Extended Response Quiz

Are Video games bad for you?

Many young people like to play games. While playing games, some pretend to fight aliens or evil creatures. Some pretend to be pro athletes.

For years, young people played outdoors with their friends. They used their imagination. Their streets became faraway planets. Their backyards became big-league stadiums.

Today, though, many young people have a different way of playing. They don't play the old-fashioned way. Many play video games instead. Their games take place on their TV, phone, and computer screens.

Video game fans say that their hobby is just good fun. Some people, though, say it is more than that. They say that video games can be bad for people's health.

What do you think? Are video games bad for people's health? Or are they really harmless? Read the arguments below. Then decide for yourself.

Yes! Video Games Are Bad for People's Health

People weren't made to sit on couches or in front of computers all the time. People were made to be active. Video games are bad for people's health.

To be healthy, young people need to stay active. They need to get outside. They need exercise. People who play video games spend too much time staring at a television or computer screen. They don't spend enough time being active.

Playing video games is also bad for the mind. Time spent playing video games would be better spent reading. Reading helps make people smarter. It helps develop the mind. It helps strengthen the imagination. Besides, reading is also fun.

Making friends also makes people happier and healthier. If young people play video games by themselves, they lose the chance to be with friends. Real life is more fun than playing video games.

No! Video Games Are Not Bad for People's Health

Too much of anything--even video games--can be bad. But as long as people don't overdo it, there is nothing harmful about video games. Playing video games can even be good for people.

People do need to be active. But they also need to rest. There is nothing wrong with playing some video games while relaxing. People should play video games to help them unwind.

Not all video games are bad for people's minds. Playing a video game can be like solving a puzzle. Many video games can help make minds stronger. They require the player to focus on the game.

Finally, many video games can be played by two or more people at once. Friends can have fun while playing video games together.

No one should spend all of his or her time just playing video games. But spending some time playing video games is not bad for you.

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Write your opinion. Are video games bad for you or not? Make sure you include an attention grabber, your opinion, your reason, anexample from the story, and restating your opinion.