IELTS Discussion Essay on Government & Health & Society

In the world of public policy, some countries enforce legal drinking ages, while others prefer a more relaxed approach without strict laws. I personally lean towards the first option, supporting the creation of legal drinking ages.

Those against strict drinking laws often argue for personal freedom. They believe that people should have the right to make choices about their own health, including drinking alcohol. For example, in many European countries, even teenagers are allowed to drink alcohol moderately as part of socializing. Critics of legal drinking ages also point out that these laws often lead to secret drinking, which can result in dangerous situations like unsupervised heavy drinking, which might be avoided if alcohol consumption was more openly controlled.

However, despite these points, I agree with those who support the setting of legal drinking ages. The main reason is the harmful effect of alcohol on the developing brain. Studies have shown that alcohol can damage brain development, especially in teenagers, causing long-term cognitive problems. A clear example is the higher rate of learning difficulties and mental health problems among people who started drinking early. Moreover, legal drinking ages can help prevent alcohol-related harm. Strict laws can discourage underage drinking, thus reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and violence. In countries like the USA, where the legal drinking age is 21, there has been a significant drop in drunk driving deaths since the law was introduced.

In conclusion, while the arguments against legal drinking ages, such as personal freedom and the potential for unsafe secret drinking, have some validity, the arguments for such laws are stronger. The harmful effects of alcohol on teenage brain development and the potential for legal deterrents to reduce alcohol-related harm highlight the need for the creation of legal drinking ages.

In the realm of public policy, some nations enforce legal drinking ages, while others advocate for a more lenient approach, devoid of stringent laws. My inclination leans towards the former, favoring the establishment of legal drinking ages.

Those who oppose strict drinking laws often argue from a perspective of personal freedom. They posit that individuals should have the autonomy to make decisions about their own health and well-being, including the consumption of alcohol. For instance, in many European countries, moderate alcohol consumption is seen as a normal part of social interaction, even for teenagers. Additionally, critics of legal drinking ages highlight the ineffectiveness of such laws, pointing out that they often lead to clandestine drinking. This, in turn, can result in unsafe situations, such as unsupervised binge drinking, which might be avoided if alcohol consumption was more openly regulated.

However, despite these arguments, I stand with those who support the implementation of legal drinking ages. The primary reason for this is the detrimental effect of alcohol on the developing brain. Scientific research has shown that alcohol can impair brain development, particularly in adolescents, leading to long-term cognitive deficits. A poignant example of this is the higher prevalence of learning difficulties and mental health issues among individuals who began drinking at an early age. Furthermore, legal drinking ages can serve as a deterrent to alcohol-related harm. Strict laws can discourage underage drinking, thereby reducing the incidence of alcohol-related accidents and violence. In countries like the USA, where the legal drinking age is 21, studies have shown a significant decrease in drunk driving fatalities since the law's implementation.

In conclusion, while the arguments against legal drinking ages, such as personal freedom and the potential for unsafe clandestine drinking, hold some merit, the case for such laws is more compelling. The detrimental impact of alcohol on adolescent brain development and the potential for legal deterrents to reduce alcohol-related harm underscore the necessity for the establishment of legal drinking ages.