Animals

Hey listeners, welcome to IELTS TIME! I’m your host, Archer, and today we’re tackling a topic that can be a bit tricky for many — animals. Whether it’s discussing endangered species, the role animals play in our lives, or how we use them today, there’s a lot to cover. But don’t worry, we’ll make it simple. As always, you’ll hear Joseph’s responses to some common questions, and I’ll share some useful vocabulary and ideas to help you feel more confident talking about this topic in your own test. Let’s dive in!

What kind of animals do people usually keep in their homes?

Well, I think the most common pets are definitely cats and dogs, because they’re friendly and easy to bond with. Some people also keep birds like parrots or small animals like hamsters and rabbits. In recent years, I’ve even seen people keeping more exotic pets like snakes or iguanas, but that’s still pretty rare where I live.

Many animals are becoming extinct these days. What do you think about this? Why do you think it is happening?

Honestly, I think it’s really tragic. Animals play such a huge role in the balance of nature, and when they disappear, it affects entire ecosystems. I believe one major reason for extinction is habitat loss due to deforestation and urbanization. Another huge factor is climate change, which is making it harder for some species to survive. Of course, illegal hunting and poaching are also to blame.

In the past, people used animals to help them with their work. What do people use nowadays instead?

Nowadays, technology has taken over. People use machines like tractors for farming, trucks for transportation, and even robots in factories. Animals like horses or oxen used to be essential for manual labor, but now, mechanical equipment is just faster, more efficient, and less tiring to maintain.

Research is being conducted on animals. Do you think this is a good idea?

I think it’s a complicated issue. On the one hand, research on animals has led to important discoveries, especially in medicine, which has saved a lot of human lives. But at the same time, I feel it’s not fair to harm animals just for our benefit. I think if the research is absolutely necessary and there’s no alternative, it might be acceptable, but there should be strict regulations to make sure the animals don’t suffer unnecessarily

Alright, that was Joseph giving some really thoughtful answers to today’s Part 3 questions on the topic of animals. I hope you noticed how he structured his ideas clearly and used linking phrases naturally — that’s exactly the kind of fluency and coherence the IELTS examiners are looking for.

Now, let’s dive a bit deeper. If you’re preparing for your IELTS Speaking test, it’s not just about memorizing model answers. What really matters is building a strong toolbox of vocabulary and developing flexible ideas, so you can respond naturally no matter how the questions are framed.

Let’s start by talking about vocabulary. When the topic of animals comes up, it’s important to move beyond very basic words like ‘animals’ or ‘pets.’ Instead, try to use richer expressions. For example, you could talk about ‘domesticated animals’ when referring to pets that live alongside humans. If you’re discussing animals in the wild, words like ‘wildlife’ and ‘biodiversity’ fit perfectly. When the conversation moves toward more serious issues, having phrases like ‘endangered species,’ ‘habitat destruction,’ and ‘poaching’ ready will help you sound much more sophisticated. And if the question touches on how we treat animals, don’t forget about terms like ‘animal welfare’ or ‘ecosystem balance.’ These words not only show your range but also make your answers much more precise and meaningful.

Of course, vocabulary alone isn’t enough — you also need ideas. So let’s think about the kinds of ideas that could come up. You might be asked why animals are important, and there’s a lot you could say here. Animals help maintain biodiversity, they play essential roles in ecosystems, and some, like bees, are absolutely crucial for human survival because of things like pollination.

If you’re asked why animals are becoming extinct, you can talk about how habitat destruction from deforestation and urban growth has forced many species out of their homes. Climate change has also shifted ecosystems dramatically, and illegal hunting, especially for rare species, continues to threaten wildlife populations around the world.

Sometimes the discussion will shift to how humans use animals today compared to the past. In earlier times, animals were vital for transportation, farming, and heavy labor. Horses, oxen, even elephants were used in different cultures. But nowadays, technology has replaced most of those roles. Machines are faster and more efficient, and now animals are mostly kept for companionship, therapy, or scientific research rather than for physical labor.

Speaking of research, you might also be asked whether using animals for experiments is a good idea. It’s a complicated issue, and it’s good to show both sides. On one hand, animal research has led to major medical breakthroughs and helped save countless human lives. On the other hand, there are serious ethical concerns. Many people argue that causing suffering to animals is wrong, and that we should invest more in alternative methods like computer modeling or cell cultures that don’t involve living creatures.

One final tip as you prepare answers on this topic: try not just to explain a situation, but also suggest solutions. For example, if you mention that poaching is a major threat, you could add that governments should implement stricter laws and invest in conservation programs. Offering a solution at the end of your answer is a great way to show critical thinking, and it really helps push your score higher, especially for coherence and fluency.

Okay, that wraps up today’s deep dive into the topic of animals in Part 3. Remember, it’s not about sounding robotic or memorized; it’s about showing you can think clearly, explain your ideas, and use a good range of language naturally and confidently. Next time, we’ll keep things light with a Part 1 topic — apps. Until then, keep practicing and happy speaking!