ES
There’s no better way to practise writing an argumentative essay than with a topic your students will genuinely care about.
Can you think of a more engaging one than pets?
Your students will explore three authentic sources before answering this AP-style essay question:
¿Es positivo para la sociedad el auge de las mascotas?
The question is far more complex than it first appears.
There are plenty of arguments in favour. Pets provide emotional support, encourage people to socialise, and can improve both physical and mental well-being.
But there are also important drawbacks. Millions of pets are abandoned every year, and in many countries, families are choosing to have fewer children and more pets. Are pets replacing babies? And what impact could that have on society?
Wondering how this connects to the Hispanic world?
Here's a fascinating fact:
Argentina and Mexico have the highest percentage of households that own pets in the world, with several other Spanish-speaking countries close behind.
Menos bebés y más mascotas is a full unit that provides 3 exciting sources your students will use to write their argumentative essay:
- An Associated Press article explaining how societies are changing and exploring the possible long-term consequences.
- A data table showing the overwhelming agreement among Chileans about the positive effects of owning a pet.
- A six-minute video in which three young people (from Colombia, Mexico, and Spain) discuss why cats and dogs are becoming increasingly popular in their countries while stray dogs and pet abandonment continue to rise.
After working through these three sources and the included warm-up activities, students will use the step-by-step writing guide to craft a well-supported argumentative essay.
Give your students an opportunity to practise one of the AP Spanish Exam's most challenging tasks while sparking meaningful classroom discussions!