IELTS Speaking, parties 2 et 3 : Describe a story/book with animals in it

Yes, I think schools should teach children about animals. It helps children learn basic biology and where food comes from. Lessons or school trips to farms can also teach kindness and how to look after animals. Teaching about animals can make children more responsible and aware of nature.

Absolutely, schools should include learning about animals, both in science lessons and through practical activities. It gives children a sense of empathy and an understanding of ecosystems, while visits to farms or nature reserves bring the topic to life. Also, discussing animal welfare and conservation builds moral awareness and prepares pupils to make informed choices as consumers. In short, it’s useful across subjects and helps create more thoughtful adults.

I don’t fully agree that pets shouldn’t be kept in cities. Many people in towns and cities keep small pets like cats or small dogs and they can be happy if owners are responsible. Space is smaller so you must take care with exercise and noise. Some exotic pets or large dogs might not be suitable in built-up areas.

I’d say it depends – pets can certainly live well in cities if owners are sensible and there’s good infrastructure like parks and vets. Urban pet ownership brings mental health benefits and companionship, but council rules and responsible ownership are crucial to prevent problems such as noise, poor hygiene or unsuitable animals being kept. In my view, bans are heavy-handed; better to regulate and educate owners than to forbid pets outright.

Yes, many people see pets as members of their family. Pets give emotional support and company, and owners often treat them like children, buying toys and clothes. This makes sense because pets are always there and people form strong bonds with them.

I think it’s quite common nowadays to regard pets as family members, especially in urban societies where people may live alone or have smaller families. This reflects changing social patterns and stronger emotional investment; people include pets in trips, celebrations and even legal decisions about inheritance or care. While this can be very positive for wellbeing, it also brings responsibilities and sometimes difficult choices, for example during illness or travel.

Yes, in my country many people keep pets, especially dogs and cats. Some families have fish, birds or small mammals too. Pet ownership seems to be quite common across towns and cities, and shops and vets are easy to find.

Yes, pet keeping is very common where I live, with dogs and cats being the most popular choices, though there are also many owners of rabbits, birds and small rodents. Trends have shifted recently towards adopting from shelters and choosing pets for companionship rather than for work. As a result, you can see lots of businesses and services – groomers, pet cafés and training classes – that cater to owners.

Keeping a pet has many advantages. Pets give company and can reduce loneliness. Dogs in particular encourage exercise because you have to walk them. Pets can also teach children responsibility and caring.

There are lots of advantages to keeping a pet: they provide companionship and routine, which can significantly improve mental health, reduce stress and ease feelings of isolation. For children, pets teach empathy and practical responsibility; for older people, animals often increase daily activity and social contact. Additionally, animals are used in therapy contexts, where trained dogs or horses support recovery and wellbeing.

People tell children stories with animals because animals are fun and make stories interesting. It is easier for kids to understand lessons about right and wrong when animals act like people. Animals in stories can be simple examples to teach morals.

Stories with animals are popular for children because animals act as clear, engaging symbols and reduce the emotional distance from difficult topics. Anthropomorphised creatures allow authors to explore morals, social roles and consequences in a way children can grasp; Aesop’s fables are a classic example. Also, animals capture attention and imagination, making lessons memorable while avoiding the defensiveness that might come with stories about people.