Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Were You Born To Be A Sports Star?



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Students,

For this week's TeenBiz3000 assignment, go to your TeenBiz3000 account and open up your mailbox.  

1.  Then, read the email from me (Teacher Boland), titled "Were You Born To Be A Sports Star?"
2.  Read the article.
3.  Test your comprehension by clicking on "Activity" at the top of your news article and completing all 8 comprehension questions.
3.  Return to the "Thought Question" and submit your response to TeenBiz3000 AND the blog in the comments section below for full credit.  

Optional: Complete any of the other activities to earn bonus points, located at the top of the article.

Don't forget to click on "Include in Your Answer" on TeenBiz3000 for tips on completing this assignment with style. Also make sure to proofread your work for CUPS, and omit your last name from your post.

Are you interested in going deeper into the topic of whether or not it's fair to genetically test children for athletic ability?  Here are some bonus questions to consider in your response:
  • How would you feel if your parents subjected you to this test?
  • Would you ever consider giving this test to your children?
  • How might personal genetic information affect an individual and society's perception of that individual?
Click on the TeenBiz3000 link to begin this assignment: www.teenbiz3000.com

53 comments:

  1. Yes, I do determine individuals should use this information for success because i think that people need to follow their dreams. Whatever you believe you can do you should do it. I think if people start really believing in their selves they can achieve.

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  2. I think that we don't need machines for testing Athletic skills, we can show our skills without some darn machine.
    I think this isn't a good idea at all. Never is, and never will be. Kids can show their skills without a machine.

    -John

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  3. I think that maybe they think that ACTN3 will tell you if you have the gene that will help you be more athletic. One side believes that it is useful to know if your body possesses this gene. They think this because they think that this will help you to know if you will be successful in whatever sport you may want to play. The other side believes that it may not be good to know if you have that gene or not. If you don't have that gene you may not strive to do what you really want to do and may actually be good it. Some of the who may have the gene still might not make it in the professional sorts world and the people who don't have the gene may. So they think that it wouldn't be good for people to know if they have the trait or not.

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  4. People who oppose the ACTN3 tests believe that parents who find out that their kids have the gene will push them too hard into a sports career or activity. They people who oppose the tests are also concerned that if children find out they don't have the gene, they will want do give up and they will feel discouraged. They don't want the tests to negatively affect the children or parents' feelings about a certain sport or activity.
    People who support the ACTN3 tests say that people who knew they did not have the gene still became dedicated sports stars. One person like this is a Spanish long jumper who went to the Olympics. They also argue that having the knowledge that you have the gene can help you figure out what sports you would be best at. People who support the tests are marketers and satisfied parents.
    I believe that people who support the tests have a stronger line of reasoning. I believe this because they have examples to support their opinions such as how the long jumper made it to the Olympics despite not having the gene. Also, knowing what sports to go after can help you excel in one sport rather than just doing well in a sport that's not right for you. The people who oppose do not give an example in this article. That is why I think the people who support the tests have a stronger argument.

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  5. I'm writing about the ACTN3 gene that is being tested on kids. My opinion goes both ways they shouldn't do the test and they should do the test. This is because when kids find out that they are not going to end up a sports star their dream are destroyed and they will just give up on sports. And they should do the test because when kids find out that they can be a sports star they should keep working hard. For example Elizabeth Marston is a young soccer athlete. She was tested for the ACTN3 when the results came back they were good. She was clear for that when she got older that she will be an elite athlete. This is an example that states my opinion.

    In the article people was saying what they thought about the test and I agree with what some of them were stating. What Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross was saying is right because just because they are not going to grow up being a superstar they should still let kids play sports that they enjoy. My opinion is people should research on people that has had the test done because how would they know the test work. I say this because in the article this was tested and he was not going to grow up being a star but when he got older he was an Olympic athlete.

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  6. I'm writing about the ACTN3 gene that is being tested on kids. My opinion goes both ways they shouldn't do the test and they should do the test. This is because when kids find out that they are not going to end up a sports star their dream are destroyed and they will just give up on sports. And they should do the test because when kids find out that they can be a sports star they should keep working hard. For example Elizabeth Marston is a young soccer athlete. She was tested for the ACTN3 when the results came back they were good. She was clear for that when she got older that she will be an elite athlete. This is an example that states my opinion.

    In the article people was saying what they thought about the test and I agree with what some of them were stating. What Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross was saying is right because just because they are not going to grow up being a superstar they should still let kids play sports that they enjoy. My opinion is people should research on people that has had the test done because how would they know the test work. I say this because in the article this was tested and he was not going to grow up being a star but when he got older he was an Olympic athlete.

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  7. The first opinion is that,it's good to have kids take this test.It's good to take these tests,because,some kids may not have anything to do with their lives or don't know what to do.So when they take those tests and they get a positive answer,then they can be an athletic champion.Like play hockey or soccer,depending on what sport is good for them.And if they get a negative answer they will wanna try harder to become a athlete.And,also will help lower the amount of obese children,because playing all those sports a lot will help them lose weight.They will probably like it,and want to play sports whenever they get the chance.So it's good for kids to take these tests.

