You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1:
The question of whether keeping pets is beneficial or detrimental to children’s well-being has sparked a significant debate. While some contend that having pets is advantageous, others express concerns about potential risks. This essay will explore both perspectives and provide an opinion that it is beneficial for young children.
Advocates of keeping pets argue that it offers children numerous advantages. Firstly, pets, particularly dogs and cats, can foster empathy and responsibility. Caring for a living creature instills a sense of duty in children, as they learn to feed, groom, and attend to the needs of their pets. Furthermore, the companionship provided by pets can contribute to emotional development. Children often form strong bonds with their pets, confiding in them and seeking comfort during times of stress or solitude.
However, critics of pet ownership highlight potential hazards. They contend that allergies and infections can result from close contact with animals, jeopardizing children’s health. Moreover, certain pets, especially large dogs or those with aggressive tendencies, may pose safety risks if not adequately trained or supervised. Furthermore, the responsibilities associated with pet care could become overwhelming, potentially leading to neglect or frustration among children.
In my opinion, when managed thoughtfully, keeping pets can be a beneficial experience for children. The potential advantages, such as fostering empathy and instilling responsibility, outweigh the risks associated with allergies or accidents.
In conclusion, the discourse surrounding the impact of pet ownership on children is multifaceted. While there are valid arguments both for and against keeping pets, my stance aligns with the belief that, with proper consideration and oversight, having pets can be advantageous.
Model Answer 2:
Whether it is wholesome for children to be around pets has sparked a heated debate in recent times. In this essay, I shall discuss both perspectives and argue that such dangers are overemphasised and that children receive substantive emotional and psychological benefits from having pets.
On the one hand, opponents of children having pets emphasize potential drawbacks. They argue that pets may carry health risks, such as allergies and infections, which can be particularly concerning for children with weaker immune systems. Moreover, the demands of pet care might place undue stress on busy parents, inadvertently affecting the quality of care and attention children receive. In certain cases, aggressive or unpredictable pet behaviour can pose safety risks to children.
On the other hand, supporters of children having pets often highlight that pets have positive impacts on a child’s psychology. This is because young pet owners frequently empathise with their pets and perform a diverse range of actions to maintain their well-being (e.g. feeding, grooming, administering medicine, and so on). For example, the Cambridge Developmental Psychology Unit found that children who had grown up with pets were 30% less likely to bully others and to resolve conflicts through aggression. Consequently, it is undeniable that a child’s prosociality and mental health can be improved through exposure to pets. Moreover, the presence of a pet can teach children important life skills, such as responsibility and empathy.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding whether children should keep pets revolves around contrasting opinions on their impact. While some argue that pets may be risky and overwhelming, the potential benefits of enhanced empathy, responsibility, and companionship make them a valuable addition to a child’s life.
Sample Answer 3:
The topic of whether or not keeping pets is beneficial for children has been a topic of discussion for some time. While some people believe that pets are beneficial to children’s development, others argue that keeping pets can be dangerous and unhealthy for them. This essay will discuss both views. Personally, I agree with the former viewpoint, as there are many benefits that pets can bring to children’s lives.
The opponents of children having pets point out that keeping pets can pose some risks to children’s health and safety. For example, some pets can carry diseases or parasites that can be harmful to humans, especially young children. Additionally, some pets may be aggressive or unpredictable, which can pose a risk to children’s safety.
On the contrary, supporters of letting children have pets say that pets can help children develop a sense of responsibility. When children are given the task of taking care of a pet, such as feeding and walking a dog, they learn to be accountable for another living being. This can help them to develop a sense of empathy and compassion, which are important qualities in any individual. Moreover, pets can provide children with a sense of companionship and love. For many children, having a pet can be a source of comfort and support during difficult times. Pets can also help children to develop their social skills, as they learn to interact with their pets and with other pet owners in their community.
In conclusion, while there may be some risks associated with keeping pets by young children, I believe that the benefits of having a pet are substantial. Therefore, I think that parents should consider getting a pet for their children, but should also take steps to ensure that their children are safe and healthy around their pets.
This post was last modified on 30th August 2023 9:02 pm