way2go! 7. Coursebook, Schulbuch

185 Sample answer No need for Austrians to get their driving licence at 16 Driving at 16 is allowed in some other countries, and many young Austrians wonder why this is not possible in Austria as well. However, as public transport in Austria is generally good, getting one’s driving licence is costly and teenagers are probably not responsible enough drivers, it is not necessary for 16-year-olds to drive a car. While being able to drive would give 16-year-olds their independence, it really is not necessary for them to have a driving licence. Young people that age should still be taking public transport as it is easy to use, and they can get a discounted student ticket. Especially in urban areas, going by tram, bus or underground is frequently faster than driving a car. If they are going out in the evening, it is surely more comfortable for them to be picked up by their parents, especially if they have had something to drink. Consequently, driving a car does not necessarily mean an increase in young people’s mobility. Getting one’s driving licence is comparatively inexpensive in other countries where driving lessons may be offered in school, but it is a financial burden for people in Austria. Driving lessons are costly, and parents might be reluctant to spend so much money as there are other expenses to be paid for 16-year-olds. Additionally, getting one’s driving licence at 16 might create peer pressure between young people when one of them can afford to get it and perhaps also a car of their own. Others might feel compelled to do the same, and this might be a challenge for parents who may not have enough money to afford driving lessons, let alone a car. Although some may argue that 16-year-olds are old enough to control a vehicle, there is evidence that younger drivers are more likely to cause accidents. They are too young to recognise dangerous situations and cannot react quickly enough. They are more likely to be distracted by using their mobiles while driving and could pose a danger to others on the road. Other motorists would consider them inconsiderate and immature and would blame them for an increase in traffic accidents. More accidents could also result in higher insurance costs for everyone, which is totally unnecessary. In conclusion, it can be seen that there is no need for Austrians to get their licence at 16 as parents might want to use the money for more important things, teenagers have other methods of transport available to them and they can be a danger to themselves and others on the roads. Bullet point 1 Bullet point 2 Bullet point 3 Factual title stating topic Thesis statement: It makes clear what you think about the issue at hand. Topic sentence Supporting detail 1 Supporting detail 2 Topic sentence Supporting detail 1 Supporting detail 2 Topic sentence Supporting detail 1 Supporting detail 2 Conclusion: It summarises the arguments presented in the main body using a wording different from the thesis statement Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv