Governments should spend more money on education than on recreation and sports. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people think that a sense of competition in children should be 
encouraged. Others believe that children who are taught to co-operate 
rather than compete become more useful adults. 
Discuss both views and give your own opinion. 
It is often argued that children should be motivated to be more competitive, 
while others feel that cooperation is a more important value to instill in 
youngsters. This essay will discuss both these views, before coming to the 
conclusion that they are equally valid. 
It is important that young people are pushed to be the best they can possibly 
be, in whatever pursuit they take part in. This drive to win boosts their work 
ethic and teaches them that hard work and discipline are the keys to success. 
For example, it was shown in a recent study by Queen’s University that 
students who won something in sports before they reached the age of 14, 
were 42% more likely to go on to third-level education than those who did 
not. Despite this, the development of a child requires not only a will to win, 
but also lessons on the value of teamwork. 
Working as part of a team strengthens our empathy, selflessness and make us 
more responsible toward others. If one were to want to win at the expense of 
those around us, it is likely that we would alienate our peers and become 
detached from any team we operate in. For example, Michael Jordan was often 
criticised by his coaches for being too competitive in practice and overly critical 
of his team mates and he had to change for the sake of his team. 
In conclusion, our young ones should be taught to try their best to achieve 
their goals, but this should also be balanced with the importance of working 
with others. Both are equally important and will result in a more balanced 
young adult. 
 
 
 

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