SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Aggressive Driving

SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Aggressive Driving Should be Avoided

Aggressive driving is a phenomenon, which has only recently got the public

worried (Gen Statement). The National Highway Traffic Safety Council (NHTSC) (2017)

defines aggressive driving as “the operation of a motor vehicle in a manner that

endangers or is likely to endanger persons or property” (p.3). (Definition-Direct

Quotation). Actions such as running red lights, improper passing, overtaking on the left,

improper lane change, failing to yield, improper turns, running stop signs, tailgating

(following car), careless driving (in phone, talking with others) and speeding are examples

of aggressive driving. (Bg/Link/Elaboration/Illustration). Such actions are dangerous to

other road users (BG). I personally think that/I personally feel that/I strongly think

that/In my opinion/I truly think that aggressive driving should be avoided because

it causes injuries and fatalities. However,/Nevertheless, it may be argued that

aggressive driving keeps one alert/keep a weak alert.(Thesis Statement).

The first reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes

injuries.(Topic Sentence). The NHTSC (2017) states that the percentages of the injuries

caused by aggressive driving are, in almost all the ten categories of aggressive driving,

above 100 percent/more than 1 (Indirect Quotation). In other words, each motor vehicle

crash accounts for one or more injuries. (BG/Elaboration/Example). It was found that of
 SAMPLE ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

Aggressive Driving

the ten categories of aggressive driving, “running red light”, “failing to yield”, and “running

stop signs” are the most serious factors contributing to injuries (Supp Point 1). Those who

suffer injuries include not only the motorists, but innocent passengers as well (Sup Detail

1). The injuries may even lead to permanent handicap or disability which can affect the

victim’s livelihood/future for the rest of his or her life (Concluding Sent).

Another reason why aggressive driving should be avoided is it causes

fatalities. “Overtaking on the left” appears to be the most important contributing factor in

traffic fatalities as it relates to aggressive driving (BG). According to the Department of

Highway Safety (2008), ‘improper lane change’, ‘running stop sign’ and ‘running red light’

rank second through four in terms of their contribution to traffic fatalities (Indirect

Quotation). These traffic offences are committed by motorists for reasons which include

rushing to work or a certain destination, impatient to wait for the green light or

recklessness. (Supp Point 1). Other reasons which usually involve youngsters are racing

on the road or displaying a lackadaisical attitude towards traffic rules (Sup Detail 1). As a

result, most often than not, motorists who drive aggressively hardly survive a crash (Sup

detail 2). To make matters worse, innocent passengers or pedestrians may also become

victims of these crashes (Concluding Statement).

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Aggressive Driving

Opponents of this position argue that aggressive driving keeps one alert.

(TS). As aggressive driving involves alertness, it eliminates boredom while driving and

thus reduces the probability of the driver dozing off on the wheels (Elaboration/BG).

According to Hawkins (2013), Head of Traffic Police Department, Ohio, many motorists

claimed that when they speed on the highway, it helps them to be more alert while driving

(Indirect Quotation). U-TURN However, it may be argued that there are other ways of

staying alert such as listening to music or the radio, or occasionally stopping for a short

rest and a hot beverage on long drive (Your stand). This is because the latter ways of

keeping alert on the road may be much safer than driving aggressively which may pose

higher risks of crashes, injuries and deaths (Concluding Statement).

In a nutshell, aggressive driving can pose risks/dangers to motorists and the public

(Summary). I strongly believe/ am strongly convinced that motorists should stay clear of

aggressive driving as it may cause injuries and fatalities, although some may claim that it

promotes alertness on the road while driving (Restate main ideas). I call upon all

motorists to exercise caution while driving, think of those whom they love, and love

themselves as death awaits aggressive drivers. Quotation.

Do you know that the dandelion is one of the most useful weeds which can bring lots of benefits
to you?
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Aggressive Driving

INTRO – 6 SENT

BODY 1- PRO 1 REASON 1 - 7 SENTENCES

BODY 2- PRO 2 REASON 2 -7 SENT

**BODY 3- CONTRA (OTHERS) + YR STAND 7 SENTENCES

CONCLUSION – 5 SENTENCES

References
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