Question

Our neighbors affect our lives in many ways. In your opinion, what type of neighbor is the best to have?

  • someone who is quiet

  • someone who we are similar to

  • someone who is supportive

Use specific details and examples in your answer.

Outline

Thesis Statement : Having a supportive neighbor is the best type to have, as they can offer various benefits that quiet or similar neighbors cannot.

I. Introduction

  • Importance of having good neighbors
  • Briefly discuss the three types of neighbors

II. Body

  • Benefits of having a supportive neighbor
    1. Emotional support
      • Example: Offering condolences during tough times
    2. Physical support
      • Example: Helping with household tasks
    3. Safety and security
      • Example: Keeping an eye out when residents are away
  • Comparison with quiet neighbor
    1. No disturbance, but no active support either
    2. May not be approachable
  • Comparison with similar neighbor
    1. Shared interests and experiences
    2. Potentially limited diversity

III. Counterargument

  • Support for the argument that quiet or similar neighbors are better
  • Address the opposition

IV. Conclusion

  • Recap the main points
  • Restate thesis
  • Implications – encourage being a supportive neighbor, highlight how it can create a positive community.

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Model Essay

Having good neighbors can have a significant impact on our quality of life. They can be a source of comfort, support, and safety. While there are different types of neighbors, the best type to have is a supportive one. This type of neighbor offers emotional, physical, and safety support, which can enhance our overall well-being. In this essay, we will explore the benefits of having a supportive neighbor and compare them to quiet or similar neighbors.

One benefit of having a supportive neighbor is emotional support. Supportive neighbors can be empathetic and offer condolences during difficult times such as the loss of a family member. They can offer a listening ear and understanding presence, which can be enormously comforting during tough times. In essence, they can serve as an extension of family. This is not something that quiet or similar neighbors can offer. Although quiet neighbors might be pleasant and unobtrusive, they are less likely to offer emotional support.

Another benefit of having a supportive neighbor is physical support. A supportive neighbor can help with household tasks such as gardening, moving furniture, or lending a tool. This small gesture can make a world of difference, especially when one is busy or lacks the resources to complete a task alone. Quiet or similar neighbors might be willing to help, but supportive neighbors are more likely to actively offer help before one asks.

The third benefit of having a supportive neighbor is safety and security. The supportive neighbor is observant and can alert one when they notice something amiss. They can keep an eye on one’s property when they are away or on vacation. This gives a peace of mind to those who need to leave their homes unattended. The quiet neighbor might notice something but might not bother to share their observation. And although similar neighbors can offer the same level of attention, it can be limiting in terms of learning about other people’s experiences and expanding one’s horizons.

While supportive neighbors offer countless benefits, one might argue that quiet or similar neighbors are better. Quiet neighbors offer the advantage of no disturbance and are less likely to cause issues with noise or other disturbances. This can be especially advantageous in apartments or shared walls. Similarly, having neighbors who are similar to oneself can provide comfort and shared experiences. However, this limited view of community can mean a lack of diversity and opportunities for learning from people who have different life experiences.

In conclusion, having supportive neighbors is the best type of neighbor to have. This type of neighbor can offer emotional, physical, and safety support, which can greatly enhance our quality of life. Although quiet or similar neighbors might have their advantages, they cannot offer the same level of support and diversity that supportive neighbors can provide. It is important to recognize the impact that supportive neighbors make in our lives and encourage being a supportive neighbor to create positive communities.