This is what I have so far:
For the past few years, Alex has been researching, hinting, and occasionally downright begging for a laptop. I have no done any research, but I am not hinting or begging, either. Although I do not know what type, I believe you should get me my own laptop because I am well-behaved, there are benefits to me having one, and it will not control my life.
Many kids nowadays are rude, wild, and sport a live-in-the-now attitude, but I am the opposite. In school, I maintain and strive for perfect grades. Last semester, I did not do as well in science as I did in my other classes. This semester, I have brought it up to the same level, studying more and working harder to gain a better understanding for tests. Also, at home, you have certain chores that you expect us to complete. Sometimes, I forget what I am supposed to do, but once I am reminded, I get it done. I also occasionally do extra work, such as washing and folding the laundry and vacuuming the basement. Finally, I am a quiet person in public and respect you. We have seen teenagers my age and younger acting superior towards their parents, making outrageous demands and throwing a temper tantrum when they do not receive what they want. Unlike my peers, I remain a mature, hard-working individual.
There are some results of computer usage that appear to bother you, yet there are benefits to me having my own laptop. My brother and I are constantly vying for the computer by the door, often creating tension between us. Alex also becomes upset by the amount of files, while you are irritated by the mess I leave on the desk. With my own computer in my room, my files would be off the computer downstairs, and I will be less likely to take and leave food dishes into my room. Also, school work could be done more efficiently. If Alex and I both had a typing assignment or needed the Internet for research, we could finish it sooner and not have to wait around for the other to complete their homework. Finally, owning a laptop will allow me to improve on my responsibility. Having a laptop in my room requires organizational skills, teaches me care of valuable items, and time management (not staying up too late, not staying locked up in my room, etcetera). Owning my own computer offers more positive results than negative.
Stereotypes place teenagers with their own computers in a dim light, almost literally. However, I will not become the face of that generalization. For the past couple of months, you have been attempting to motivate me to exercise and be healthier in my eating habits. I rarely did anything active, and for a short while, I watched what I ate. Conversely, if you bought me a laptop, I would exercise at home every day possible and keep track of my food. Another issue you bring up is my antisocial tendencies. I will put myself out in the world and push myself to be assertive, attending dances and agreeing to hang out with my friends more often. I know you are happy when I go out and make an effort to meet new people. My computer would do nothing to prevent me from being an active member of society.
All I need now is a concluding paragraph, and help with editing. THIS IS ONLY A ROUGH DRAFT, and we're doing peer editing tomorrow in class, so nothing super critical unless it's super constructive. Thanks, guys, I love you. ;u;
