Persuasive Essay on Extracurricular Activities Benefit Students

Fredricks states that “more than 80% of youth participate in extracurricular activities” (Christison 17). Extracurricular activities can be a lot of things like clubs and sports. 80% of students is a huge percentage that can benefit a lot from being involved in extracurricular activities. Extracurricular activities can teach a lot of students and can help them out in life. Extracurricular activities are beneficial to students because they improve life skills and give them better chances to have more opportunities.

Extracurricular activities are beneficial to students because it improves life skills. Time-management skills can improve doing extracurricular activities. Chip Amicome feels that extracurricular activities “teach kids better structure and priorities in that they know they have to get homework or school assignments complete before they can participate” (Haynes 1). Having time management skills can help students have a better schedule and make it easier later in life. It benefits students since it can be used throughout their life and makes them procrastinate less. 

In addition, students can achieve better communication skills. Veltz & Shakib state that “group activities provide opportunities for students to build connections with others who have similar interests and goals, which will increase their motivation to commit long term to an activity that also increases enjoyment” (Christison 18).  Having good communication skills can benefit students in life and it allows them to have more connections and friendships. It will make it easier for students to get a job and get into a good school by just communicating their thoughts and ideas.  Also, participation in extracurricular activities shows them responsibility. Klinger stated that “students are required to maintain a certain grade point average to remain in extracurricular activities. This usually motivates students to focus on their academic performances throughout the year” (Haynes 2). Students learn responsibility by having to work hard and do all their work to be successful in the activity they are doing. It benefits students in two ways because they will get good grades and they can continue doing the extracurricular activities. Overall, extracurricular activities improve students’ life skills and teach them a lot of skills that can help them later in life. 

Also, extracurricular activities are beneficial to students because it gives them a better chance to have more opportunities. Students are more willing to go to college doing extracurricular activities. Lipscomb states “students involved in activities have a 10% increase in their expectations of attaining a college degree, as compared to non-participants” (Cheritison 17). College is very important for many students and extracurricular activities may increase their chances of getting in and graduating. They can benefit students a lot and will provide more opportunities as they grow mentally and physically. Additionally, students are more willing to get a job and work hard. Duckworth explains “that longer-term commitment gives kids the chance to learn their strengths and where they need to improve. It gives them time to see the significant progress they can make as a direct result of their consistent hard work and effort” (Thompson 2). Committing to activities for the long term can benefit students in staying in school and committing to a job. Students learn their strengths and can use that to their advantage in life. As well, students can get involved in the community and help out. Barber, Mueller, & Ogata state that “students can learn the importance of giving back to the community and helping those in need” (Christison 19). Helping out the community is something that everyone should work on more and being involved in extracurricular activities allows them to learn the importance of giving back. Teaching students the benefits of helping the community will make a great future if everyone did the same. In conclusion, extracurricular activities give students better chances of being successful and a better person overall. 

In the end, extracurricular activities benefit students in improving life skills and giving them better chances for more opportunities. They can help students improve their time management skills, their communication skills, and responsibility skills. Also, these students are more likely to go to college, get a job, and help out their community. 80% is a lot but now everyone can think that students can bring it up higher because every student should be doing extracurricular activities to benefit them.