| Level | Topic | Speakers | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Difficult | Pet Care | Man – Man | 02:28 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some basic tips for caring for a dog or cat (e.g., feeding, grooming, house training, etc.)?
- Having a pet is like having a child.
- People should not get a pet unless they have enough time and money.
- It’s okay to leave pets at home alone during the workday.
- Pets should be trained just like children.
- Some people spend too much money on their pets.
- Adopting animals from a shelter is better than buying from a pet store.
- Pets should not be allowed to sleep in the owner’s bed.
- Pets should be treated like part of the family, not just animals.
- Regular vet visits are just as important as feeding your pet.
- People who abuse animals should never be allowed to have pets again.
Idioms
“quiet as a mouse” = silent or completely still
“Hey, your bird is quiet as a mouse. I wonder if it’s okay.”
“put your foot down” = take a firm position
“I’m sorry, but I’m going to put my foot down. No more pets!“
Listening Exercise
Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)
Vocabulary and Sample Sentences
Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:
- incident (noun): a situation that occurs, sometimes serious
– There was an incident today involving a dog biting a young boy. - bark (verb; also noun): making the sound of a dog
– The neighbor’s dog barked all night, and I couldn’t get any sleep. - pamper (verb): treat a person or an animal in a special way
– My parents really pamper their dog by allowing it to sleep on their bed and watch TV. - adopt (verb): take into one’s family
– Adopting a dog from an animal shelter is one way to save the lives of unwanted pets. - temperamental (adjective): changing feelings or moods
– My brother can be a little temperamental at times, so try to be understanding. - handle (verb): take care of, hold or touch with your hands
– Please handle the lizard with care. It is a very delicate creature. - fangs (noun): long sharp teeth from an animal such as a snake
– If a rattlesnake bites you, and its fangs break your skin, you should seek medical attention immediately. - docile (adjective): easy to work with or handle
– Although a rat looks like a scary creature, it is a very docile animal. - go out of your mind (idiom): go crazy
– She’s been going out of her mind ever since her cat was hit by a car.
Post-Listening Exercise
What kinds of pets are popular in your area or country? Are there any specific reasons why some animals are more or less common? These reasons could include issues dealing with space, size of animals, housing restrictions, religion, or health. Share your ideas with a partner.
Online Investigation
Imagine you want to raise an exotic pet. Choose one of the following animals and search for tips on how to care for your new pet: tarantula, monkey, llama, iguana, or snake. Consider food, shelter, and how difficult it is to handle the pet. Use the internet to explore these ideas. Discuss your findings with a partner.