1. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 1 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) A. Driver’s License Age Most states allow teenagers to get a driver’s license at the age of 16. Some people think that young people should not be allowed to drive without supervision until they are 18. Conduct research on the issue and then state a position on whether the driver’s license age in your state should be raised to 18. Write an argumentative essay in support of your claim. Address at least one counterclaim and support your ideas with relevant evidence from your research.

2. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 2 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) First Draft: Raising the Driver’s License Age Like all states, Florida has a graduated driver’s license. This system begins at the age of 15 when students can get their learner’s permit. When they turn 16, students can get their intermediate license and have the freedom to drive on their own or with any number of passengers, except during late night hours. Finally, when turning 18, students can drive without any restrictions at all. (continued) The opening paragraph gives background information on the licensing system in the writer's state.

3. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 3 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) Unfortunately this system is failing and should be changed. The state of Florida should raise the age that students can get their unrestricted license to 19. First, the state of Florida should raise the driver’s license age because younger teens are not ready for the responsibility of driving. Eighteen year-olds are not allowed to drink alcohol, but they can drive a complicated machine with the potential to kill. Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental (continued) The final sentence of the introduction clearly states the central claim. Notice that the writer cites evidence in support of his position.

4. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 4 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) Health shows that the teenage brain is undergoing big changes in the area that affects decision-making and risk-taking (www.hhs.gov). The teenage brain is not ready for the responsibility of driving. Another reason Florida should raise the driver’s license age is that it would result in safer drivers. By delaying the age when teens can drive on their own, they would have more time to practice their driving with parents and (continued) Notice that the writer cites evidence in support of his position. Is this reason different from the one given in the previous paragraph? Why or why not?

5. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 5 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) and qualified instructors. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that raising the license age from 16 to 17 years would cause a 13 percent reduction in fatal crashes. Adding another year would only reduce this statistic even more. Opponents of raising the driver’s license age to 18 years of age believe that Florida’s current graduated system, which requires students to get 50 hours of driving time and take a driving test is already difficult enough. They also point (continued) What evidence does the writer in response to the counterclaim?

6. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 6 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) to rules that limit the number of passengers teenage drivers can carry. However, statistics go against this idea. Florida had 15 teenage driver deaths in the first 6 months of 2011. The current system is not doing enough to protect young drivers and the people on the roads. The most convincing reason for raising the driver’s license age is that it will save lives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal that the leading cause of death for U.S. teens is motor vehicle crashes. In 2010, seven. (continued) The reason in this paragraph also has to do with safety. Is it different from the other reasons given in previous paragraphs?

7. Chapter 2 Writing an Argumentative Essay 9-10 Writing Companion © Perfection Learning ® Reproduction permitted for classroom use only. 7 Activity 6A Writing an Argumentative Essay (p. 33) teens were killed in car accidents every day (www.cdc.gov). If the driver’s license is raised fewer teenage drivers, passengers, and other drivers will die. All the evidence supports the idea that Florida’s driver’s license age should be raised to 18 years. Older teen’s brains are more prepared to drive and it would reduce accidents. It’s just a good idea. Does the conclusion feel satisfying? Does it restate the claim? Does it summarize the main support for the claim or restate the strongest support?