Practice Passage Test - 4 | Practice Passages for MCAT PDF Download

In the United Kingdom, Physical Education (PE) is mandatory in state schools until students reach the age of 16, aligning sports with the duration of formal education as mandated by law. However, I believe that students should have the choice to participate in PE classes if they and their parents agree. PE is distinct from other subjects as it involves physical activity and personal control over one's body. Just as individuals have the right to make decisions about their bodies, such as undergoing surgery or choosing their activities, why should PE be treated any differently?

The argument that PE significantly impacts people's health is a diversion. There are more effective ways to promote a healthy population than mandating children to run laps on a cold sports field once a week. Schools could address the issue of poor diets among young people and encourage them to walk or bike to school instead of relying on cars.

Moreover, sports consume valuable school time and resources. The impact of one or two PE lessons per week on an individual's health is minimal, while the financial burden on schools is substantial. Making PE compulsory requires establishing an entire department, wasting considerable money and time that could be better utilized for academic purposes. It also necessitates schools to have extensive land for playing fields, making it prohibitively expensive to construct new schools in urban areas. Given the current average pupil-teacher ratios, the quality of teaching in PE classes is inevitably compromised, and inadequate supervision may even pose risks to students. Schools are already burdening our children, particularly at the later stages, with multiple examinations, and compulsory PE only adds unnecessary stress to their schedules.

Many proponents argue that team sports foster character development, collaboration, resilience in both victory and defeat, and a strong sense of school spirit through competition with other institutions. They contend that the experience of playing on a team builds enduring friendships, which can last for years. Some even draw parallels to the bonding that occurs in prison through shared endurance. However, injuries sustained during school sports and the psychological impact of bullying based on sporting abilities can leave lasting scars on individuals. In an era increasingly prone to litigation, compulsory sports programs pose liability risks, leading many schools to shy away from team games due to the fear of lawsuits. Teamwork can be effectively cultivated through music, drama, and community projects without fostering an overly competitive atmosphere.

Regarding the argument that compulsory PE helps individuals discover their talents or enjoyment for sports, such aptitude can be explored outside of school without subjecting students to the bullying and humiliation often associated with PE classes. Currently, the aim of compulsory PE is not being fulfilled, as parents frequently provide "sick notes" to excuse their children from participation. Stricter enforcement would only result in increased deceit, students missing entire school days, or, in extreme cases, withdrawal from state education.