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Warm-up | Animal Lovers

Would you say people in your country are animal lovers, or do they just see animals as property?
Have you ever had a pet and, if so, how attached to it did you become?

Does the title of the article imply the writer likes or dislikes animals?
- Is it understandable that many people do not like animals and pets?

Do you think the writer's attitude to animals is realistic, sentimental or hard-hearted?
Which is your attitude, and why?

Some people propose that prospective pet owners should be required to pass an animal care competency test and demonstrate financial stability before adopting a pet.
- Do you agree with this idea?
Do you believe having a pet can address a person's loneliness or mental health?
- Is it selfish to keep a pet for this reason?
Do you believe a new pet can fill the void of a loved one, or a previous pet?
- What other benefits could having a pet provide?

"You're never too old to have a pet"
- Do you agree with the title of the text?
Is it fair to adopt a pet if you are elderly and may not live as long as the pet, or will have to leave it due to illness or entry to a retirement home?
- If an elderly person is no longer capable of looking after their pet, could it be possible to put solutions in place to take pet welfare into account?
- Is pet ownership necessary, or are there programmes which equally provide interaction with animals? Are they as beneficial?
Dr. McNicholas mentions that pets provide a reason to get up in the morning. What does this say about our human and societal connections?

Two people debate vegetarianism on the radio (zzzzzzzzzzzzzz). Can you already predict their arguments?
Who was the most convincing?

After and, but and or, we can leave out a repeated subject or auxiliary
- He got up and (he) had a shower.
- She came to the meeting, but (she) didn’t say anything.
- We should phone him or (we should) send him an email.
We cannot leave out the subject after before, after, because, when or while.
- They locked the doors and windows before they left.
- We’ll have a look at the photos after we finish dinner.
- He’s stressed because he has too much work.

We can leave out the repeated verb or phrase, keeping only the auxiliary.
- Laura has never been to the States, but her sister has.
- Gary thinks he’s right, but he isn’t.
- They said I would love the film, but I don’t think I would.
- I didn’t like the film, but Mike did.
We're not obliged to use the same auxiliary!
- I thought I would be able to come tonight, but in fact I can’t.
- I know you’ve never learnt to drive, but I really think you should have.
- A: You must see his latest film!
  - B: I already have.
We can avoid repeating an infinitive, and just reduce it with to:
- I’ve never ridden a motorbike, but I’d love to.
- The students cheated in the exam, even though I told them not to.

We can avoid repeating clauses in the positive, using so.
- I’ll have finished the work by Friday, or at least I hope so.
- A: Will you be working on Saturday?
  B: I suppose so.
- A: You do know it wasn’t my fault, don’t you?
  B: If you say so.
Clauses in the negative?
use a positive verb + not, or a negative verb + so
- A: Do you think it’ll rain tonight?
  B: I hope not.
- A: She’s not very likely to pass, is she?
  B: I’m afraid not.