In the United States, it is illegal for anyone under the age of twenty-one to consume alcohol. Strict laws are enforced to limit access to these toxins to any individual under twenty-one. Prison time and fines are one way law enforcement punishes those who go against the law. Despite these barriers, many adolescents still manage to access alcohol. This raises an important question: should the legal drinking age be lowered or should it remain the same? “Why the Drinking Age Should Be Lowered: A Research-Based Opinion” by Indiana University professor Ruth C. Engs makes claims about the controversial issue by providing reasoning through ethos, pathos, and logos. (I'm still working on my thesis). Engs strongly demonstrates ethics throughout his article with the use of credentials as a personal introduction. He mentions his profession in applied health sciences at Indiana University. Through credentials, Engs uses his career to demonstrate his professionalism which shows that he is a trustworthy person. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The general public will be willing to place more trust in people who have respected or prestigious careers such as doctors, professors, scientists, and researchers. Her credentials allow her to express opinions and facts on the drinking age issue with less likelihood of being questioned. His views on lowering the drinking age are more likely to be accepted due to his level of education and duty to educate others. The pathos is clearly shown throughout the article also by Engs' comparison between underage drinkers in America and those in other countries in Europe and Asia because, in most European and Asian countries, the legal drinking age is eighteen years or less. Engs points out that countries on these different continents do not view alcohol as a “drug” as the United States does. Engs explains how teenagers in these countries don't face the same underage pressure to drink as teenagers do in America. Teenagers in European and Asian countries are taught at a young age to respect themselves with alcohol and to never abuse it. Eng states, “Because the 21-year-old drinking age law does not work and is counterproductive, it is up to us as a nation to change our current prohibition law and teach responsible drinking techniques for those who choose to consume alcoholic beverages.” Engs chooses to address the audience by tapping into their emotions and position on the legal drinking age. Engs develops logos in his article by presenting the public with statistics on underage drinking that strongly support his claim. The flaws of current drinking laws are easily visible among college students. Engs says, “Those under the age of 21 are more likely to be heavy drinkers – sometimes called “binge” drinkers – (consuming more than 5 drinks at least once a week). Keep in mind: This is just one example. Get a custom paper now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay For example, 22% of all students under 21 compared to 18% above 21 are heavy drinkers alone, 32% of minors compared at 24% of the legal age are heavy drinkers.” The fact that the author reports statistics helps her advance her case, allowing her to persuade the public more easily. Therefore, readers are more willing to understand and believe what is said.