Y08W16WR Should the Voting Age Be Lowered to 16?

Part 1

How to Write

Persuasive – Opinion piece

An opinion piece argues a clear position on an issue with confidence and evidence. It is written for a broad audience who may not share the writer’s view, so the argument must be compelling. The tone should be direct and assertive — a strong, considered voice, not an aggressive one.

  • Ideas & content: Take a definite position and build a logical argument. Use specific reasons, evidence or examples to support each point. An opinion piece is not just a list of feelings.
  • Structure & cohesion: Open with your position, develop your argument in a clear order and close with a strong final point or call to action. Use linking language to connect your reasoning.
  • Voice & audience: Write with conviction. You can use first person, but keep the tone credible rather than purely emotional. Acknowledge the other side briefly to show you understand the full issue.
  • Language choices: Use precise vocabulary and active verbs. Vary sentence structure for emphasis and impact. Use rhetorical questions or short emphatic statements sparingly for effect.
  • Conventions: Write in present tense for your position and arguments. Spell accurately and use punctuation purposefully.

Common pitfalls: Relying on emotion or repetition rather than reasoning — a reader who disagrees needs a logical argument, not stronger feeling. Failing to acknowledge the other side, which can make the piece feel one-dimensional.

Part 2

Your Task Plan for Today

The brief

Question: Write an opinion piece for the youth organisation arguing for or against lowering the federal voting age from 18 to 16. Take a clear position, support it with reasoning and address at least one argument on the other side. Your piece will be published in the organisation’s newsletter.

Stimulus: A proposal to lower the federal voting age from 18 to 16 has been introduced in Parliament. It has divided opinion across the community. Some argue that 16-year-olds have a stake in decisions that affect them and should have a voice. Others argue that 18 is the appropriate age to grant voting rights. A youth organisation has invited young writers to submit opinion pieces on the question.

Task Analysis: This task asks you to take a clear position on lowering the voting age and support it with reasoning, while addressing at least one argument from the other side. You are making a case to a youth organisation on a real policy question. A strong response argues persuasively while demonstrating you understand the complexity of the issue.

Quick Plan

Before you write, plan:

  • Your position — should 16-year-olds vote?
  • Three strongest reasons for your view
  • One good argument from the other side
  • Your response to that argument
  • A closing statement that sticks with readers

Thesis / position

State your position clearly in your opening. Make it specific and direct.

Evidence and reasoning

Build your case with reasons that explain why you hold your position. Use examples or logical reasoning to support each point.

Counterargument

Show you understand why reasonable people might disagree. This demonstrates maturity and strengthens your argument.

Rebuttal

Explain why your reasoning is compelling despite that counterargument. Be respectful but clear.

Tone & voice

Write as a young person with a genuine perspective, not trying to sound like an adult. Your voice is your strength.