Pretend you are a newspaper columnist. People write to you for advice on many different kinds of health-related issues. The letter you will answer today is from a person your age who is thinking about starting to smoke. In your answer to this person, explain some of the short-term and long-term effects of smoking. Also include information about how the majority of people in our society feel about being around a person who smokes. Be informative and persuasive in writing your answer. What can you say to convince "Dear Confused" not to start smoking? Write your letter in the space provided in this booklet.
Dear Health Expert:
I am 11 years old, but I hang out with a lot of older friends.
They all smoke and want me to try it.
They tell me it will make me feel and look older.
It does sound convincing when they tell me that.
They all look cool when they smoke.
What should I do?