Discussion Essay Jan 9, 2023 With Sample Answer

Appeared on IELTS January 9, 2023

Question: 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.

Answer:

There are some nations wherein an age limit is set by authorities for alcohol consumption whereas other nations claim that it is better if strong regulations are not imposed on citizens regarding the same. I believe that it is imperative to have strict rules pertaining to a minimum age for consuming alcohol.

On the one hand, it could be argued that there are several reasons due to which a minimum age should not be set legally. Firstly, people generally break rules when it comes to drinking alcohol. This is probably because it might not be a huge offence according to them. Therefore, if strict rules are imposed, and individuals keep on breaching them, it will put pressure on the authorities to convict them, adding to the already pending number of cases. Secondly, it is considered more of a personal responsibility as opposed to that of authorities. It is claimed by many that parents should discipline their teenagers rather than governments intervening and sending the guilty teenager to a juvenile home, which could be traumatic for them. For instance, many teenagers who are charged with juvenile crimes carry negative emotions like resentment and bitterness in their personality.

However, there are more arguments to suggest that it is wise to have some strict rules in place for alcohol consumption. One reason is that it might develop a fear of being convicted if found guilty; consequently, people would think twice before consuming alcohol if they are under age. As a result, many crimes which are committed by youngsters under the influence of alcohol may decline. Also, a person needs to have a certain level of maturity to consume such substances as they have the ability to stimulate the brain which makes them addictive. Therefore, if strict laws are not imposed, the society may witness an increasing number of underage alcohol addicts, which will put a burden on the healthcare industry. For instance, in many nations rehabilitation centres are full with the number of juveniles who are addicted to alcohol consumption.

Besides, in my opinion, one may distract from focussing on making a career if one is given freedom to indulge in such substances. To illustrate, youngsters have better chances of having a decent career if they belong to a country where strict rules are functional pertaining to minimum age for alcohol consumption as compared to the one who lives in a nation where no such laws are in place. 

To conclude, although it is thought by some that not having a legal age for consuming alcohol is apt as it may not be a serious crime, it may result in more juvenile addicts in the society. Therefore, I opine that a nation must have strict laws in place, defining the minimum age for drinking alcohol.