Pets

Hello and welcome back to IELTS TIME! Today we’re diving into a Part 1 topic: pets.

As usual, we’ll kick things off with our regular contributor, Joseph. We’ll hear his natural answers to nine questions on this topic, and then I’ll break down his responses for you. I’ll highlight some useful phrases and suggest alternative ways to answer.

After that, we’ll get a different perspective from Blondie, a true pet lover. She’ll show you how to answer the same questions with passion and personal examples. We won’t do a full analysis of her segment—it’s just a chance for you to listen to another great set of model answers and compare the two styles.

Ready? Let’s get started.

Do you have any pets?
No, I don’t. I’ve never really felt a strong urge to get one, and with my current university schedule, it would probably be more of a hassle than a joy. I’m fine being around animals sometimes, but I don’t see having a pet as a necessity in my life.

Did you have a pet when you were a child?
Yes, we had a small rabbit when I was around eight. I remember feeding it carrots all the time, even though my parents said it needed other food too. It didn’t live very long, but I do have some fond memories of it.

Do you like animals?
I wouldn’t say I’m a huge animal lover, but I don’t dislike them either. If a friend has a pet, I’ll spend some time with it, but I don’t feel a strong personal connection to animals. I’m kind of neutral on the whole thing.

What do you like about having pets?
I haven’t had a pet as an adult, but from what I’ve seen, pets can make a home feel more lively. Some people enjoy the routine and companionship pets bring, and I get why that’s appealing. For me, though, it’s not something I really need.

What animals do you think make the best pets?
I think it depends on your lifestyle. For busy people like students, cats might be better since they’re more independent. Dogs are great if you have time to take them out and play, but they need a lot more attention. Smaller pets like fish or hamsters are probably the easiest to look after.

Why do you think people keep pets?
I suppose most people keep pets for companionship. They can make you feel less lonely, especially if you live alone. Others might find looking after an animal comforting or relaxing. Pets can also encourage a more active lifestyle, like going for walks.

Are pets common in your country?
Yes, pets are quite common. Even among students, it’s not unusual to have a cat or a small pet. In bigger cities, dog parks and pet cafés have become really popular over the last few years, showing how important pets are to a lot of people.

Is it expensive to keep a pet in your country?
It can be, especially when it comes to vet bills. Food and toys are relatively affordable, but medical care for pets can get pretty costly. That’s one reason why some people hesitate before getting a pet.

Are there any animals that should not be kept as pets? Why?
Yes, definitely. Wild animals like big cats, monkeys, or snakes shouldn’t be kept as pets. They have very specific needs that are hard to meet in a home environment, and it’s not fair to the animals or safe for people to try. It’s better to admire those animals in the wild or in sanctuaries.

Joseph’s responses offer a good example of natural and thoughtful answers on this topic. I want to take a moment now to unpack some of what he said and share some ideas you might find helpful.

Starting with the first question about having pets — Joseph mentioned he’s never felt a “strong urge” to get one. That’s a really useful phrase if you want to say you don’t feel a strong desire. But if you do have a pet, you could say something like, “Yes, I have a dog who’s like family to me,” which shows a close bond. Or if you don’t have pets but like animals, a softer way is to say, “I don’t have pets now, but I’d love to get a cat someday.”

When Joseph talked about having a rabbit as a child, he kept it simple and personal. This kind of small story works well because it makes your answer memorable. You could also mention having a dog or a hamster, or even say if you didn’t have any pets but enjoyed visiting friends’ animals.

On the question about liking animals, Joseph took a neutral stance, saying he’s neither for nor against them, which is perfectly fine. You can take this approach if you don’t feel strongly either way. But if you do love animals, you could say, “I absolutely adore them — they bring so much joy.” Or if you’re less keen, maybe something like, “I’m not really an animal person, but I respect those who are.”

Joseph’s answer about what he likes about pets was honest and showed understanding without exaggeration. That’s important — you don’t have to pretend to be a pet lover if you’re not. Saying pets “make a home feel more lively” captures the idea that animals bring warmth and energy. You might say pets provide “unconditional love” or help “reduce stress.”

When discussing the best types of pets, Joseph gave practical advice based on lifestyle, which is a clever approach. For example, cats are good for busy people because they’re independent. This kind of reasoning adds depth to your answer. If you wanted, you could also talk about dogs being loyal and energetic, great for active people, or mention that exotic pets need special care and might not be suitable for everyone.

Why people keep pets? Joseph mentioned companionship and how pets can help people feel less lonely or encourage a more active life. This is a classic and solid response. You could also add that pets provide emotional support or that some people keep them for fun or even protection.

On pets being common, Joseph painted a picture of pet culture with dog parks and pet cafés — a great way to sound current and informed. If you live somewhere more rural, you might say farm animals are common pets, or in cramped cities, small pets like fish or hamsters are popular due to space limits.

About expenses, Joseph was honest about vet bills being costly, while food and toys are cheaper. It’s good to mention different aspects of cost — grooming, accessories, emergencies — so your answer feels well-rounded.

Finally, on animals that shouldn’t be pets, Joseph stressed wild animals needing special care and safety issues, which is a mature, responsible answer. You might also mention that certain wild animals are illegal to keep or that animals belong in their natural habitats, not homes, to show awareness of animal welfare.

Now, to offer a different take on these questions, here’s Blondie, who loves pets and animals. Listen carefully to her answers and see how her passion for animals shapes her responses.

Do you have any pets?

Yes, I do! I have a super cute golden retriever named Daisy. She’s full of energy and is my best friend.

Did you have a pet when you were a child?

Absolutely! I grew up with a fluffy Persian cat named Fluffy. She was always so calm and loved to cuddle, which was perfect for a little kid.

Do you like animals?

I adore them! I find all kinds of animals fascinating, from tiny insects to majestic lions. They just have a way of making life more joyful.

What do you like about having pets?

I love the unconditional love and companionship they offer. Coming home to a wagging tail or a happy purr after a long day is the best feeling in the world.

What animals do you think make the best pets?

For me, dogs are the best pets because they’re so loyal and active. However, I also think cats are wonderful, especially for people who appreciate a more independent companion.

Why do you think people keep pets?

I believe people keep pets for companionship and to feel a deeper connection to nature. Pets provide emotional support, reduce stress, and can even encourage a more active lifestyle.

Are pets common in your country?

Yes, pets are very common here. It feels like almost everyone I know has a dog or a cat, and you’ll often see people walking their dogs in parks and on the streets.

Is it expensive to keep a pet in your country?

It can be, yes. The initial cost of getting a pet is one thing, but the ongoing expenses for food, vet visits, and grooming can add up quickly.

Are there any animals that should not be kept as pets? Why?

I think wild and exotic animals should not be kept as pets. They belong in their natural habitats, and it’s nearly impossible to provide them with the proper environment and care they need in a home.

Thanks for tuning in to both Joseph and Blondie today. I hope hearing these different perspectives has given you the confidence to craft your own authentic answers. The key is to be natural, clear, and, most importantly, yourself.

Now, it’s your turn. Practice answering these same nine questions out loud. You can even record yourself and see how your passion—or lack thereof—comes through.

Until next time, keep practicing and good luck with your speaking test!