Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies. Which opinion do you agree with? Give specific reasons and details to support your answer.

While physical exercise is important, I do not believe that it is a school's responsibility to provide physical training for its students. If physical exercise is part of the school program, that means that students have to receive grades for it and that the school has to pay for the necessary space and equipment. This seems a waste of effort and resources when students can usually get enough physical exercise on their own.

If a school offers physical education classes, then students will have to be graded in them. It is not always easy to do this fairly. Some schools, especially smaller ones, may not be able to offer activities that interest everyone. Then some students might get poor grades simply because the school couldn’t offer an activity they enjoy or do well in. In addition, research suggests that participation, not excellence, in physical activities is what benefits the body.

Another issue is economic. Physical education costs money and many schools do not have the money to provide gym facilities, playing fields, and athletic equipment for their students. Other schools are located in cities where that kind of space just isn't available. A few schools would rather keep money for academic purposes.

Many students get plenty of physical exercise as part of their daily life or recreation. Some students walk or ride their bicycles to schools. Some participate in soccer teams or tennis leagues outside of schools. Young people are usually active and have plenty of chances to get exercise outside of school, whether in organized activities or not.

It is important to get plenty of physical exercise, and young people usually do this. They don't need the school to focus effort and money on their physical education. It is much better to direct the school's resources toward academic achievement.

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