General Listening Quiz

“Easy Pet Care”

Level:	Topic:	Speakers:	Length:
difficult	pet care	two men	2:28

Pre-Listening Exercise

What are some basic tips for caring for a dog or cat (e.g., feeding, grooming, house training, etc.)?

Speak Up, Take a Stand! Instructions for Getting the Conversation Started

These statements are designed to get everyone thinking, moving, and talking! The goal is to explore ideas, share opinions, and get ready for the next part of the lesson.

In a face-to-face classroom: Read each statement aloud. If you agree, move to one side of the room; if you disagree, move to the other. Talk with your group—why do you feel that way? Then, pair students with members of the other group and have students explain their reasons. Rotate partners for more practice.
In an online classroom: Use polls, emojis, or the chat box in your online platform to show your opinion. Then, join the conversation as a group or in breakout rooms. What do others think? Do you agree or disagree with them?
For independent learners: Read each statement and think about your opinion. Then say your answer out loud and explain your reason, as if you’re talking to a classmate. This helps you get ready to speak and join real conversations in English. Consider recording your ideas and self-assess your progress.

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!“

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

A. Listen to the recording and answer the questions.

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.

See Listening Script

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