Английский язык: Экспресс-репетитор для подготовки к ЕГЭ, «Говорение».
Урок 5: «Окружающая среда. Переговоры. Задание 1».

Task 1

Give a talk on the problem of animals.
Remember to speak about:
• why animals are important for people
• why people keep animals as pets
• your attitude to exotic animals as pets
• how people can help animals survive

People have always needed animals for tasks that require strength and speed. And even now we still depend on animals for food and clothing. Besides, a lot of animals are used for medical research. In addition, wild animals provide recreation in the form of hunting, bird watching, and visits to zoos and wildlife reserves. Moreover, people also find a source of pleasure and spiritual strength in the animal life.

Nowadays a lot of people keep pets at home because pets are the best companions. People keep pets for pleasure rather than utility. Domesticated animals such as dogs, cats, hamsters and guinea pigs make good pets because they have been bred for thousands of years to coexist with humans. For example, if people live without children, they usually have a cat or a dog to take care of. Also, children like to play with their pets when they are alone. Besides, some people keep cats at home, because cats are believed to have healing power. Disabled people often keep specially trained dogs as pets, which serve as the hands, ears and eyes of their owners.

Some people keep exotic pets like snakes, lizards or wild cats. Of course, exotic pets are fascinating and beautiful to watch. However, very often people keep exotic pets only in order to look extraordinary. They regard them as a status symbol. But captivity is not natural for wild animals. It is a constant stress to them, so they may become very aggressive as they get older. Besides, wild animals need to be examined by a vet with special knowledge and training in wildlife medicine. That’s why I believe it’s not desirable to keep exotic animals as pets.

Unfortunately, unmanaged commercial exploitation has driven some species of wild animals to the edge of extinction. For example, 143 elephants are slaughtered in Africa every day to get ivory. At this rate, they’ll be wiped out in 25 years. What can we do to help animals survive? First of all, environmental organisations must analyse the consequences of humans’ actions. Besides, people should create nature reserves for wild animals and birds. And of course, we must take care of those animals that are around us. There are a lot of abandoned animals in cities and towns, because their owners got rid of I hem. We must build and run animal shelters where neglected animals can find safety, food and veterinary care.

To sum up, I can say that for centuries animals have been our friends and companions, and we must do our best to ensure that this coexistence will continue in the future.

Questions
1. Do you like animals?
2. Have you got a pet? Where did you get it from?
3. Do you take your pet with you when you go somewhere on holidays?
4. Would you like to keep a pet/an exotic pet? Why?
5. Do you think people should keep animals in zoos? Why?
6. Do you know any animal which is on the edge of extinction?
7. How can people help animals?