LNAT Practice Test Essay – The legal age for consuming alcohol should be raised to 21. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning.

In the LawMint LNAT Practice Test Series for 2024 and 2025, there are 30 full length tests, with 360 passages – 1260 MCQs and 90 essay prompts or essay questions.

The essay below is a sample that can be written for the prompt:

The legal age for consuming alcohol should be raised to 21. Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning.

This LNAT essay question is included in LawMint LNAT Practice Test series.

While the model essays may include both sides of an argument, the question may require you to state your stance - either for or against; and support it with arguments.

Read our articles and watch the videos on our YouTube channel for guidance on how to structure and write the LNAT Essay.

Introduction

The legal age for consuming alcohol varies across the world, with some countries setting the minimum age at 18, while others, such as the United States, have established it at 21. This discrepancy raises the question of whether the legal drinking age should be raised to 21 globally. This essay will discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of raising the legal drinking age and examine the arguments for and against this proposal.

Arguments for Raising the Legal Drinking Age

One of the primary arguments for raising the legal drinking age to 21 is the potential to reduce alcohol-related harm among young people. Research has shown that the adolescent brain is still developing and is particularly vulnerable to the detrimental effects of alcohol. By raising the legal drinking age, it is believed that alcohol consumption among young people could be reduced, thereby decreasing the risk of long-term cognitive impairment, addiction, and other health issues.

Another argument in favor of raising the legal drinking age is the potential to decrease alcohol-related accidents and fatalities, particularly among young drivers. Studies have shown that countries with higher legal drinking ages tend to have lower rates of traffic accidents and fatalities involving alcohol. By raising the legal drinking age, it is argued that young drivers would be less likely to engage in risky behaviors associated with alcohol consumption, such as drunk driving.

Furthermore, proponents of raising the legal drinking age argue that doing so could help to establish a more responsible drinking culture. By setting the legal drinking age at 21, society would be sending a clear message that alcohol consumption should be approached with caution and maturity. This could lead to a shift in cultural attitudes towards alcohol, promoting more responsible consumption and reducing the prevalence of binge drinking and alcohol abuse.

Arguments Against Raising the Legal Drinking Age

Critics of raising the legal drinking age to 21 argue that such a measure would be ineffective in reducing alcohol-related harm among young people. They contend that underage drinking is already widespread, even in countries with higher legal drinking ages, and that raising the age limit would simply drive this behavior further underground. This could lead to increased risks for young people, as they may be more likely to consume alcohol in unsafe environments or without proper supervision.

Another argument against raising the legal drinking age is that doing so would infringe upon the rights and autonomy of young adults. At the age of 18, individuals are typically considered adults and are granted numerous rights and responsibilities, such as voting, serving in the military, and entering into legal contracts. Critics argue that denying young adults the right to consume alcohol is inconsistent with the other rights and responsibilities bestowed upon them at this age.

Finally, opponents of raising the legal drinking age argue that such a measure could have negative economic consequences. The alcohol industry is a significant contributor to many economies, and raising the legal drinking age could lead to a decline in sales and tax revenue. Additionally, the hospitality industry, which relies heavily on alcohol sales, could also be negatively impacted by a higher legal drinking age.

Balancing the Arguments

When considering whether to raise the legal drinking age to 21, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a measure. While raising the legal drinking age may help to reduce alcohol-related harm among young people and promote a more responsible drinking culture, it could also be ineffective in curbing underage drinking and infringe upon the rights of young adults.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate surrounding the legal drinking age is complex and multifaceted. While there are strong arguments for raising the legal drinking age to 21, there are also valid concerns about the effectiveness and fairness of such a measure. Ultimately, the decision to raise the legal drinking age should be based on a careful evaluation of the potential benefits and drawbacks, as well as the unique cultural, social, and economic context of each country.

It may be more effective to focus on comprehensive alcohol education, prevention, and intervention programs that target young people, regardless of the legal drinking age. By providing young adults with the knowledge and skills needed to make responsible decisions about alcohol consumption, society can help to reduce alcohol-related harm and promote a healthier drinking culture.

Moreover, stricter enforcement of existing alcohol laws and regulations, such as penalties for providing alcohol to minors or driving under the influence, could also help to deter underage drinking and reduce alcohol-related harm without raising the legal drinking age.

In the end, the most effective approach to addressing the issue of alcohol consumption among young people may lie in a combination of strategies that take into account the diverse factors contributing to this problem and the unique needs of different communities and cultures.