YEAR 11 ENGLISH

TASK

ANALYSIS - ASSESSMENT

ISSUE: P-plate drivers

To reduce the road toll, several state governments in Australia recently
introduced new laws affecting P-plate drivers. The laws include:
120 hours of compulsory driving practice for learners
a ban on using mobile phones while driving
banning P-plate drivers from carrying more than one passenger.

Write an essay analysing the opinion article by Lauren Martella

LAWS WILL NOT STOP YOUNG DEATHS
When you begin driving as an 18-year-old P-plater, the experience is both exciting and
frightening. Sometimes we may be tempted to take risks. My friends and I have all
had minor accidents, because were inexperienced drivers. Weve also seen the
horrific stories in the news, depicting the heartache created by road accidents. I cant
begin to comprehend the grief that consumes the families of victims.
Any initiative which may prevent trauma and death must be considered. According to
data collected by Victoria's Transport Accident Commission, in 2014 21% of drivers
killed were aged between 18 and 25 years. This age group represents only 14% of
Victorian drivers so the data is alarming. Therefore, I do understand why the
government wants to introduce legislation to ban having more than one passenger in
a car driven by a P-plater.
However, I don't believe this legislation is the answer. It's unrealistic and it will not
reduce deaths. Many young drivers will treat this law with contempt; they will
continue to drive irresponsibly, with a car full of passengers. Young drivers will
continue to die on our roads. Nothing will have been done to stop young lives from
being wasted. Nothing will have been done to end the trauma.
The overwhelming majority of probationary drivers involved in accidents are males. Of
the young drivers killed in 2014, 75% of them were males. Females would view the
new passenger restrictions as unfair. They have every right to wonder why they are
being disadvantaged by the behaviour of reckless male drivers. Why punish all young
drivers for the harm created by a few?
How practical is this proposal anyway? Would older probationary drivers also face
passenger restrictions? Would a P-plate driver, with a perfect driving record, be
banned from having family members in the car? Would a young mother on P-plates no
longer be allowed to drive her children to school? Would I no longer be able to drive
my friends when we go out at night?
I seriously doubt that a passenger restriction law will be successful. The majority of Pplate drivers behave in a safe and responsible manner. This law will not change the

behaviour of foolish young drivers. Instead, all young drivers will be penalised
because of the actions of a few. Is this fair?
by Lauren Martella
P-plate driver

VCE ENGLISH ANALYSIS

plate drivers

ISSUE: P-

Introduction:
Contention
Purpose
Audience
Tone
Bias

Main Body Paragraphs:

Main ideas

Examples of
language

Impact on readers

Conclusion:
Is she effective in persuading her audience? Explain why.
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