    The second opinion is that it's bad for kids to take these tests.It's bad to take these tests because,some kids want to become athletes very badly.And if their parents/guardians make them take the tests,and they get a negative answer,the kids will most likely be upset and not want to do anything with their lives.And if they get a positive answer,it will also take away the pride and fun in doing other activities,like drawing or playing an instrument.So it's bad for kids to take these tests.

    I support both sides.It's nice to think that,"Wow my kid is able to be an athlete when they grow up". But some kids don't want to be an athlete.They might wanna be a author or a musician.But if they do wanna be an athlete,they they're more determined to become one,because they know that they're able to.So,I support both sides.

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  8. In this article they have a test that see if you have a gene that is called ACTN3. It sees if you have you have quality to be very good at sports. Some people thinks it is good because they can push their kids to being athlete. Also some one who helped with the test said that their goal is to help people become the athlete they were born to be. But some other people think this is a bad idea because then parents are going to try to make a child do something they might not like. Also they said that they might not be able to be what they want to be and that parents should just let their kids follow their dreams. Also that if some kids who really like sports do not have that certain gene that they might just give up. My opinion is that people should just let their kids follow their dreams and let them like what they want to. In the article it says that some people who lack in that gene do excel in sports. So it really does not matter because really it's all about trying your best and practicing.

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  9. Some parents of the children do not want to get their child tested for ACTN3 gene, neither does the child. Some say that the gene is only in a few people. For the people who do not have the gene they just say " O I will just try harder" or some sort. The ACTN3 gene can affect the muscles of the person with the gene, also the gene produces protein in the body.
    Also some parents do want their child to get tested for the ACTN3 gene, to see if their child has it or not.

    I support the side of the parents who do want their child/children to get tested, because even though it is few children who have the gene, other children should get tested as well also because: You never know it could just be a surprise to think that your child does not have it, then finally get them tested to realize that they do have a case of ACTN3.

    Sincerely,
    Miecha

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  10. This ACTN3 gene is a joke,if scientist believe that one little test of gene will make you believe that you're a sports star then they are not very smart. I mean come on becoming to be destined to be a sports star doesn't just require a little test of gene.It involves being dedicated to the sport and doing hard work.to be a sports star you must work for the position you want as player of the sport.
    Do to the fact that the employers of this company have already started shipping kits of this so called gene tester,i hope that the country does not let this keep going on.

    Testing these kids that my want to be something else than a sports star is a really bad idea, not just to parents but scientist too.Say that a family tested their kid(s) and the result of that test showed up that he was to be a sports star, therefor he would devote his life to learning the sport but the time he tries to join a team he/she is rejected all of their hard work would be a waste of time.So parents think about what i just said if you are a good parent you will not use this product because it can ruin your child's life.

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  11. The reason some people think it is a good idea to test kids for the ACTN3 gene is because then children can set accurate and reachable goals. For example, if you know you have the ACTN3 gene and also are a devoted athlete, you have a chance at becoming an Olympic level athlete. If you don't have the gene, you know that you will need a lot of effort and resolve to do something a kid with ACTN3 could do a little easier. Research also suggests that this will help parents steer their children in the right athletic direction. For example, maybe golf is better than soccer for somebody without ACTN3. Maybe if you have ACTN3, you will be more motivated in sports.

    Now, of course there is a bad side to all of this. If a really motivated athlete like Elizabeth is tested negative for this gene, they might give up their dreams. And not only is that really sad she won't have that experience to look forward to, we will lose a potential athlete. It is also just a marketing act, and I quote, "...Marketers' claims are based on gross assumptions...". "Marketers of a genetic test claim..." is all you will hear. There are no cold hard facts pointing in the direction of this being a very good test to make accessible to the public. Think of the harm it could have done to Elizabeth, or for that matter, any kid out there who wants to be a sports superstar but doesn't have a certain gene. Also, because of the test's expense, it would only be available to the elites and induce a great deal of misunderstanding. If you are tested negative for ACTN3, it could throw you into emotional turmoil. But one must remember, the gene does not make or break your sports superstardom.

    Also, research has shown that about 80% of people have the ACTN3 gene. Seeing how so many people worldwide have this gene, that shows us that, even without any research to back it up, this gene does not mean a thing. For example, if 80% of people have this ACTN3 gene, but only roughly 1% are sports superstars, then what happened to all of the rest who still had this athletic performance enhancing gene, but weren't sports stars. This proves that the gene alone does not make you an athlete at all. Your athleticism is not just composed of one gene, but of endurance, resolve, effort and training.

    For me it's as simple as pie. If you get tested for a gene that will slightly enhance your performance athletically and you come out negative, that's not a reason to give up your dreams. If you are motivated and give it your all, you can definitely do just as well as you could with the gene ACTN3. That's like saying you ate before you took a test and so will do better. It's a small, almost insignificant detail. So if this is just a test to make money and wrongly influence children so that they give up their dreams, it's an obvious no. If anyone gives me a reason to think otherwise, that's great, but with the evidence so far, it is a horrible idea in my eyes.

