Some people think that keeping pets is good for children while others think it is dangerous and unhealthy. Which opinion do you agree with? Discuss both options and give examples.

In recent times, pet-related injuries and mortalities have sparked heated debates about whether it is healthy for
children
to be around
pets
. In
this
essay, I shall argue that
such
dangers are overemphasised and that youngsters receive substantive psychological benefits.
To begin
with,
although
exotic animals (e.g. snakes, spiders, apes, etc.) have been known to occasionally hurt and even kill
children
,
such
incidents are so statistically rare as to be negligible. There is an overwhelming majority of young people who have non-lethal cats, dogs, fish, rodents and rabbits for
pets
.
For example
, The Child Safety Institute found that over 90% of
children
owned the aforementioned
pets
, and professed that they had never felt in the least bit endangered by them. Seen in
this
light, it is clearly unfounded to claim that fur babies present any physical danger.
Secondly
,
pets
can impact child psychology in a positive way.
This
is because young pet owners can frequently empathise with them and perform a diverse range of actions to maintain their well-being (e.g. feeding, grooming, administering medicine, etc).
For instance
, the Cambridge Developmental Psychology Unit found that
children
who had grown up with
pets
were 30% less likely to bully others and resolve conflicts through aggression.
Consequently
, it is undeniable that a child’s pro-sociality and mental health can be improved through exposure to beloved animals. In conclusion, the cited evidence provides strong support for the view that
children
owning
pets
is a good thing. In the future, as more laws are introduced to ban the ownership of illegally acquired exotic
pets
,
this
viewpoint will no doubt surge in popularity.
Submitted by patelmeera on

Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Writing9 with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

task achievement
Your essay successfully addresses both sides of the argument, demonstrating a balanced view. However, to achieve a higher score, you could expand on the viewpoint against keeping pets a bit more to show a more in-depth consideration of the opposing side.
coherence cohesion
Your points are well-organized and logically connected, showing strong coherence. To improve further, consider using a few more linking phrases between paragraphs to enhance the flow.
introduction
Your introduction clearly outlines the debate and your position on the topic, which sets a strong foundation for the essay.
relevant examples
You provide specific and relevant examples, such as the findings from The Child Safety Institute and the Cambridge Developmental Psychology Unit, which effectively support your points.
conclusion
Your conclusion effectively summarizes the main points and reinforces your position, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
logical structure
Your essay maintains a logical structure and the main points are well-supported, indicating strong analytical skills.

Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Discover more tips in The Ultimate Guide to Get a Target Band Score of 7+ »— a book that's free for 🚀 Premium users.

Essentional vocabulary list for IELTS Writing 7+

Learn how to write high-scoring essays with powerful words.
Download Free PDF and start improving you writing skills today!
Topic Vocabulary:
  • companion
  • responsibility
  • care
  • empathy
  • compassion
  • social skills
  • transmit
  • diseases
  • allergies
  • safety risks
  • time
  • effort
  • money
  • mature
  • handle
What to do next:
Look at other essays: