The Presidential Fitness Test Returns under Department of Health and Human Services Oversight
總統體能測試在衛生及公共服務部監管下恢復實施
Introduction
The United States government has brought back the presidential fitness test to help reduce inactive lifestyles and chronic diseases among young people.
美國政府恢復實施總統體能測試，旨在幫助年輕人減少缺乏運動的生活方式並降低慢性疾病率。
Main Body
The return of the fitness test follows an executive order from the president, which Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. explained during a public event in Atlantic City. The program is managed by a White House task force led by Bryson DeChambeau and Paul Levesque. The test remains similar to previous versions, using specific goals based on age and gender in three main areas: heart health, upper-body strength, and core stability. For example, the top level for girls aged 14 and older requires running a mile in 7:59 or less.
此次體能測試的恢復是根據總統的行政命令，衛生部長 Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 在大西洋城的一次公開活動中對此進行了說明。該計畫由 Bryson DeChambeau 和 Paul Levesque 領導的白宮專案小組管理。測試內容與之前的版本相似，根據年齡和性別，在心臟健康、上身力量和核心穩定性三個主要領域設定特定目標。例如，14 歲及以上女性若要達到最高等級，要求在一英里跑中達到 7 分 59 秒或更短的時間。
These types of programs first started in the 1960s, but the Obama administration later moved toward more flexible rules, and the test ended in 2012. Secretary Kennedy emphasized that stopping the test was a mistake, pointing to the high number of chronic illnesses in the country. Furthermore, the Department of Health and Human Services reports that several states have already added the test to their school programs, although they have not named which states are participating.
這類計畫最早始於 1960 年代，但歐巴馬政府隨後將規則調整得較為靈活，該測試最終於 2012 年結束。Kennedy 部長強調，停止該測試是一個錯誤，並指出美國目前慢性疾病數量高企。此外，衛生及公共服務部報告指出，已有數個州將該測試納入學校計畫，儘管尚未指明參與的具體州別。
Experts have different opinions about this move. Supporters argue that the test is useful for identifying students who need health help and showing the link between exercise and better grades. However, critics from universities such as Purdue University Northwest suggest that testing students in public could cause stress and embarrassment. Consequently, they warn that these negative experiences might actually make people less active as adults. Because of this, some experts believe the program will only work if it is combined with non-competitive activities and general health education.
專家對此舉持有不同意見。支持者認為，該測試有助於識別需要健康援助的學生，並展示運動與更好成績之間的關聯。然而，來自普渡大學西北分校等大學的批評者則認為，在公開場合測試學生可能會導致壓力與尷尬。因此，他們警告這些負面經驗可能會使人們在成年後變得更不愛運動。基於此，部分專家認為該計畫只有在結合非競爭性活動與一般健康教育時才會奏效。
Conclusion
The presidential fitness test has officially returned, but people continue to debate whether using strict scores is more important than protecting students' psychological motivation.
總統體能測試已正式恢復，但人們仍持續爭論使用嚴格的分數與保護學生的心理動機哪個更為重要。
Vocabulary Learning
🚀 Moving Beyond 'But' and 'So'
At the A2 level, you likely use but and so for every connection. To reach B2, you need Logical Connectors. These are words that act like bridges, making your writing sound professional and organized rather than like a simple list of facts.
🛠 The 'B2 Upgrade' Map
Look at how this text transforms simple ideas into academic arguments:
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The 'Addition' Bridge: Instead of saying 'and', the text uses "Furthermore".
- A2: The test is back and some states are using it.
- B2: The test has returned. Furthermore, several states have already added it to their programs.
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The 'Contrast' Bridge: Instead of 'but', the text uses "However".
- A2: Some people like it but others don't.
- B2: Supporters argue the test is useful. However, critics suggest it causes stress.
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The 'Result' Bridge: Instead of 'so', the text uses "Consequently".
- A2: It's embarrassing so people stop exercising.
- B2: Testing students in public causes embarrassment. Consequently, they might become less active as adults.
💡 Pro Tip for Fluency
Notice that these B2 words (Furthermore, However, Consequently) are often followed by a comma when they start a sentence. This gives you a natural pause when speaking and tells the listener: "Pay attention, I am about to change the direction of the argument."