Academic English

What are some common and exotic animals people keep as pets?

1. 1. Exotic animals make great pets if cared for properly.
   2. Only professionals should be allowed to keep exotic animals at home.
   3. It is important to learn about an exotic animal’s natural habitat before adopting one.
   4. Keeping exotic animals in captivity harms their well-being.
   5. Exotic animals need special diets that are hard to provide at home.
   6. Zoos are better places for exotic animals than private homes.
   7. People should avoid buying exotic animals from illegal markets.
   8. Caring for exotic animals can teach people important lessons about wildlife.
   9. Exotic pets require more time and money than common pets like cats and dogs.
   10. Laws should be stricter to protect exotic animals from mistreatment.

“(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.”

Listen to the recording and answer the questions. (See transcript)

Here are some words and expressions that appear in the recording:

• originate (verb): start or come from
  – From which region in Australia did the bearded dragons originate?
• essential (adjective): necessary or required
  – Feeding your animals a healthy diet is essential too.
• raise (verb): bring up
  – You should read some books before you raise bearded dragons.
• docile (adjective): gentle
  – Some kinds of lizards are very docile and are easy to handle.
• bask (verb): be exposed to, for example, sunlight
  – Some reptiles like to bask in direct sunlight to control their body temperatures.
• promote (verb): encourage, contribute to, or further
  – A healthy diet is one factor in promoting growth in all living things.
• arid (adjective): dry
  – These kinds of lizards tend to live in arid parts of the country.
• occasionally (adverb): from time to time
  – There are a number of animals that occasionally go without eating for long periods of time.
• mention (verb): make reference to, cite
  – This book often mentions the importance of keeping your pet’s cage clean to maintain a healthy living environment.
• vital (adjective): critical or important
  – It is extremely vital that pet owners give their animals clean water every day.

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?