Read the passage 'Physical Education'. On a piece of paper, take notes on the main points of the reading passage.
Reading time: 3 minutes
Physical Education
More and more schools are eliminating mandatory physical education, and this trend should continue due to the validity of parental oppositions.
Every year, a growing number of parents become upset that their children are being required to participate in physical education classes at school. They feel that children should not be forced to take a physical education class if they do not want to. Many feel their children are individuals who should be able to make their own decisions about their bodies and not be required by school officials or a curriculum to engage in physical activities.
They feel children should make their own decisions, because, for example, some want to avoid uncomfortable situations if they are self-conscious about their bodies or suffer from stress because they are nervous about physical performance. Those who oppose the physical education requirement also think it distracts from other, more purely educational pursuits, such as math, science, or literature. It is argued that students often know from a young age, what kind of job they want later, and therefore, if children take classes in their chosen area of interest, it is more beneficial than compelling them to take a physical education class.
Lastly, these parents feel that required physical education courses expose their children to unnecessary and potentially expensive injuries that may result in long-term or permanent damage.
Main idea of the reading passage:
- Parental opposition to mandatory Physical Education (P.E.) classes.
Major points in the reading passage:
- Children should not be forced to take (P.E.)
- Children should make their own choices (about their own bodies).
- Children may feel self-conscious or embarrassed.
- Children should focus on academics.
- Children may get injured.
Now listen to the passage. On a piece of paper, take notes on the main points of the listening passage.
[audio|src:'\listening\toefl_begin\152%20Physical%20Education.mp3?20210708'|wait:185]
(Narrator)
Now listen to part of a lecture on the topic you just read about.
(Professor)
Coming soon!
Main idea of the listening passage:
- Advantages of Physical Education classes.
Major points in the listening passage:
- Children are not mature and intellectually developed enough to decide if they should take P.E. classes.
- Obesity is a serious problem so P.E. are essential nowadays.
- Injuries are rare, P.E. classes build muscles, flexibility and strength.
Now answer the following question:
Summarize the points made in the lecturer being sure to explain how they challenge specific arguments raised in the reading.
Sample Answer: