Many critics of our Public Schools maintain that far more stress is being placed upon achievements in athletics than is necessary. They condemn the rule that makes games a compulsory part of the school curriculum, saying that it is a tyranny to compel students with no athletic bent to spend hours of misery on the sports field. Such students, they say, should be left to themselves, so that they can more fruitfully utilize their time pursuing a profitable and creative hobby.

Which of the following statements, if true, most weakens the stand taken by the critics?

(A) Many students prefer the sports field to the closed environment of the classroom.

(B) Athletics imparts a sense of discipline and ambition in the students.

(3) Most Private Schools also make it compulsory for students to participate in sporting activities.

(D) Many students who are not interested in sports and athletics do not have a gainful hobby.

(E) Research has shown that athletics play an important role in shaping an individual`s personality.

[spoiler]Actual Answer : D

Explanation
You are required to point to the statement that 'most weakens' the critics` contention.
The essence of their claim is that students who are non-athletic can spend their time better pursuing a productive hobby.
But if it is true that many such students will not have such a hobby to pursue, the critics` claim is weakened.

Option D is thus the best answer, as it directly attacks the contention of the critics.

Of the other statements, options B and E also go against the critics, but it is option D which most weakens their claim.

Hence (D) is the correct answer.[/spoiler]