Question

Game Time​

1

"Don't forget, you need to practice video games for at least an hour tonight!" It's not a statement children expect to hear from their parents, but with college esports on the rise, it may become more commonplace.

2

While gaming competitions have existed since the invention of video games in the 1970s, esports didn't become a legitimate college sport until 2014. A university in Illinois was the first to start a varsity program and offer scholarships to talented gamers. Since then, the program has grown. It is now a fixture at over 170 U.S. colleges and universities. Around $16 million was offered in scholarships in 2024. It seems likely these numbers will increase substantially in the coming years. These statistics show that college gaming deserves recognition as a worthwhile opportunity for students.

3

Colleges with esports programs have found that these programs improve enrollment and retention rates. This is likely because participants feel part of a competitive team. Some of these students might never have experienced the sense of belonging and confidence that comes with competitive college sports if it weren't for esports.

4

Some critics argue that esports shouldn't be considered real sports because they lack physical activity. However, research shows that esports athletes develop hand-eye coordination, strategic thinking, and teamwork skills that parallel those of traditional athletes. Many collegiate esports programs now include physical fitness requirements to ensure players maintain overall health.

5

Another common criticism of esports programs is that the players won't develop employable skills. Critics suggest esports athletes won't be responsible enough to show up for work on time or function in professional settings. These misconceptions are based on outdated stereotypes about gamers that don't reflect today's esports athletes. In fact, an industry leader shared that some of the best employees at her information technology company came from college esports teams. Many are STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) majors, making them highly valued among employers.

6

By providing competitive opportunities for students with gaming talents, colleges are creating pathways to success for a broader range of students. The structured environment of esports helps young people channel their passion into something that builds real-world skills. The next time someone suggests gaming is a waste of time, consider educating them on college esports.

Question 6 of 8
How does the author use conflicting evidence to show the athletic value of esports?​

by comparing esports scholarships to those of traditional sports​

by describing how parents encourage gaming practice​

by acknowledging criticisms about physical activity​

by listing colleges with varsity esports programs

Answer 1

by acknowledging criticisms about physical activity

The author presents the critic's claim that esports lack physical activity and then counters it with research showing hand‑eye coordination, strategy, teamwork, and added fitness requirements, using the conflict to argue athletic value.