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).

PositionTentative (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)