Drinking Age
Kaitlyn Turner
Fall 2010
CA 110
Mr. Foutz
Introduction
Attention-Getter: How many of you are 18? For those of you who are, 18 years old you are considered adults in nearly all aspects of the law, including voting rights and the ability to join the military, yet the United States still treats you as minors when it comes to drinking.
Establishment of Credibility: According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 7,000 teenagers under the age of 16 have already had their first sip of alcohol. (Teen alcohol) According to the Century Council 10 million teens from the ages 12-20 admit to consuming alcohol in the past 30 days. 2% of 12 year olds drink, 22% of 16 years olds drink, and 56% of 20 year olds drink, and these percentages are steadily increasing. (Underage drinking statistics)
Thesis/ Purpose: During my speech today, I will talk about how alcohol is ever-present in today’s American society. I will also talk about how alcohol is present all around people under 21 who are not allowed to consume it, but in reality most people under 21 drink alcohol and abuse alcohol. Throughout this speech I will try to persuade you to believe that the United States should lower their drinking age to 18, and begin educating teens on consuming alcohol responsibly.
Preview of Main Points: First, I will discuss the current legal drinking age in the United States and other countries. Then, I will discuss the effects that the current legal drinking age has on America. Finally, I will talk about the potential benefits of a lower drinking age.,,
Body
Main Idea 1: (Transition) Now, I am going to tell you about the current legal drinking age in the United States and other countries. A. United States 1. According to Alcohol Problems and Solutions legal drinking age in the United States is 21. i. Alcohol Problems and Solutions states, “The minimum drinking age of 21 in the U.S. appears to be not only ineffective but actually counter-productive. Although it
Fall 2010
CA 110
Mr. Foutz
Introduction
Attention-Getter: How many of you are 18? For those of you who are, 18 years old you are considered adults in nearly all aspects of the law, including voting rights and the ability to join the military, yet the United States still treats you as minors when it comes to drinking.
Establishment of Credibility: According to Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 7,000 teenagers under the age of 16 have already had their first sip of alcohol. (Teen alcohol) According to the Century Council 10 million teens from the ages 12-20 admit to consuming alcohol in the past 30 days. 2% of 12 year olds drink, 22% of 16 years olds drink, and 56% of 20 year olds drink, and these percentages are steadily increasing. (Underage drinking statistics)
Thesis/ Purpose: During my speech today, I will talk about how alcohol is ever-present in today’s American society. I will also talk about how alcohol is present all around people under 21 who are not allowed to consume it, but in reality most people under 21 drink alcohol and abuse alcohol. Throughout this speech I will try to persuade you to believe that the United States should lower their drinking age to 18, and begin educating teens on consuming alcohol responsibly.
Preview of Main Points: First, I will discuss the current legal drinking age in the United States and other countries. Then, I will discuss the effects that the current legal drinking age has on America. Finally, I will talk about the potential benefits of a lower drinking age.,,
Body
Main Idea 1: (Transition) Now, I am going to tell you about the current legal drinking age in the United States and other countries. A. United States 1. According to Alcohol Problems and Solutions legal drinking age in the United States is 21. i. Alcohol Problems and Solutions states, “The minimum drinking age of 21 in the U.S. appears to be not only ineffective but actually counter-productive. Although it
Cited: “15 Reasons Why Drinking Age Should be 18.” 2009. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. Alcohol Policy Information System. “The National Minimum Drinking Age Policy of 1984.” Web. 29 Nov. 2010. “Binge Drinking.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2009. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. “Choose Responsibility.” 2010. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. Flynn, Sean. “Should the Drinking Age be lowered?” Parade. 2007. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. “Minimum Legal Drinking Ages around the World.” 2010. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. “Teen Alcohol” 2010. Web. 29 Nov. 2010. “Underage Drinking Statistics.” 2010. Web. 29 Nov. 2010.