photo credit:Our Dogs And Us


The Perfect Dog Persuasive Essay

​​Objectives: ​

W.4.1 Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information.
W.4.1a Introduce a topic or text clearly, state an opinion, and create an organizational structure in which related ideas are grouped to support the writer’s purpose.
W.4.1b Provide reasons that are supported by facts and details.
W.4.1c Link opinion and reasons using words and phrases (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition).
W.4.1d Provide a concluding statement or section related to the opinion presented.

What is persuasive writing?

 THE CHALLENGE

       Wanted- The Perfect Family Dog
​
Your parents gave you the job of finding the perfect dog for your family. To find the perfect dog for everyone in your family you must interview all your family members and ask them what they are looking for in a dog:
  • Do they want a dog with long hair to brush or would a lot of shedding hair drive them crazy?
  • Do they want a dog that loves to exercise, or does the thought of a daily walk sound like too much of a chore?
  • Do you live in a small place with little room for a dog or do you have a huge backyard with plenty of room ro run?​
You will need to keep all of these things in mind as you decide on the perfect dog for you and your family. Remeber, your dog has to fit the needs and wants of your family!
Step 1:  Interview and Brainstorm
Directions
1. Use the interview paper provided to interview family members.
2. Interview 1 to 3 family members
3. Ask the following questions:
  • Do you like small, medium or large dogs?
  • Does a lot of animal hair bother you?
  • Would you like a dog that needs a lot of exercise?
  • Is it important that a dog is a good watchdog?
 4. Then you answer the following questions:
  • Do you have a fenced yard?
  • Would this dog spend a lot of time alone?
  • Do you have young children at home?
STEP 2: Analysis and Research
Directions
  1.  Analyze the answers to your interview sheets and decide what type of dog would be a good fit for your family.
  2. Look over the information cards and choose your top 3 choices of dog breeds.
  3. Fill out the chart provided to compare your top 3 choices of dog breeds. 
  4. After analyzing your chart, choose the best dog choice for your family to write your paper on.
  5. Conduct research on your dog breed choice​ and fill in your "Dog Information Sheets"

Research Site:


Dog Breed Choices are:

​Dachshund, Chihuahua, Maltese, Corgi, Pomeranian, Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever, Shiba Inu, Dalmatian, or Poodle

STEP 3: Make a Plan

Directions:
  • Now that you have chosen a dog breed that you feel is the best for family, its time to plan out your paper.
  • Use this persuasion map to plan out your paper.
  •  Fill in your topic (dog breed choice) and the main reasons  you have for choosing this dog breed.

Step 4: Make your Reasons Better

It is very important to back up your reasons with examples, facts and quotes.

Conduct research to find evidence to support your reasons. This can include facts about your dog breed and/or benefits of dogs as a family pet.

Now, think about the counter argument. The counter argument are the reasons someone might have against what you want.

Think about reasons your parents might say no to getting this type of dog and try and think of ways to disprove these reasons. 

Add all these new details in your "Persuasive Map" in the "Fact or Example" boxes under your main reasons. Make sure your facts and examples match each main reason.

STEP 5: Write your rough draft