97 Do you think teenagers should be encouraged to have a pet? Discuss this question with a partner and make a list of reasons for and against. Then compare your ideas in small groups and present them to the class. Study the task in the blue box, then read the title and the first paragraph of the essay below to find out what the author thinks about teenagers and pets. Underline the part of the sentence that shows the author’s opinion. Now read the rest of the essay. Find and mark the places where the author discusses each of the three content points. Then find the part where the author sums up their arguments and states their opinion again. SPEAKING 15 READING + WRITING 16 17 Why teenagers shouldn’t have pets Many teenagers love animals and dream of having a pet of their own. However, being a pet owner comes with numerous responsibilities. Since pets can disrupt family life, cost a lot of money and put a strain on a teenager’s sense of responsibility, teenagers should not own pets. Although pets are often considered part of the family, they can cause problems at home. For example, there may be arguments between teenagers and their parents if nobody wants to walk the dog or clean the guinea pig’s cage. Unless everybody does their part, this can lead to considerable stress. Going on holiday can also become challenging, as many animals are not suited for travel, and a lot of hotels do not allow pets. All of these issues can create tension within the family. Owning a pet also involves costs that may exceed a teenager’s allowance. As well as the initial cost of getting a pet, there are ongoing expenses, such as food, that can add up over time. No matter the type of animal, some equipment will be needed – and it can be costly. Smaller pets may require cages or tanks, while dogs need collars, leads, and possibly some form of training. Additionally, there are veterinary bills for regular check-ups, vaccinations or treatment in case the pet falls ill. Another important factor is maturity. Many teenagers are simply not ready to take full responsibility for the care of a living creature. They are often busy with their own needs and obligations, such as socialising with friends or studying for school. As a result, they may forget to feed or walk their pet. Dogs, for instance, need to go outside several times a day, and since teenagers are often out of the house for long periods of time, this need may not be met. In conclusion, most teenagers are not ready for the demands of pet ownership due to the time commitment and expense involved. Pets can cause family conflicts, and many teenagers lack the maturity to care for them properly. For the well-being of both teenagers and animals, pets should therefore only be owned by responsible adults. Your English class is discussing whether teenagers should be encouraged to have a pet at home. You have been asked to share your opinion on this question in an essay. In your essay you should discuss: the impact of having a pet on teen-parent relationships the costs of keeping one’s own pet the level of maturity required for teenagers to care for a pet Give your essay a title. Write around 400 words. Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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