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Prompt In an effort to increase traffic safety, lawmakers in some states are debating whether to make it illegal to use a cell phone while driving a car. Some people support such a law because they think a ban on using cell phones while driving would cut down on traffic accidents that occur when people use a phone and drive at the same time. Other people do not support such a law because they think a ban on cell phone use would address only one of many dangerous distractions that drivers experience while ignoring many others. In your opinion, should using a cell phone while driving a car be illegal? In your essay, take a position on this question. You may write about either one of the two points of view given, or you may present a different point of view on this question. Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.
Components of ACT essay:can be used in any order • Claim: has a topic, debatable view, and the significance to the reader (prong). • Counter with rebuttal • Scenario • Anecdote • Implications • Write in 1st person(it is acceptable since it’s not research based).
Position Tentative (temporary) Claim: Should answer the following question and explain the result of this position. In your opinion, should using a cell phone while driving a car be illegal? Example: Cell phones should be illegal when driving because they distract the driver and lead to more accident occurring; although some people feel there are other distractions drivers face on the road besides cell phones.
Now the scenario… • Write a scenario paragraph placing your reader in the position of a driver who is faced with the decision to answer his or her cell phone. • Your scenario should illustrate what you are trying to prove about cell phone laws, in other words showing why you are right using this specific example. • Words indicating a scenario: You, your, imagine, consider, suppose, now (transition)
Now write an anecdote… • Write a paragraph that is a personal anecdote ( a short story about a real incident) when you experienced a situation where you or another driver used a cell phone while driving. • Again, your anecdote must prove your position stated in your claim.
Counterargument:Introducing the opposition • (Lawmakers) today tend to believe___________ • A number of __________have recently suggested__________. • It is often assumed that_________. • When it comes to_________, most will readily agree that__________.
Counter continued.. • Explain the reasoning for the counter…
Introducing the rebuttal • What________fail(s) to consider is ____ • This assertion/position is problematic because________. • While this view is popular, it overlooks the fact that__________.
Rebuttal continued • Elaborate/Explain why rebuttal is true…
Conclusion • Transition words such as: essentially, ultimately, in essence. • Include the implications (Why this is important and potential effects)