Upper-intermediate speaking
Animals
Discuss the animal world, identify useful traits and reflect on survival and conservation.
1 · Discuss
Animals and us
Work through the questions, explain your reasons and compare your answers.
Round 1 · Start with the pictures
- Look at the pictures on the next slides. Can you name the animals?
Round 2 · Personal connections
- What animal best represents you? Why? (I like swimming so maybe the dolphin, I’m clever, so maybe the monkey?)
- Which is your favourite animal?
- What creature scares you? Why?
- Except for food, do humans need other animals? Why or why not?
- What is the most effective way to save endangered species?
Round 3 · Survival and society
- What are some examples of useful traits that help animals survive? (i.e. a giraffe’s long neck)
- What is Darwin famous for?
- What traits have made humans a successful species?
- What is the cutest animal you can think of? How about the ugliest?
- Why do humans have pets? Do you have a pet? Why or why not?
- Are there any animals that we should try to kill off completely?
2 · Traits
How animals survive
- Match the pictures wit the words:
3 · Name them
Which animals can you identify?
4 · Endangered
Species and conservation
5 · Identify
More animals and creatures
6 · Write
Develop your ideas
Choose one question and organise your response with reasons, examples and a clear conclusion.
Animals and human needs
A growing number of people feel that animals should not be exploited and should have the same rights as humans. Others argue that humans need animals for purposes including food and research. Discuss both views and give your opinion.
Pets as family
Many people have a close relationship with their pets and treat them as members of the family. Are these relationships beneficial? Use specific reasons and examples to support your answer.