The document argues that the legal drinking age in the United States should remain 21. It provides three key reasons: that setting the age to 21 in 1984 saved over 18,000 lives by reducing drunk driving accidents; that the brain is still developing until age 21, so younger people are less mature and more likely to engage in risky drinking behaviors; and research shows drinking later in life leads to a lower chance of developing alcoholism and alcohol-related medical and social problems later in life.

1. DRINKING AGE
Alexandra Bocchino

2. PURPOSE
 To argue in favor of keeping the drinking age the same in the
United States.
 Central Idea: The drinking age in the United States should stay the
same because the age 21 saves lives, people are more mature at the
age of 21, and it reduces the chance of alcoholism.

3.  Legal drinking ages worldwide
 Peoples belief
 Age should stay the same

4.  Age 21 in 1984
 Saved 18,220 lives
 Brain Functioning
 Drunk Driving
21 SAVES LIVES

5.  More mature at 21
 New phase of independence
 18 is not mature enough
 Are 18 y/o really as mature?
MATURITY

6.  Become an alcoholic
 Alcohol consumption
remains lower
 No problems with alcohol
 Medical and social problems
 Criminal justice experts
ALCOHOLISM
 Decrease in productivity
 Adolescent brains
 Developing dependence
 Half met diagnostic criteria
 Social stamp of approval

7.  A few positive aspects
 Gain tolerance
 Fighting for our country
 Unsafe drinking activities
 Thrill drinking
 Forbidden fruit
PROS

8.  Smarter decision
 Brains need to grow and
develop
 21 is safer, more mature, less
chance of alcoholism
CONCLUSION