You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people say that outdoor activities bring benefits to children’s development rather than computer games, To what extent do you agree/disagree?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Sample Answer
It is true that there is now a large consensus of opinion that outdoor sports and leisure activities promote the health of youngsters, especially when compared with the effect of hours spent playing computer games. While computer games are undeniably fun, I totally agree that outdoor activities are far more beneficial for the physical and mental development of children.
Firstly, when children spend too much time playing computer games, there are negative consequences to consider. In physical terms, youngsters who adopt a sedentary lifestyle, glued to their games consoles, very quickly become prone to obesity. Such a pattern of behaviour does nothing to contribute to the development of strong bones and muscles during their formative years. From the perspective of mental development, children who are addicted to computer games may suffer from mental health problems. These could include, for example, stress and anxiety resulting from hours of intensive concentration.
Secondly, these drawbacks should be contrasted with the positive advantages of outdoor pursuits. Children who take up sport or take regular exercise build up their strength and
develop healthy bodies. They may also develop an interest in their favourite outdoor pastimes, such as playing basketball, cycling or swimming, activities which they can enjoy in their adult years. In particular, when children are active outdoors, the sunshine and fresh air help to build up their immune systems. This is even better than being indoors, working out at the gym to keep fit.
In conclusion, playing computer games for long periods is detrimental to the physical and mental health of youngsters, whereas, in contrast, engaging in outdoor activities promotes their health and well-being.
270 words
Vocab Highlights
Vocabulary from health:
sedentary lifestyle: involving little exercise or physical activity
Example: A sedentary lifestyle is a major factor in health problems such as obesity and heart disease.
to be prone to obesity: to be likely to become fat [in an unhealthy way]
Example: Children who are addicted to watching television, instead of playing outdoor games, are more prone to obesity.
to be addicted to something: to be unable to stop taking harmful drugs, tobacco or alcohol or to be unable to stop doing something harmful
Example: More specialist clinics, offering treatment and advice, are required to help people who are addicted to drugs.
mental health problems: related to illnesses of one’s mind
Example: Overwork may sometimes result in mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression.
to build up one’s immune system/ immunity: to increase the ability of your body to fight diseases
Example: A healthy lifestyle and a diet rich in vitamins is a sure way to build up one’s immune system.
to be detrimental to health: to be harmful to health
Example: Lying in the sun for too long can be detrimental to health and result in skin cancers.
Vocabulary from family and children:
patterns of behaviour: ways of acting and doing things (either positive or negative)
Example: Patterns of behaviour copied from parents often influence the way that children grow up.
formative years: A period of a person’s life, usually childhood, that has a big influence on the person they become later in life
Example: UNICEF states that the early childhood years from birth through age 8 are formative years in terms of intelligence, personality and social behaviour.
Vocabulary from sport and exercise:
to take up sport: to start doing a sport
Example: Governments should provide sports facilities to encourage more people to take up sport.
to work out at the gym: to train the body by physical exercise at the gym
Example: As part of a healthy lifestyle, people of all ages should work out at the gym on a regular basis.
to keep fit: to stay in good physical condition
Example: A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are essential for people to keep fit.
Other vocabulary
a consensus of opinion [expression]: an opinion generally agreed by all the people in a group or population
Example: There is a consensus of opinion among doctors that a corona virus vaccine will soon be available.
undeniably [adverb]: in a way that is true and cannot be denied by anyone
Example: Undeniably, the majority of Americans did not want Trump to be President for another 4 years.
to be glued to something [expression]: to give all your attention to something
Example: He was glued to the TV all evening, and forgot to study for the exam.
games console [noun]: a small electronic device for playing video games
Example: He spends too much time on his new games console playing all the latest games.
pursuit [noun]: a hobby or pastime that you spend time doing
Example: Now Peter is retired, he enjoys outdoor pursuits such as walking and cycling.