Contemporary World Literature
Danielle Filipiak
16 September 2010
Outline
I.
Intro:
The exploration of sexual intercourse among teenagers should not come as a shock. It is no secret that teenagers are engaging in sexual activity and unfortunately, are contracting sexually transmitted diseases as well as HIV/ AIDS. Sex has become a vocal point throughout the halls of high schools nationwide “about 47.8 percent off all teens in the
United States have had sex before they graduated from high school” (Golden 7). It is undoubtedly reasonable to say that STDs, HIV/AIDS along with unwanted pregnancies are the result of lack of education, inefficient communication with partners, and peer pressure.
II.
Claim #1: Lack of Sex Education
Discussing sex can be very uncomfortable for many people regardless of their age and gender and in many cases is avoided. a.
There are many schools who are not educating their students as it pertains to sex education. b.
Teens are not utilizing their resources to their fullest potential, which would allow them to explore community health departments to receive untaught information about sex. c.
Prevention methods are left unlooked and sometimes unrecognized.
Possible Quote:
“77 percent of American teens use contraceptives when they have sex” (Golden 8).
*Sexuality is known all around US, however, taking advantage and responsibility in finding this information is up to you. Discussing these issues is the only way to protect yourself.
III.
Claim #2: Ineffective communication among partners
Communicating with your partner’s demonstrated responsibility and puts forth effort in attempting to resolve conflicts of interest regarding sex and your expectations. a.
Discussing a method of contraception should be number one priority if a relationship decides to take that next step.

b.
Both partners need to be responsible for protecting themselves from sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. c.
Getting tested for STDs should be of great concern before and after engaging in sex.
Possible Quote:
“Think of the acronym “SOSC,” which stands for situation, options, consequences, and solution” (Golden).
* It is crucial to have effective communication skills when addressing sex with your partner because ultimately it is up to you to decide what options are out there.
IV.
Claim #3: Peer Pressure
The constant reminder of not being sexually active can be very influential, pushing a person to the point where they give in and engage in sexual behavior. a.
It seems as though being sexually active is a competition which eventually win influences that they are not ready for. b.
When a person is not necessarily thinking about having sex and becomes influenced, it puts them at more of a risk of contracting a STD, HIV/AIDS, and unwanted pregnancies. c.
Having sex is a big step and should be thoroughly evaluated.
*Sex should not be a competition; it is something that should be decided upon when that person is ready because those consequences lead to emotional distress and higher risks of tough consequences.
V.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sexual behavior among youth has become a concern throughout high schools everywhere. Teens are becoming sexually active and not fully thinking their consequences thorough. They are having sex; unprotected, being easily influenced, and are not being conscious of their actions. Which ultimately lead to teen pregnancies, STDs, and HIV/AIDS.
Sex should really be something that is well thought out and planned for because there are a lot of responsibilities that go along with it. There are so many precautions that could prevent these things, but if people are not taking the time out and showing concern for this issue they could very well be a statistic.