.
Look for these indicators:
is or are
… it is an illusion
brackets
… (another name for dissociative identity disorder)
or
mood, or emotional state
which
Schizophrenia …, which is characterized by the creation
of an irrational internal world.
a comma or a dash (-) immediately
after the word or phrase
… depression, a mood disorder
phrases such as that is, in other
… clairvoyance, that is, the ability to see into the future.
In other words, the mentally ill …
words
… delusions – unreasonable beliefs
8.3 Extending skills
A Find the words in the box in the text in
Lesson 8.2.
1 What part of speech is each word?
2 Think of another word which could be
used in place of the word in the text.
Use your dictionary if necessary.
8.3 Extending skills
Word
Para. number
A Find the words in the box in the text in
Lesson 8.2.
Part of speech
Another word
misconception
1
n (C/U)
misunderstanding, mistaken, belief
attitude
1
n (C)
opinion, belief, view, approach
culture
1
n (C)
society, social group
prejudice
1
n (C/U)
discrimination, intolerance
delusion
4
n (C)
fantasy, vision
inherited
5
adj
innate, hereditary
split
5
adj/v
divided, separated
melodramatic
7
adj
exaggerated, sensational
alarming
7
adj
frightening, shocking
terminology
8
n (C/U)
specialist language, jargon
8.3 Extending skills
B Study sentences A-D from the text in Lesson 8.2.
1 Identify the dependent clause.
2 Copy the table under the sentences and
write parts of each dependent clause in the
table.
8.3 Extending skills
Main clause
B Study sentences A-D from the text in Lesson 8.2.
Linking word
Dependent clause
Subject
Verb
By whom/what
A
These traditional
beliefs are probably
responsible for the
fear
with which
(mental illness)
it
is approached.
B
A film such as the
which
(film)
which*
is based
on the true story of Eve
White’s multiple
personality disorder,
by the creation of an
irrational internal
world.
Three Faces of Eve
(1957), […] dramatizes
her illness.
C
Schizophrenia is a
widely misunderstood
disorder
which
(schizophrenia)
which*
is characterized
D
One Flew over the
Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)
in which
the more alarming
face of mental
illness
is represented.
is another film
* Note that in B and C, the relative pronoun is the subject of the dependent clause, while in D the subject is the more… illness
8.3 Extending skills
B Study sentences A-D from the text in Lesson 8.2.
3 Rewrite the sentence using an active construction.
Example: A People often approach mental illness with fear, probably as a result of
traditional beliefs.
Suggested answers:
A People probably approach mental illness with fear and ridicule as a result of traditional
beliefs.
B The true story of Eve White’s multiple personality disorder is the basis of the film The
Three Faces of Eve (1957), which dramatizes Eve’s illness by exaggerating her
unpredictability with sudden and startling changes of personality.
C The creation of an irrational internal world, and detachment from external reality are
characteristic of schizophrenia, a widely misunderstood, inherited disorder.
D One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) is another film which represents the more
alarming face of mental illness.
8.3 Extending skills
C Read the essay plans and extracts on the opposite page.
1 Match each plan with an essay title in Lesson 8.2.
Model answer:
Plan A = essay title E: Outline
the differences and similarities
between schizophrenia and
dissociative identity disorder.
Plan B = essay title D: Describe
Asch’s conformity experiments.
How do they explain the
influence of the media on
individual attitudes to mental
illness?
8.3 Extending skills
C Read the essay plans and extracts on the opposite page.
2 Which essay is each extract from?
Model answer:
Extract 1 = plan B
Extract 2 = plan A
8.3 Extending skills
C Read the essay plans and extracts on the opposite page.
3 Which part of the plan is each extract from?
Model answer:
Extract 1 = Plan A, point 6: Conclusion, disorder 1 and 2 are
similar; delusions, detachment from reality; but different
causes and treatment
Extract 2 = Plan B, point 1: Introduction: social importance of
conformity; definition of conformity; give essay aims
8.3 Extending skills
D Work with a partner.
1 Write another paragraph for one of the plans.
2 Exchange paragraphs with another pair. Can they
identify where it comes from?
8.4 Extending skills
A Make complete sentences from these notes.
Add words as necessary.
8.4 Extending skills
A Make complete sentences from these notes.
Add words as necessary.
Possible answers:
A In conclusion, it can be said that a limited number of patients with severe mental illness
commit violent crimes, but they are more likely to be victims than criminals.
B Studies into crime and psychiatric disorders have shown that patients are more likely to be
victims of crime than perpetrators.
C However, the vast majority of mental illnesses are not linked to violent crime.
D Research has demonstrated that, although mental illness may be linked to a small number
of violent crimes, drug and alcohol abuse are responsible for a much higher percentage.
E First, it is essential to identify the different types of mental disorder [that are] commonly
associated with aggression.
F For many years, it has been a popular belief that people with mental disorders are violent
and dangerous.
8.4 Extending skills
B The sentences in Exercise A are topic sentences for paragraphs in essay A in
Lesson 8.2. Put them in the best order for the essay. What is the main topic for
each paragraph?
Topic sentences
F For many years, it has been a popular belief that people with mental disorders
are violent and dangerous.
Paragraph topic
introduction
C However, the vast majority of mental illnesses are not linked to violent crime.
E First, it is essential to identify the different types of mental disorder [that
are] commonly associated with aggression.
D Research has demonstrated that, although mental illness may be linked to a
small number of violent crimes, drug and alcohol abuse are responsible for a
much higher percentage.
B Studies into crime and psychiatric disorders have shown that patients are
more likely to be victims of crime than perpetrators.
