托福独立写作难点话题思路解读和高分范文赏析：should pets be treated as family members

　　Should pets be treated as family members?

　　Many people have a close relationship with their pets. These people treat their birds, cats, or other animals as members of their family. In your opinion, are such relationships good? Why or why not? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.

　　写作思路展开结构分析

　　最近这些年国内养宠物的人越来越多，关于宠物的争议话题也变得越来越热门。这道题目其实就是对这个话题的讨论，而是否认可把宠物当成家人相信大家应该都有不少点可以展开。而且两个选择也都有各自的好处和不好的地方。一般来说，把宠物当家人的好处在于不寂寞;每个人都有爱心;闲暇时间有心理寄托(spiritual/psychological sustenance)等等，而缺点则可以说人会变得孤僻;卫生问题;宠物可能传染病毒等等。只要能言之有理即可。

　　本话题高分范文赏析

　　Throughout history, animals have always been great companions to man. In today's society, we frequently treat our pets as members of family, nursing them when they are sick, and playing with them when they are well. I believe that the relationships that people have with their pets are healthy for many reasons.

　　Firstly, animals provide companionship for people who are too old to maintain regular friendships. It is most common for one spouse to outlive the other. Frequently, the surviving spouse does not remarry, and eventually, all his or her friends die. When one is elderly, it is difficult to make new friends. In this type of situation, having a pet as a companion is greatly preferable to spending all of one's time alone. While a pet cannot speak, it can understand its master's emotions, and usually responds accordingly.

　　Secondly, animals have been proven to reduce their master's stress. This is probably because an animal is always happy to see its master, and gives the master unconditional love. As long as the master is kind to his/her pet, the pet will be devoted and faithful. A pet also provides a friendly face after a stressful day. For example, I have a pet dog. After taking an exam, the only thing I want to do is go home and play with my dog. He always brings me much needed cheer and happiness.

　　Lastly, having an animal can prepare a young couple for having children. A young animal is very difficult to take care of. Let us take the example of a puppy. One can never leave a puppy by itself. A puppy must be constantly taken care of; he must be toilet-trained and disciplined. Raising an animal to be happy and sociable is very much like raising a child to possess the same attributes. While a puppy is obviously easier to take care of than a child, it can show the prospective parents where some of the difficulties will lie when raising a baby.

　　In conclusion, I think having a very close relationship with a pet is healthy. Having a pet can reduce loneliness, stress, and prepare one for the huge experience of having a child. Pets are often referred to as man's best friend, and for good reason.