1. Argumentative Writing Introduction Hook: Yikes! Creepy, ________________, hairy ___________. Tarantulas have a bad reputation! Who would want one crawling around the house? Elaboration about the topic: Tarantulas are mainly seen in scary movies, but you might be surprised that some are actually household pets. Topic sentence/thesis statement (claim): Tarantulas make good household pets because they are not dangerous, they’re low maintenance, and they are interesting to watch.

2. Introduction Hook: Yikes! Creepy, ________________, hairy ___________. Tarantulas have a bad reputation! Who would want one crawling around the house? Elaboration about the topic: Tarantulas are mainly seen in scary movies, but you might be surprised that some are actually good household pets. Topic sentence/thesis statement (claim): Tarantulas make good household pets because they are not dangerous, they’re low maintenance, and they are interesting to watch.

3. Completed Introduction Yikes! Creepy, dangerous, hairy critters. Tarantulas have a bad reputation! Who would want one crawling around the house? Tarantulas are mainly seen in scary movies, but you might be surprised that some are actually good household pets. Tarantulas make good household pets because they are not dangerous, they’re low maintenance, and they are interesting to watch.

4. Body Paragraph #1 Transition/Topic Sentence: Despite their bad reputation, tarantulas are not dangerous household pets. Claim outline A: They are gentle pets that will not cause any harm to humans, and they will not kill you unless you have a severe allergy to insect venom. Claim outline B: If a tarantula would bite you, their bites are no worse than a mosquito. Claim outline C (counterclaim): Some species of tarantulas have hairs that can be irritating so it is a good idea to take precaution. You can wear protective eye gear in the event they expel their hairs. If tarantulas get stressed, they may react in a somewhat harmful manner. Claim outline D (counterclaim): Some tarantulas can flick a crystal on your skin that itches like fiberglass so wear gloves to protect yourself.

5. Completed Body Paragraph #1 Despite their bad reputation, tarantulas are not dangerous household pets. They are gentle pets that will not cause any harm to humans, and they will not kill you unless you have a severe allergy to insect venom. If a tarantula would bite you, their bites are no worse than a mosquito. Some species of tarantulas have hairs that can be irritating so it is a good idea to take precaution. You can wear protective eye gear in the event they expel their hairs. If tarantulas get stressed, they may react in a somewhat harmful manner. Some tarantulas can flick a crystal on your skin that itches like fiberglass so wear gloves to protect yourself.

6. Body Paragraph #2 Transition/Topic Sentence: Furthermore, tarantulas are low maintenance and very easy to care for. Claim outline A: Tarantulas are far easier than traditional household pets, like dogs and cats. A well fed and watered tarantula can be left alone for an entire month. You can travel with ease of mind. They are inexpensive because you would not need a caretaker while away from home. Claim outline B: Since tarantulas do have routine needs, they would need a spritz of water and a few crickets to eat. Obviously, they are easy and inexpensive to feed. Tarantulas don’t have to be taken out for walks, do not have to be bathed, and do not have to be taken to the groomer or vet. Claim outline C: Common household pets like dogs and cats require a lot of attention. However, tarantulas are good for people who don’t want to be bothered with something running around or making a lot of noise. This helps to make them a very low maintenance pet.

7. Completed Body Paragraph #2 Furthermore, tarantulas are low maintenance and very easy to care for. Tarantulas are far easier than traditional household pets, like dogs and cats. A well fed and watered tarantula can be left alone for an entire month. You can travel with ease of mind. They are inexpensive because you would not need a caretaker while away from home. Since tarantulas do have routine needs, they would need a spritz of water and a few crickets to eat. Obviously, they are easy and inexpensive to feed. Tarantulas don’t have to be taken out for walks, do not have to be bathed, and do not have to be taken to the groomer or vet. Common household pets like dogs and cats require a lot of attention. However, tarantulas are good for people who don’t want to be bothered with something running around or making a lot of noise. This helps to make them a very low maintenance pet.

8. Body Paragraph #3 Transition/Topic Sentence: Finally, tarantulas are interesting to watch. Actually, they are quite calming and relaxing. Claim outline A: Tarantulas are also very unique; some of them construct extremely elaborate webs. This is how they are able to catch their prey and enjoy a meal. The webs they create are amazing and intricate in design. Claim outline B: Tarantulas are very clever creatures because some excavate tunnels and construct trap doors over them. This is yet another way for them to catch their prey for a meal. It is a smart and rather sneaky way to find food; this is very different from your typical household pet. Claim outline C: These animals are extremely soothing for some people. Linda Raynor, an entomology professor at Cornell University, claims that tarantulas are very calming for her personally. Claim outline D: Tarantulas are amazing and physically diverse. They are beautiful with a lot of different colors and varieties. There are over 850 species of tarantulas with over 100 available to have as a hobby. The Red Knee tarantulas is one of the more gentle species.

9. Completed Body Paragraph #3 Finally, tarantulas are interesting to watch. Actually, they are quite calming and relaxing. Tarantulas are also very unique; some of them construct extremely elaborate webs. This is how they are able to catch their prey and enjoy a meal. The webs they create are amazing and intricate in design. Tarantulas are very clever creatures because some excavate tunnels and construct trap doors over them. This is yet another way for them to catch their prey for a meal. It is a smart and rather sneaky way to find food; this is very different from your typical household pet. These animals are extremely soothing for some people. Linda Raynor, an entomology professor at Cornell University, claims that tarantulas are very calming for her personally. Tarantulas are amazing and physically diverse. They are beautiful with a lot of different colors and varieties. There are over 850 species of tarantulas with over 100 available to have as a hobby. The Red Knee tarantulas is one of the more gentle species.

10. Conclusion Transition and restatement of thesis (claim) from introduction: To conclude, A great household pet for anybody is the unique tarantula. It is gentle and won’t cause harm, it is extremely easy to care for, and it is a lot of fun to watch. Elaboration sentences: These interesting creatures are not only entertaining to watch, but they can also be very calming and relaxing. Keep in mind that they are inexpensive to have as a pet, they won’t interfere with your sleep, they won’t jump on your guests, they won’t bark or squawk at people, and they won’t ruin your furniture. Close: Tarantulas are the ideal household pet for everyone!

11. Completed Conclusion To conclude, a great household pet for anybody is the unique tarantula. It is gentle and won’t cause harm, it is extremely easy to care for, and it is a lot of fun to watch. Some people do say that they can cause eye infections, but with the proper safety gear they are not a problem. These interesting creatures are not only entertaining to watch, but they can also be very calming and relaxing. Keep in mind that they are inexpensive to have as a pet, they won’t interfere with your sleep, they won’t jump on your guests, they won’t bark or squawk at people, and they won’t ruin your furniture. Tarantulas are the ideal household pet for everyone!