Instructions
This worksheet challenges you to analyze a key civics and citizenship issue using evidence and then communicate your findings using three different methods: written analysis, visual data, and an oral pitch outline.
- Focus Issue: The issue under analysis is The Debate Over Lowering the Voting Age to 16.
- Gather Evidence: Use the table in Section 2 to collect factual evidence (knowledge) supporting and opposing the proposal.
- Analyze: Complete the stakeholder mapping and impact analysis in Section 3.
- Communicate: Apply your analysis to structure the three communication tasks (Sections 4, 5, and 6).
Section 1: Defining the Issue
Focus Issue: Should the minimum voting age for national elections be lowered from 18 to 16?
- In your own words, state the core conflict or question surrounding this issue.
Section 2: Evidence Gathering and Knowledge Base (Communication Method Preparation)
Gather at least five pieces of evidence (facts, statistics, historical precedent, or expert opinions) regarding the voting age debate. Ensure you have facts supporting BOTH sides.
| Argument Side | Knowledge/Fact/Statistic | Type of Evidence (e.g., Statistic, Law, Expert Quote) | Source Reliability Level (High, Medium, Low) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: Pro | 16-year-olds can legally work and pay income taxes. | Existing Law/Fact | High |
Section 3: Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping
Analyzing a civics issue requires understanding who is affected and the potential consequences (impacts).
A. Stakeholder Identification
Match the stakeholders below with the statement that best represents their potential view on lowering the voting age.
| Stakeholder | Potential Viewpoint/Concern |
|---|---|
| 1. Current Voters (Ages 18+) | |
| 2. Political Parties | |
| 3. Civics/History Teachers | |
| 4. 16/17-Year-Olds |
Viewpoint Options: (A) Concerned about whether the new voters are informed enough and if their own political power will be diluted. (B) Generally highly supportive, as this group gains a direct tool for civic participation. (C) May need to adjust curriculum to focus more heavily on political processes and current affairs. (D) Might see an opportunity to gain a large new block of voters, requiring changes to campaign strategies.
B. Impact Analysis
Based on your evidence, list one significant positive impact and one significant negative impact if the voting age were lowered.
| Impact Type | Description of Potential Impact | Evidence Supporting This Impact (Reference Section 2) |
|---|---|---|
| Positive Impact | ||
| Negative Impact |
Section 4: Communication Method 1 – Written Summary (Argumentative Paragraph)
Write a concise paragraph (5–7 sentences) that presents your analyzed position on the voting age debate. Your paragraph must include a topic sentence, at least two supporting pieces of evidence from Section 2, and a concluding statement.
Section 5: Communication Method 2 – Visual/Data Plan (Infographic Outline)
Infographics and charts communicate data quickly. Plan an infographic that presents key evidence related to the voting age debate.
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Infographic Title/Main Point: __
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Type of Visual Used: (e.g., Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Timeline)
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Data Point 1 (Visualized):
- What specific statistic or fact will you display visually? (e.g., Percentage of 16-year-olds who pay tax)
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Data Point 2 (Visualized):
- What specific statistic or fact will you display visually? (e.g., Voter turnout rates in countries with 16+ voting)
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Color/Design Choice: What emotional tone or idea will your colors convey? (e.g., Bold colors for urgency, calm colors for stability)
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Section 6: Challenge & Extension: Communication Method 3 – Oral Pitch Outline
Prepare a 30-second “Elevator Pitch” to persuade a politician to adopt your position (either for or against lowering the age). Focus on impact and urgency.
| Component | Time (Approx.) | Key Content Point | Delivery Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hook/Opening | 5 seconds | Grab attention and state your position immediately. | (e.g., Firm tone, eye contact) |
| Evidence Point 1 | 10 seconds | Use your strongest piece of evidence to support your claim. | (e.g., Clear, concise statistic) |
| Call to Action | 10 seconds | Explain why the politician must act NOW (link to impact). | (e.g., Passionate, definitive statement) |
| Closing Summary | 5 seconds | Reiterate the core benefit. | (e.g., Confident sign-off) |
Answer Key Guidelines
Section 2: Evidence Gathering
- Responses must demonstrate research skill by using measurable facts, laws, or recognized studies.
- Examples of Evidence:
- Pro: Countries like Austria have lowered the voting age to 16 for federal elections, demonstrating feasibility.
- Con: Studies show brain development related to complex decision-making and risk assessment continues past age 16.
Section 3: Analysis and Stakeholder Mapping
| A. Stakeholder Identification | Stakeholder | Potential Viewpoint/Concern |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Current Voters (Ages 18+) | (A) Concerned about whether the new voters are informed enough and if their own political power will be diluted. | |
| 2. Political Parties | (D) Might see an opportunity to gain a large new block of voters, requiring changes to campaign strategies. | |
| 3. Civics/History Teachers | (C) May need to adjust curriculum to focus more heavily on political processes and current affairs. | |
| 4. 16/17-Year-Olds | (B) Generally highly supportive, as this group gains a direct tool for civic participation. |
B. Impact Analysis
- Acceptable answers should logically follow the student's evidence. Examples:
- Positive Impact: Increased civic education engagement in schools, leading to higher overall political literacy in the long run.
- Negative Impact: Higher potential for political manipulation by social media or single-issue campaigns due to limited life experience among new voters.
Section 4: Communication Method 1 – Written Summary
- The paragraph must clearly state a position, integrate evidence logically, and maintain formal, persuasive language.
Section 5: Communication Method 2 – Visual/Data Plan
- Plans should outline visual communication of quantitative data (e.g., comparing 16-year-old employment rates vs. 18-year-old voter turnout).
Section 6: Challenge & Extension: Communication Method 3 – Oral Pitch Outline
- The pitch must be highly focused and leverage the most compelling evidence collected in Section 2. The focus should be on practical application and political action.