Some people say that physical exercise should be a required part of every school day. Other people believe that students should spend the whole school day on academic studies.

While physical exercise is important, I do not believe that it is a school's responsibility to

provide physical training for its students. If physical exercise is part of the school program,

that means that students have to receive grades for it and that the school has to pay for the

necessary space and equipment. This seems a waste of effort and resources when students

can usually get enough physical exercise on their own.

If a school offers physical education classes, then students will have to be graded in them.

It is not always easy to do this fairly. Some schools, especially smaller ones, may not be able

to offer activities that interest everyone. Then some students might get poor grades simply

because the school couldn't offer an activity they enjoy or do well in. In addition, research

suggests that participation, not excellence, in physical activities is what benefits the body.

Another issue is economic. Physical education costs money and many schools do not have

the money to provide gym facilities, playing fields, and athletic equipment for their students.

Other schools are located in cities where that kind of space just isn't available. A few schools

would rather keep money for academic purposes.

Many students get plenty of physical exercise as part of their daily life or recreation. Some

students walk or ride their bicycles to schools. Some participate in soccer teams or tennis

leagues outside of schools. Young people are usually active and have plenty of chances to get

exercise outside of school, whether in organized activities or not.

It is important to get plenty of physical exercise, and young people usually do this. They

don't need the school to focus effort and money on their physical education. It is much better

to direct the school's resources toward academic achievement.

Should students be required to attend classes?

Some people may believe that going to classes should be optional, but I really disagree with them about it. I do not understand how a university student can expect to learn much knowledge if he doesn't attend classes. Although self-study is a good way to acquire knowledge, students, I believe, need to be in class.

In classes students receive the benefit of the teacher's knowledge. A teacher does more than just going over the material in the textbooks; she draws her students into discussions that may lead further understanding of the teaching material. She not only teaches acknowledge and theories, but also presents opposing opinions that help students think and absorb what they have learned. Additionally, she may invite guest speakers to give her students extra information from another prospect, or play some documentary films on certain subject.

Besides teaching knowledge, a teacher impart her students the right method of study. In that way, the students can understand how to study efficiently, how to find information from proper resources, and how to apply what they have learned into practice. In other word, if there is no teacher to lead them to the right way, the students may go into a roundabout and waste lots of time.

The last reason for attending classes is that going to classes can train students to be more responsible and have good sense of teamwork. In classes, the students may be given some group assignments. To achieve assignments, they can know what is their respective responsibility and how to cooperate with others. Meanwhile, they can learn from each other because each student has his strong points, different background and experience.

In short, going to classes give students more knowledge, help them to become more responsible, cooperative and thoughtful. I believe that attending classes cannot be optional, but should be an essential part of university education.

A child's upbringing

Both parents and schools have a major influence on a child's upbringing and so both have a role to play in the moral education of children. However, there is no easy answer as to the best method of educating children.

As parents are the first influence on children, they are the first example from which children learn. It is not only what a child is told that is important, it is also the example that the parents set. If parents lie to their children, it is not surprising if the children also lie.

School is also a major influence on a child's life. The culture of a school will help to establish forms of behaviour. For example, if a child sees students behaving badly, they are likely to copy this behaviour. In other words it is often not the school that influences the child but the child's friends. There is no perfect way to teach right from wrong. Every child is different and responds to different methods. However, there are some ways that are more successful than others. First, it is very important to be consistent. If a child is told not to do something one day and is allowed to do it the next, the child will become confused. Second, children will copy the behaviour of others so if a child is constantly exposed to bad behaviour, it is not surprising if he/she behaves badly.

Both school and home are important influences on a child. Children learn most from the standards that are acceptable where they grow up.