Some people believe that children leisure activities must be educational,   otherwise they are a complete waste of time.

　　Do you agree or disagree?

　　Model Answer:

　　Today, education has become a priority for many parents seeking to secure a   good future for their children in this rapidly changing world. They believe that   if their children apply themselves and work hard at school, then they will   increase their opportunities for going to higher education and eventually   getting a good job. Of course they are right, and as access to the best   education and best jobs is becoming more competitive, then it is true that   children have to make the best of their study time when they are young.

　　However, the parents who do not allow their children sufficient free time   for leisure activities outside school hours, are misguided. Such activities are   far from being a waste of time for the children simply because they are not   academic. It is important to remember that children need to develop skills other   than intellectual ones, and the best way to do this is through activities such   as sports, games and playing with other kids. If they cannot play make-believe   games, how can they develop their imagination? How can they learn physical   co-ordination or learn important social lessons about winning and losing if they   do not practise any sports? Many children form strong, personal relationships   with the friends they play with, and without the opportunity to do this, they   could grow up emotionally immature or unformed.

　　Finally, I think it is also important to remember that children need to   relax as well as work. If everything they do must have some educational or   academic relevance, then they will soon get tired of studying altogether, which   is the last thing parents would want.