Question

K

a
y
Write a multi-paragraph
response in which you make and support a claim about
whether or not daylight saving time should continue to be used in the United
States. Your response must be based on ideas and information that can be found
in the passages.
Manage your time carefully so that you can:
• review the passages;
• plan your response;
• write your response; and
• revise and edit your response.
Be sure to:
• include a thesis statement;

Answer 1

In recent years, there has been a growing debate over whether or not daylight saving time (DST) should continue to be used in the United States. While some argue that DST is beneficial and should be maintained, others claim that it does more harm than good. Based on the evidence presented in the passages, I believe that DST should be abolished.

One argument in support of DST is that it allows for more daylight in the evening, which can lead to increased physical activity and productivity. However, as the first passage suggests, the benefits of DST are often overstated. A study published in the American Economic Journal found that the energy savings associated with DST are relatively small – just 0.03% of total annual electricity consumption in the United States. Furthermore, the study suggests that there may be unintended negative consequences of DST, such as increased energy use for heating and cooling.

Another argument for DST is that it supports the economy, particularly in the retail and tourism sectors. Proponents of DST argue that the extra daylight in the evening encourages people to shop and travel more, which in turn boosts local economies. However, as the second passage points out, this argument is also flawed. While there may be short-term economic benefits to DST, some studies have found that the disruption to people’s sleep schedules can have negative effects on productivity and overall health. In addition, the time change can be particularly difficult for those who work night shifts or have existing sleep disorders.

Given these concerns, I believe that it is time for the United States to do away with DST. Instead, we should stick to a consistent time throughout the year, which would eliminate the confusion and disruption caused by the twice-yearly time changes. By doing so, we may be able to improve overall public health and well-being while also minimizing any potential negative economic consequences. While it may take time to adjust, I believe that in the long run, this change would be beneficial for everyone.