Pets Cause Eight Million Device Damages Yearly

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. answerable [AN-ser-uh-buh l, AHN-] (adj.) – blamed to be responsible for doing something

Example: The mobile company is answerable for selling deficient smartphones.

2. initiate [ih-NISH-ee-eyt] (v.) – to willingly start an activity

Example:  John initiated the advocacy by starting with a pet fashion show.

3. unattended [uhn-uh-TEN-did] (adj.) – not carefully watched or monitored

Example: Unattended dogs tend to wander around by themselves.

4. replacement [ri-PLEYS- muhnt] (n.) – the act of exchanging things

Example: I asked for a replacement for the broken laptop.

5. intentionally [in-TEN-shuh-nuh-lee] (adv.) – done purposely or in a planned way

Example:  May intentionally taught her puppies to behave.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

A study shows that pets such as dogs and cats are answerable for damaging more than eight million gadgets every year. SquareTrade, an insurance company, initiated this study after receiving numerous complaints from customers. Some customers said that their pets have broken their devices, often by putting gadgets into the mouth or spilling liquid to the devices. Results of the study revealed that one out of five pet owners has experienced this problem, which cost owners about $3 billion for repair and replacement. People who let their pets sleep or sit with them are reported to be more likely to encounter such accidents. Leaving pets unattended also cause most of the device-damaging accidents. The study also found that there are differences on how pets damage gadgets. Compared with cats, dogs are twice more likely to accidentally break a gadget. Male and overweight pets, regardless of their kind, also often cause this type of accident. To prevent pets from damaging devices, SquareTrade advised pet owners to put the gadgets in places that are hard to reach and are far from liquids. The company also suggested that owners give pets more attention and more chances to exercise to keep their interest away from the devices. Furthermore, people must know that pets do not break things intentionally. And despite pets causing a lot of device damages, people should not stop treating the animals well.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why do you think pets often tend to break things in the house?

·         Should people stop getting pets to avoid the damages that pets cause? Why or why not?

Discussion B

·         In your opinion, what are the advantages of having pets? Please explain your answer.

·         How can people better care for their pets?

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