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.
Like small children, 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. The only exercise he gets 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.
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.
The average cat is like a teenager. He sleeps half the day. He doesn’t pay for his food. The only exercise he gets 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.
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.
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.
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!
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:
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 ?
Glossary
Flea - small insect.
Bites humans and animals
Litter tray - indoor toilet for cats
Master - boss, person in charge
Litter tray - indoor toilet for cats
Master - boss, person in charge
