(timed essay - 20 minutes)
Many coutries have different age limits, and therefore, diverse views on the 'maturation' of individuals. In my opinion, 'maturation' means that a person is old enough to think on his own and make reasonable judgments accordingly. However, as every one of us differs in the ability to think, I believe setting a limit on maturation according to age, in case of America-21-is not a judicious measure.
When I was an eighth grader, the DARE team went on a trip to prisons for juveniles and adults. In the juvenile prison, there were many young people just like us, accused of using alcohol and drugs, and behaving untolably; the crimes one without the ability to discipline himself would commit. Though the number of young kids locked up in the juvenile peison entirely shocked me, the following trip to the adult prison was shocking all the same, if not more. They were many more prisoners who were over 21, accused of the very same irresponsible acts as the juveniles were. Although they clearly have passed the age of 21, the legal limit of adulthood, nobody could say that they were more "adults" or "mature" than thoe in the juvenile prison were.
Though my experience at the two prisons show a limited case of criminals, this convinced me of one firm notion; just because a person is over 21, it does not mean that he is "mature," nor does it mean that a person who hasn't reached the age of 21 is not "mature" enough.
Having a certain age limit - in United States, 21 - is a convenient measure to set apart the mass of people, choose the ones for the priveleges, and also, possibly, prevent some reckless behaviors. However, this should not be mistake into be believed that the age limit gets to say it all about a person being truly mature.
