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
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
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
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.
Think about:
- what is the most popular pet in your country?
- what is the most dangerous pet?
- which pet costs the most to buy/feed etc ?
