Professor Stokes
English 2010
September 12, 2010
Claims and Counterclaims
Topic: Teen Drug Use
Issues of Definition
Claim: The younger a person starts drinking, the higher the chances are that they will become an alcoholic, therefore it is neglectful for parents to allow drinking in the home.
Counterclaim: Parents who allow drinking in the home have teens who are more willing to be honest and therefore will seek help if they need it.
Issues of Causation
Claim: A parent drinking with his/her teen can increase the chances of the child becoming an alcoholic, thus contributing to a lifetime of misery, loss and even death.
Counterclaim: A parent who drinks with their child is protecting them from the hazards of drinking and driving and can save their child’s life by doing so.
Issues of Evaluation
Claim: Alcohol is just as bad as any other drug, thus if parents don’t think it’s a good idea to smoke crack with their teens, they should also abstain from drinking with them.
Counterclaim: Alcohol is legal and should not be viewed as a drug. It is better to allow your teens to drink in your own home than hide it and drive home after drinking.
Issues of Recommendation
Claim: Parents must recognize the risks involved in allowing their teens to drink.
Counterclaim: Parents must provide a safe place for their teens to drink because they are going to do it anyway.
Excellent work. All of your claims are clear and thoughtful. 10/10
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