Physical education has long been included in school curricula, yet debates continue about whether children should be required to participate in sports. Some argue that mandatory sports unfairly pressure students who lack athletic ability or interest. Others...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-07-23
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of how to write a high-scoring argumentative essay on the question: "Should schoolchildren be made to do sports at school?". It uses a model essay to illustrate key concepts like thesis statements, counter-arguments, and the precise language that examiners reward, helping you move beyond simple opinions to construct a compelling, well-structured argument.
Model Essay: Should Schoolchildren Be Made to Do Sports at School?
Introduction
Physical education has long been included in school curricula, yet debates continue about whether children should be required to participate in sports. Some argue that mandatory sports unfairly pressure students who lack athletic ability or interest. Others believe that structured physical activity is essential for children’s health, social development, and academic performance. This essay will argue that schoolchildren should be required to do sports at school because it promotes physical well-being, builds important life skills, and helps create balanced learning environments—while still allowing flexibility for different abilities.
Physical Health and Long-Term Well-Being
The most compelling reason to require sports in schools is the increasing concern about children’s health. Modern lifestyles often involve long hours of sitting, screen time, and limited outdoor activity. As a result, many children suffer from obesity, weak muscles, poor posture, and reduced cardiovascular health. Mandatory sports ensure that all students engage in regular physical exercise, which strengthens their bodies, improves heart and lung function, and supports healthy growth. Regular activity also reduces the risk of chronic illnesses later in life, such as diabetes and hypertension. Because children spend much of their day at school, making sports compulsory ensures that physical health is not left to chance or dependent on parents’ time and resources. …