Hi 'Student' and thanks for this essay on pets.

Nhattrungluu asks if 'Student' should have written one paragraph about the advantages of pets and one about the disadvantages.

The problem is that there are so many sub-questions in the question and this makes the question very difficult or impossible to answer.

Let's look at the question again:

In western countries people spend a lot of money on their pets. They buy special food for their cats or dogs, buy them toys and often pay high fees for medical treatment. Some people think this is a waste of money, and argue that pets are dirty and dangerous. What are the advantages and disadvantage of having pets? Do people spend too much money on pets? Give reasons for your answer.

So what is the real question here? Is it advantages and disadvantages of pets? Is it whether people spend too much on pets? Are pets a waste of money? Is Fluffy a potential killer, and is cute little Fido who shares your decadent Western bed a teeming mass of dirty hair, fleas and tapeworms?

I really don't think this is a real IELTS question, and I'm sorry that 'Student' had to spend time answering it. IELTS questions are much clearer, simpler and shorter than this. I can't blame anyone if they don't know how to answer this question.

I think that 'Student' did a reasonable job with such a crazy question, but it's impossible for us to say if the layout is good or not because of the problem with the question.

However...

Did nobody notice that 'Student's' essay is only 216 words long?  This would be a big problem. Make sure that you reach the magic 250 words!

Three Essay Topics: A, B and C

It's a shame to abandon this topic of pets. Here's an IELTS essay topic, supposedly from Bahrain in 2011. Let's call it Topic A

Some people believe that keeping pets is beneficial while others believe it is a bad idea. Discuss both views and include your own opinion.

Again, I wonder is this the real original wording. Anyway it's a much simpler essay. Anyone want to try it? You can see an example answer here (with a lot of errors)

Here's another topic. Let's call it Topic B

Too much attention is paid to and too much money is spent on keeping pets, while people throughout the world are starving. Discuss the arguments for and against keeping pets

and here's an answer here, also with a lot of problems.

Finally, here's a third topic. Let's call it Topic C

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.

...and here's an interesting answer!

If anyone wants to try any of these topics, that would be more useful than spending more time on the essay above. 'Student,' if you have time, it would be great to see a new essay from you on Topic A, B or C!

If anyone does try, don't post here. Just make a new topic and copy and paste the question.

Here are some tags you can copy-and-paste as well

animals, pets, nature, health, poverty, companionship, waste, affluence, lifestyle, hunger, affection, fun