eslreading.org for English language learners
What is the Perfect Pet?
catcroc-backround

Upper Intermediate

Dogs

Dogs?

What makes a good pet?

Dogs are loyal but hard work. Every time you go anywhere you need to think, ‘what about Rover?'. If he isn’t happy, he’ll tell you in a very loud voice.

Dogs expect you to clean up the mess they make. In return they’ll let you share their
fleas.

And scratch your furniture.

And jump on you with wet dirty paws.

And lick your face.

Thanks Rover.

Cats

Cat lovers think their animals are perfect pets. ‘They’re clean and quiet,’ they say. ‘They look after themselves.’ But have you ever seen a cat empty a litter tray? Or sing in tune?

The average cat is like a teenager.

He sleeps half the day.

He doesn’t pay for his food.

His only exercise is walking from the sofa to the food bowl

And don’t expect much loyalty from your furry ‘friend’. If Tiddles finds better food, Tiddles moves house.

Hamsters/Rabbits

To a dog you’re the master. To a cat you’re staff. Cats think a half-dead mouse is a good present. And they don’t mind giving you fleas either.

There are other pets, of course. Hamsters are fine - for kids. A pet you can put in your pocket? That doesn’t seem very adult. Nor does a floppy-eared rabbit.

And small creatures need the security arrangements of an American president. One false move and they’re another beast’s breakfast.

Activities: Vocabulary

Here are some fun activities to help you learn new words. They are not tests!


Pets Crossword

Writing


1. A friend is thinking about getting
either a dog or a cat or a rabbit. Write a letter explaining why you think this is not a good idea

2. You are going on holiday and a friend is looking after your pet. Write some instructions for looking after him/her.

Role Play


1. Role play a family visiting a pet shop. One family member wants a cat, one wants a dog, another a monkey. The pet shop owner wants to sell the family a snake.

Possible roles: Pet-shop owner, and various family members (parents, grand-parents, children etc)

Five things I didn't know about pets.

Work in groups to find five new facts about pets. At least one must not be from the Internet - try books, encyclopedias, dictionaries etc.

Think about:
  1. what is the most popular pet in your country?
  2. what is the most dangerous pet?
  3. which pet costs the most to buy/feed etc ?
A useful website is here