Let People Own

Exotic Animals
This is a debate about the ethics of owning exotic animals, with
Zuzana Kukol's argument in favor of ownership.

MM
Argument by Zuzana Kukol
Zuzana Kukol presents a compelling argument for allowing individuals to own exotic animals. She believes that
responsible ownership can benefit both the animals and their human companions.

Responsible Ownership Educational Benefits Conservation Efforts

Kukol emphasizes the importance She argues that owning exotic Kukol believes that owning exotic
of responsible ownership, including animals can be educational, animals can contribute to
proper care, housing, and fostering a deeper understanding conservation efforts by raising
enrichment for the animals. and appreciation for these awareness and supporting
creatures. breeding programs.
Attention-grabbing Lead-
in Question
Kukol begins her argument with a thought-provoking question, challenging
the audience's assumptions about the ethical implications of owning exotic
animals. She may ask, "Can owning exotic animals be beneficial to both
the animals and humans?"

1 Engaging the 2 Challenging

Audience Assumptions
This technique immediately The question encourages the
captures the reader's reader to question their
attention and invites them to preconceived notions about
consider a different exotic animal ownership.
perspective.

3 Setting the Tone

Kukol's approach sets a tone of thoughtful exploration, inviting the
audience to engage in a nuanced discussion.
Meet the Author and Learn About Her
Perspective
Zuzana Kukol is a passionate advocate for responsible exotic animal ownership, often speaking at conferences and publishing articles.

Background and Research and Education Advocacy and Outreach

Experience
She has conducted extensive research Kukol is actively involved in promoting
Kukol's personal experience with on the topic, drawing upon scientific responsible ownership through
exotic animals informs her evidence and ethical considerations. outreach programs and advocacy
perspective, giving her a unique initiatives.
understanding of the complexities of
ownership.
Persuasive Techniques Used in the
Argument
Kukol utilizes various persuasive techniques to convince her audience, including appeals to logic,
emotion, and ethics. These techniques are carefully chosen to effectively convey her message.

1 Logos (Logic)
Kukol employs logical arguments, citing scientific evidence and research to support
her claims about the benefits of responsible exotic animal ownership.

2 Pathos (Emotion)
She also appeals to the audience's emotions, sharing personal stories and anecdotes
to connect with their feelings.

3 Ethos (Credibility)
Kukol establishes her credibility as a knowledgeable expert by sharing her experience
and qualifications.

4 Anecdotal Evidence
She also uses anecdotal evidence, sharing stories of individuals who have benefited
from owning exotic animals.
Divide the Class into 4
Groups
The class can be divided into four groups, each focusing on a different aspect
of Kukol's argument. This allows for a deeper exploration of the topic and
encourages critical thinking.

Group 1 Group 2

Group 3 Group 4
Assign a Task to Each Group
Using Differentiated Materials
Each group will receive differentiated materials to support
their exploration of the topic, ensuring that all students are
challenged and engaged.
.

.
Group 1
Text Dependent Questions:

1. What is the author's main claim about the private ownership of exotic
animals?

2. How does the author support the claim that responsible ownership of
exotic animals should be legal?

3. What evidence does the author provide regarding the dangers posed by
exotic animals?

4. In what ways does the author compare the ownership of exotic animals
to other freedoms individuals have, such as choosing a car or a pet?

5. How does the author address the potential consequences of banning

exotic animals based on the actions of a few individuals?
 Group 2

Questions Relating to Persuasive Techniques:

1. Use of Statistics: How does the author use statistics about fatalities
caused by exotic animals to persuade the reader? Do you think these
statistics effectively support the author's argument?

2. Appeals to Emotion: In what ways does the author appeal to the

reader’s emotions regarding the freedom of choice? Do you find this
emotional appeal effective in strengthening the argument?

3. Analogies and Comparisons: How does the author use analogies—

comparing the ownership of exotic animals to choosing a car or a pet—to
make their case? Do these comparisons resonate with you? Why or why
not?

4. Logical Reasoning: Evaluate the logical structure of the author’s

argument. Are the claims made supported by sound reasoning? Are
there any logical fallacies present in the argument?
 5. Which of the following best describes the author's tone in the article?
a. Angry and confrontational
b. Neutral and informative
Group 3 mcq c. Passionate and persuasive
d. Sad and regretful
Persuasive Elements in Literature Assessment
6. What does the author suggest about Terry Thompson?
1. What is the main claim of the author in this text?
a. He was a typical exotic animal owner
a. Exotic animals should be banned entirely
b. He represented responsible ownership
b. Responsible private ownership of exotic animals should be legal
c. He was an exception rather than the rule
c. Only government facilities should be allowed to keep exotic animals
d. He should have been allowed to keep his animals
d. All exotic animals should be returned to the wild
7. Which rhetorical device does the author use in the final paragraph?
2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a reason for keeping exotic animals?
a. Analogy
a. Commercial purposes
b. Hyperbole
b. As pets
c. Personification
c. For scientific research
d. Alliteration
d. As a backup in case of extinction
8. What does the author imply about the freedom to choose in paragraph 5?
3. According to the text, how many people on average are killed by captive big cats,
a. It should be limited for safety reasons
snakes, elephants, and bears in the US annually?
b. It should extend to exotic animal ownership
a. 125
c. It only applies to domestic animals
b. 3.25
d. It is not important in this context
c. 10
d. 1 9. How does the author address potential counterarguments?
a. By ignoring them completely
4. What comparison does the author make to highlight the low risk of exotic animal
b. By dismissing them as irrelevant
ownership?
c. By asking rhetorical questions
a. Comparing it to the risk of owning domestic pets
d. By providing statistical evidence
b. Comparing it to the risk of living in certain neighborhoods
c. Comparing it to the risk of traffic accidents 10. What is the primary purpose of this text?
d. Comparing it to the risk of natural disasters a. To inform readers about exotic animals
b. To entertain with stories about animal ownership
c. To persuade readers that exotic animal ownership should be legal
d. To criticize the current laws on animal ownership
Group 4
Should people be allowed to keep lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and other large animals in private
collections? This author thinks so.