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  12. The scientist who discovered ACTN3 think parents should get their kids tested for ACTN3. By testing children for ACTN3 will help them find the future best athletics. Also if these kids do have ACTN3 they're trying to get the parents to get their children in sports that require the quick bursts of strength triggered by ACTN3.
    But the skeptics are disagreeing. They disagree because if a child does not have the gene ACTN3 they might think that they are incapable pf playing a sport. Also the other scientist say that if they're doesn't have ACTN3 they'll give up before I start. On example that they include is that there was a Spanish long jumper that made it the Olympics despite his lack of ACTN3.
    I think that the scientist that disagree about the test has the line of reasoning to be stronger. I think that because I don't think one test should determine if your going to excel in a sport better than someone who doesn't have that gene. And if everyone went by this one test then maybe one day only the people with this gene would be the only people able to play any sports. Also from what I'm getting the scientist that found ACTN3 are saying that the people without this gene won't be as good athletes as people that do have this gene. And when the other scientist mentioned that there was a Spanish long jumper that made to the Olympics even though he didn't really show any of the gene. By saying this, it just proves that their theory is wrong and that even without ACTN3 you can still be a really good athlete.

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  13. The two groups say that some parents give their kids the test for the ACTN3 gene. They think that they will know if they will need to practice any sport. The parents think that they can get their kids playing. Many parents learn whether their children can become great athletes.
    Some like the test. Other say that the test raises ethical questions. The results can harm the kids. Some other parents think that if they take the test that they will become sport stars. I think that this will be like the parents just want their kids to be a sport star,I also think that forcing their kids to play just to be a star is not a good idea.

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  14. Dear Lawmaker,
    I think that you should change the age to 21. 16 year old's don't know how to drive, because they are irresponsible and they don't think before they do anything. When they get to 21 they use common sense and there will be less accidents in the world...

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  15. One opinion is that a ACTN3 is good for their children while another says that it's bad. For the group that say that ACTN3 is good they say that once they test it, if the answer comes out either positive or negative their children will work harder and harder to get to where they want to be. The other group states that people are only going to care if their child's test comes out positive and will give up on their child is it's negative, they want the children to follow their dreams but this test isn't helping with that. The group that thinks it's a good idea, "Our goal is to help people become the athlete they were born to be," said ASG's Carruthers. The other group says, "This is recreational genetics with a real serious potential for harm," said pediatrician Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross. "People are going to think, 'If my kid has this, I'm going to have to push real hard. If my kid doesn't have it, I'm going to give up before I start,'" Ross said. Instead, she said, parents should "let kids follow their dreams." In conclusion, ACTN3 is good and bad because of the reasons above thru the children's eyes it's their decision.

    The side that I support is that it's a bad idea. I think this because yes children should follow their dream and if they make it well congratulations and if they don't the test would mess them up. Children at such a young age shouldn't be paying attention to the future just the present. Another example for why it's bad is because the parents are thinking that if their child is positive then they will just care about that not their child all they want is the money. Also because children should play the sport for fun and not for a fight against you will make it to a major league, it's not like everyone will make it only a small number. In conclusion, the parents are trying to give up on their kids or spoil them and that's just wrong the kids need to know that their parents are behind them no matter what happens.

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  16. There are two reasons for testing kids for the ACTN3 gene.
     The 1st opinion is that supporters claim that the test can help parents lead their kids toward sports that need the quick bursts of strength triggered by ACTN3. Elizabeth Marston is happy with her results and the president of operations at ASG, Nat Carruthers, sats the company has sold several hundred kits since it begun adverising. If the kid dosent have anything interesting in their life and they take the test, suddenly they will have something to do. Thats why these people think its a good thing to take these tests.
    The 2nd opinion is that they argue that the test raises ethical questions. The results could rob perfectly capable kids of a chance to enjoy activities of their decision. Those may be not-athletic activities or sports that do not need those bursts of strength. Skeptics also say that the science of how genes influence athletic ability is in its early stages. Also, some of the people who dont have the gene do become top athletes, the person named Friedman Ross said. Thats why these people think its a bad idea to take these tests.
    I support both sides because it is really cool to think that my kid might have a destiny to be a sports star. But some kids might like to just do what their heart desires and also they might be really discouraged if they find that they were not born to be a sports star. This is why I support both sides.

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  17. if my parents subjected me with the gene I would feel weird cause they never told me and then I would probably feel out of place. The reason I would is because threw my eyes people are normal. I would be weird cause of that but I would keep doing sports just for the fun of it. I wouldn't give it to my first child cause he/she might be a great person if they choose the right path. But I would give it to my second child because I really high hopes for my second child because I just do I can't explain. I don't get the last one very well but it probably would be likely that the child might be teased or no one will be their friend maybe.

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  18. There are two different views on testing children for the ACTN3 gene. There are the advocates for the test, and the skeptics. The advocates believe they are helping people "become the athletes they were born to be," says Atlas Spots Genetic's (ASG's) Carruthers. They think they can "predict" if you were born to be an elite athlete or not by conducting these genetic tests on people, to see if you are or can become an elite athlete or not.

    However, skeptics on the genetic testing do not agree with this-- they believe it is "raising ethical questions and could potentially rob perfectly capable youngsters of a chance to enjoy activities of their choice." They believe if you are found to have that gene, you will try harder, and be more confident. But if you don't have the gene, you will give up before you start, because you will think you won't be good, seeing as you don't have that gene, or maybe that you are not an elite athlete, for not having that gene. Elizabeth Marston told her father if she was found with it, she would "have to try harder." That also implies that she wouldn't have tried as hard if she didn't have the gene.So, all in all, you will give up your dream of becoming an elite athlete.

