Legal Drinking Age
Some countries have legal ages at which people can drink. Other countries believe not having strict laws is a better policy.
Discuss both sides and give your own opinion.
The ongoing debate over the acceptable age for the sale and consumption of alcohol has sparked concern among members of the general public, with valid arguments on both sides. Despite the legitimate economic implications of this reform, legal drinking ages serve as a safeguard against irresponsible driving, thereby increasing public safety.
Critics of a legal drinking age argue that this reform could potentially cause economic damage. They maintain that many countries’ economies are dependent on the liquor industry and that alcoholic beverages contribute to national economic growth through the creation of millions of jobs in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, as well as through increased government revenue paid by liquor companies. Therefore, an age mandate would likely lead to job losses in this industry due to lower demand, potentially resulting in periods of slower growth in the economy.
However, these economic drawbacks are largely theoretical, and, in my opinion, a mandated age threshold should be implemented to safeguard public welfare. Adolescents are characterized by their impulsivity and recklessness. Coupled with the influence of alcohol, these attributes are likely to be exacerbated, potentially resulting in irresponsible driving, such as driving under the influence (DUI), “road rage,” neglecting traffic laws, and generally infringing on the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. To this end, a legal age at which alcohol can be sold and purchased would likely lead to more mature driving conditions as individuals are older when allowed to purchase alcohol, and in turn, safer roads and increased public safety in general.
In conclusion, while there are valid economic concerns related to relaxing drinking laws, mandating a threshold age for buying alcohol represents a more viable policy for ensuring safer roads and increased public security. Policymakers should work in tandem with researchers and experts to decide on an appropriate age for drinking.
Essay Breakdown
Structure
Introduction
[1] The ongoing debate over the acceptable age for the sale and consumption of alcohol has sparked concern among members of the general public, with valid arguments on both sides. [2] Despite the legitimate economic implications of this reform [2.1], legal drinking ages serve as a safeguard against irresponsible driving, thereby increasing public safety. [2.2]
1. Paraphrase the given topic.
2. Answer the question and state my clear stance
[2.1]: Concessive clause – My less preferred viewpoint: Main topic sentence for Body 1.
[2.2]: My preferred viewpoint: Main topic sentence for Body 2
Body
Paragraph 1
[1] Critics of a legal drinking age argue that this reform could potentially cause economic damage. [2] They maintain that many countries’ economies are dependent on the liquor industry and that alcoholic beverages contribute to national economic growth through the creation of millions of jobs in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, as well as through increased government revenue paid by liquor companies. [3] Therefore, an age mandate would likely lead to job losses in this industry due to lower demand, potentially resulting in periods of slower growth in the economy.
1. A topic sentence showing the main idea: economic damage of a legal drinking age
2. Explain the main point and provide examples to support the topic sentence
3. Keep developing the main point
Paragraph 2
[1] However, these economic drawbacks are largely theoretical, and, in my opinion, a mandated age threshold should be implemented to safeguard public welfare. [2] Adolescents are characterized by their impulsivity and recklessness. [3] Coupled with the influence of alcohol, these attributes are likely to be exacerbated, potentially resulting in irresponsible driving, such as driving under the influence (DUI), “road rage,” neglecting traffic laws, and generally infringing on the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. [4] To this end, a legal age at which alcohol can be sold and purchased would likely lead to more mature driving conditions as individuals are older when allowed to purchase alcohol, and in turn, safer roads and increased public safety in general.
1. A topic sentence expressing the main idea – stating clearly my opinion
2. Provides an explanation to support the main point
3. Further develops the explanation and provide examples to support the main point
4. Keep developing the main point and provide a final result (safer roads and increased public safety)
Conclusion
[1] In conclusion, while there are valid economic concerns related to relaxing drinking laws, mandating a threshold age for buying alcohol represents a more viable policy for ensuring safer roads and increased public security. [2] Policymakers should work in tandem with researchers and experts to decide on an appropriate age for drinking.
1. Restate my opinion
2. Extend the viewpoint by stating a final thought, in this case providing a viable solution
Vocabulary
The ongoing debate over the acceptable age for the sale and consumption of alcohol has sparked concern among members of the general public, with valid arguments on both sides. Despite the legitimate economic implications of this reform, legal drinking ages serve as a safeguard against irresponsible driving, thereby increasing public safety.
Critics of a legal drinking age argue that this reform could potentially cause economic damage. They maintain that many countries’ economies are dependent on the liquor industry and that alcoholic beverages contribute to national economic growth through the creation of millions of jobs in liquor stores, bars, and restaurants, as well as through increased government revenue paid by liquor companies. Therefore, an age mandate would likely lead to job losses in this industry due to lower demand, potentially resulting in periods of slower growth in the economy.
However, these economic drawbacks are largely theoretical, and, in my opinion, a mandated age threshold should be implemented to safeguard public welfare. Adolescents are characterized by their impulsivity and recklessness. Coupled with the influence of alcohol, these attributes are likely to be exacerbated, potentially resulting in irresponsible driving, such as driving under the influence (DUI), “road rage,” neglecting traffic laws, and generally infringing on the safety of other motorists and pedestrians. To this end, a legal age at which alcohol can be sold and purchased would likely lead to more mature driving conditions as individuals are older when allowed to purchase alcohol, and in turn, safer roads and increased public safety in general.
In conclusion, while there are valid economic concerns related to relaxing drinking laws, mandating a threshold age for buying alcohol represents a more viable policy for ensuring safer roads and increased public security. Policymakers should work in tandem with researchers and experts to decide on an appropriate age for drinking.
Vocabulary Highlight
- ongoing debate: a discussion that continues over time
- legal drinking age: the age at which it is legal to purchase and consume alcohol
- spark concern: to cause worry or anxiety
- valid arguments: arguments that are reasonable and based on evidence
- safeguard against: to protect from harm or danger
- irresponsible driving: driving that is dangerous and reckless
- public safety: the protection of people from harm or danger
- economic implications: the effects on the economy
- liquor industry: the industry involved in producing and selling alcoholic beverages
- national economic growth: the growth of a country’s economy
- slower growth: a decrease in the rate of economic growth
- mandated age threshold: a required minimum age for purchasing and consuming alcohol
- adolescents: young people who are not yet adults
- impulsivity: the tendency to act on impulses or without thinking through consequences
- recklessness: a lack of concern for danger or consequences
- exacerbated: made worse or more intense
- driving under the influence (DUI): driving while intoxicated with alcohol or drugs
- road rage: aggressive and dangerous behavior on the road
- neglecting traffic laws: failing to follow the rules of the road
- mature driving conditions: more responsible and safe driving behavior
- viable policy: a policy that is practical and effective
- policymakers: people responsible for making and implementing policies
- public security: the protection of the public from harm or danger.
Grammar Gems
PASSIVE CONSTRUCTION
“Coupled with the influence of alcohol, these attributes are likely to be exacerbated, potentially resulting in irresponsible driving.”
In this essay, I use a passive construction (“are likely to be exacerbated”) followed by an active construction (“potentially resulting in…”), which is a good example of how to vary sentence structures to keep writing interesting. I also use a complex verb form (“exacerbated”) which is a good vocabulary word to enhance your score on the Writing test.
Reading
Further reading can be found here:
https://alcohol.org/laws/underage-drinking/
Listening
Further listening can be found here:
