PASSAGE 29

PETS

In most European countries pets are considered to be part of families. Parents would
sooner keep pets in their houses than buy their children toys preventing them from thinking
or forming independent personalities. Psychologists also suggest that children should have
pets so that they can learn how to share. When compared with other children, a child who has
a pet is more affectionate and helpful. However, some parents are not in favor of keeping
pets in their houses due to the problems the animals may cause. I think parents who are
against having pets should determine whether their comfort or their children's preference
makes their sons or daughters happier.

I. VOCABULARY
Pet: Animal kept
Toy: Plaything
To prevent: To stop
Independent: Free
To suggest: To advise/to propose
To compare: To put side by side, to contrast
Affectionate: Loving, friendly
In favor of: In support of, for
Due to: Because of, on account of
To determine: To find out
II. EXERCISE: Complete the sentences with a suitable form of the words defined
above
1. The state has the authority to ..... the content of a child's education".
2. He is completely kind, ..... and forgiving.
3. We all are ..... free thought.
4. We can see a difference when we ......the two ev forms.
5. Two......studies surprisingly obtain*0-:! "he same results.
III. READING COMPREHENSION
1. It is pointed out in the passage that
A. toys contribute to children's forming independent personalities.
B. pets spoil the children,
C. parents keep pets in their houses to amuse their children.
D. some parents prefer pets to toys because they prevent their .children from
thinking.
E. pets help children form a positive character.
2. It is implied in the passage that..............
A. pets may cause some diseases.
B. pets are likely to cause serious problems.
C. pets-are less harmful than toys.
D. parents shouldn't buy toys for their children.
E. some toys are likely to stop children from improving their imagination.
3. It can be deduced from the passage that .............
A. pets are harmful to the children.
B. parents should consider their children's interests to make them happy.
C. children's interests should be ignored for the parents' sake.
D. it is not always possible to meet the children's needs
E. the writer is against keeping pets if it gives any inconvenience to parents.