Writing Reports -- Pitbulls: Friend or Foe?

Introduction

Welcome to Ms. A's ESL Class

Adult School -- Writer's Workshop

This lesson will develop your writing skills with a focus on developing your point of view.

You will be asked to answer a question with your opinion.  You will have the opportunity to review facts about the topic.  Your goal is to support your opinion with facts. Be persuasive.

You cannot have a wrong opinion. However, you can have a weak argument.  Your goal is to convince your audience about your stated opinion.  

Task

Pit bulls - Friend or Foe?

There are lots of extreme stories in the news and on the internet about pit bulls.  You will learn all of the facts about pit bulls and decide for yourself: are they friend or foe? Make your own decision on whether this animal is living up to its stereotype.

By the end of this assignment, you will be able to answer these questions and more:

  * Is this a dangerous breed? 
  * What is lock-jaw?
  * Why do insurance companies discriminate against pit bulls?  
  * Is it safe to adopt a pit bull (from a shelter)?  
  * Are pit bulls able to safely socialize with other dogs?
  * How much should you feed your pit bull?
  * What kind of exercise should you provide?

-- PIT BULL FACTS --

The following information will give you a good idea on the pros and cons of pit bull ownership. Also included is information on the history of this breed and tips on how to best care for this pet.    

Nature vs. Nurture:  
Do pit bulls have a natural tendency to be vicious?   Is the lock-jaw myth or reality?  Are they born this way? Read here to find out.


Discrimination against dog breeds:
It's hard to get insurance if you're a pit bull owner.  What kind of insurance is hard to get?  Read this to find out!


Caring for your pit bull:  
Read this to find out what daily care your pit bull needs to be healthy and happy.  And here's more!


Fostering a pit bull:
Can you trust a pit bull you just met at a shelter?  Watch this video and judge for yourself.

--NEW VOCABULARY WORDS--

Define these new vocabulary words and include them in your report:

Stereotype
Foe
Discriminate
Breed
Supporting
Opinion
Persuasive

Process

Now that you have watched videos and read articles explaining the pitbull breed, please write a one page report answering the following: Is the pitbull friend or foe?  

In your report, please include the following:

  • Answer whether you think the pitbull is friend or foe.
  • Make sure you support your opinion with facts you learned from the reading material or videos.
  • Find at least 1 other source not found in this webquest to include in the report.  It can be from a magazine article, book, TV show, etc.
  • Briefly explain your own experience as a petowner.
  • Remember to use proper grammar and spelling.
  • Use all of the new vocabulary words in your report. 
  • Make sure your report is persuasive.  


 

Evaluation

EVALUATION: Your report will be graded based on the chart below. 

        • EVALUATION  4 3 2 1
          Is the report complete?  Proper spelling and grammar used?
          Are there enough supporting statements?  Is it convincing?
          Are enough references sourced in this report?
          Did you include your own history as a petowner?
          16 POSSIBLE TOTAL POINTS

Conclusion


Pit bulls:  Friend or Foe?  They are both!  

If any pet is raised to be vicious, they will act accordingly.  And because the pit bull breed is by nature physically strong, they can be an extremely dangerous animal if raised incorrectly. Experts have said that this breed is not naturally aggressive, and I agree, as I have owned 2 pitbulls.  

 

 

 

 

Credits

Teacher Page

I am not a real teacher, so the following is made up:

Welcome to Ms. A's ESL class!

Friendly Adult School
389 John Francis Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 867 - 7709