In your English class you have been talking about teens and physical fitness. Now your teacher has asked you to write an essay for homework.
Write your essay using all the notes and giving reasons for your point of view.
‘All secondary school students should have to take part in physical education classes.’
Do you agree?


Nowadays, every secondary school student must attend physical education lessons every week or cycle. Some stress that they are beneficial to students’ health while others think that they are a waste of time. Personally, it is my firm belief that all secondary school students should have to take part in physical education classes.

To commence with, there are several reasons for my stance, the foremost of which is that physical education classes can help students stay fit and promote a healthy lifestyle. In today’s world, sedentary activities such as watching television and playing video games have become more common. Therefore, it is crucial to encourage students to engage in physical activities, including running and playing football. Participating in physical education classes, students can have the chance to learn about and practise various forms of exercise, thereby improving their cardiovascular health, stamina and overall fitness levels. In this way, students, especially those suffering from underweight and obesity, can benefit from staying physically active.

Apart from getting fit, physical education classes can enable students to boost their mental well-being. Adolescence could be a challenging time, with academic studies, social expectations and personal changes being the major sources of pressure. If students engage in physical education classes, they can have the opportunity to get rid of their pressure. Not only does exercise physically remove us from potentially stressful situations, but our brain also releases feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. As a result, doing exercise has long been known to improve our mental health, reducing stress, alleviating anxiety, easing symptoms of depression, as well as increasing self-esteem and self-confidence.

Last but not least, students had better attend physical education classes so that they can acquire a wide range of life skills. Through team sports and group activities like playing basketball and relay races, students can learn to enjoy teamwork and develop some of the most essential life skills, ranging from communication and problem-solving to leadership and collaboration. As an old saying goes, “Unity is strength.” It is highly recommended that all secondary school students, no matter how awesome their academic results are, learn how to work effectively with others, since this is not only important in sports, but also in such aspects of life as interpersonal relationships, school projects and even future careers. Physical education classes can undoubtedly provide a supportive environment for students to enhance their various life skills.

To conclude, I strongly believe that all secondary school students should have to take part in physical education classes, given their benefits for the students. If there had not been any such classes, secondary school students’ health would have been harmed. It is sincerely hoped that students can grow up to be healthy and well-rounded individuals by incorporating physical education into the curriculum. 


In your opinion, out of 21marks, how many marks would you award?