The topic of increasing the minimum legal drinking age is a recurrent theme in IELTS Writing Task 2 exams. Based on analysis of past exam questions and trends, this subject has appeared multiple times and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests. Let’s explore this topic through sample essays and in-depth analysis to help you prepare effectively for your IELTS Writing Task 2.
A common question related to this topic that has appeared in past IELTS exams is:
Some people think that the legal age for drinking alcohol should be increased to 21 in all countries. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this view?
Analyzing the Question
This question requires you to express your opinion on whether the legal drinking age should be raised to 21 globally. Key points to consider:
- The current legal drinking age varies by country
- The proposal is to standardize it to 21 worldwide
- You need to state your level of agreement or disagreement
- Provide reasons and examples to support your stance
Sample Essays
Band 8-9 Essay
In recent years, there has been a growing debate about whether the legal drinking age should be universally increased to 21. While I understand the concerns that drive this proposal, I largely disagree with implementing such a blanket policy across all countries.
Undoubtedly, raising the drinking age could have some positive effects. Proponents argue that it would reduce alcohol-related accidents and health issues among young adults. The human brain continues developing until the mid-20s, and delaying alcohol consumption could potentially mitigate its negative impacts on cognitive development. Moreover, a higher age limit might decrease binge drinking among college students and curb alcohol-related violence and risky behaviors.
However, I believe that a one-size-fits-all approach is not the most effective solution. Different cultures have varying attitudes towards alcohol consumption, and what works in one country may not be suitable for another. For instance, in Mediterranean countries like Italy and France, moderate wine consumption with meals is a cultural norm from a young age, which often results in a more responsible drinking culture. Imposing a strict age limit in such contexts could be counterproductive and might even lead to rebellious behavior.
Furthermore, raising the legal age to 21 could potentially create more problems than it solves. It might drive underage drinking underground, making it more dangerous due to lack of supervision and access to safe environments. Young adults, who are considered mature enough to vote, marry, or serve in the military, might feel infantilized by such restrictions, potentially breeding resentment towards authority.
Instead of a blanket age increase, I propose a more nuanced approach focusing on education and cultural change. Comprehensive alcohol education in schools, public awareness campaigns about responsible drinking, and stricter enforcement of existing laws against serving intoxicated individuals could be more effective. Countries could also consider graduated licensing systems for alcohol, similar to those used for driving, where young adults gain drinking privileges gradually.
In conclusion, while the intention behind raising the drinking age is commendable, I believe it is too simplistic a solution for a complex issue. A more effective approach would involve tailored strategies that consider each country’s unique cultural context, coupled with robust education and enforcement measures. By fostering a culture of responsible drinking from a young age, we can hope to mitigate alcohol-related problems more effectively than through arbitrary age restrictions.
(Word count: 378)
Legal drinking age debate: Global policy considerations
Band 6-7 Essay
The question of whether the legal drinking age should be increased to 21 in all countries is a complex issue. While there are some potential benefits to this idea, I partially disagree with implementing it universally.
On one hand, raising the drinking age could have some positive effects. It might help reduce alcohol-related accidents and health problems among young people. Teenagers and young adults are often more likely to engage in risky behavior, and limiting their access to alcohol could prevent some dangerous situations. Additionally, the human brain is still developing until the mid-20s, so delaying alcohol consumption could be beneficial for cognitive health.
However, I believe that a universal age increase to 21 is not the best solution for several reasons. Firstly, different countries have different cultures and attitudes towards alcohol. What works in one place may not be effective in another. For example, in some European countries, teenagers learn to drink responsibly from a younger age, which can lead to healthier drinking habits later in life.
Secondly, raising the age limit might cause more problems. It could lead to more illegal drinking, as young people might try to obtain alcohol through unsafe means. This could potentially be more dangerous than allowing supervised drinking at a younger age. Also, it seems unfair to prevent 18-20 year olds from drinking when they are considered adults in other aspects of life, such as voting or joining the military.
I think a better approach would be to focus on education about responsible drinking. Schools could provide more comprehensive alcohol education, teaching young people about the risks and how to consume alcohol safely. Governments could also implement stricter penalties for drunk driving and other alcohol-related offenses, regardless of age.
