ENGL 1301.062 Miranda 1 Essay 2 Assignment: Argumentative Es

ENGL 1301.062 Miranda 1 Essay 2 Assignment: Argumentative Essay

Write an essay of at least three (3) full pages in which you choose a position based on one of the following options:

  • Option 1: Should texting while driving be banned statewide?
  • Option 2: Should transgender people have to use the restroom for the sex shown on their birth certificates?
  • Option 3: Should teens and preteens under sixteen (16) be allowed to have a Facebook, Snapchat, or Instagram account?
  • Option 4: Should people from specific countries coming to the United States face tougher immigration policies?
  • Option 5: Should parents be held responsible for cyberbullying committed by their children?
  • Option 6: A topic of your own choosing (must be approved by the instructor)

Consider the following questions when writing your argumentative essay: Who does this issue affect? What are the various sides or perspectives on this issue? What is being done concerning the issue? What is your stance or position regarding this topic? Your audience is your instructor and your classmates.

Your topic should be: 1) Controversial 2) Arguable 3) Researchable within the given time 4) Personally interesting and meaningful to you. Ensure inclusion of key argumentative features: a clear position, background information, supportive reasons and evidence, appeals to values, a trustworthy tone, consideration of opposition, and a logical structure.

Choose one of the specified topics or propose an approved subject. Focus your argument and gather at least two reputable sources to support your position. Identify and address opposing viewpoints. Use pre-writing strategies and graphic organizers to organize your ideas. Develop your argument clearly and logically, emphasizing the significance of your stance to your audience.

In terms of essay structure: start with an engaging introduction, present a thesis including your main points, develop 3-6 supporting points as body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, include evidence and details, use transitions, conclude by restating your thesis in different words, and discuss the importance of the issue. Use convincing details and avoid fallacies. Seek assistance if needed from resources like the Writing Center or Brainfuse.

Paper For Above instruction

The assignment requires crafting a compelling and well-supported argumentative essay on a chosen controversial topic. The essay must be a minimum of three pages, incorporating research, logical reasoning, and persuasive techniques to convincingly present a clear stance on the issue. For this purpose, selecting a topic that sparks personal interest and resonates with the audience is crucial, ensuring the issue is debatable, relevant, and researchable within the scope of the assignment.

Among the provided options, the debate over banning texting while driving has gained significant attention, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving and the potential for implementing stricter laws. Studies indicate that texting while driving impairs reaction time and situational awareness, leading to increased accident rates (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2020). Advocates argue that a statewide ban could save lives and decrease road injuries, aligning with public safety priorities. Conversely, opponents contend that enforcement challenges and personal freedoms pose obstacles to effective legislation (Smith & Johnson, 2019).

Introduction

The issue of banning texting while driving encapsulates a critical debate concerning road safety and personal liberties. With the proliferation of mobile devices, distracted driving has become a leading cause of traffic accidents nationwide. This essay argues that implementing a statewide ban on texting while driving is essential to reduce accidents, save lives, and promote responsible driving behaviors.

Background and Context

Distracted driving remains a persistent problem affecting drivers across demographics. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA, 2020) reports that distracted driving caused over 3,000 fatalities in 2019 alone. Texting while driving combines visual, manual, and cognitive distractions, significantly impairing a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely. Several states have enacted laws banning or restricting texting, yet compliance and enforcement remain inconsistent. A comprehensive statewide ban could standardize regulations and reinforce public awareness about the dangers involved.

Supporting Arguments

First, evidence demonstrates that texting impairs reaction time more than other distractions (Dula & Walsh, 2018). When a driver engages in texting, their focus shifts from the road to the device, delaying responses to unexpected hazards. Second, data from eyewitness studies confirm that texting drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 2019). Such data support the need for legislative action to prevent avoidable tragedies.

Furthermore, a ban aligns with public health objectives by prioritizing safety and reducing injury-related costs. Insurance companies have also advocated for stricter regulations, arguing that texting bans can lower premium costs by decreasing accident frequencies (Fitzgerald et al., 2021). Public awareness campaigns coupled with legislative measures have successfully reduced risky behaviors in some jurisdictions, providing a model for statewide implementation.

Counterarguments and Opposing Viewpoints

Opponents argue that banning texting infringes upon personal freedoms and that enforcement could be challenging. Critics also suggest that drivers may find other means to distract themselves, making the ban less effective (Stevens & Anderson, 2020). However, public safety considerations outweigh individual liberties when the risk of preventable accidents is so high. Effective enforcement strategies, such as increased patrols and use of technology, can mitigate concerns about compliance (Williams, 2021).

Conclusion

In conclusion, banning texting while driving is a necessary step toward improving road safety and preventing unnecessary accidents. The evidence indicates that such a law would significantly reduce distracted driving incidents and save lives. While enforcement challenges exist, they are surmountable with proper resources and public education. The overall benefit to society makes this legislation a compelling and urgent imperative.

Implementing a statewide ban on texting while driving embodies a proactive approach to safeguarding citizens and fostering responsible driving habits. The future of road safety depends on legislative actions that prioritize public health over convenience.

References

  • Fitzgerald, R., Klein, A., & Murrieta, E. (2021). Insurance incentives and the impact of distracted driving laws. Journal of Traffic Safety & Insurance, 45(2), 113-127.
  • Dula, C. S., & Walsh, J. (2018). Distracted driving: The effects of text messaging on reaction time. Accident Analysis & Prevention, 116, 223-230.
  • Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. (2019). How texting impacts crash risk. IIHS Reports, 12(3), 45-59.
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2020). Distracted driving: Data and trends. NHTSA Traffic Safety Facts.
  • Smith, L., & Johnson, K. (2019). Public perceptions of texting laws and enforcement challenges. Journal of Public Safety, 34(1), 22-34.
  • Stevens, P., & Anderson, M. (2020). Personal freedoms versus public safety: Debating texting bans. Policy Perspectives, 27(4), 78-85.
  • Williams, T. (2021). Innovative enforcement strategies for distracted driving laws. Traffic Law Review, 15(2), 94-110.

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