Persuasive Essay Sample
Cut and Paste the following essay into Word on your home computer. Find
the Topic Sentence, highlight and make bold.
Find the Three Main Arguments, highlight and italicize. Now underline the facts that
back up the main arguments. (elaboration) Finally, make bold the topic, which is repeated
in the conclusion. When finished, print and bring to class as homework.
"A dog is man's best friend." That common saying may contain some
truth, but dogs are not the only animal friend whose companionship
people enjoy. For many people, a cat is their best friend. Despite what
dog lovers may believe, cats make excellent house pets.
In the first place, people enjoy the companionship of cats. Many cats
are affectionate. They will snuggle up and ask to be petted, or
scratched under the chin. Who can resist a purring cat? If they're not
feeling affectionate, cats are generally quite playful. They love to
chase balls and feathers, or just about anything dangling from a
string. They especially enjoy playing when their owners are
participating in the game. Contrary to popular opinion, cats can be
trained. Using rewards and punishments, just like with a dog, a cat can
be trained to avoid unwanted behavior or perform tricks. Cats will even
fetch!
In the second place, cats are civilized members of the household.
Unlike dogs, cats do not bark or make other loud noises. Most cats
don't even meow very often. They generally lead a quiet existence. Cats
also don't often have "accidents." Mother cats train their kittens to
use the litter box, and most cats will use it without fail from that
time on. Even stray cats usually understand the concept when shown the
box and will use it regularly. Cats do have claws, and owners must make
provision for this. A tall scratching post in a favorite cat area of
the house will often keep the cat content to leave the furniture alone.
As a last resort, of course, cats can be declawed.
Lastly, one of the most attractive features of cats as housepets is
their ease of care. Cats do not have to be walked. They get plenty of
exercise in the house as they play, and they do their business in the
litter box. Cleaning a litter box is a quick, painless procedure. Cats
also take care of their own grooming. Bathing a cat is almost never
necessary because under ordinary circumstances cats clean themselves.
Cats are more particular about personal cleanliness than people are. In
addition, cats can be left home alone for a few hours without fear.
Unlike some pets, most cats will not destroy the furnishings when left
alone. They are content to go about their usual activities until their
owners return.
Cats are low maintenance, civilized companions. People who have small
living quarters or less time for pet care should appreciate these
characteristics of cats. However, many people who have plenty of space
and time still opt to have a cat because they love the cat personality.
In many ways, cats are the ideal house pet.