Cat vs. Dog sample debate
Like 3 Dislike 0 Published on 1 Dec 2013
Created using Avid Studio for an elementary ESL debate class.
Proposition:
I think that cats make better pets than dogs.
Proposition Argument 1:
Cats are easier to take care of than dogs. First. cats use the bathroom inside the house. Because cats use sand as a toilet people can put a sandbox inside the house for the cat’s bathroom. Dogs have to be taken outside every morning and night. Second, cats don’t need to go for walks. Dogs don’t like to stay inside the house for very long. Cats on the other hand don’t mind staying in the house for a long time. They never need to go outside. Finally, cats clean themselves. Cats are always licking themselves clean, so they don’t need to have a bath very often. Dogs never lick themselves clean, They often play outside and get very dirty. In conclusion, cats are easier to take care of than dogs because they use the bathroom inside, they don’t need to go for walks, and they clan themselves.
Opposition Rebuttal 1:
I don’t agree that cats are easier to take care of than dogs. Dogs have indoor bathrooms, too, and if you walk your dog outside, you don’t need to go to the gym. Even though dogs do need baths more often than cats, it’s much easier to give a dog a bath than to give a cat a bath, because dogs aren’t afraid of water.
Opposition Argument 1:
Cats are less friendly than dogs. First, cats do not greet their owner when he or she comes home. For example, when my friend comes home from school, her dog hears her coming and runs to the door to greet her. My other friend who has cats says that her cats only pay attention to her when they are hungry. Second, dogs play with people more than cats do. Cats sleep during the day and play at night while people are trying to sleep. Dogs on the other hand sleep at night like people do. So they can play with people more often. Finally, cats don’t greet strangers when they come to the house. When someone comes to the door dogs bark loudly and wag their tail to show that they are excited. Cats just run away or don’t do anything when someone comes to the door. In conclusion, cats are not friendlier than dogs because they don’t greet people at the door and they play with people less often.
Proposition Rebuttal 1:
That’s not always true. Cats are friendly, too. They just show affection differently than dogs do. For example, when cats are happy they purr softly instead of barking and wagging their tail. When cats like someone they rub them with their body. Cats like to chase toys that are small and quick, so their owners can play with them with a piece of ribbon or string.
Proposition Argument 2:
Cats are quieter than dogs. First, a cat’s meow is much quieter than a dogs bark. For example, if a cat is inside of a house and meows, people outside cannot hear it. But if a dog is inside of a house and barks, people outside can hear it. Second, cats are quieter when they play inside of the house. Cats can run and walk quietly by putting their claws inside of their feet. But dogs make noise with their claws on the floor whenever they run in the house. Finally, cats play more quietly than dogs. When cats play they do not make any noise with their mouth. When dogs play they bark loudly. In conclusion, since cats meow, walk quietly and don’t bark, they are quieter than dogs.
Opposition Rebuttal 2:
That’s not always true. Cats are not always quieter than dogs. Cats make a very loud crying noise when they fight with each other. And girl cats make a very loud noise when they are calling for the boy cats. Also cats run and play during the night when people are trying to sleep.
Opposition Argument 2:
Dogs are more useful than cats. First, dogs are used by blind people. This is a seeing eye dog. It is a specially trained dogs that helps blind people get around. Next dogs are also used by the police. This is a police dog. It is a specially trained dog used by the police. Finally, dogs are used in hospitals. This is a therapy dog. It is a specially trained dog to comfort people who are sick.
Proposition Rebuttal 2:
That’s beside the point. Being useful doesn’t make them a better pet. First of all, most people are not blind. Second, most people don’t need their dog to find criminals or drugs. And finally, cats can comfort people, too.
Audience Question:
My family doesn’t have much money. Which pet is cheaper to take care of.
Proposition Answer:
Well, as you can see from this chart, cats are cheaper to take care of than dogs.
Opposition Answer:
Small dogs can be just as inexpensive as cats. For a family on a tight budget, I would recommend getting a small dog.
Proposition Summary:
In summary, cats make better pets than dogs because they are easier to take care of, cheaper and quitter.
Opposition Summary:
In summary, cats do not make better pets than dogs because they are not friendly and not useful.