It Is Generally Accepted That Exercise Is Good for Children and Teenagers - IELTS Band 9 Essay

Or the same question may also appear as below:

It is generally accepted that exercise is good for children and teenagers. Therefore, physical education and sport should be compulsory for all students in schools.

To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Either ways, the answer will be the same. That's why we've incorporated both questions in the same blog post.

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Model Essay 1

The widespread acknowledgment of the benefits of physical activity for young people underscores the argument for mandatory physical education in schools. Not only does regular exercise promote physical health, but it also enhances cognitive functioning and psychological well-being, making a compelling case for its inclusion as a core component of education.

Firstly, instilling exercise as a compulsory part of the school curriculum fosters lifelong healthy habits. The routine of regular physical activity, when established during formative years, is likely to persist into adulthood. A significant study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention illustrates this point: it found that children who participated in daily physical education were four times as likely to become active adults compared to those who did not participate. This continuity is crucial as it combats the growing trend of sedentary lifestyles, which are linked to numerous health issues like obesity and heart disease.

Moreover, the cognitive benefits of physical exercise are well-documented. Engaging in sports or physical activities increases blood flow to the brain, which sharpens concentration and enhances learning readiness. For example, a Harvard University study showed that students who engaged in a physical activity before class outperformed their sedentary peers in math and reading tests. Therefore, incorporating physical education into the school schedule can directly contribute to improved academic performance, a key objective of educational institutions. Additionally, the psychological advantages of physical education cannot be overstated. Regular exercise releases endorphins, often termed 'feel-good' hormones, which reduce stress and alleviate symptoms of depression. Without mandatory sports, students might overlook physical activity due to academic pressures, potentially leading to increased anxiety and other mental health issues.

In conclusion, the inclusion of compulsory physical education in schools is not merely an educational enhancement but a necessary investment in the physical and mental health of future generations. By fostering healthier, more focused, and happier students, we lay the groundwork for more productive and fulfilled adults.

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Model Essay 2

A general acceptance regarding exercise is that it is beneficial for students. As a result, it is discussed whether physical education and sport should be obligatory in terms of every student in every school. From my perspective this lesson should be mandatory due to its potential benefits for not only individuals’ future health but also concentration on lessons.

Firstly, each activity has the potential to convert into an indispensable routine for people as long as it is constant. Therefore, if students continue doing exercise in their educational life, the exercise is likely to be a lifetime habit for them. For instance, in a survey conducted in European countries by WHO in 2015, it was found that 80% of the participants started swimming as a part of their education in primary school and even though there was a gap of a few months because of their hectic business life, they have been maintaining this activity since school years. Additionally, even if people do not continue to exercise after their education, earlier healthy habits could positively affect people’s future health because lifelong health is often shaped by our habits in youth. 

Secondly, physical exercise has a positive effect on people’s concentration. For instance, students can easily focus on their studies with the help of increased endorphins after exercise. Furthermore, physical activities are fruitful to get rid of stress because of the chemical substances released into the bloodstream. If physical education and sport were not mandatory in schools, students could prefer spending their time on education rather than sport. Consequently, they could suffer from psychological problems such as depression. 

In conclusion, because of physical education lessons’ potential advantages, namely improved health and concentration, I firmly support the mandate of physical education in schools, essential for enhancing both the physical health and academic success of students. 

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Model Essay 3

The positive impacts of regular physical activity on the youth are universally recognized, advocating for the necessity of mandatory physical education across all schools. I assert that making sports and physical education compulsory is essential not only for their immediate health benefits but also for instilling a culture of fitness and focus among students.

Primarily, mandatory physical education serves as a foundational step in promoting a healthy lifestyle. An early introduction to physical activities in schools helps cement habits that often last a lifetime, ingraining fitness into students' daily routines. Research from Stanford University underscores this by revealing that students introduced to physical activities in school are more likely to remain active throughout their lives. This proactive approach in schools helps mitigate the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular ailments, which are increasingly prevalent in younger populations, thus supporting long-term health benefits that extend into adulthood.

Furthermore, the role of physical education extends beyond physical wellness to include mental and emotional health. Engaging in regular sports activities improves mental acuity and emotional resilience, crucial for educational success and overall well-being. A study from the University of British Columbia highlights that students participating in regular physical activity exhibit higher levels of attentiveness and lower instances of classroom behavior issues. This suggests that the integration of sports into daily school routines not only enriches academic performance but also fosters a healthier, more engaged student body. Additionally, these activities provide a productive outlet for stress, enhancing students' ability to manage anxiety and emotional challenges.

In conclusion, the imperative of incorporating physical education into the school curriculum is twofold: promoting sustained physical health and enhancing mental focus and emotional stability. The benefits, deeply rooted in extensive research, underscore the need for compulsory sports programs to foster well-rounded, healthier future generations.

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