Read the passage, then answer the question below.

Passage 5: Persuasive Essay - "Why Kids Need Pets"

Introduction

Pets like dogs and cats are great for kids. They teach kids important lessons and make them happy. This essay explains why every kid should have a pet.

Paragraph 1: Pets Teach Responsibility

Kids learn to take care of pets by feeding them and cleaning up after them. For example, a kid with a dog has to walk it every day. This teaches kids to be responsible.

Paragraph 2: Pets Make Kids Happy

Pets are fun to play with and make kids feel good. Studies show that kids with pets are less sad. Playing with a cat or dog can make a bad day better.

Paragraph 3: Why Some People Disagree

Some people say pets are too much work or cost too much. But pets don't need to be expensive. You can adopt a pet from a shelter, and the work is worth it because pets help kids so much.

Conclusion

Pets teach kids to be responsible and make them happy. Every kid should have a pet. Ask your parents for a pet today!

If another author wrote that pets are bad for kids because they take too much time, how would their perspective differ from this essay?

1 answer

The perspective of another author arguing that pets are bad for kids because they take too much time would differ significantly from the persuasive essay "Why Kids Need Pets" in a few key ways:

  1. Focus on Negatives vs. Positives: The original essay emphasizes the positive benefits of pets, such as teaching responsibility and promoting happiness. In contrast, the opposing author would focus on the negative aspects, highlighting the time commitment and the potential stress pets might impose on kids and their families.

  2. Responsibility Challenge: While the original essay presents pet care as a valuable lesson in responsibility, the opposing perspective might argue that the demands of looking after a pet could overwhelm children, detracting from their ability to focus on schoolwork, sports, or other activities.

  3. Cost Considerations: While the original essay suggests that adopting a pet can be affordable and worth the effort, the opposing view could emphasize that even adopting a pet entails time, effort, and ongoing costs (such as vet visits, food, etc.), which could be burdensome for families.

  4. Long-Term Commitment: The alternative author's view might stress the long-term commitment pets require, suggesting that this can be a heavy responsibility for kids, who may not be ready for such lasting engagement.

  5. Potential for Stress: The opposing argument may also discuss potential stress and challenges that come with pet ownership, such as behavioral issues, health problems, or the emotional strain of losing a pet, aspects that the original essay does not address.

Overall, the two perspectives would have fundamentally different conclusions about the role of pets in children's lives—one championing their benefits and the other cautioning against their drawbacks.