How Can Dogs Help Our Mental Health? - Dogstar FoundationPets Wellbeing

Question 1 (1 mark)

Using lines 9–17, give one point the writer makes about the public belief in pets and wellbeing.

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(Total for Question 1 = 1 mark)

Question 2 (1 mark)

In lines 24–29, the writer gives some ideas about the emotional impact of insecure attachment to pets.
State one of them.

(Total for Question 2 = 1 mark)

Question 3 (1 mark)

Using lines 30–37, identify one difficulty the writer says pet owners may experience.

(Total for Question 3 = 1 mark)

Question 4 (1 mark)

In lines 20–23, the writer explains how researchers try to understand the relationship between pets and wellbeing.
Give one point the writer makes.

(Total for Question 4 = 1 mark)

Question 5 (1 mark)

In lines 39–45, the writer makes a point about what people should consider before adopting a pet.
State one of the points.

(Total for Question 5 = 1 mark)

MARK SCHEME – AO1 (SELECT & INTERPRET INFORMATION)

Question 1

Using lines 9–17, give one point the writer makes about the public belief in pets and wellbeing.

One mark for any one of the following:
• many people believe pets automatically improve wellbeing
• the public often assumes owning a pet reduces stress
• people think pets naturally make their owners happier
• the writer says society commonly links pets with emotional comfort
• the belief that pets “heal” people is taken for granted by many

(1)

Question 2

In lines 24–29, the writer gives some ideas about the emotional impact of insecure attachment to pets.
State one of them.

One mark for any one of the following:
• insecure attachment can make owners feel anxious
• some people fear losing their pets and become emotionally dependent
• insecure attachment can make people feel unstable or distressed
• the bond can create worry rather than comfort
• insecure attachment may increase negative emotions instead of reducing them

(1)

Question 3

Using lines 30–37, identify one difficulty the writer says pet owners may experience.

One mark for any one of the following:
• pet ownership can be expensive
• taking care of pets requires a lot of time
• owners may struggle with the responsibility of daily care
• training and managing behaviour can be difficult
• some owners feel overwhelmed by the workload

(1)

Question 4

In lines 20–23, the writer explains how researchers try to understand the relationship between pets and wellbeing. Give one point the writer makes.

One mark for any one of the following:
• researchers collect long-term data to test if pets actually improve wellbeing
• they compare pet owners with non-owners
• researchers look for scientific evidence rather than assumptions
• they study different groups to measure emotional effects
• they analyse patterns to see whether pets really reduce stress

(1)

Question 5

In lines 39–45, the writer makes a point about what people should consider before adopting a pet.
State one of the points.

One mark for any one of the following:
• people should think about whether they can commit long-term
• they must consider the cost and responsibility involved
• adopting a pet requires realistic expectations
• people should understand that pets do not solve emotional problems automatically
• it is important to ensure a pet fits their lifestyle

How does the writer present her ideas about the emotional effects of pet ownership?

You should support your answer with close reference to the passage, including brief quotations.

AO2 – How the writer presents her ideas about the emotional effects of pet ownership

Responses may include:

• The question at the beginning: “Why do we want a pet?” engages the reader and prompts reflection.

• The warning “If it’s for your wellbeing, think again” uses cautionary language to challenge assumptions.

• Positive language such as “owners report being more satisfied with their lives” emphasises that pets can have benefits, balancing the argument.

• Contrasting phrases like “many studies have found… other studies have found no significant link” highlight the complexity and create a sense of tension.

• Examples and specifics: “owners who experience anxiety about being away from their pets… also report feeling more depressed” make the emotional impact concrete and relatable.

• Causal and modal verbs: “can be emotionally distressing”, “may represent an additional source of stress” show possibility rather than certainty, adding nuance.

• Lists of challenges: “time, energy and financial resources” repeated throughout emphasises the burdens of pet ownership.

• Headings (The quality of the connection, Some challenges of pet ownership, Meeting our pets’ needs) structure the text clearly and guide the reader through different aspects.

• Repetition of key ideas (“time, energy and resources”, “well-being”) reinforces important points and creates cohesion.

• Emotive vocabulary: “hopeless and powerless”, “stress”, “distressing” evokes sympathy and highlights negative emotional effects.

• Balanced evaluation: the text juxtaposes positives (dog owners reported higher well-being) with negatives (lower well-being among some owners) to encourage critical thinking.

• Conditional phrasing: “if the idea is to improve psychological well-being, our research suggests we might need to think again” encourages readers to question assumptions and think critically.

• Direct address: “we need to ensure we have the time, energy and resources to meet their needs” involves the reader personally, making the advice practical.

• The use of subheadings and paragraphing breaks down complex ideas, making them easier to understand and follow.

• The text ends with a reflective comment: “we might need to think again”, leaving the reader to consider their own motivations and responsibilities.

text : New research finds pets might not actually improve your wellbeing | The Independent

4 Using lines 5–12, identify one way in which dogs help improve owners’ mental health.
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(Total for Question 4 = 1 mark)

5 In the section Companionship, the writer explains ways that caring for a dog can benefit a person’s wellbeing. Identify two of these benefits.
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(Total for Question 5 = 1 mark)6 Using lines 14–21, identify one way that meeting other dog owners can benefit a person.

7 In the section Structure and Routine, the writer explains why having a routine helps mental health. Identify two reasons given.
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(Total for Question 7 = 1 mark)

8 Using lines 1–4, give one reason why people keep pets at home.
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(Total for Question 8 = 1 mark)

9 In the section Increased Exercise, the writer describes ways exercise benefits owners. Identify two of these benefits.
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(Total for Question 9 = 1 mark)

10 Using lines 22–28, identify one effect that dogs have on a person’s sense of connection or social life.
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(Total for Question 10 = 1 mark)

One mark for any one of the following:
• walking or interacting with dogs encourages social interaction
• meeting fellow dog owners provides conversation starters
• talking to other dog owners improves social connections
• fosters a sense of community
(1)

5
One mark each for any two of the following:
• feeling anxious or stressed
• feeling lonely or isolated
• lack of interaction with others
• emotional stagnation
(2)

6
One mark for any one of the following:
• helps socialise and meet new people
• provides a sense of happiness
• offers energising or exciting interactions
• facilitates sharing tips/stories with other dog owners
(1)

7
One mark each for any two of the following:
• routine helps alleviate stress and anxiety
• provides structure and definition to the day
• helps people feel grounded and focused
• gives a sense of achievement from completing tasks
(2)

8
One mark for any one of the following:
• companionship
• emotional support
• entertainment value
• reduces loneliness
• improves overall well-being
(1)

9
One mark each for any two of the following:
• relieves tension and stress
• increases endorphins/makes you feel good
• boosts energy
• improves focus and motivation
• provides a sense of achievement
(2)

10
One mark for any one of the following:
• increases sense of connection
• helps reduce feelings of loneliness
• makes a person feel needed or relied upon
• enhances social life by encouraging interactions with others
(1)

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How Can Dogs Help Our Mental Health? - Dogstar FoundationPets Wellbeing

Question 1 (1 mark)

Question 2 (1 mark)

Question 3 (1 mark)

Question 4 (1 mark)

Question 5 (1 mark)

MARK SCHEME – AO1 (SELECT & INTERPRET INFORMATION)

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

How does the writer present her ideas about the emotional effects of pet ownership?

AO2 – How the writer presents her ideas about the emotional effects of pet ownership

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