Writing Task 2

You are advised to spend a maximum of 40 minutes on this task.

Write an essay for university lecturer on the following topic:

People in all modern societies use drugs, but today’s youth are experiencing with both legal and illegal drugs, and at an increasingly early age. Some sociologists claim that parents and other members of society often set a bad example.

Discuss the causes and some effects of widespread drug use by young people in modern day society. Make any recommendations you feel are necessary to help fight youth drug abuse.

You should write at least 250 words.

You are required to support your arguments with relevant information and examples based on your own ideas, knowledge and experience.

< Sample answer >

Nowadays, youth drug abuse is a serious problem in many countries. It is said that illegal drug on the rise, and children as young as 10 years old are experimenting with legal drug such as alcohol and tobacco in some countries. The reasons for this behaviour are unclear, but certain sociologists blame the examples set by their elders.

First, parent who drink and smoke to excess are telling their children that is acceptable to abuse their bodies with drugs. Consequently, children may have a similar view towards illegal drugs even if their parents are against their use. In addition, drug use shown on television and in films can confuse children who are also taught at school that drug abuse is wrong.

Second, the pressure on young people to perform well at school in order to compete for jobs is a possible cause of the problem. In fact, they cannot live up to their parents’ expectations and feels a sense of hopelessness. Also, the widespread availability of drugs means teenagers are faced with the temptation to experiment. Drugs are used as a means of expressing dissatisfaction with the pressures they face in society.

Finally, the effects of drug abuse are well known. Many young people’s talents are wasted and addiction to hard drugs can cost users’ life. Furthermore, those who drink and drive may be involved in fatal road accidents, which means, enormous amounts of money are spent on convicting drug dealers and on education programmes.

In conclusion, I would recommend that the only sensible way to solve the problem is to educate young people about the dangers of drug and to take steps to reduce the pressure of competition placed upon them.

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