As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter the question, “Are there many people keeping pets?” in the IELTS Speaking test. This seemingly simple topic can actually offer a rich opportunity for candidates to showcase their language skills and cultural understanding.

Understanding the Topic: Why “Pets” Matter in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners aren’t just interested in your vocabulary; they want to see if you can:

• Express opinions and justify them: Why do you think people keep pets? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
• Discuss trends and social factors: Is pet ownership increasing or decreasing in your country? What factors might influence this?
• Share personal experiences: Have you or someone you know ever had a pet? How has it impacted their life?

The topic “pets” allows you to demonstrate these skills naturally.

How to Tackle “Are There Many People Keeping Pets?”

1. Analyzing the Question

Before you jump into an answer, break down what the question is really asking:

• “Are there many…” implies you need to discuss the popularity or prevalence of pet ownership.
• “…keeping pets…” indicates a focus on the active act of owning and caring for a pet, not just liking animals.

2. Structuring Your Response

A well-structured response is key to a high Speaking band score. Consider this approach:

• Opening statement: Briefly state your overall observation about pet ownership (e.g., “Yes, I’d say pet ownership is quite common these days…” or “In my country, it’s becoming increasingly popular for people to…”)
• Reasons and examples: Provide specific reasons for this trend.
  • Urbanization: “With more people living in apartments, smaller pets like cats and fish are becoming popular.”
  • Emotional support: “Pets are known to provide companionship and reduce stress, which is important in today’s busy world.”
  • Social media: “People love sharing pictures of their pets online, which might encourage others to get one too.”
• Personal experience (optional): If relevant, briefly share your own experience or the experience of someone you know. This adds a personal touch and demonstrates your fluency.
• Concluding remark: Summarize your points and offer a final thought.

3. Example Answer

“Yes, I believe there are many people keeping pets nowadays. In my city, it’s quite common to see people walking their dogs in the park or even bringing their small dogs with them to cafes. I think this trend is partly due to the increasing awareness of the emotional benefits of having a pet. Many people find that pets offer companionship and reduce stress, which is especially important in today’s fast-paced world. Personally, my family has always had cats, and I find that they bring a lot of joy and calmness to our home.”

dog walking

Additional Tips for Success

• Vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases related to pets (e.g., breeds, caretaking, companionship, emotional bond).
• Grammar: Pay attention to using correct tenses and grammatical structures.
• Fluency: Speak naturally and try to connect your ideas smoothly.
• Practice: Practice answering similar questions related to trends, lifestyles, and societal changes.

By following these tips and understanding the nuances of this IELTS Speaking topic, you’ll be well-prepared to confidently share your thoughts and impress the examiner.