Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of play?

• A. Spontaneous and voluntary.
• B. Extrinsic goals.
• C. Pleasurable.
• D. Intrinsic motivation.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is what typically motivates and characterizes play. Play is driven by internal desire and enjoyment, chosen freely by the child, and experienced as pleasurable in its own right. The best fit for play includes spontaneity and voluntary engagement, a sense of pleasure, and intrinsic motivation—the activity is rewarding because the child finds it interesting or enjoyable, not because someone is offering a prize or external approval.

Extrinsic goals do not fit with this picture. When external rewards, praise, or punishments steer the activity, it stops feeling like play and starts to resemble a task or game performed for outside incentives. That shift away from internal motivation is what makes extrinsic goals not characteristic of play, even though children might sometimes participate in activities that have external requirements.