Task 1. You are going to read the text aloud. You have 1.5 minutes to read the text silently, and then be ready to read it aloud. Remember that you will not have more than 2 minutes for reading aloud.

A zoo, also known as a zoological park or a zoological garden, gives people the opportunity to watch animals from different continents. There are hundreds of zoos all over the world. However, most of them are located in major cities. The first zoo in Russia was opened in 1864, in Moscow. It was a small zoological garden. On the opening day, only 287 animals were on display. Nowadays, the Moscow Zoo is one of the largest in Europe. The unique collection of the Zoo includes over 8000 kinds of animals and birds. Scientists study the animals' behavior and reproduction. They also breed rare animals there to stop them dying out.

Task 2. It's the electronic assistant of your local zoo. We kindly ask you to take part in a telephone survey. We need to find out what teenagers think about animals. Please answer six questions. The survey is anonymous. You don't have to give your name. So, let's get started.

1. What is your favourite animal? Why do you like it?

________________________________________________________________________

2. What pets are the most popular in Russia in your view?

________________________________________________________________________

3. Is it right for people to keep exotic animals as pets? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

4. What can people do to help homeless animals?

________________________________________________________________________

5. Why do you think most children like visiting zoos?

________________________________________________________________________

6. Does a career of a vet attract you or not? Why?

________________________________________________________________________

Task 3. You are going to give a talk about animals. You will have to start in 1.5 minutes and speak for not more than 2 minutes (10-12 sentences). Remember to say:

  • what wild animals live in your region;
  • whether it is a good idea to keep a wild animal as a pet, and why;
  • why people build zoos in cities and towns;
  • what your attitude to zoos is.

I'm going to give a talk about animals.

There are a lot of wild animals in my region as I live in the central part of Russia and a large territory is covered with forests. So, we have squirrels, hares, foxes and wolves. Also, there are bigger animals like bears and hogs too. Fortunately, I've never met them in the forests.

Of course having a pet is a big responsibility. In my opinion, keeping a wild animal as a pet is not a good idea because wild animals can be dangerous. There are lots of pets in shelters who need our care and protection. So, there is no need to keep a wild animal at home.

People build zoos in the cities mostly to entertain children and their parents and to show how wild and exotic animals look like. Also, for the specialists it is easier to observe wild animals' behavior and habits while they are in the zoos. Moreover, zoos are built to save endangered animal species.

Zoos have their advantages and disadvantages. I, personally do not like zoos. I think it would be better for animals to live in their natural habitat.

That's all I wanted to say.

E-mail

You have received an email message from your English-speaking pen-friend Ben:

From: Ben@mail.uk

To: Russian_friend@oge.ru

Subject: Pets

... My cat is big, white and furry. He is such fun! I can't understand people who prefer to live without pets.

... Why don't some people want to have any pets? Do you approve of keeping exotic pets like spiders or snakes and why? What pets are popular in your country? ...

Write a message to Ben and answer his 3 questions.

Write 100-120 words.

Remember the rules of email writing.