Writing question
Write an article for your school magazine about looking after pets. You might like to discuss why people like to have pets, what kinds of pets you could have and the importance of looking after animals. Remember that you are writing for people of your own age.
Practise this exact question with personalised feedback on your writing.
Understand the task
Balance the pleasures of pet ownership with genuine welfare responsibilities. Make practical points accessible to pupils your own age, with an inviting opening and a clear conclusion.
- article structure
- audience awareness
- informative detail
- persuasion
Requirements to keep in mind
Write for a school magazine and a peer-age audience.
Plan your response
- Write for pupils your own age.
- Describe what different pets actually need.
- Include time, money and responsibility.
- Use an engaging headline and a strong ending.
Check your response against the task requirements. Leave time to review sentence clarity, punctuation and spelling.
Original atoply example response
Written by atoply, not an official school answer or mark scheme. Other successful responses are possible.
Reveal example and teaching notes
Pets: Small Friends, Big Responsibilities
Have you ever wished for a furry companion waiting at the door when you get home? Pets can bring enormous happiness, but looking after an animal is much more than playing with it when you feel like it.
Different animals suit different homes and routines. Dogs often need daily walks, company and training. Cats need suitable food, attention and places where they feel safe. Even small animals, such as hamsters or guinea pigs, need properly sized homes, exercise, cleaning and care. No pet is a toy that can be put away in a cupboard.
Before choosing an animal, families should ask some important questions. Can we afford food and veterinary treatment? Do we have enough time? Who will look after the pet during holidays? If everyone is busy all day, some pets may not be a good choice.
Caring for an animal can teach patience and responsibility. Filling a water bowl, cleaning a living space and learning about an animal’s behaviour may not sound exciting, but these tasks help keep a pet healthy and happy.
The best part of having a pet is earning its trust. Give an animal the care it deserves, and you may gain a wonderful friend for years to come.
Learn from the example
- The response chooses an angle for its intended readers. Its details serve that purpose instead of trying to cover every part of the topic.
- Use the requested article or leaflet form, with each paragraph offering a useful point for that audience. Headings and direct address should serve the purpose of the piece.