In recent decades, concerns about young people’s health have increased significantly. Many experts argue that modern teenagers and children do not get enough physical exercise, leading to rising rates of obesity, anxiety, and lifestyle-related illnesses. Ot...
Faglig kvalitetssikret av lærere og toppstudenter · Følger læreplanen (LK20) · Sist oppdatert 2026-09-06
This guide provides a deep analysis of a model essay on the topic "Young People Do Not Spend Enough Time Exercising These Days — Do You Agree or Disagree?", showing you precisely how to structure your arguments, use evidence, and meet examiner expectations for a top grade.
The "agree or disagree" essay format is a classic on the English written exam for VG1, VG2, and VG3. It tests your ability to form a clear opinion (a thesis), support it with logical arguments, and consider opposing viewpoints. This specific topic of youth health, technology, and lifestyle connects directly to the curriculum's core elements, such as "Communication" and "The English-speaking world". For example, a past exam question might ask you to "Discuss the impact of social media on young people's well-being, using relevant examples." This essay's theme is a direct application of that skill, requiring you to argue a point about well-being in the modern world. Mastering this structure will prepare you not just for this specific question, but for any task that asks you to take and defend a position.
An effective argumentative essay is built on a few key structural pillars. Understanding these components allows you to construct a clear, logical, and persuasive text. Below is a breakdown of these concepts, using the model essay as an example.
| Concept | Definition | Example from the text |
|---|---|---|
| Thesis Statement | A single, clear sentence in the introduction that states the main argument or position of the essay. It acts as a roadmap for the reader. | "This essay will argue that although some young people remain active, the majority do not exercise enough due to technological distractions, academic pressure, and changing lifestyles." |
| Topic Sentence | The first sentence of a body paragraph. It introduces the main idea of that paragraph and directly supports the thesis statement. | "One of the main reasons young people exercise less today is the rise of digital technology." |
| Supporting Evidence | The facts, examples, explanations, and details used within a paragraph to develop and prove the topic sentence. | "Many teenagers spend several hours daily scrolling through apps or gaming, leaving little time or energy for exercise. Furthermore, this digital lifestyle begins at a very early age." |
| Counterargument | An acknowledgement of the opposing viewpoint. Including a counterargument shows the examiner that you have considered the topic from multiple angles, which strengthens your own position. | "It is important to acknowledge that not all young people are inactive. Many schools offer sports programs, and community organizations encourage participation in football, dance, swimming, and other activities." |
| Refutation | The response to the counterargument. After acknowledging the opposing view, you explain why your own argument is still more convincing. | "However, these active groups represent a minority. Statistical trends worldwide show a consistent decline in physical activity among youth... Thus, the exceptions do not outweigh the overall pattern..." |
In recent decades, concerns about young people’s health have increased significantly. Many experts argue that modern teenagers and children do not get enough physical exercise, leading to rising rates of obesity, anxiety, and lifestyle-related illnesses. Others claim that young people today are more informed about health and have more opportunities to engage in sports through gyms, school programs, and community activities. This essay will argue that although some young people remain active, the majority do not exercise enough due to technological distractions, academic pressure, and changing lifestyles. Increasing physical activity must therefore become a greater social priority.
One of the main reasons young people exercise less today is the rise of digital technology. Smartphones, tablets, computers, and video games have replaced outdoor play, making sedentary entertainment the default choice. Social media and online streaming platforms encourage long hours of passive consumption rather than physical movement. Many teenagers spend several hours daily scrolling through apps or gaming, leaving little time or energy for exercise. Furthermore, this digital lifestyle begins at a very early age. Even young children use screens for entertainment, which can limit their natural tendency to run, climb, and explore. When physical activity is replaced by virtual stimulation, habits develop that persist into adolescence and adulthood. As technology becomes more addictive and more easily accessible, the amount of time available for exercise continues to decrease.
Another significant factor that reduces physical activity is the increasing pressure placed on young people to succeed academically. Homework, exams, tutoring, and after-school programs often leave little time for exercise. Many students spend their afternoons and evenings completing school assignments or studying for tests. As a result, physical education and sports are often seen as distractions rather than essential parts of a balanced lifestyle. In competitive school environments, students may prioritize academic achievement over health. Parents, too, sometimes discourage sports participation because they believe academic success is more important for future job opportunities. This mindset contributes to a culture where physical activity is undervalued, despite its proven benefits for concentration, memory, and mental well-being.
Urbanization has also played a role in reducing young people’s opportunities to exercise. In many cities, safe outdoor spaces such as parks, playgrounds, and fields are limited or overcrowded. Traffic, pollution, and safety concerns often prevent parents from allowing their children to play outside freely. As a result, young people spend more time indoors, where sedentary activities dominate. Additionally, the rising cost of sports equipment, club fees, and gym memberships can discourage families from enrolling their children in organized physical activities. Socioeconomic inequality means that while some children have access to sports camps and private coaching, others have few opportunities to exercise regularly.
It is important to acknowledge that not all young people are inactive. Many schools offer sports programs, and community organizations encourage participation in football, dance, swimming, and other activities. Social media itself can sometimes motivate exercise, as fitness influencers and online workouts have become increasingly popular. However, these active groups represent a minority. Statistical trends worldwide show a consistent decline in physical activity among youth, even in countries with well-developed sports infrastructure. Thus, the exceptions do not outweigh the overall pattern of decreasing movement and increasing sedentary behavior.
Addressing this issue requires cooperation between families, schools, and governments. Schools should prioritize physical education and ensure that PE classes are enjoyable, inclusive, and frequent. Governments can invest in safe public spaces and low-cost sports programs to make exercise accessible to all social groups. Parents also play a crucial role. By limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor play, they can help children develop healthy habits early in life. Community campaigns and awareness programs can further highlight the physical and mental benefits of exercise, motivating young people to become more active.
In conclusion, although some young people participate in sports and maintain healthy lifestyles, most do not get enough exercise due to digital distractions, academic pressure, and limited access to safe outdoor spaces. This trend poses a serious threat to public health and must be addressed through education, policy, and cultural change. Encouraging regular physical activity is not simply about improving fitness—it is about ensuring the well-being of an entire generation. Young people deserve the opportunity to develop healthy habits that will support them throughout their lives, and society must take responsibility for creating the conditions that make this possible.
Even with a good understanding of the topic, students can lose marks due to common errors in argumentation and style. Here are three major pitfalls to avoid, with advice on how to correct them. …