Some people think that the best way to increase road safety is to increase the minimum legal age for driving cars or riding motorbikes. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

To achieve a high score, your introduction must clearly state whether you agree or disagree with increasing the minimum legal driving age as the best way to increase road safety. While acknowledging the counter-argument (e.g., that young drivers are statistically more prone to accidents) demonstrates nuance, immediately pivot to explain why you believe other measures are more effective or why this single solution is insufficient, ensuring your primary stance remains dominant.

When arguing against solely increasing the age, consider discussing the efficacy of comprehensive Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) systems, successfully implemented in countries like Australia or Canada, which focus on supervised practice and restricted conditions for new drivers. Alternatively, you could highlight the role of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) technology in modern vehicles or the impact of improved road infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic laws as more universal solutions.

A common mistake on this question is to focus too narrowly on the problems associated with young drivers, rather than addressing the broader question of "the best way to increase road safety." Students often list reasons why young drivers are dangerous but fail to propose or defend alternative, more holistic solutions that would benefit all road users, not just by restricting one demographic. To avoid this, ensure your arguments extend beyond just young drivers and encompass wider strategies.

For an opinion essay like this, effectively linking paragraphs requires a strategy of acknowledging and then refuting or providing a stronger alternative. Use phrases like, "While it is often argued that raising the driving age would mitigate risks associated with inexperience, this approach overlooks..." or "Consequently, a more comprehensive strategy involves..." to transition smoothly between discussing the proposed solution and presenting your preferred alternatives.

Examiners awarding band 8-9 for this question look for a sophisticated understanding of the multifaceted nature of road safety, moving beyond simplistic arguments. This includes a well-reasoned discussion of policy implications, a nuanced balance between individual freedom and collective safety, and a clear, consistent argument supported by well-chosen examples or logical developments. The language should be precise, academic, and demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary related to policy, safety, and societal impact.