Question: There has been a growing concern about the decline in physical health among
young people. Some believe that schools should play a greater role in promoting physical
fitness while others argue that it is the responsibility of parents and individuals.
"Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live," advised Jim
Rohn, reminding us of the importance of physical well-being. In recent years, the
declining health of young people has become a worrying trend, with rising obesity
rates and sedentary lifestyles. While some argue that schools should bear more
responsibility for promoting fitness, others believe that it lies mainly with parents and
individuals. I believe that both schools and families share equal responsibility,
supported by community initiatives.
Firstly, schools provide an ideal environment to encourage healthy habits.
Students spend a significant amount of their day at school, making it a perfect
platform to integrate regular exercise. For example, daily physical education lessons
or after-school sports clubs can motivate students to stay active. This also exposes
them to a variety of sports and activities, helping them discover what they enjoy
most. Therefore, schools can play a crucial role in building lifelong fitness habits.
Secondly, parents have the primary influence over a child’s lifestyle. Healthy
routines often begin at home, from meal choices to weekend activities. For instance,
parents who cook nutritious meals and encourage outdoor play set positive
examples. Without such guidance, children may develop unhealthy eating habits or
prefer screen time over physical activities. Thus, parental involvement is essential in
shaping healthy behaviours.
Lastly, individuals themselves must take responsibility for their own health.
As young people grow older, they gain the ability to make their own choices. For
example, a teenager can decide to cycle to school or join a sports team instead of
spending hours gaming. Self-discipline and awareness about the benefits of exercise
will help maintain health in the long run. Therefore, personal motivation is the key to
lasting fitness.
In conclusion, improving the physical health of young people requires effort
from schools, parents, and the individuals themselves. To address this issue
effectively, schools should expand sports programmes, parents should model active
lifestyles, and young people should take charge of their own fitness. As the saying
goes, “Health is wealth,” and protecting it should be everyone’s priority.
Question: There has been a growing concern about the decline in physical health among
young people. Some believe that schools should play a greater role in promoting physical
fitness while others argue that it is the responsibility of parents and individuals.
"Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live," advised Jim
Rohn, underscoring the irreplaceable value of health. The decline in physical well-
being among young people has become an alarming issue, fuelled by sedentary
lifestyles, fast food culture, and reduced outdoor activities. While some contend that
schools should spearhead the promotion of physical fitness, others argue that it is
chiefly the duty of parents and individuals. I firmly believe that fostering youth fitness
requires a shared commitment between educational institutions, families, and the
youths themselves.
Firstly, schools are strategically positioned to instil healthy habits. (T) Given
that students spend a large portion of their formative years in school, integrating
structured exercise into daily routines is both feasible and effective. For example,
mandatory physical education, fitness challenges, and diverse extracurricular sports
can spark enthusiasm for movement. Moreover, such initiatives expose students to a
variety of disciplines—from athletics to martial arts—broadening their skill sets. As
the idiom goes, “Strike while the iron is hot,” and school years are the prime time to
embed lifelong fitness values.
Secondly, parents are the primary role models for healthy living. A child’s
diet, activity levels, and overall lifestyle are often shaped at home. Parents who
prepare balanced meals, limit excessive screen time, and organise family hikes set
powerful precedents. Without this guidance, unhealthy habits can easily take root. In
short, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and parental influence is critical.
Lastly, personal accountability is indispensable. As adolescents mature, they
gain autonomy over their choices. Choosing to join a futsal club, cycle to school, or
practise yoga are conscious decisions that reflect self-discipline. Understanding that
fitness is not a short-term goal but a lifelong investment encourages sustainable
behaviour. Indeed, “You reap what you sow,” and young people must recognise that
their future health is shaped by today’s actions.
In conclusion, tackling the decline in youth health requires a multi-pronged
approach involving schools, parents, and the individuals themselves. Schools should
innovate fitness programmes, parents must lead by example, and young people
should cultivate self-motivation. Ultimately, “Health is wealth,” and it is a treasure
worth safeguarding through shared responsibility.
1. Which statement best reflects the writer’s stance in the essay?
A. Schools should be solely responsible for students’ physical fitness.
B. Parents and individuals must lead all physical health efforts.
C. Both schools and parents share the responsibility for promoting physical health.
D. The government should take full control of youth health initiatives.
2. In the essay, the writer uses the quote “Health is wealth” to:
A. Show that physical fitness can lead to financial gain.
B. Emphasise the long-term value of maintaining health.
C. Criticise schools for neglecting sports facilities.
D. Argue that wealthier families are healthier.
3. Which example from the essay best illustrates the idea that schools can influence lifelong
habits?
A. Providing healthy canteen meals and mandatory PE lessons.
B. Asking parents to supervise evening exercises at home.
C. Suggesting students buy their own fitness equipment.
D. Encouraging students to watch health documentaries.
4. The idiom “prevention is better than cure” in the essay supports which argument?
A. It is cheaper to treat illnesses early than to avoid them.
B. Building healthy habits early is better than treating health problems later.
C. Doctors should focus on preventing diseases instead of treating them.
D. Parents should cure unhealthy behaviours through discipline.
5. If the government removed physical education from schools, based on the writer’s
argument, what would likely happen?
A. Students would automatically become more active at home.
B. Physical health among youth might worsen without school-based activities.
C. Parents would reduce their role in promoting health.
D. Junk food sales in schools would increase.