Which statement best summarizes the material's stance on competition within activities?

• A. Play and games both involve competition
• B. Only sports involve competition
• C. Games involve competition; play may not
• D. Work involves competition

Answer: (C)

The material treats competition as something that is built into certain structured activities (games) but not a necessary feature of all play. Play is a flexible, freely chosen activity that can focus on exploration, enjoyment, or self-expression without an obligation to win. Games, however, are bounded by rules and a goal that sets up interaction in a way that leads to competitive outcomes, either against others or against the system of rules. Because of this, games are described as involving competition, while play may or may not involve competition. So the best summary is that games involve competition; play may not. It’s worth noting that some play can be competitive, but competition isn’t a defining requirement of play, whereas it is central to games.