Debating the Legal Drinking Age

Introduction:

Since alcohol seems to be a popular issue among high school students, we will be having a debate over the issue. By having this debate, students will improve numerous skills including public speaking, research, and writing. Each student will be asked to choose a side – either for the current drinking age or opposing the drinking age.

Information:

The Internet contains countless sites on alcohol; however, te following sites pertain to our debate over the legal drinking age and provide valuable information.

The Legal Drinking Age – Take the poll

http://www.geocities.com/emilymason03/

American Medical Association – Facts & Fallacies

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/article/3566-3640.html

Is 21 the Legal Age? And more facts about alcohol.

http://collegeapps.about.com/library/weekly/aa021503b.htm

Alcohol – Problems & Solutions

http://www2.potsdam.edu/alcohol-info/LegalDrinkingAge.html

Activity & Question:

Should the current legal drinking age of 21 remain or should it change? This is a debatable topic, which many people feel strongly about. You are asked to choose a side and defend your position. After choosing your side, for or against the current drinking age, you must research the provided Internet sites and take notes on gathered information. You’ll position will be easier to defend if you find out facts and provide examples. After spending time gathering research, you will present your speech to the class. Remember, any fact or quote must be cited.

Tips to Defending your Position:

v Find facts and statistics

v Thoroughly review each site

v Have an attention getter

v Prepare your speech