IELTS HUBIELTS Discussion Essay on Family & Nature & Health
Full IELTS Writing Task 2
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Some people say that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
Write at least 250 words.
Introduction
Paraphrase the topic (benefits vs. dangers of pets for children). State the writer's opinion favouring benefits.
Body Paragraph 1 View 1
Present the view that keeping pets is dangerous/unhealthy. Points: Spread diseases (e.g., salmonella from reptiles, supported by CDC). Pets can accidentally injure children (e.g., large dogs).
Body Paragraph 2 View 2
Present the view that keeping pets is beneficial (writer's preferred view). Points: Teach responsibility and empathy (caring for pet needs). Provide emotional support and companionship (especially for only children/those with limited social interaction, supported by research on lower anxiety/depression in kids with pets).
Body Paragraph 3 Opinion (Optional If Integrated)
Opinion is integrated into the introduction and body paragraph 2, arguing benefits outweigh risks.
Conclusion
Summarize both views (risks vs. benefits). Restate the writer's opinion that the benefits make pet ownership worthwhile for children.
Band 9 Sample Answer:
In the discussion about raising children, some people believe that having pets is beneficial for kids, while others argue that it can be dangerous to their health and safety. I lean towards the first viewpoint, thinking that the positives of kids owning pets surpass the possible negatives.
Those who warn against kids owning pets usually base their argument on health and safety issues. They claim that pets, especially if not well-looked after, can spread diseases like rabies and salmonella. For example, research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed a high number of salmonella cases in kids were connected to pet reptiles. They also mention that pets, especially large dogs, can accidentally hurt children while playing. A large dog's playful push could cause a small child to fall and get injured.
However, despite these legitimate worries, I believe that the advantages of kids owning pets are significant. One of the main advantages is that pets can help children learn about responsibility and empathy. When a child is given the job of feeding or taking care of a pet, they learn to consider the needs of another creature, which helps develop responsibility. Pets can also offer emotional support and companionship, which is especially helpful for only children or those with limited social interactions. Research by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that children with pets showed lower levels of anxiety and depression than those without pets.
In conclusion, while there are reasons to believe that pets can be a health and safety risk for children, I believe that the benefits, such as teaching responsibility and providing emotional support, make owning a pet a worthwhile experience for children.
Band 7 Sample Answer:
In the realm of child-rearing, some individuals assert the benefits of children keeping pets, while others contend that it poses risks to their health and safety. I am inclined towards the former perspective, believing that the advantages of pet ownership for children outweigh the potential drawbacks.
Those who caution against children having pets often cite health and safety concerns as their primary rationale. Firstly, they argue that pets, especially those that are not properly cared for, can be carriers of diseases such as rabies and salmonella. To illustrate, a study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a significant number of salmonella cases in children were linked to pet reptiles. Secondly, they point out that pets, particularly larger breeds of dogs, can inadvertently harm children during play. For instance, a playful nudge from a large dog could result in a small child falling and sustaining injuries.
However, despite these valid concerns, I am of the belief that the benefits of children having pets are substantial. One of the primary benefits is that pets can teach children about responsibility and empathy. When a child is tasked with feeding or grooming a pet, they learn to prioritize the needs of another living being, fostering a sense of responsibility. Furthermore, pets can provide emotional support and companionship, which is particularly beneficial for only children or those with few social interactions. A study by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry found that children with pets exhibited lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to their pet-less peers.
In conclusion, while there are arguments to support the view that pets can pose health and safety risks to children, I maintain that the benefits, namely fostering responsibility and providing emotional support, make pet ownership a valuable experience for children.