Page 139 - Grasp English B2 (Student Book)

Beloved Ones 11

Minh, 15 Bindi, 13

I know lots of people think of My dad’s a vet, and sometimes I go to the clinic with him at
pigeons as flying rats, but when weekends. One time, someone had a praying mantis – they’re
you have them and look after beautiful creatures, but it weirded me out how its antennae never
them well, they’re really quite stopped moving, and its front legs could give you nightmares!
beautiful creatures from the tip of Another time, a guy brought in a Japanese fighting fish which
their beaks to their tails. They have had developed fin rot. Luckily, my dad was able to help, and the
a bad reputation because people guy was so grateful – you could tell he really cared about the
see them in cities with dirty feathers fish. But it’s so unfortunate when people get pets without really
and damaged feet, and it’s true knowing how to look after them. Like, this one time somebody
that in large numbers, they can be brought in a lizard with horns – actually they’re called horned
a problem. I’d really recommend toads. Anyway, they should eat ants, but the owner had been
meeting up with someone who feeding it raw chicken, so it had got ill. I wish people would be
keeps racing pigeons to see how more responsible when they decide to get a pet.
majestic they are.

D. Look at the vocabulary in exercise B on page 135. In the text, which words are used with which animals?
What other pets have those body parts?

E. Complete the sentences with the words in the boxes.

cage cuddle feed low-maintenance nibbles raw reputation scratch

1. If you get a hamster, make sure it has enough room in its to run around.
2. Always play with your hamster on the sofa or another soft surface. If it you and you drop it,
it could hurt itself.
3. Dogs are very affectionate, but you should never one when it’s asleep as it may be surprised
and bite you.
4. If you’re after a pet, a dog probably isn’t a good idea as they require a lot of exercise.
5. Some breeds of dog have a for being aggressive, so you’ll need to work hard to train it well.
6. Although cats are carnivores, you shouldn’t feed them meat as it may contain bacteria.
7. Cats can be very playful and may accidentally you. It might be a little painful but shouldn’t
cause a deep cut.
8. If you can’t take your pet away on holiday with you, make sure you leave clear instructions for the friend
who’s going to it.

F. What tips would you give someone who was thinking of getting the following animals as a pet? Discuss with
a partner.

• a parrot • a guinea pig • a tarantula • a tortoise

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