IELTS Essay Topics with sample answer.
IELTS Essay # 1233 - Keeping pets is good for children
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IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Essay:
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy for them.
Which viewpoint do you agree with?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
Model Answer 1: [View: Keeping pets is good for children]
Some individuals support keeping pets around young children as they think it is beneficial while others oppose the idea citing pet-related injuries and fatalities in recent times. In this essay, I shall argue that dangers that stem from young children having pets are overemphasised, sometimes even exaggerated, and children receive substantive psychological benefits from having pets.
To commence with, most parents allow common and friendly pets like cats, dogs and birds as their children's companions and the number of strange pets like snakes, spiders, apes, etc. are very rare. Such unfamiliar pets, which are a bit wild in nature, have been reported to hurt some children. However, such incidents are so rare that they are negligible because the overwhelming majority of children have non-lethal pets like cats, dogs, fish, rodents and rabbits. For instance, recent statistical data reveals that 93% of children own non-lethal and friendly pets that have almost zero per cent chance of harming or hurting children. So, I believe that pets are not a physical danger to children.
To shed some light on the positivity of letting children have pets, I can think of many. However, the most important of them is the favourable effects it has on children's psychology and growth. Young pet owners frequently empathise with their pets and perform a diverse range of activities to maintain their well-being. The Cambridge Developmental Psychology Unit found that children who had grown up with pets were 30% less likely to bully others and show aggression. Pets are also conducive to young children's mental growth, and they get involved in interesting activities with their pets that help them realise empathy more deeply. So it is undeniable that a child’s prosociality and mental health can be improved through exposure to pets.
In conclusion, letting young children possess and interact with friendly pets has important benefits. It is not a threat to children, but rather beneficial to nurture some important good qualities in them. So, it is expected that parents who wish to have pets for their children would consider those benefits and finally select one of the friendly pets for their children.
[Written and submitted by - Sakura]
Model Answer 2: [View: Keeping pets is good for children]
While some people prefer to keep their children at a distance from pets because of health and safety reasons, others choose to do just the opposite. In this essay, I would like to argue that pets are actually good for the overall well-being of children for some obvious reasons.
The first reason, of course, is that pets provide the children with comfort and company, especially when nobody else is accompanying them. But, even when somebody is accompanying them, children still feel a sense of comfort in the company of their pets, mainly because those pets are usually more “passive” and “loyal” than other humans. And that is exactly probably why, as some researchers have found, a very significant percentage of parents allow their youngsters to have pets.
Pets also help young children with learning. In fact, we often can see the children, who otherwise do not like to read, lying on their beds and reading to their dogs or cats and showing them pictures. The juniors even ask questions to their pets to see if they - the pets, are actually paying enough attention to the readings. In other words, the little ones actually learn important and fun things in a pleasant environment while petting their cats and dogs. Besides, researchers have also monitored that the stress level of the kids goes significantly down when they are with their pets.
Finally, some researchers have also found that having pets can reduce a child’s risk of developing certain common allergies. Such research showed that children, who had animals, had fewer positive skin tests for indoor allergens - like a pet and dust-mite allergen, and also outdoor allergens such as ragweed and grass, compared to those juniors who did not live with pets.
So, based on these findings, it can easily be argued that pets actually help children's development, rather than harming them.
Model Answer 3: [View: Keeping pets is bad for children]
Allowing children to have pets has been a topic of debate for many years, with some people arguing that it is highly beneficial for children, while others opining that it is detrimental and unhealthy for them. I strongly agree with the latter view that suggests that keeping pets can be often hazardous and unwholesome for children. This essay explains my reasons for my opinion.
It is true that pets can provide some benefits for children. For example, they can teach children about responsibility and compassion, and can also provide companionship. This is particularly true for children who have developmental issues or have working parents with no siblings. However, the trend of allowing pets to children has far more dangers than we could fathom.
One reason why pets can be bad for children is that they can be a distraction from important activities such as homework and studying. Children may become so focused on playing with or taking care of their pets that they neglect their schoolwork. Additionally, some pets can be dangerous to children, especially if they are not properly trained or supervised. For example, dogs can bite and scratch, and cats can scratch and transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis.
