Worksheet 3

Making SMART Choices

Name: __________________________________

Underage drinking causes serious risks. Abusing alcohol may permanently damage your brain and your body. Every year, thousands of people under the age of 21 die from alcohol-related injuries, including car crashes and drowning.

Imagine you were faced with the scenarios below. Using the facts you have learned, write a paragraph explaining how you might respond to each scenario. Be sure to include facts about how alcohol affects the body in your answer.

1. Mark is with his older cousin, Justin. Justin is talking about why he likes to drink alcohol.

The first scene of a comic book illustration number 1 shows a boy, Mark, and his older cousin, Justin, talking on a sidewalk. Mark asks, “Why do you drink alcohol at parties?” Justin replies, “I normally feel uncomfortable in a big group of people. Alcohol makes me feel less shy and I don’t worry so much about how to act.”

The second scene of the comic book illustration number 1 shows Mark asking Justin, “Can’t drinking be harmful to your body?” Justin replies, “I’m young and healthy. Drinking a little alcohol isn’t going to hurt me.” A question at the bottom of the second illustration asks: What would you say to Justin if you were Mark?

On a separate sheet of paper, explain: What would you say to Justin if you were Mark?

2. Sally is waiting for a ride. Her older sister Jennifer picks her up. She is with some friends. Sally notices some empty beer cans in the car.

The first scene of a comic book illustration number 2 shows a car with several girls in it. The driver is Sally’s older sister Jennifer. Sally is about to get into the car. There are three empty beer cans on the front passenger seat of the car. Sally asks Jennifer, “Have you been drinking?” Jennifer replies, “Yes, I was at a friend’s house. We’re late. Get in the car.”

The second scene of the comic book illustration number 2 shows Sally talking to her sister, Jennifer. Sally says, “You shouldn’t be driving if you’ve been drinking.” Jennifer replies, “I’ve only had a couple of beers. I’m fine. Let’s go!” A question at the bottom of the illustration asks: What would you do if you were Sally?

On a separate sheet of paper, explain: What would you do if you were Sally?

Critical Thinking:

What are some ways in which you can say “No” if a friend asks you to drink?

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