Speaking Part 1 · Pets 進階篇 5 題 Band 7+ 範答 + 寵物照護詞庫

Q1. What kind of pets are popular in your country?

Dogs and cats by a long way, although the breed preferences shift in interesting ways — Shiba Inus and French Bulldogs have been having a real moment in Taipei for the last few years, partly fuelled by Instagram. Smaller pets like rabbits and hamsters are popular with families in apartments where space and noise are real concerns. You'll also see the occasional reptile owner, but they're niche.

Q2. Why do people keep pets?

Mostly companionship, I'd say — especially in cities like Taipei where people live alone or in small households. There's solid research showing that having a pet lowers stress and gives you a reason to keep a routine, which I think matters more than people admit. For families, I imagine it's also about teaching kids responsibility, which is a useful side benefit.

Q3. Is it expensive to keep a pet in your country?

More than people expect, honestly — the upfront cost of buying or adopting is the cheap part. The real money goes on food, regular grooming, vet bills when something goes wrong, and increasingly on pet insurance, which has become quite common in Taiwan. Some friends of mine spend more on their dog's diet than on their own.

Q4. Should children grow up with pets?

Generally yes, provided the family is genuinely committed. Kids who grow up with a dog or a cat tend to develop empathy and a sense of responsibility quite early — you can't ignore a hungry puppy. The catch is that it has to be the family's choice, not a parent caving to a six-year-old's pestering, because the parent inevitably ends up doing most of the actual work.

Q5. Do you think pet ownership has changed in your country?

Massively, in my lifetime. When I was a kid, dogs were often kept outside, on chains, mostly as guards rather than companions. Now you see entire industries built around pets — pet cafés, dog hotels, premium food brands. Cremation services for pets have even become mainstream. It reflects a much deeper emotional bond than my grandparents' generation ever had with animals.

Band 6: People keep pets because they like animals. Pets can make people happy. They are also good company.

Band 7+: Mostly companionship, I'd say — especially in cities like Taipei where people live alone or in small households. There's solid research showing that having a pet lowers stress and gives you a reason to keep a routine, which I think matters more than people admit. For families, I imagine it's also about teaching kids responsibility.