    I agree with the skeptics-- I think their viewpoint is stronger. I agree with them because, for one, if you are found with the gene, you might think "well, I have the gene so everything will be easy. I won't need to try as hard," even though there are some people, like Elizabeth Marston, who would try harder. Then you could fall behind teammates or competitors. And if you are not found with the gene, you will think "because I don't have the gene, I won't be as good. I will be worse than the others, will lose more, and won't ever keep up with the others who are found with the gene." And, if you were a very devoted athlete, you might just give up your dream. I think it's better for kids to all think they have an equal shot, and everyone should be able to follow their dreams. This testing might just shut those dreams out.

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  19. Atlas sport genetics is a product that determines if you have ACTN3 gene. This is a gene that tells if you have special athletic muscles. Many of people have purchased the kit which costs 163$$. They tell about a girl, who is a soccer star, that tested positive with the ACTN3 gene. My opinion in this is mixed. I like how it can tell you if you have special athletic abilities, because than you will know if you are wasting your time. But in all i don't like the product because kids might give up on the sports or activities because they tested negative. In conclusion the product tells if you have special sport

    Skeptics disagree with this product because it could ruin young athletes career. They decided, if kids tested negative they could stop playing regular activities, as well as sports. They also tell about how it is unnecessary to posses this gene because there are all ready Olympic athletes with out this gene. Consequently there might be some Olympic athletes that never got to go to the Olympics, because they gave up on there dreams because of testing negative, even though they still would have been great. My opinion lies with the skeptics. I think it would be a shame to waste your athletic abilities just because a test told you, you donate have special genes. In conclusion skeptics disagree with the product because it could ruin young athletes careers.

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  20. The scientist who first discovered the ACTN3 gene thinks that you should get your children tested to see if your child has the ACTN3 gene. By getting your child tested for this gene you would find out if they have any natural athletic abilities. Also scientist have said that if your child had the gene they can help parents guide their children to more strength related sports. But the skeptics disagree. They are saying that because if the test shows negative the child might wanna quit playing sports. Another scientist has said the they will just give up before they start if they don't have the gene.

    I think that people should have the test taking to see if they have the gene. I think that because if the test shows positive they will just up your ego. But if your test comes back negative and you quit its not the tests fault it just means that you weren't born with help and that you had to work your way up to were you are. That is why I think that its a good idea to get your children tested for ACTN3 gene.

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  21. The parents that give their children the Actn3 gene want their kids get more athletic, so they can do better in sports.Parents want their kids to play more sports and be more healthier. Parents might want their kids to play more sports and try out for a sport them. Maybe some parents not want their child to try Actn gene because maybe it's bad or think it's unsafe.They argue because of the science of how the gene because it can affect the way the athletic performace. I think that the Actn 3 gene is safe and I would use it because I think it would make me strong and more athletic.



    Sincerly:Lauryn

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  22. OK well one side people think that its something good because people want to know what if there child had to see if they have chance of going to the Olympics in the future. On the other side people think its wrong because they think that they shouldn't choose what they want to do for the there future in involving sports because some parents dont want that for there for there child they would rather have something else more productive then sports. My opinion for this is i thin its a great idea because some children's have dream to become a famous athlete and some might want to know if they have a chance at all of being that

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  23. In this article one side of the of the ACTN3 gene says it will work in improving a children's athletic ability. The creators say it will work because it was created to improve a child's athletic ability. A man hopes it will work because he is testing it on his 10 year daughter who loves soccer. He wants to help her for fill her dream of being an Olympic athlete. He doesn't her her to stop wanting that dream so, he did the test. He hops nothing does wrong, and so those the creators.

    Some people think the gene won't work. Those people are called skeptics. They disagree with the creators and say that the gene won't improve an child's athlectic ability. They say the chrildren don't need th gene, and they be the best athlete they can with it. They say only tiny percent of people became elite athletes from the gene, so if a child takes it the gene could help they or not. There was a higher chance that the gene wouldn't help.

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  24. I don't think ACTN3 gene is a good thing first because fast-twitch muscle activity doesn't sound too healthy or normal. Yes it may be because that's what ACTN3 is suppose to do but fast-twitch muscle activity? Have you ever seen those comericals that ask if you or a loved one have been "effected" by this drug? Well what do you think is going to happen if ACTN3 stops working properly? Mr. Bradley Marston gave this drug to his 10 year old daughter, even though she shows potential as an Olympic athlete, shes still growing.
    "Our goal is to help people become the athlete they we're born to be." People don't become the athlete they were born to be by drug or genes they weren't born with, it's by practice, hard work and nature.

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  25. I think not all children were born to a sports star and what I mean by not all children being sports stars Is like some children were born to be singers,scientist,lawyers etc. Another reason why all kids weren't born to be sport stars is because not everybody likes to be in any sport. That's why I think all kids weren't born to be a sports star

    Thank You
    Wysper

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  26. Which side are you on.There is a great debt going on. This debt involves your opinion. Do you think it's right to have kids pursue what may be a impossible. Or do you think it's better to reveal whether or not their destined to do it. And risk breaking their hope and dreams. Well on one hand: you have those who just tell their kids to fight for their dream of being an athlete. On the other hand: you have those who want to be guaranteed they should work on it. Some believing knowing ahead of time prepares you. Others believing: that knowing ahead of time only affects how hard you work on it. I on one hand believe: that it only affects how hard you work on it. I believe this because some who have the gene will no longer work for it. That will only lessen their chance. While other who don't give up. Or try so hard that their academics is affected. So in the end there is a debt going on . Your opinion can bring it one step closer to ending.

