<p>Hi, CC. If you could evaluate my essay on a scale of 2-12, that'd be great. It was written with the standard 30 minute time limit in test-like conditions. Thanks.</p>
<p>Prompt:
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In some high schools, administrators have limited students to participating in a maximum of two school-sponsored extracurricular activities each semester. Advocates believe that over-extended students lack sufficient time after school to devote to homework. Other educators disagree, arguing that extracurricular activities offer students vital experience and opportunities to explore additional interests. In your opinion, should schools limit the number of school-sponsored extracurricular activities?
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<p>Essay:</p>
<pre><code>What has become of the modern Renaissance Man? It often seems as if the present day Da Vinci is on the decline. Even from the elementary years, students are forced into extracurriculars by their parents and peers, giving the student herself no right of choice. Isn't the entire point of participating in these activities to try something different? A school-mandated limit on extracurriculars is harmful to students.
Consider the rise in career and technical school enrollment in recent years. The standard course for many high school graduates is the one that leads them straight to careers. Proponents of these institutes argue that an expansive college education is not necessary for highly technical fields. However, it is my strong opinion that the value of a well-rounded education is priceless. How can anyone expect a student to like something he hasn't been exposed to? Much like these technical schools, a limit on extracurricular activities would give our students educational tunnel vision.
Parents argue that kids who are too focused on extracurricular activities will have little time for academics. Nothing could be further from the truth. For a high-risk student, playing football may be the only incentive to even come to school. Imposing a numerical limit on these activities will only foster angst and dissatisfaction among students who enjoy them.
The benefits of extracurricular activities transcend the classroom, too. Discipline required in a precise, rigorous marching band can serve a student well in life. A track and field athlete will learn to set realistic goals and strive for them. Teen health specialists often hold the viewpoint that too many ECs will cause burnout and overall poor performance. Just the opposite is true. By participating in these activities, students learn their limits and tolerances for activities. I, for one, learned that it's tough to juggle basketball, student government, and a science project concurrently. I tweaked my schedule and proceeded. Students can manage their extracurriculars themselves they don't need some arbitrary numerical limit handed down from on high.
Perhaps worst of all is the fact that a two-EC limit disrespects students' judgments and maturities. Such an issue is comparable to recent censorship laws in Australia. Does a government really have the right to meddle in your personal business on the internet? Likewise, does a school's administration have the right to interfere with personally chosen, voluntary, beneficial ECs? The answer to both is No. From a school administrator's viewpoint, it may seem that if the school is providing the ECs, then it can regulate them. However, I see ECs not as a priveledge, but as a right.
Every student is entitled to ample exposure to new ideas, new people, and even new cultures. E ery student has a right to stumble around in the dark for a bit in pursuit of her interests. Placing a limit on the number of ECs available to students will only discourage them. Their education will be only partially complete. As educator Ellen Grasmick once said, Well-rounded is well-founded.
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