Page 18 - SpringBoard_Writing_Workshop_Grade6_Flipbook

For children, pets help to teach responsibility, compassion, and life lessons. Most My Notes pets depend entirely on their owners, so owners have to make room in their schedules
and get organized in order to meet the demands of a pet’s schedule and needs. Pets get
us up in the morning, take us for a walk, play with us on demand, and make sure we
make time to feed them—thus they organize our day. One of the best benefits of having
a pet is coming to understand that living beings have needs and that these needs have
to be taken care of. All pet owners who have strong relationships with their pets also
have a strong sense of compassion for their pet’s welfare. Having a pet helps children
understand the cycle of life and that everything we have is bound to end someday.
Dealing with life and death is one of the most difficult tasks in life, and owning a
pet can help prepare individuals to deal with the harsh emotional events of life. Pets
can also be a source of comfort and help to soften negative emotions like anger and
disappointment. Just about everyone talks to their pets, and some people use them to
work through conflicts or problems.
These are some of the most important benefits of pet ownership for everyone. Not only do pets encourage responsibility, compassion, and improve health, but they also help us learn about life and death and they teach us about bonding and nurturing. So if you have been thinking about getting a pet for you and your family, consider adopting a homeless animal from your local shelter or rescue group. It is almost certain that you will not regret it!
After Reading
4. When you have finished reading, respond to the questions below in the space provided. Be prepared to discuss your answers with your classmates.
a. Purpose: What is the writer’s purpose for writing this argument? What is the main idea the writer is arguing for?
Sample response: The purpose is to convince the audience of the benefits of pet ownership. The main idea is that pets are beneficial to people.
b. Audience: Who do you think the writer had in mind as an audience for this argument? To whom do the reasons and evidence seem addressed? Could there be more than one audience in mind? How do you know? Sample response: The writer is addressing anyone who might get a
pet for their family, but is most likely trying to convince an audience of parents, who usually make the final decision to get a pet.
c. Support: What reasons does the writer present as evidence to support the argument? What evidence is most relevant and effective, and why?
Sample response:
1. Reason: The health benefits of pet ownership
Evidence: Guide dogs, stress relief, allergy and asthma prevention
2. Reason: Pets help teach responsibility, compassion, and life lessons Evidence: the responsibility of feeding and caring for a pet; concern for the pet’s welfare; cycle of life and death.
Students’ responses will vary regarding relevance and effectiveness.
Writing Workshop 2 • Argumentative Writing 3
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