| Level: | Topic: | Speakers: | Length: |
| difficult | animals | man and boy | 04:22 |
Pre-Listening Exercise
What are some common and exotic animals people keep as pets?
- Exotic animals make great pets if cared for properly.
- Only professionals should be allowed to keep exotic animals at home.
- It is important to learn about an exotic animal’s natural habitat before adopting one.
- Keeping exotic animals in captivity harms their well-being.
- Exotic animals need special diets that are hard to provide at home.
- Zoos are better places for exotic animals than private homes.
- People should avoid buying exotic animals from illegal markets.
- Caring for exotic animals can teach people important lessons about wildlife.
- Exotic pets require more time and money than common pets like cats and dogs.
- Laws should be stricter to protect exotic animals from mistreatment.
Idioms
“(lead) a dog’s life” = life is difficult with little pleasure
“Ever since he lost his job, he’s been leading a dog’s life.”
“a snake in the grass” = a person who can’t be trusted
“Be careful. He’s really a snake in the grass, and I never know when he’s telling the truth.”
Listening Exercise
A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.
Post-Listening Exercise
Choose an exotic pet you want to learn more about and search online for tips on caring for this animal. Share your findings with a partner. Some animals could include: llama, iguana, pygmy goat, or peacock. What pet would be ideal for different types of people and situations, including children, people who live in apartments, and the elderly?