Prompt Title: Participation Awards and Effort

There is some evidence to suggest that receiving a participation award may reduce the motivation to strive for excellence. However, the extent to which this effect is significant and consistent across different individuals and contexts is a matter of debate.

Some studies have found that participation trophies can lower motivation and reduce the desire to compete, while others have found no significant impact. Additionally, it is worth noting that participation awards may have some benefits, such as fostering a sense of inclusion and promoting a positive attitude towards physical activity or competition.

In conclusion, the argument that participation awards should not be given in every competition because they reduce effort may have some merit, but it is not a definitive or universally applicable argument. The decision to offer participation awards should be made based on a careful consideration of the goals and values of the competition, as well as the potential effects on participants.

I would choose B, a weak argument. While there is some evidence to suggest that participation awards may reduce motivation in certain contexts, the argument presented does not provide sufficient evidence to support the claim that participation awards should not be given in every competition. There are many factors that can affect motivation, and the impact of participation awards may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the competition and the individuals involved. Therefore, a more nuanced approach is needed when making decisions about whether or not to offer participation awards in different contexts.