Are Online Games Sports?


Are Online Games Sports?
For years, people have debated what counts as a sport. We often think of sports as activities like basketball, soccer, or swimming. These involve physical activity and skill. But what about online games? Some people believe they should be considered sports too. Others disagree.
What Makes a Sport?
Sports usually require physical exertion. Athletes train their bodies to perform at high levels. They develop strength, speed, and stamina. Sports also demand skill. Players must learn strategies, techniques, and teamwork. These elements are what make sports challenging and exciting.
Online Games: A Different Kind of Challenge
Online games, also known as esports, involve mental skill and strategy. Players need quick reflexes, sharp decision-making, and excellent coordination. They often compete in teams, requiring communication and cooperation. Top esports players practice for hours every day. They study game tactics and work to improve their reaction times. Many argue that this dedication and skill should qualify online gaming as a sport.
The Argument Against
- Esports:
- Organized, competitive video gaming.
- Physical Exertion:
- Effort or strain on the body.
- Stamina:
- The ability to keep going for a long time.
- coordination:
- The ability to move different parts of your body together smoothly and easily.
- dedication:
- A willingness to give a lot of time and hard work to something important to you.
- tactics:
- Smart plans or methods used to win a game or achieve a goal.
One passage, many ways to practice
Reading-skill questions, word work and writing prompts — all built from this text.
Main Idea
Identify the central idea and explain how important details develop it.
Context Clues
Use clues in the passage to work out what words mean. A separate printable Vocabulary worksheet is also available.
Summarize
Select, organize, and restate the most important information without adding opinion.
Structure
Analyze how sections and organizational choices build the text's ideas or effects.
Fact & Opinion
Distinguish verifiable statements from judgments, beliefs, and preferences in context.
Claims & Evidence
Trace and evaluate how claims are supported by reasons and evidence.
Vocabulary
Practice words from the passage with a printable worksheet.
Writing Prompts
Use the passage as a springboard for short written responses, from personal reflection to evidence-based arguments.
Fix the Sentence
Practice editing sentences drawn from this passage with a printable worksheet.

Ready to use this passage in class?
Start free with the Mixed worksheet and 3 PDF downloads each week. Focused skill sets depend on plan.
Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What are some examples of traditional sports mentioned in the passage?
- 2What are some skills required in online games, according to the passage?
Where this passage belongs
You Might Also Like
About this opinion / argumentative passage for Upper Elementary
“Are Online Games Sports?” is a opinion / argumentative reading passage about Online Games, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 2 minutes to read (269 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.


