This is an assignment we give in Middle School as an introduction to persuasive writing. Most kids like the twist we put on it.

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Persuasive writing is writing that defends an opinion. The goal of a persuasive paper is to convince the reader that your thoughts on a subject are correct. Persuasive writing can be challenging. It’s one thing to have an opinion on something. It’s something else to convince someone else about it.

Your assignment this week is to answer the question, What kind of animal makes the best pet? But wait; that’s too easy. We’ll make this a little more interesting by making one rule: you can’t choose an animal that is normally considered a pet. No dogs, cats, hamsters, fish, horses, or lizards. Feel free to choose rhinoceroses, brontosauruses, alligators, worms, or fleas — any creature that normal people don’t have as pets.

Have fun with this. You can be serious or funny – just be sure explain the reasons for making your choice as “best pet.” You should have at least three good reasons to support your opinion. Explain each of these reasons in your paper. Give specific examples when possible.

 

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