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  27. People have made a test to see if children have a special gene that gives them quick bursts of strength. Some people say that it induce children become the athletes they where born to be. They say it will help children become elite athletes. If you have the gene you have quick bursts of strength that you need to do some activities. That's why some people want to know if they have it or not.

    People against it say that it is still very imprecise so you can't be sure if it is correct. It can also crush children's dreams. They also say that if you have it your parents will probably push you very hard. But if you don't they will not even try and just give up. It also says in the article that there are still amazing athletes who don't even have this gene but still excel.

    I believe that you shouldn't do this test because it can crush children's dreams if they don't have it. What if you really loved a sport but where told you didn't have the special gene that apparently makes you better at it? Also there are plenty of athletes that don't have it but still excel. Parents could also push their children to hard. I think it has a lot more evidence than the other side. They keep on saying it will help your child but the people who make it probably also want to sell the product.

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  28. Some people say that the ACTN3 test is a great idea. They say that it will help kids get active. Bradley Marston bought the test for his 10 year old daughter who, "has had a passion for soccer since she was 4." He was scared that if she got the test back and it turns out she didn't have ACTN3, that she would quit soccer. Her reply was that she'd just have to work harder.

    Others disagree with the ACTN3 test. They believe that genes do not have a big contribution to how you perform in sports. 8o percent of people carry this gene, and only a small part of that number make it to the olympics. Also people say that if parents give their kids the test and it says that they have the special gene that they will push them harder in sports. While if they don't have the gene the parents wouldn't want there children to sign up for sports. Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross says, "let kids follow there own dreams."

    I think the ACTN3 test is a bad idea. If you want to do a sport but you don't have the gene I say go right ahead and try it. If you have the gene but you don't want to play sports then you don't have to. We should be able to decide what we like to do without having a test tell us what we're good at

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  29. There are atleast 2 groups that have an opinion about the ACTN3 gene.The Article states that this protein affects fast-twitch muscle activity.Many parents want to get there kids tested on this.The ACTN3 gene.Most parents don't agree on testing there kids.The parents that don't agree on getting there children tested is because some dont really care if there atheltic or not.Also they might not want to pay that high price just to find out if there child has the gene or not.Some parents agree that getting there child tested on this to find out if they have the gene is because if there child does have the gene they would like to find out so they can get started at an early age.Also not waste the gene.





    I do and don't agree on testing your child for this gene.I do because if i had a child (which cannot happen because im too young) I would want to know wether i should or shouldn't start taking my child to athletic classes to start out part of their career.I don't agree because who would want to find out if their child has the ACTN3 gene or not if you have to pay?I know i wouldn't.I do and don't agree but skeptics disagree.Im sure of it.

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  30. A new test is available to check to see if you or your child has a potential to become a elite sports player. You can test you child to see if they posses the ACTN3 gene. This gene tells parents and their children if they have the specific gene that many sports stars have. Many hundreds of people have begun to use this test since 2008. It could help parents steer their children into sports that include having bursts of energy.



    Advocates to this group claim that this test will help children become and realize the athlete they were born to be. Many people think this could be a great new discovery/test. This test probably have helped many people achieve their goal and now they are doing great.



    Although many people think this is great many doctors disagree. For example one reason is that doctor claim that the test is unethical . Also Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross a pediatrician says that people are going to push their kids harder or give up with out even starting. In addition some of the people who lack this gene excel in sports. Along with these facts the science of how genes influence athletical ability is at its infancy.


    In conclusion the gene ACTN3 has its ups and downs. Personally I think testing children to see if they have the gene is wrong. I think this because although some people may be better at sports if they have the gene all children should still try to do their best and have fun with out having a test tell them if they are good at sports or not.

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  31. Many people don't like the ACTN3 test because if the test says that you don't have ACTN3 the person might give up on being an athlete. People don't want to crush other peoples dreams. Some people do like the ACTN3 test because it can show the parent which sport their kid should play. Then kids could find a sport they are very good at and like. The kids could also get a job as an athlete when they are older. I think the ACTN3 test is a bad idea because the article said that people could not have ACTN3 but still be an elite athlete but what if the person see's they don't have ACTN3 and gives up on being a athlete when they still could've been an elite athlete.

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  32. People who are against the ACTN3 claim that it will have a negative affect on children. They say that if an athletically talented child finds out that they don't have the gene they will be discouraged and give up. They also say that if a parent finds out that their child has the ACTN3 gene they will push them hard to do well in sports. They also say that about 80% have the gene but only a small portion of those people go on to become professional athletes.
    The group that is for ACTN3 says that it doesn't necessarily matter if you have the gene. Their example is the Spanish long jumper who went to the Olympics and did not have the gene. Another reason the group that is for the ACTN3 gene believes that it is a good idea is because they claim that it helps people who were born athletes realize it.
    I personally think that the team for the ACTN3 gene tests have a better argument. It would never hurt to see if you have the gene. And if you don't you really don't have to give up. Because some people like the Spanish long jumper succeed without the gene. That is why I think that the supporters of the ACTN3 gene tests have a better argument.

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  33. Many people don't like the ACTN3 test because if the test says that you don't have ACTN3 the person might give up on being an athlete. People don't want to crush other peoples dreams. Some people do like the ACTN3 test because it can show the parent which sport their kid should play. Then kids could find a sport they are very good at and like. The kids could also get a job as an athlete when they are older. I think the ACTN3 test is a bad idea because the article said that people could not have ACTN3 but still be an elite athlete. What if the person sees they don't have ACTN3 and gives up on being a athlete when they still could've been an elite athlete. I think ACTN3 is a bad idea.

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  34. NOAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!October 13, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    The first viewpoint, those of the ACTN3 people, states that they think it is a good idea and will help discover the 80% of the talented athletes in the united states. The second viewpoint is of the parent. This viewpoint states that it may discourage their children if it comes back with negative test results.
    I agree with the viewpoint of the parents. I do so because i agree. I think that there are plenty of athletes who don't have the ACTN3 gene, but that doesn't mean they are not fantastic athletes. I think that testing young children for the ACTN3 gene will put a child's hopes at becoming the next Pele or Roy Halladay down. The ACTN3 gene testing should be stopped!!!

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  35. In the article it says that scientists think that ACTN3 is something good to test on yourself or your child. ACTN3 is a genetic test that basically tells you if you're an elite athlete or not. Scientists think that if you take this test, it will help you find out if your naturally good at sports or not. Lots of companies already started advertising mail-order test kits for determining whether children who possess this varient form of ACTN3. The test kit that is being sold on an online website called Atlas Sports Genetics, is selling the kit for $169. Supporters say that it is a good idea to have everyone takes these tests. They think this because they think that it can help parents steer their children towards sports that require lots of energy and sprinting.

    Skeptics have a whole other mind because they completely disagree with the supporters. They think that ACTN3 raises ethical questions. For example, if the test turns out to be negative (which means you're not a elite athlete) than it can have kids think that they shouldn't keep on doing sports, because there genetically not good at sports. Dr. Lainie Friedman Ross thinks that the results of the test can also change the toughts of parents. She thinks that if parents find out there kid is truly a good athlete, they would pressure him/her to play their best and not make any mistakes. But if the test tells the parent that their child isn't a true athlete then the parent would have low expectations for any sport their child plays. Stephen Roth found out that 80 percent of people worldwide possess the variant form of the gene that affects muscle activity. But only a tiny percentage of these people turn out to be athletes. Roth also found out that the people who had a negative result, turn out to be successful athletes and not bad athletes, just like the tests said.

    In my opinion, I agree with the skeptics because who needs tests to tell you you're good or not at sports. The ACTN3 tests could crush childrens' dreams and that, for me, isn't right. In my opinion, I wouldn't take those tests because I wouldn't want just one test to tell me I'm not good at something that I dreamed of doing for my future, or just for having fun. I've been playing sports ever since I was four and so far I'm doing the best I can. That's all that counts and that's all that will ever matter, having fun, trying your best, and never give up on your dreams.

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  36. I support the people who oppose the testing, because if children find out they could react badly. By not trying as hard if the test is positive. Or they could quit because their dreams could be crushed. That is why I believe that the ACTN3 test is a bad idea and product. But other people believe that it is just bad to know certain things that could happen in the future. Especially the athletic future in some cases.

    Other people believe that it is a great test and more people should use the test for the ACTN3 gene. Specifically owners or workers of the company supplying the tests. But people believe that is will give people new concentration of those who do have the gene. Though I agree with this logic i still believe that the tests for the ACTN3 gene is a bad idea and product.
    -Elinor

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  37. A new scientific study shows that some children have a gene called ACTN3 that help muscle activity to do things like sprinting,jumping and other things in that matter.Some people agree to testing their children and some don't; the people who agree thinks that they'll be able to help children to the right sports if they have the gene. The people who don't agree thinks that if a child is good at a sport but does not have the gene the parent will stop coaching the child and the child will loose their dream of becoming a sports star. Stephen Roth have found that the percentage of people with ACT3 is very high but only some have become sports super stars, this shows that people who contain the gene are not that athletic as some people think.

    I think that people shouldn't worry about if they have the gene ACT3 and if they don't have the gene they should still practice hard and stay determine about sports no matter what. And that parents wont stop supporting their children dreams even if they don't have the gene.

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  38. According to scientist, they say parents should get there kids tested to see if they got ACTN3.They say kids with that gene will be good athletes.They have been selling test kits online to make it easier.A man by the name of Bradley had got it for his daughter, Emily.She had the gene and she was a good athlete anyway. Because she kept trying harder and harder.

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  39. A new scientific study shows that some children have a gene called ACTN3 that help muscle activity to do things like sprinting,jumping and other things in that matter.Some people agree to testing their children and some don't; the people who agree thinks that they'll be able to help children to the right sports if they have the gene. The people who don't agree thinks that if a child is good at a sport but does not have the gene the parent will stop coaching the child and the child will loose their dream of becoming a sports star. Stephen Roth have found that the percentage of people with ACT3 is very high but only some have become sports super stars, this shows that people who contain the gene are not that athletic as some people think.

