Some people feel that the legal age at which people can marry should be at least 21. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.

t is widely agreed that a happy and stable relationship in marriage is the bedrock of any community, with a greater likelihood of responsible partners, and if children result, a harmonious family. Because of

this

, it is important to support the institution of marriage in every way possible. One important question in relation to

this

is: at what age should

couples

be allowed to marry? There are a number of reasons for making the minimum age for matrimony as late as possible. Many would argue that people in their 20s are able to make much more rational decisions than teenagers can. Older people might have seen enough of the world to know that the feelings that they hold for someone at a given moment may not

last

. They will realise that superficial characteristics like physical beauty and sporting prowess may not be the only ones to bring happiness in a relationship. Older

couples

are likely to give more consideration to issues

such

as income and job prospects, but

also

to less obvious but important personality traits

such

as tolerance, kindness or moral strength.

However

, other people contend that it is unrealistic to make

couples

wait until their 20s before marrying. They suggest that as soon as the boy and the girl reached puberty they should be allowed to marry. To prevent them from doing so would result in resentment between the generations, frustration and an increase in the number of unsupported pregnancies. If married teenagers are given enough help to support them, they can have children when they are young and healthy enough to enjoy them. Considering both these sets of arguments, I feel that 21 is probably too old but that 18 should be made the legal minimum at which

couples

can marry.