Today, many people enjoy video games. In fact, 58% of Americans play video games. But video games are not just for kids and teens! The average age of game players is 30. Forty-eight percent of gamers are male and 50% are female. Games are purchased equally by males and females. Adult gamers have been playing video or computer games for an average of 16 years.

Question

A 2011 study found that 91% of young people ages 2 to 17 play video games. Thirty-six percent of gamers are females over the age of 18. Seventeen percent of gamers are males under the age of 18.
Gaming can be an interactive or a social activity. More than half of U.S. households (51%) have some type of gaming console. A majority of gamers play games with others, either in person or online.
Sixteen percent of gamers play with parents, 32% play with other family members, and 42% play with friends. Smart phones have made it possible for teens to play games on their phones, and 44% of people choose to play games on their phones.
For many, computer and video games seem to be a wiser choice for spending their entertainment dollars. Forty-four percent feel that purchasing video or computer games is more value for their money than buying DVDs or purchasing music or going to the movies. As a result, people are spending less time watching TV, going to the movies, or watching movies at home.
Some parents are concerned that their children are being drawn to video and computer games at a young age. Some parents, 91%, say they set limits on the amount of time their children spend playing games. Eighty-two percent of parents say they are present when children choose a game to purchase and/or when they are playing games. Many parents feel that video and computer games have become a positive part of their child's life.
Video and computer games have become a big part of the entertainment for people of all ages.
Christian Adame, assistant curator for the Phoenix Art Museum, says: "I would say the evolution of video games has been very rapid. Because video games rely so much on technology and innovations, the possibilities of video games have been very quickly transforming before our eyes."
Passage B: Effects of Gaming
Economy
If people stopped buying video games and the related components, retail businesses would be greatly impacted. From 2009 to 2012, the video game industry in the U.S. grew by more than 9%. This is more than four times the growth rate of the U.S. economy during the same period. In 2012, the entertainment industry spent $6.2 billion on software. Consumers alone spent $21.53 billion on video games, hardware, and accessories in 2013.
Based on information in Video Games in the 21st Century: The 2014 Report, more than 146,000 people are employed by the computer and video game industry. People working in this business earn an average salary of $94,747. Employment in this area grew more than 13 times the growth of the U.S. labor force between 2009 and 2012. California and Texas are the top two states employing workers in this industry. The popularity of gaming has prompted colleges and universities to offer computer and video game programs and degrees to prepare students for this popular area of employment.
Sources for facts and statistics: The Entertainment Software Association and Video Games in the 21st
Century: The 2014 Report.
Health
The popularity of playing video games has had an impact on the health of Americans. The U.S.
Department of Health recommends young people ages 6-17 participate in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. In 2013, only 17.7% of female and 36.6% of male high school students participated in 60 minutes of physical activity a day. The typical teenager spends about 53 hours a week (7 hours and
38 minutes per day) in front of a television, computer, or cell phone screen.
Even though some games allow people to interact with the game, promoting some physical movement, most do not. Physical inactivity increases one's risk of heart disease and developing diabetes, colon cancer, and high blood pressure. Some people are more likely to snack on unhealthy foods while in front of a screen, which can lead to some of these health issues. Some mental health professionals believe video game addiction also leads to social isolation and depression. A 2009 study reports that violent video games teach youth that violence is an acceptable problem-solving strategy.
Other researchers believe that violent games help young players release stress and pent-up aggression.
Sources for facts and statistics: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Psychological Association. Since young people spend many hours in a day playing video games or interacting with a screen, this could have an effect on the study habits of some students. The average high school student spends 6.8 hours a week on homework, but the average teen can spend 9-13 hours a week playing video games. However, some researchers believe that gaming improves strategic thinking, information gathering, hand-eye coordination, and flexibility. Some feel that students use effective problem solving and creativity while gaming. Playing games responsibly can help lessen the negative impacts gaming could have in the lives of young people.and all about the claim And the t chart of evidence and reasoning for 1,2,and 3,4

Answer 1

To analyze the claims and corresponding evidence from the passages on the effects of gaming, we can create a T-chart. The chart will categorize the claims into two sections: Claim (Positive Effects of Gaming) and Claim (Negative Effects of Gaming). The evidence and reasoning for each claim will be presented accordingly.

T-Chart: Positive vs. Negative Effects of Gaming

| Claim | Evidence | Reasoning | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Positive Effects of Gaming | - 58% of Americans play video games, and the average age of gamers is 30. | This highlights that gaming has a broad appeal across different age groups, suggesting its social and interactive aspects. | | | - 44% feel video games provide more value for their money compared to DVDs or going to the movies. | This indicates that gamers prioritize their entertainment spending towards video gaming over other media. | | | - Many parents (91%) set limits on gaming time, indicating they view it positively enough to engage with it. | This suggests that parents see the value in gaming and are actively involved in their children's gaming habits. | | | - Gaming has created employment opportunities, with more than 146,000 people employed in the industry. | This showcases the economic growth and job creation stemming from the gaming industry, indicating its societal value. | | | - Some researchers believe gaming improves strategic thinking and hand-eye coordination. | This implies that gaming can have cognitive benefits, aiding in skills that are useful in education and daily tasks. |

| Claim | Evidence | Reasoning | |-------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Negative Effects of Gaming| - Only 17.7% of females and 36.6% of males in high school are engaging in recommended daily physical activity. | This indicates a potential link between excessive gaming and physical inactivity, which can harm health. | | | - The average teenager spends 53 hours a week in front of a screen. | Such extensive screen time can lead to health issues such as obesity and increased risk of heart disease. | | | - Video game addiction can lead to social isolation and mental health issues. | This suggests that while gaming can be social, it can also result in negative outcomes when played excessively. | | | - A 2009 study reports violent video games may teach youth that violence is a valid solution. | This highlights concerns about violent gaming content and its potential effects on behavior and societal norms. | | | - The average high school student spends only 6.8 hours a week on homework compared to 9-13 hours on video games. | This can adversely affect academic performance and study habits, as gaming may become a priority over education. |

Conclusion

The T-chart clearly illustrates that gaming has both positive and negative impacts. The positive aspects include broad appeal, economic benefits, parental engagement, and potential cognitive improvements. On the other hand, the negative impacts concern physical health, screen time addiction, social isolation, exposure to violence, and compromised academic performance.

Understanding these effects can help parents, educators, and gamers make informed decisions about gaming habits and practices. Balancing gaming with other aspects of life may mitigate the negative impacts while allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits.