The Confusing Choice of Exotic Pets

The Confusing Choice of Exotic Pets (B2)

Image by Ilo from Pixabay

Vocabulary

1. Puzzling (adj.) /kənˈfjuː.zɪŋ/ - Synonyms: Confusing

Example: The choice between the two options was confusing for the pet owner.


2. Ethical (adj.) /ˈeθ.ɪ.kəl/ - Synonyms: moral

Example: The ethical concerns surrounding exotic pets prompt discussions on responsible ownership.


3.Invasive (adj.) /ɪnˈveɪ.sɪv/ - Synonyms: intrusive

Example: Releasing exotic pets may result in them becoming invasive species in new environments.

Listening

Please take a moment to review the comprehension question prior to listening

1-What is the primary ethical concern raised in the text regarding exotic pets, and how does it influence the debate on their treatment?

2-What is the middle-ground solution proposed in the text for dealing with challenging exotic pets, and how does it aim to address the ethical concerns associated with both euthanizing and releasing them?

Video attribution: Video by Sephelonor from Pixabay
Video by Sephelonor from Pixabay
Video by Paul Tran from Pixabay

Click here to show the text

In certain places, people have unusual pets—animals not normally found in the area. But when these pets become too hard to take care of, a puzzling question comes up: Is it better to end the pet's life (euthanizing) or set it free in the wild, possibly causing harm? This situation raises ethical concerns about what pet owners should do.

On one side of the argument, some say that ending the lives of these unusual pets is a kind way to stop potential harm to the animals and the local environment. Supporters of this idea think that a gentle and painless end to the pet's life prevents it from suffering in the wild, where it might struggle due to a lack of skills for adapting and surviving. They also say that letting these pets go could make them invasive species, disturbing the natural balance of local wildlife.

On the other side, people who support letting exotic pets go believe it's a kinder and more thoughtful choice. They think that releasing these animals into their natural homes gives them a chance to survive and live as they naturally would. This way of thinking also says that many exotic pets are taken from where they naturally live, and setting them free is a way of putting them back where they belong.

Even with these two very different views, it's important to find a middle ground when dealing with the issue of exotic pets. Some say that responsibly finding new homes for the pets or giving them to places that care for animals might be a better option. This way involves carefully moving the pet to a safe place where it can get the right care and attention. People who support finding new homes for pets say that it avoids the ethical problems connected to both ending the pet's life and releasing it into the wild. It's a middle way that thinks about the well-being of both the animals and the places they live.

Comprehension questions

1. What is the primary ethical concern raised in the text regarding exotic pets, and how does it influence the debate on their treatment?

Answer: The primary ethical concern is about whether to euthanize or release exotic pets when they become challenging to care for. This ethical dilemma influences the debate on how to responsibly handle the well-being of these pets (Paragraph 1).

2. What is the middle-ground solution proposed in the text for dealing with challenging exotic pets, and how does it aim to address the ethical concerns associated with both euthanizing and releasing them?

Answer: The middle-ground solution proposed is responsible rehoming (returning to its original habitat) or delivering the animal to a sanctuary. This approach involves carefully transitioning the pet to a controlled environment where it can receive proper care and attention, aiming to address ethical concerns associated with both euthanizing and releasing pets into the wild (Paragraph 4).

Reading

In certain places, people have unusual pets—animals not normally found in the area. But when these pets become too hard to take care of, a puzzling question comes up: Is it better to end the pet's life or set it free in the wild, possibly causing harm? This situation raises ethical concerns about what pet owners should do.

On one side of the argument, some say that ending the lives of these unusual pets is a kind way to stop potential harm to the animals and the local environment. Supporters of this idea think that a gentle and painless end to the pet's life prevents it from suffering in the wild, where it might struggle due to a lack of skills for adapting and surviving. They also say that letting these pets go could make them invasive species, disturbing the natural balance of local wildlife.

On the other side, people who support letting exotic pets go believe it's a kinder and more thoughtful choice. They think that releasing these animals into their natural homes gives them a chance to survive and live as they naturally would. This way of thinking also says that many exotic pets are taken from where they naturally live, and setting them free is a way of putting them back where they belong.

Even with these two very different views, it's important to find a middle ground when dealing with the issue of exotic pets. Some say that responsibly finding new homes for the pets or giving them to places that care for animals might be a better option. This way involves carefully moving the pet to a safe place where it can get the right care and attention. People who support finding new homes for pets say that it avoids the ethical problems connected to both ending the pet's life and releasing it into the wild. It's a middle way that thinks about the well-being of both the animals and the places they live.

Speaking

1- Responsible Pet Ownership

Key Points: Importance of research before getting a pet, commitment to care, understanding the specific needs of the pet.
Sample Answer:
Discuss the importance of responsible pet ownership. Highlight the significance of researching and understanding the needs of a pet before bringing it home. Emphasize the commitment required to ensure the well-being of the pet, including proper care, nutrition, and attention. .

2- Wildlife Conservation and Pet Trade

Key Points: Impact of the exotic pet trade on wildlife, conservation efforts, ethical considerations.

3-Cultural Perspectives on Pets

Key Points: Cultural differences in pet ownership, varying attitudes toward exotic pets, influence on local ecosystems.

4- The Role of Animal Sanctuaries

Key Points: Purpose of animal sanctuaries, their role in rehoming exotic pets, ethical considerations.

5- Environmental Impact of Invasive Species

Key Points: Consequences of releasing exotic pets into the wild, disruption of local ecosystems, potential solutions.

Writing

Summarize the text in a concise paragraph using your own words

Click to see sample summary

The author discusses the ownership of exotic pets. He presents two options: euthanizing them or releasing them into the wild. He advocates for a balanced solution that considers both animal welfare and ecosystem protection.

Quick Grammar

Persent Perfect

- Present perfect tense is commonly used to express an action that started in the past and has a connection to the present. It is formed with the present tense of "have" (have/has) and the past participle of the main verb. Here's a concise example:
"He has presented two options: euthanizing them or releasing them into the wild."
In this sentence, "has presented" is in the present perfect tense, conveying that the action of presenting occurred at some point before now and is still relevant in the present.

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