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Speak With Me: English Speaking Practice

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Vanessa teaches learners how to talk about pets through a sample conversation and practical examples. The lesson covers asking about a dog, explaining allergies, describing adopted or rescue animals, discussing leashes, and asking about a pet’s breed. The examples are useful for casual conversation with a pet owner, but they also remind learners to ask permission before approaching or touching an unfamiliar animal.

“What kind is he?” asks what type or breed a male animal is. It is a short follow-up question after someone mentions a dog. A speaker might also ask, “What made you decide to get that breed?” to invite the owner to explain their choice. The question can lead to a longer exchange about temperament, size, or family needs.

“I’m allergic to cat fur” explains a reason someone cannot comfortably be around cats. The phrase “I’m allergic to…” can be used with foods, animals, or other triggers. Vanessa discusses adopting and rescue animals. “Take care of” means provide the attention and support an animal needs, including food and daily care. The lesson notes that animal shelters are common in the United States and that some pets are adopted from shelters.

“On a leash” means attached to and controlled by a leash. A dog owner may say, “Where’s the leash?” before taking a dog for a walk. Vanessa also models asking before petting someone’s dog. A friendly opening does not guarantee that an animal wants to be touched, so learners should wait for the owner’s response and respect a no.

To practise, imagine meeting a neighbor with a dog. Ask a light question about the animal, then listen to the answer. If you want to pet the dog, ask permission rather than reaching out. These phrases make it easier to discuss pets while keeping the interaction considerate and safe.

S2.1
Speak English With VanessaAmerican English23:25

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Transcript

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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00

Introduces a conversation about pets and asking about a dog.

Vanessa Hi Oh what a cute dog Oh is your heart starting to beat kind of fast Do you know how to respond to this question Do you know how to talk about your pets in English Well never fear today I'm going to help you talk comfortably about your pets in English Let's do it Hi I'm Vanessa from SpeakEnglishWithVanessa com And in today's exciting lesson you are going to get a chance to speak with me and tell me all about your precious pet And if you've never had a pet well this is a great time to also learn how to talk

Try it: Choose a pet-related question or expression and use it in a friendly, respectful conversation.

Phrase cheat sheet

All phrases at a glance

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6 phrases

what kind is he

Introduces a conversation about pets and asking about a dog. · expression

Ask what type or breed a male animal is.

Tone and use: Friendly small-talk question. Use it after someone introduces or mentions a male pet.

May not fit: Use the correct pronoun or ask “What kind of dog is he?” for clarity.

Example“What kind is he—some type of terrier?”

I’m allergic to cat fur

Introduces a conversation about pets and asking about a dog. · expression

I have an allergic reaction to cat fur.

Tone and use: Common health explanation. Use it to explain why you need distance from cats or their fur.

May not fit: State severe allergies clearly and take appropriate precautions.

Example“I’m allergic to cat fur, so I can’t visit homes with cats.”

rescue cats

Discusses allergies and adopting animals. · expression

Cats adopted from a rescue organization or animal shelter.

Tone and use: Common pet-adoption phrase. Use it when discussing animals adopted from a shelter or rescue group.

May not fit: “Rescue” describes how they were adopted, not a breed.

Example“They adopted two rescue cats last year.”

take care of them

Explains rescue pets and animal shelters. · expression

Provide the attention, food, and support they need.

Tone and use: Common everyday expression. Use it when describing responsibility for a person or animal.

May not fit: Specify who “them” refers to if it is not clear.

Example“We take care of the neighborhood cats together.”

on a leash

Practises leash and pet-care language. · expression

Attached to and controlled by a leash.

Tone and use: Common pet and walking phrase. Use it when describing an animal being walked or restrained.

May not fit: Follow local rules and keep the animal safely secured.

Example“Please keep your dog on a leash in the park.”

what made you decide to get that breed

Models asking to pet a friendly dog. · expression

Ask what influenced someone’s choice of a particular breed.

Tone and use: Curious and conversational. Use it to invite a pet owner to explain their choice.

May not fit: Ask with genuine curiosity rather than judging the choice.

Example“What made you decide to get that breed of dog?”

Knowledge check

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What it means · “what kind is he”

If you ask “What kind is he?” about a dog, what do you want to know?