    I think that people shouldn't worry about if they have the gene ACT3 and if they don't have the gene they should still practice hard and stay determine about sports no matter what. And that parents wont stop supporting their children dreams even if they don't have the gene.

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  40. The people who like the test for ACTN3 say the people who like the test for the ACTN3 say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I think its good to let kids choose their own choice of sport they wish to play, whether they excel in them or not. The idea of testing someone's ability should be a choice of the child in question because their skill have yet to be mastered in the sport they choose to play.

    According to scientists they have found several genes that may play a role in athletic performance. It has been linked with quick bursts of strength such as sprinting. In my opinion, years of practice and determination to excel in a certain sport is what make a sports star not a test.

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  41. I am writing about the ACTN3 testing.In my opinion not all kids were born to be professional athlete. Some people were born to be professional musicians,some to work in an office.
    The point is that most people don't grow up to be professional athlete. This one little test can't just make you a professional athlete. One side is that you were born with the gene or with a gift to play in the pro leagues. The other is that you're not born with the gene. So that's why they came up with this test.


    Testing these kid(s) can be a good or bad thing. The good thing is that the test results could be good and he or she can grow up and become a pro athlete. On the other hand the test results could come back bad and it could be very bad. I don't recommend this test because unless your child(ren) want to.

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  42. ACTN3 is testing for athletic skill. It measures muscle activity. People with the gene have more quick energy. People who support the testing believe the test can help parents help their kids pick the sports best for them. It can also encourage kids with athletics.

    People who don't support the testing believe the testing could hurt an athelte. Children could be put in certain sports or not play sports based on the test results. Parents might not encourage thier kid to get involved in sports because of the test. Kids may not be able to follow their dreams. People with the gene may or may not be an athlete. Sports stars aren't based on a gene.


    I don't think you need the gene to be a good athlete. Good athletes really want to play. This motivates them. It might help to have the gene but if you aren't willing to work hard, you won't be a good athlete. So, if a kids wants to get tested, they can, but it shouldn't determine who will be an athlete.

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  43. ACTN3 is testing for athletic skill. It measures muscle activity. People with the gene have more quick energy. People who support the testing believe the test can help parents help their kids pick the sports best for them. It can also encourage kids with athletics.

    People who don't support the testing believe the testing could hurt an athelte. Children could be put in certain sports or not play sports based on the test results. Parents might not encourage thier kid to get involved in sports because of the test. Kids may not be able to follow their dreams. People with the gene may or may not be an athlete. Sports stars aren't based on a gene.


    I don't think you need the gene to be a good athlete. Good athletes really want to play. This motivates them. It might help to have the gene but if you aren't willing to work hard, you won't be a good athlete. So, if a kids wants to get tested, they can, but it shouldn't determine who will be an athlete.

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  44. ACTN3 is testing for athletic skill. It measures muscle activity. People with the gene have more quick energy. People who support the testing believe the test can help parents help their kids pick the sports best for them. It can also encourage kids with athletics.

    People who don't support the testing believe the testing could hurt an athelte. Children could be put in certain sports or not play sports based on the test results. Parents might not encourage thier kid to get involved in sports because of the test. Kids may not be able to follow their dreams. People with the gene may or may not be an athlete. Sports stars aren't based on a gene.


    I don't think you need the gene to be a good athlete. Good athletes really want to play. This motivates them. It might help to have the gene but if you aren't willing to work hard, you won't be a good athlete. So, if a kids wants to get tested, they can, but it shouldn't determine who will be an athlete.

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  45. Some people think testing kids for ACTN3 gene is a good idea. If someone has the ACTN3 gene, they can be a good athlete. They will have "quick bursts of strength." It is easy to test for the gene. If someone knows they have the gene, parents can help their kids get involved with the right sports and become a good athlete.

    Other people think testing kids for the ACTN3 gene is a bad idea. Kids might think they can't be an athlete without the gene. Kids should do be able to try sports. We also don't know if having the genes matters. Most people have the gene but they aren't top athletes. People without the gene also can be top athletes.

    It doesn't matter to me if parents get their kids checked for the gene. Since most people have the gene, it doesn't tell us much. It might be a waste of money to test for the gene. Maybe it is better to spend the money to go to sports camp.

    I like sports. I am good at baseball and football. I don't know if I have the gene. I just work hard on the field. A good athlete is someone who has sportsmanship, skill, and works hard.

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  46. There are two sides to if children should be tested for the ACTN3 gene. One side is the ASG and advocates who say that children should be tested for it, and the other side is some doctors and skeptics who are against it.

    The ASG and advocates say that children should be tested. A reason is that they think that it "helps parents steer their children towards sports that require the energy from ACTN3." Also, ASG says,"Our goal is to help people become the athlete they were born to be." Some doctors and skeptics disagree. This side says that ACTN3 doesn't always show if you are meant to be a super star athlete. For example, a Spanish long jumper did not have the gene but still went to the Olympics.

