Audio Samples and Questions - Choosing a Pet

Audio Samples and Questions

Choosing a Pet

1. Pre-Listening Exercise
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Many people of all ages have pets. Think of how pets can make people happy. Complete the following sentences by choosing the word you think is best.

a) I love my dog because he is ___.

(faithful, clever)

b) I love my cat because she is ___.

(unselfish, playful)

c) I love my hamster because he is ___.

(friendly, cuddly)

2. Script
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2. Script
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Dad: Hi! Did you have a good day?

Jasmine: Yes, I did. Dad, may I have a pet?

Dad: Why do you ask that?

Jasmine: My friend Sophy got a puppy for her birthday.

Dad: That was nice. But you have to look after a puppy.

Jasmine: I could look after a pet. I would do everything.

Dad: A puppy makes a lot of work. Mom doesn't have the time to take him for walks.

Jasmine: I would take him for walks.

Dad: In the rain? Every day? I would have to come with you. But I have to work hard at the office.

Jasmine: Oh, Dad, Sophy's puppy sounds so lovely. He is brown and white and she loves him very much.

Dad: Jasmine, we live in an apartment. Sophy lives in a house with a big garden. There is not so much room
here. I do have an idea, though.

Jasmine: What is it?

Dad: You could have a hamster or a guinea-pig. They are much easier to look after and they can be great fun.

Jasmine: Some of my friends have hamsters and they like them too. But I would like a guinea-pig. They are
bigger.

Dad: Yes, they are. And they can be very friendly. You must be careful about what you give them to eat because their stomachs are sensitive. But a guinea-pig will be your friend for a long time.

Jasmine: Dad, can we go to the pet-shop?

Dad: I'll ask Mom first, but yes, I expect so. We could make a little home for her, or him, in the storeroom.

Jasmine: There's Mom now. I'm going to ask her.

Dad: Oh dear, what have I done now?

Questions

1) Why does Jasmine want a dog?
a) Because Sophy has just got one.
b) Because she likes dogs best.
c) Because she has always wanted one.

2) Why does Dad think a puppy is not suitable?
a) Because Mum does not want one.
b) Because he does not like dogs.
c) Because it makes a lot of work and their apartment is too small.

3) Why is it easier for Sophy to have a puppy?
a) Because Sophy has a bigger house and garden.
b) Because Sophy's parents have more time.
c) Because Sophy can take him for walks.

4) Why does Jasmine decide she would like a guinea-pig?
a) Because she does not like hamsters.
b) Because guinea-pigs are bigger than hamsters.
c) Because guinea-pigs are easier to look after.

5) Why must you be careful how you feed guinea-pigs?
a) Because they will eat anything.
b) Because they are not friendly.
c) Because they have delicate stomachs.

Answers

1. = "A";
2. = "C";
3. = "A";
4. = "B";
5. = "C";

Post-Listening Exercise

Select from the following list:
goldfish, cat, cow, horse, mouse, pig, tiger, deer, sheep, lion, yak, dog

a) Which could you have for a pet?
b) Which are domesticated animals which you would be unlikely to have as a pet?
c) Which are wild animals?