Page 17 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

Writing Workshop 2 (continued)
My Notes
During Reading
3. It is important to acknowledge the interests and concerns of the audience in argumentative writing, even when the topic is personally important to you. When considering your argument about a topic, members of your audience must be able to grasp why your position may also benefit them. Therefore, it is your job to show the audience why your idea is good for others, not just for yourself.
In the following text, the writer explains the benefits of owning pets. As you read the sample text, highlight the sentences that offer details about the benefits of pet ownership. Then, circle the sentences that show an opposing or alternate point of view about pet ownership.
Sample Text
The Benefits of Pets
In our fast-paced, modern society, when most families barely have time to sit down together to have a meal, it may seem that having a pet dog or cat is a luxury demanding too much time, money, and attention. After all, sports activities, time spent on digital devices, and even school work all demand our attention. So who has time
to care for a pet, and what are the benefits of having a pet? Beyond the simple joy of companionship, household pets can help to improve mental and physical health. Even though having a pet may involve additional cleaning, spending, worry, and time, pets can have a very positive overall impact on one’s life.
Researchers are only just beginning to explore the health benefits of pet ownership. Most of us know the importance of Seeing Eye dogs, and may know that there are even dogs that help those confined to bed, as well as dogs that assist the deaf. Also, a growing number of studies have suggested that kids growing up in a home with “furred animals”—whether it’s a pet cat or dog—have less risk of allergies and asthma, according to James E. Gern, MD. But above and beyond these dramatic benefits of owning a pet, a study at the Cambridge University found that the overall wellbeing of pet owners improved after only one month of pet ownership. Pets have been shown to help lower blood pressure and improve quality of life. In addition, active pet owners who care and play with their pets enjoy an additional dose of daily exercise, which is always healthy. Children and adults have a dependable source of physical contact and a feeling of security if a pet is present in their life. According to Lawrence Robinson and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D of Helpguide.org, “stroking, holding, cuddling, or otherwise touching a loving animal can rapidly calm and soothe us when we’re stressed.” Even watching fish in a tank can promote relaxation. Pets help us lead less stressful, more healthful lives.
To be sure, owning a pet is not always a blessing. Pets can be costly, demanding time, care, and energy. They can even become a source of family conflict when a parent ends up having to walk, feed, or play with the dog his child had agreed to care for. City pet owners may find large pets to be more of a bother than a benefit, and in some cases, pets can be a source of allergic reactions or sickness for their owners. Still, the many benefits of owning a pet are obvious.
2 SpringBoard® Writing Workshop with Grammar Activities Grade 6
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