Question+of+the+Week

A good example of persuasive writing should convince the reader that your opinion makes sense and might be the best choice. To do that, it must be carefully thought out and neatly organized. Every week or two, you will be asked to think about an important topic and write a persuasive essay answering the question.

Each piece of writing should be written in paragraphs. There should be **five** paragraphs in total in each essay:

(1) An **introduction** that catches the reader's attention and tells the reader what your point of view is (including your reasons) without going into detail yet.

(2) A paragraph explaining the thinking behind your first reason.

(3) A paragraph explaining the thinking behind your second reason.

(4) A paragraph explaining the thinking behind your third reason.

(5) A **conclusion** that sums up your argument and leaves the reader thinking about your opinion.

It is not enough to just give your opinion on the topic. You need to **convince** the reader that you know best!

Example: What is the best pet to have?

Many people live alone without anyone there to give them company. Do you feel that way? I know that I did at one time, but now I have discovered the answer to cure your loneliness. That answer is having a cat as a pet. Why a cat? A cat never talks back to you, petting a cat can calm you down, and finally, cats are easier to take care of than dogs.

My parents always told me that I talked back too much as a child. Now, I realize that it was true. So, instead of having a child, I have a cat named Wallace that never talks back to me. Whenever I tell him to move over on the couch, he doesn't complain. When I tell him it's time to go to sleep, he doesn't talk back. When his nails are too long and I have to cut them, he just lets me without screaming. Can we say the same about people? Definitely not! Because he doesn't talk back, we never get in arguments.

Studies have shown that patients in hospitals that pet dogs and cats will recover faster from their illnesses. When you pet an animal, natural chemicals are released in your body that soothe and calm your nerves. Whenever I am stressed out by my crazy students, I like to go home and play with my cat. After an hour, I'm ready to smile again. This is a better solution than crying in my pillow when my students don't do their work.

You might be asking yourself, "Hey! What about getting a dog?" I think dogs are wonderful animals too, but if you want a pet that doesn't cause a lot of problems, get a cat. Cats do not need to be walked twice a day. You will be happy you don't have a dog when it's winter time and the snow is one metre deep. Cat poop is also easier to clean up. They just do their business in a litter box filled with sand or clay. You scoop it up once a day, and that's it! Dog poo on the other hand, needs to be picked up in a plastic bag. Imagine feeling the soft, warm, fresh dog droppings as you lift it from the grass with only a thin plastic bag between your hand and the dog's dinner. Sound fun? I didn't think so.

Are you one of those people who wishes they had some company at home but don't know what to do? Cats are the perfect companion for you. They always agree with your opinions, they will make you happier than you've ever been, and cats are clearly the best choice for a pet.

=QOTW Topic #1 - If you could only eat one meal for dinner for the rest of your life, what would it be?=

=QOTW TOPIC #2 - Who is the most important person in your life?=

=QOTW Topic #3 - Who is the greatest Canadian ever?=

=**QOTW Topic #4 - Why is it great to live in Canada?**=

=**QOTW Topic #5 - What is the world's greatest injustice?**=