A In conclusion, it can be said that a limited number of patients with severe
mental illness commit violent crimes, but they are more likely to be victims
than criminals.
definition
evidence
evidence
conclusion
8.4 Extending skills
C Look at the essay question on the opposite page.
1 What kind of essay is this?
Model answer:
This is essentially an argument type essay since it requires an opinion
(a thesis) and a discussion of arguments for and against it. It also asks
students to consider possible causes of the high school massacres.
8.4 Extending skills
Possible essay plan:
C Look at the essay question on the opposite page.
2 Do some research and make a plan.
• Introduction: background history of high school massacres; focus – mental illness and adolescent males in
US; thesis statement; aims of essay.
• Definition and description of psychological problems typical of male adolescents
• Possible causes of violent responses to psychological problems, e.g.,
• parenting styles/violence/neglect at home
• availability of weapons
• conformity
--- influence of online peer pressure; suicide/websites showing violence
--- media coverage → sensationalized violence → fame
• isolation from peer group → alienation → anger → depression
• depression → violence?
• Schizophrenia: onset in adolescence and early adulthood → delusions
• schizophrenia → violence?
• Conclusion: some massacres committed by adolescents with mental illness, but other causes are social.
8.4 Extending skills
3 Write the essay.
C Look at the essay question on the opposite page.
See Skills bank
Skills bank
Choosing the correct writing plan
When you are given a written assignment, you must decide on the best writing plan
before you begin to write the outline. Use key words in the essay title to help you
choose --- see Vocabulary bank.
Type of essay - content
Possible structure
Descriptive writing
List the most important points of something: e.g., in a narrative, a list
of key events in chronological order; a description of key ideas in a
theory or from an article you have read.
Summarize points in a logical order.
Example:
• introduction
• point/event 1
• point/event 2
• point/event 3
• conclusion
Describe four stereotypes of mental illness. How do they relate to
the symptoms of real illnesses?
Skills bank
Choosing the correct writing plan
When you are given a written assignment, you must decide on the best writing plan
before you begin to write the outline. Use key words in the essay title to help you
choose --- see Vocabulary bank.
Type of essay - content
Possible structure
Analytical writing
List the important points which in your opinion
explain the situation.
Justify your opinion in each case.
Look behind the facts at the how and why, not just
what/who/when.
Look for and question accepted ideas and assumptions.
Example:
• introduction
• definitions
• most important point:
example/evidence/reason 1
example/evidence/reason 2, etc.
• next point:
example/evidence/reason 3
example/evidence/reason 4, etc.
• conclusion
Explain the methods used by the media to influence
popular images of mental illness.
Skills bank
Choosing the correct writing plan
When you are given a written assignment, you must decide on the best writing plan
before you begin to write the outline. Use key words in the essay title to help you
choose --- see Vocabulary bank.
Type of essay - content
Possible structure
Comparison/evaluation
Decide on and define the aspects to compare two
subjects. You may use these aspects as the basis for
paragraphing. Evaluate which aspect (s) is/are better
or preferable and give reasons/criteria for your
judgment.
• introduction
• state and define aspects
Either:
• aspect 1: subject A v. B
• aspect 2: subject A v. B
Or:
Example:
What are the differences between schizophrenia and
dissociative identity disorder?
• Subject A: aspect 1, 2, etc.
• Subject B: aspect 1, 2, etc.
• conclusion/evaluation
Skills bank
Choosing the correct writing plan
When you are given a written assignment, you must decide on the best writing plan
before you begin to write the outline. Use key words in the essay title to help you
choose --- see Vocabulary bank.
Type of essay - content
Possible structure
Argument writing
Analyze and/or evaluate, then give your opinion in a
thesis statement at the beginning or the end. Show
awareness of difficulties and disagreements by
mentioning counter-arguments.
Support your opinion with evidence.
• introduction: statement of issue
• thesis statement giving opinion
• define terms
• Point 1: explain + evidence
• point 2: explain + evidence, etc.
• conclusion: implications, etc.
Alternatively:
• introduction: statement of issue
• define terms
• for: point 1, 2, etc.
• against: point 1, 2, etc.
• Conclusion: statement of opinion
Example:
‘Violent crimes are often committed by those who are
mentally ill.’ To what extent do you agree with this
statement? Give examples to support your points.
Skills bank
Choosing the correct writing plan
When you are given a written assignment, you must decide on the best writing plan
before you begin to write the outline. Use key words in the essay title to help you
choose --- see Vocabulary bank.
Type of essay - content
Possible structure
Practical reports of experiments and studies
Outline the problem and previous experiments.
Explain why you carried out the experiment
(rationale). State your hypothesis. Describe the
experiment. Summarize and discuss results.
Example:
• introduction: background to problem,
literature review, hypothesis
• methodology: participants, methodology,
tasks, measurements
• results: summary of findings, graphs
• discussion: assess findings in relation to
hypothesis, suggest future research
How do Asch’s conformity experiments explain the
influence of the media on individual attitudes to
mental illness?
Tips for Reference
8.1 Vocabulary部分，学生课前完成练习 A、C、D，教师课堂讲解如何
paraphrase psychological terms；课堂完成练习B、E 、F 。
8.2 Reading部分，让学生阅读课文 ‘You must be crazy!’，完成练习A-F。教
师课堂重点讲解心理学常用的五种 essay types, 并讲解Vocabulary bank
中的 ‘Understanding new words: using definitions’技能。
8.3 Extending skills部分，学生课前完成练习A；课堂教师讲解练习B 、C。
8.4 Extending skills部分，教师课堂讨论练习A 、B ，并讲解Skills bank中的
技能；课后让学生完成一份essay plan制定及完成一篇essay写作。
谢谢欣赏！