Looking After Pets - Merchant Taylors’ School 11+

11+ PreparationChallenging11+ Past Papers

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.

💡 Writing Tips

  • •
    • 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.

📝 Sample Answer

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.

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