The Treatment of Animals

white and brown cat inside cage
Type: Vocabulary
Originally published on May 14, 2020 and last updated on August 7, 2023

The topic of the treatment of animals serves as an excellent conversation topic for English learners, providing them with a platform to enhance their language skills while exploring important ethical and societal issues. Engaging in discussions about animal treatment allows learners to practice expressing their opinions, debating contrasting viewpoints and using persuasive language. Moreover, it exposes them to a wide range of vocabulary related to animal welfare, ethics and environmental concerns.

By delving into this topic, English learners can develop their critical thinking abilities and broaden their understanding of global ethical dilemmas.

Instructions:
Go through the vocabulary below with your students and ask them to try and use this vocabaulry where possible when discussing the different conversation questions.

About The Treatment Animals

The way we treat animals is an important topic that involves how humans interact with and care for animals in various contexts. It encompasses our attitudes, actions, and policies regarding animals in agriculture, research, entertainment, and as companions. The treatment of animals is a reflection of our ethical values and can impact their welfare and rights.

Many people advocate for more compassionate and ethical treatment of animals, emphasising their inherent value and promoting their well-being. Understanding and addressing the way we treat animals is crucial for building a more compassionate and sustainable society.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • treat (verb)
  • suffer (verb)
  • mistreat (verb)
  • entertainment (noun)
  • slaughter (verb)
  • slaughter house (noun)
  • pet (noun)
  • wild (adjective)

Conversation Questions

My Image
  • What are some common ways animals are used or exploited for human purposes?
  • Can you think of any positive examples of how animals are treated with kindness and respect?
  • Do you believe animals should have rights?
  • Do you think humans should eat meat? Why?
  • Why do you think we eat some animals but not others?
  • How do we use animals to work?
  • How did we use to use animals for work in the past?
  • Should animals be used for scientific experimentation?
  • Should wild animals be kept in captivity for human entertainment, like zoos and circuses?
  • Do you think that, overall, humans treat animals well?
  • What do you think we should do to start treating animals better?
  • Should stricter laws be enforced to prevent animal cruelty and abuse?
  • What are some alternatives to using animals in industries like entertainment, clothing, and scientific research?
Gregory
This conversation topic was prepared by Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.