    Stephen Roth had studied ACTN3 and from his results, about 80% of the people in the world have the gene but only a small percent of them become elite athletes. This also is a point in their side that children should not be tested. Even if the child has ACTN3, he/she may not become an elite athlete. So, who has the stronger opinion?

    I believe that the doctors and skeptics have a great line of reasoning that I consider to be stronger than the others. Mr. Stephen Roth has induced me to believe that what he said was a very strong line of reasoning. I think this because if the gene does not always make you a sports star, what is the point in testing it? Plus, what Roth has found has facts and evidence. It may be right for some people, but not all! In conclusion, I believe that the strongest line is what Roth said about how about 80% percent of humans have the gene but only some of them become sports stars.

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  47. Some people oppose the idea of testing their child for the ACTN3 gene. There fear of their child not having the gene and leading the child and the parent to the assumption that that the child will fail in sports and give up. There is also the fear that their child will have the gene and them thinking that they will have to push their child to hard when it comes to sports.

    Other people support the idea of the test. They would like to see if their child has what it takes to be a professional athlete. Although even without the gene there is still a high possibility of the child becoming a professional athlete.

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  48. For one, I agree with the skeptics. Their side of the argument is that the test may disclude kids who have potential as a professional sports athlete. They think that it may also take away kids want to play sports and do activities because they may think that they can never be a professional sports athlete. I agree with the skeptics because many children who have a lot of talent want to be professionals athletes when they grow up but this test may pop their dream. I also do not think that kids should be tested because you are not born an athlete. You become one.

    Scientists think that kids should be tested for the gene because it could find potential. They also think that kids should because a tiny percentage of the people who become professional athletes posses the ACTN3 gene. but many parents are also on the side with the scientists. They are on their side because they believe that buy testing their kids they will be able to steer their kids toward the right direction. but what they don't realize is that if the test comes up positive their kids may not want to go in the direction of sports. They might think this because they may think they would be setting themselves up for failure.

    In conclusion, I am on the skeptics side because it may discourage kids without the ACTN3 gene not to be athletic. I also believe this because just because not everyone has the gene does not mean that not everyone can be great at sports. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect not genetics.
    From,
    Peter

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  49. The first group likes the idea of the ACTN3 gene because then they can see if there child well grow up to be a sports super star. Also they think that the results can help parents find out if there child is going to be a sport super star or not. They also say that the results shows what sport there child should be playing.
    The other group don't like the idea of the ACTN3 because they think that the parents well force there child to play sports. They say that the ACTN3 gene test can harm the kid by asking them questions that are right or wrong. They also say that the ACTN3 gene test can make the parents force there child to play sports if they found out that there child well become a sports star.

    I think that they shouldn't have the test because it could stop kids from playing sports. Or it could make there parents go all sports crazy and make them play sports when they might not want to play. Also i think they shouldn't have the test is because if the child likes to play sports but finds out that they don't have the gene and wont become a sports star can hurt there feelings and make them stop playing sports. One more thing i think is that in the article says that the results shows what sport the child should play and i don't think they should do that because they should find what sport they good at or not. That's why I'm against the ACTN3 gene test.

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  50. Well, First the test costs $200 and who even says that it is correct. But anyway some people think that the test is not OK and that a test shouldn't determine if a child is going to be a " Sports Star". But some people think that is absolutely nothing wrong with it. But i think that it is ridiculous and when a kid takes the test and it comes out negative that will make the kid feel bad about there self and make them want to give up on something they enjoy doing. This will happen just because of a test that someone made. Like they said in the article they said that people that got negatives on the test have become elite athletes. So who says the test is 100% correct? SO in conclusion I think that a test doesn't determine a child's future.

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  51. Scientists think that it is right to test for the ACTN3 gene in kids because it will predict new sports stars and be very useful for the NFL, MLB etc. The skeptics don't think this is right because if parents find out that their children are not great sports prodigies they may loose faith and be disappointed in them.
    I think that the skeptics are right but not because of the same reason.

    I think it's wrong because you should be able to predict someones life. Life should be a learning experience with may surprises.

    But scientists do have a point. It could gain them money, power, and let the kid focus on something that will get him far.

    Though, I still do not think it's right. In conclusion, it could help, but in my opinion, is not right morally.

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  52. The fist opinion that they some people think it will help the child be the sports star of there dream, but some parents fear negative results when the test is given. Like on parent said that her talented daughter might give on her dream of being an Olympic star if the test result was negative. Some supporters say that the test is good say that test can help steer there children to the sports that require lots of strength caused by ACTN3.

    The other side is that the skeptics disagree. The say that the test raises ethical questions. Also the results are able to take away the chance of enjoying activities related to sports. But not only activities related to sports, but things that require quick bursts of energy.

    I agree with the second opinion. I agree because if the test results are negative the child might stop doing what ever activity, and give up on its dream. I think every child should have the chance to accomplish its dream.

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  53. There are many opinions. A group of people said yes to the question and many people no to the question. People said yes because they think it can help the parents steer their kids to the right spots pr to be a good athletes. Many people said no because it can rob the skill of the kids of having a chance of doing what they want to do in life or doing as a child. I personalty would have to agree with the people who disagree because I would want to do what I would like to do as a child and not what my mom or dad would want me to do. That's my opinion if you ask me.

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