Page 140 - Grasp English B2 (Student Book)

11 Beloved Ones

Grammar As if/as though

A. Read the passage and answer the questions.
1. Does the speaker argue as though she is passionate about the subject, or as if she doesn’t care?
How do you know?
2. Do you think performing circus animals look like they’re enjoying themselves?
3. Circus animals are trained to do tricks through ‘love and persuasion.’ Do you believe this, or do you
agree with the speaker’s ‘As if!’

“I’m here today to speak for the motion ‘This House believes that wild animals should be banned
from performing in circuses.’
Surely, today, no one really believes that lions, tigers, elephants and bears are happy being
forced to perform tricks in front of a noisy crowd as if these magnificent animals were made for
our entertainment.
Do you really enjoy watching a lion jump through a ring of fire as though it does this naturally
out on the savannah? What is so thrilling about a bear dancing, like the forests and mountains
it inhabits are full of the sound of music!
We have just heard Mr Ringdale, speaking for the opposition, claim that wild animals are trained
to do these tricks through love and persuasion, not force. As if, Mr Ringdale! As if! As though an
apex predator weighing over 250 kilos is willing to obey a puny human. As if gentle persuasion,
not bars and whips, encourages a three-ton elephant to do a handstand. Please, Mr Ringdale,
don’t treat your audience tonight as though they’re stupid!”

B. Discuss with a partner.

1. What would you do if you
went to a friend’s house and
it looked as if their dog was
going to bite you?
2. What would you do if you
saw a cat on the street that
looked like it had been hit
by a car?

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