IELTS Daily Essay Topic: Some countries have legal ages at which people can drink.

Brainstorming Ideas

Have a look at the following brainstorming ideas.

a) I think that having a legal age restriction for drinking is good because:

• Supporters of this believe that alcohol consumption leads to dependency and addiction.
• Younger individuals can engage in risky activities like drunk driving.
• It will help in shielding young individuals from the adverse impacts of alcohol.

b) On the other hand, the countries that do not impose strict laws have the following reasons:

• They believe in educating people about responsible consumption of alcohol.
• This approach is often influenced by cultural norms and traditions.
• The alcohol industry is a significant contributor to the economies of many countries.

Q. 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.

Ans: The issue of the legal age for drinking is of wide debate, where all of the countries have different opinions. Some nations think it is good to enforce strict laws on at what age individuals should consume alcohol, while others adopt a more lenient approach believing that the absence of stringent regulations is a better option. In my opinion, it is good to have a legal drinking age as alcohol consumption leads to dependency and addiction causing a range of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.   

On one hand, countries that enforce a legal drinking age believe it is essential to shield young individuals from the adverse impacts of alcohol consumption. These regulations are designed to mitigate potential health and social issues that may arise from early exposure to alcohol. For instance, both the United Nations and India have set the legal drinking age at 21. Furthermore, younger individuals are statistically more prone to engaging in risky behaviours like drunk driving. By establishing a legal drinking age, society aims to curtail such hazardous actions and uphold public safety. This law serves as a definitive guideline for individuals, aiding in the protection of young people from the harmful effects of alcohol.

On the other hand, some countries do not enforce strict laws regarding the drinking age. They believe that educating people about responsible drinking is more effective than imposing an age limit. Thus, they allow teenagers to drink at a young age but emphasize the importance of teaching them to do so responsibly, fostering healthy relationships with alcohol. This approach is often influenced by cultural norms and traditions. In many European countries, moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine with meals, is ingrained in their culture. Additionally, there are various economic factors at play. The alcohol industry is a significant contributor to the economies of many countries. Therefore, rather than implementing prohibition, these countries promote responsible drinking.

To conclude, while some countries may explore alternative approaches such as promoting responsible drinking through education, setting a legal drinking age provides a clear guideline for individuals and plays a crucial role in safeguarding young people from the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption. This regulation serves as a protective measure, helping to mitigate risky behaviours and promote public health and safety.

Analysis

Paraphrased Statement: The issue of the legal age for drinking is of wide debate, where all of the countries have different opinions. Some nations think it is good to enforce strict laws on at what age individuals should consume alcohol, while others adopt a more lenient approach believing that the absence of stringent regulations is a better option.

Thesis Statement: In my opinion, it is good to have a legal drinking age as alcohol consumption leads to dependency and addiction causing a range of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.   

Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: On one hand, countries that enforce a legal drinking age believe it is essential to shield young individuals from the adverse impacts of alcohol consumption. 

Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: These regulations are designed to mitigate potential health and social issues that may arise from early exposure to alcohol. For instance, both the United Nations and India have set the legal drinking age at 21. Furthermore, younger individuals are statistically more prone to engaging in risky behaviours like drunk driving. By establishing a legal drinking age, society aims to curtail such hazardous actions and uphold public safety. This law serves as a definitive guideline for individuals, aiding in the protection of young people from the harmful effects of alcohol.

Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: On the other hand, some countries do not enforce strict laws regarding the drinking age. 

Body paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: They believe that educating people about responsible drinking is more effective than imposing an age limit. Thus, they allow teenagers to drink at a young age but emphasize the importance of teaching them to do so responsibly, fostering healthy relationships with alcohol. This approach is often influenced by cultural norms and traditions. In many European countries, moderate alcohol consumption, particularly wine with meals, is ingrained in their culture. Additionally, there are various economic factors at play. The alcohol industry is a significant contributor to the economies of many countries. Therefore, rather than implementing prohibition, these countries promote responsible drinking.

Conclusion: To conclude, while some countries may explore alternative approaches such as promoting responsible drinking through education, setting a legal drinking age provides a clear guideline for individuals and plays a crucial role in safeguarding young people from the potential negative effects of alcohol consumption. This regulation serves as a protective measure, helping to mitigate risky behaviours and promote public health and safety.

Vocabulary in Use

Word	Meanings
Enforce	To ensure people obey a law or rule, or to establish a particular situation.
Lenient approach	A forgiving approach that allows some flexibility in rules.
Absence of stringent regulations	The lack of strict laws or rules.
Imposing	Having an appearance that looks important or causes admiration.
Foster	To care for a child temporarily without being the child’s legal parent, or to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings.
Safeguard	To protect something from harm or to protect individuals who could be hurt emotionally or physically.
Detrimental	Causing harm or damage.

Linkers and Connectors Used

Following are the linkers and connectors used:

1. On one hand
2. On the other hand
3. For example
4. For instance
5. In my opinion
6. To conclude

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