D#12, HW#1 - Grammar

I have always been a strong and confident speller. Co-workers, friends and family often seek my advice on how to spell or write words correctly. Although this is a strong area in my writing as well, I generally do not use big words. I believe this stems from the fact I used to ‘dabble’ with writing children’s stories and now I seem to be uncomfortable using big words. This is something I must overcome if I am to progress in my writing.

First paragraph for grammar review:
I double checked my numbers used in the paragraph as well as the hyphens. I corrected the hyphens to have no spaces prior or after the use of. I also used the spelling and grammar feature in my word processor and I read my paper out loud to double check for words that may be misspelled or misplaced.

There have been several attempts across the nation to lower the voting age in America, including the state of Arizona. The controversy surrounding the issue to lower the voting age is whether or not teenagers, over the age of 16, are mature enough and knowledgeable to make well informed decisions. They are allowed to drive vehicles at the age of 15–that requires constant 'good' decision making; obtain a job at the age of 16–which requires paying taxes; receive permission from parents to get married at the age of 17–that requires demonstration of adult responsibility and if convicted of a serious crime be tried as an adult in a court of law prior to turning the age of 18. Teenagers with adult responsibilities and expectations are currently not allowed to vote like an adult as the current age to vote in America is 18 according to the XXVI Amendment, which reads “The right of citizens of the United States, who are eighteen years of age or older, to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of age” (NARA, 2007). A few reasons why the state of Arizona should reconsider lowering the voting age to 16 is stronger communities, increase in voter turnout rates, and educational opportunities.

Second paragraph for grammar review:
I rearranged a few sentences throughout this paragraph, by moving words around to further emphasize the point of each sentence. I also read this paragraph out loud to check for misspelled and misplaced words.

Many teenagers of America are serious about lowering the voting age. They have taken steps to lobby Councilwomen and Senators to introduce bills in several states, and organized exhibits. Teenagers are strengthening their communities by assisting at the election polls and being an active participant of the civic process. Admittedly, there is skepticism that teenagers are not ready and legislation has proven difficult to pass for lowering the voting age. However, in the state of Arizona legislatures have the ability to enable Arizona and its communities to become the first state to lower the voting age in America. Teachers have the opportunity to engage Arizona’s youth by promoting further educational standards within our schools and promoting a ‘good’ voting habit which can be nurtured. Legislators can help bridge the gap between youth and politicians, strengthen the communities of Arizona with legislation that allows families to truly encourage the youth to be more active with civic participation. Arizona could lower the voting age and become the first state of America to advocate democracy for all. The voting age in Arizona should be lowered from 18 to 16 because youths have better opportunities to learn about voting, establish early voting habit(s) increasing voter turnout and strengthen the communities they live in.