In conclusion, while increasing the drinking age to 21 globally might have some benefits, I believe it’s not the most effective solution. A more balanced approach, focusing on education and responsible drinking culture, would likely be more successful in reducing alcohol-related problems among young people.
(Word count: 329)
Band 5-6 Essay
The topic of increasing the legal drinking age to 21 in all countries is very controversial. Some people think it’s a good idea, but others don’t agree. I think there are both good and bad points to this suggestion.
One good reason to increase the drinking age is safety. Young people often drink too much and get into accidents or fights. If they can’t drink until they’re older, maybe there will be fewer problems. Also, alcohol can be bad for young people’s health, so waiting until 21 might be better for them.
But there are also problems with this idea. In many countries, people can vote or join the army at 18, so it seems strange that they can’t drink. Also, if the age is too high, young people might drink secretly, which could be more dangerous.
Different countries have different cultures about drinking. In some places, people learn to drink responsibly from a young age. Changing the age to 21 everywhere might not work well in these countries.
I think education is very important. If we teach young people about the dangers of alcohol and how to drink safely, it might be better than just changing the age limit. We should also have strict punishments for drunk driving and selling alcohol to underage people.
In conclusion, while increasing the drinking age to 21 might help in some ways, I don’t think it’s the best solution for every country. We should focus on education and creating a culture of responsible drinking instead.
(Word count: 247)
Analysis of Essay Scores
Band 8-9 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates excellent writing skills and a sophisticated approach to the topic, justifying its high band score:
- Task Response: The essay fully addresses all parts of the task, presenting a clear position with a well-developed argument.
- Coherence and Cohesion: Ideas are logically organized with clear progression. Paragraphs are well-linked, and cohesive devices are used effectively.
- Lexical Resource: A wide range of vocabulary is used with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical features.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A wide range of structures is used flexibly and accurately. Errors are rare and difficult to spot.
Band 6-7 Essay Analysis
This essay shows good writing skills but lacks some of the sophistication of the higher band essay:
- Task Response: The essay addresses all parts of the task, but some aspects are covered more thoroughly than others.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a clear overall progression, but some paragraphs are better linked than others.
- Lexical Resource: A sufficient range of vocabulary is used appropriately, with some attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: A mix of simple and complex sentence forms is used, with good control and only occasional errors.
Band 5-6 Essay Analysis
This essay demonstrates basic writing skills but lacks depth and sophistication:
- Task Response: The essay addresses the task, but the development of ideas is limited.
- Coherence and Cohesion: There is a basic structure, but paragraphs are not always well-linked.
- Lexical Resource: The vocabulary is limited but adequate for the task. There are few attempts at less common words.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Sentence structures are mostly simple, with some attempts at complex sentences. Errors are noticeable but do not impede communication.
Key Vocabulary
- Recurrent (adjective) /rɪˈkʌrənt/ – occurring often or repeatedly
- Mitigate (verb) /ˈmɪtɪɡeɪt/ – make less severe, serious, or painful
- Counterproductive (adjective) /ˌkaʊntəprəˈdʌktɪv/ – having the opposite of the desired effect
- Infantilize (verb) /ɪnˈfæntəlaɪz/ – treat (someone) as a child or in a way that denies their maturity
- Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
- Arbitrary (adjective) /ˈɑːbɪtrəri/ – based on random choice or personal whim, rather than reason or system
- Comprehensive (adjective) /ˌkɒmprɪˈhensɪv/ – complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something
- Cognitive (adjective) /ˈkɒɡnətɪv/ – relating to or involving the mental process of knowing, understanding, and learning
IELTS Writing vocabulary learning techniques
Conclusion
The topic of increasing the legal drinking age is a complex and nuanced issue that frequently appears in IELTS Writing Task 2. To prepare effectively, practice writing essays on related themes such as:
- The effectiveness of age restrictions on other activities (e.g., driving, voting)
- Cultural differences in attitudes towards alcohol consumption
- Alternative methods to reduce alcohol-related problems among young people
- The balance between personal freedom and public health concerns
Remember to structure your essays clearly, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and provide specific examples to support your arguments. Practice writing your own essay on this topic and consider sharing it in the comments section for feedback and discussion. This active engagement will help you improve your writing skills and prepare more effectively for the IELTS Writing Task 2.