Another reason why keeping pets can be detrimental to children is that they can be unhealthy. Pets can carry germs and parasites that can make children sick, especially if they have weakened immune systems. Additionally, some pets can trigger allergies and asthma, which can have serious health consequences. For instance, one of my uncles had to return a pet dog to its previous owner because of the severe allergy it triggered in his 9-year-old daughter.
In conclusion, while keeping pets can provide some benefits for children, it is ultimately a flawed idea due to the potential distractions, dangers, and health risks they pose. Instead, children should be encouraged to engage in other activities that promote responsibility and compassion, such as volunteering or participating in community service.
Model Answer 4: [View: Keeping pets is good for children]
The issue of whether or not young children should keep pets has been the subject of much debate. While some argue that it poses significant dangers and health risks, others contend that it offers manifold benefits. I firmly support the latter view as I believe that keeping pets can be highly advantageous for children.
One compelling reason why keeping pets can be highly beneficial for children is that it can inculcate critical life skills, such as responsibility, compassion, and empathy. Children who care for pets are often more attuned to the needs of animals and other people, and they learn to take responsibility for the well-being of other living beings. For instance, children who look after a pet dog or cat will learn to provide it with food, water, and exercise, which can instil in them a sense of responsibility.
Another good reason why keeping pets can be highly beneficial for children is that it can foster the development of their social skills. Pets can serve as excellent facilitators of social interaction for shy or introverted children. Those who keep pets are often more extroverted and self-assured, and they learn to communicate more effectively with others. For example, children who walk their dogs regularly are more likely to engage with other dog owners in their community, which can enhance their social skills.
Finally, keeping pets can have a salutary effect on children's mental health. Numerous studies have shown that pets can mitigate stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Children who keep pets are often more emotionally stable and resilient, and they learn to cope with stress and negative emotions more adeptly.
In conclusion, the practice of keeping pets can be highly advantageous for children, as it can infuse critical life skills, foster social skills, and improve their psychological well-being. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take adequate safety measures, and also ensure that pets are well looked after.
Proponents of keeping pets argue that it can have numerous positive effects on children. Caring for an animal can help develop a child’s sense of responsibility, as they must feed, groom, and exercise their pet. Additionally, playing with and caring for an animal can help children learn empathy, as they learn to understand and respond to the needs of their pet. Moreover, children can learn to express and receive unconditional love from their pets, which can help them form a stronger bond and build a sense of security.
Opponents of keeping pets, however, contend that it can be dangerous and unhealthy for children. Animal bites and scratches can cause serious infections. Furthermore, animals may be carriers of parasites, bacteria, and viruses, which can spread to humans. Additionally, some people fear that children may become overly attached to their pets, leading to emotional trauma when the pet dies or is given away.
To conclude, having pets for children have great benefits as well as some demerits. The decision should be made by the parents and based on the children's age, circumstances and needs.
For centuries animals have cohabited with us. They are used for various purposes and keeping a pet is one of them. It is very good especially for the kids as it helps to make a bond with the animal. The children develop a sense of caring and learn to respect other living creatures when they have a pet. Taking care of an animal also brings out the noble quality of kindness among children. For instance, most of the children I remember from school with pets were kind to other animals and classmates.
Furthermore, giving the responsibility of taking care of the animal to the kid brings maturity at a young age. Nowadays a cat or a dog are used as special companions especially when the child has anxiety issues as it helps to give them confidence when the animal gives unconditional love to them. I strongly believe that having an animal like a dog or a cat as a companion for the child is very beneficial for the overall development of a child.
On the other hand, some people feel that pets are unhealthy as they carry germs and can cause diseases. In my opinion, this is a very myopic way of thinking. For example, children catch an infection from their friends in school, but we do not stop them from going to school. All that is needed is taking care of general hygiene.
In conclusion, pets are great companions for children and help them develop into good caring individuals. For their benefit, we should allow our kids to have a pet.
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