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Zoos. Speaking exercise

Introduction

Conversation class on zoos

Conversation class on zoos

In this week's English lesson we will be talking about zoos, and looking at the preposition to use with Should, Must and Can.

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CLASS 1 - Different types of zoos

Quote on zoo animals

Quote on zoo animals

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In this first class we will be looking at a quote by Jack Hanna on the important role of zoo animals in our environment and discussing some questions based on vocabulary related to zoos. We also recommend that you take some time to study the common pronunciation problems and common mistakes that our students make.

 

Quote:

Discuss the following quote with your native English teacher via Skype:

 

"Zoo animals are ambassadors for their cousins in the wild."

– Jack Hanna

 

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Questions to discuss with your teacher:

1. When was the last time you went to the zoo?

2. Do you think zoos are good things or bad things?


Check your pronunciation of the vocabulary with your native English teacher, and discuss the questions below.

Vocabulary Question
Trapped Is it fair to keep animals trapped in zoos? Why / why not?
Cage Are zoo animals always in cages nowadays? What other options are there?
Safari Have you ever been on safari? Do you know anyone who has?
Aquarium Are aquariums as cruel as zoos?
Natural habitat How do you feel about people disturbing animals in their natural habitat?

 


Common pronunciation problems 

  • Extinct ExtinctIn British English

  • Nature NatureIn British English

  • Zoos ZoosIn British English

 

Common mistakes

   
✘ I never went to the zoo ✔ I have never been to the zoo
✘ They make research on the animals ✔ They do research on the animals
✘ Zoos are educative for the children ✔ Zoos are educational for children

CLASS 2 - Animal Conservation

Speak for the ones without a voice.

Speak for the ones without a voice.

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In this class we will be looking at questions and vocabulary related to animal conservation.

 

We also recommend you watch the video before your English class to be able to discuss it with your English teacher.

 

 

unknown.pngQuestions to discuss with your teacher:

1. Are there any animals you don't like seeing in zoos?

2. Which animals do you like seeing in zoos?

 

Check your pronunciation of the vocabulary with your native English teacher, and discuss the questions below.

Vocabulary Question
Endangered species Is keeping engangered species in zoos beneficial or detrimental for the animals?
Conservation What do you know about zoos' work regarding animal conservation?
Research Do zoos carry out any research on their animals? How can this help the species?
Educational Are zoos educational for children? How?
Extinction Which animals are in danger of becoming extinct? How can zoos help them?

 

Now discuss the video with your English teacher in your online conversation classes via Skype:

Click to do the English listening exercise on this video!

CLASS 3 - How zoos are saving our animals

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reading.pngReading Practice:

This article talks about zoos and how important its role is in the preservation of wildlife. Read and discuss the article with your native-speaking English teacher online via Skype:

 

“Think that zoos are anachronistic menageries which lock up animals purely for human entertainment? The truth is that good zoos are more important today than they've ever been before." Read more… 

 

Irregular Verbs

Present Past Participle
Catch Caught Caught
Show Showed Shown
Teach Taught Taught

CLASS 4: Grammar - Should / Can / Must

English grammar review

English grammar review

The preposition to use with Should, Must and Can

This is a very simple rule, which many students make a mistake on: should, must and can are not followed by a preposition, but rather the plain infinitive! The same rule applies with the negative forms of these auxiliary verbs.

Examples:

  • People must respect animals more.
  • You mustn’t put your hand in the lion cage
  • We can help animals without keeping them in zoos.
  • You can’t educate kids about animals without zoos.
  • If you want to see a lion you should go to its natural habitat.
  • Eagles shouldn’t be kept in cages. They need to fly!

English Writing questions on zoos


Improve your English writing skills by choosing one of the following essay questions, and sending it to us for correction.

 

  • Intermediate essay question
    It's fun for people to visit the zoo and see different animals, but a zoo can also be a place for people to learn about the animal kingdom. How can we be educated at the zoo?

 

  • Advanced essay question 
    Some say zoos are a great way for people to learn about animals while others say it is cruel to keep animals confined. Discuss both sides of this question and explain your own opinion.


We will reply within 48 hours with the corrected text, clearly marking your mistakes, and a feedback sheet, which you can use to improve your future written work.

 

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Improve your English speaking skills


See our other English conversation lessons, to improve your grammar and vocabulary, and practice your reading and listening skills.

 

And don't forget to book your online English conversation classes with one of our native English-speaking teachers to put into practice what you’ve learned in this lesson.

 

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Tags: English Speaking Exercises

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Gregory Stephen Pioli

Owner of OLA Online Language Academy

★Degree in French (University of Kent at Canterbury)
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