Write a summary after reading the selection

 Group 1
Answers for Writing Prompt Text Dependent Questions:

1. The author's main claim is that responsible private ownership of exotic

animals should be legal if animal welfare is prioritized.

2. The author supports the claim by stating that most exotic animals are
bred in captivity, which reduces the pressure on wild populations and
preserves species.

3. The author provides evidence that only 3.25 people per year are killed by
captive big cats, snakes, elephants, and bears, highlighting that fatalities
primarily involve owners and trainers.

4. The author compares ownership of exotic animals to the freedoms

individuals have in choosing cars or pets, arguing that if people can
choose those, they should also have the right to choose exotic animals.

5. The author addresses the consequences of banning exotic animals by

stating that if society reacts harshly to the actions of a few individuals, it
could lead to an absurd situation where all children or humans would
need to be banned to prevent abuse or crime.
Group 2

Answers Questions Relating to Persuasive Techniques:

Use of Statistics: The author uses statistics to highlight that only 3.25 people per year are killed by captive big cats, snakes, elephants, and
bears, framing this number as relatively low compared to daily traffic fatalities, which average about 125 per day. By contrasting these
statistics, the author seeks to downplay the perceived danger of owning exotic animals. This use of statistics can effectively support the
author's argument by demonstrating that concerns about safety may be exaggerated in comparison to other risks that people face daily.

Appeals to Emotion: The author appeals to the reader’s emotions by emphasizing the idea of personal freedom and the right to choose
what kind of animals to own. Phrases like “freedom to choose” evoke a sense of individual rights and autonomy, which can resonate deeply
with readers who value personal liberty. This emotional appeal is effective in strengthening the argument as it taps into a fundamental
belief in freedom of choice, prompting readers to consider whether restricting ownership of exotic animals is an infringement on personal
rights.

Analogies and Comparisons: The author compares owning exotic animals to having the freedom to choose a car or a domestic pet. By
doing so, the author argues that if society allows people to make choices about less risky animals and possessions, it should also extend
that freedom to exotic animals. These comparisons resonate well because they align the ownership of exotic animals with familiar
concepts of choice and individual rights. The analogy effectively illustrates the author’s point that limiting ownership based on fear of the
unknown is inconsistent with other accepted freedoms.

Logical Reasoning: The logical structure of the author’s argument is fairly sound, as the claims made are supported by reasoning that
emphasizes personal freedoms, statistics, and counterarguments. The author successfully connects the idea of responsible ownership with
the notion of liberty, creating a cohesive argument.
Group 3 mcq
Answer Key

1. b

2. c

3. b

4. c

5. c

6. c

7. a

8. b

9. c

10. c
Answer

Group 4
Should people be allowed to keep lions, tigers, bears, elephants, and other large animals in private collections? This author
thinks so.

Summary of the Text:

The article presents an argument in favor of allowing responsible private ownership of exotic animals, asserting that such
ownership should be legal as long as animal welfare is prioritized. The author claims that most exotic animals are bred in captivity,
reducing pressure on wild populations and serving as a safeguard against extinction. The text emphasizes that the dangers posed by
exotic animals are minimal compared to other risks in society, such as car accidents. The author also highlights the importance of
personal freedom in choosing what species to own and questions whether the problem lies with private ownership or individual
behavior. Overall, the article seeks to defend the idea of private ownership against calls for regulation and restriction based on the
actions of a few irresponsible individuals.
Explore the Key Concept for
MYP Relating to the Selection
This selection relates to the MYP key concept of "relationships" by exploring the
interconnectedness between humans and animals, and the ethical considerations that arise
from those relationships.

Human-Animal Interactions
The selection explores the complex relationship between humans and exotic
animals, examining the ethical implications of ownership.

Responsibility and Care

Kukol's argument highlights the importance of responsible care for exotic
animals, emphasizing the ethical obligation of humans to their animal
companions.

Conservation and Preservation

The selection also touches on the interconnectedness of human actions and
the conservation of endangered species, emphasizing the role of responsible
ownership in protecting biodiversity.
Discuss the Benefits of Owning Exotic
Animals
The selection highlights the potential benefits of owning exotic animals, emphasizing the educational, conservation, and
personal fulfillment aspects. These benefits can only be realized through responsible ownership.

Educational Benefits Conservation Benefits Personal Fulfillment

Owning exotic animals can provide Responsible ownership can contribute For some individuals, owning exotic
valuable educational opportunities, to conservation efforts by supporting animals can bring a sense of purpose
fostering a deeper understanding of breeding programs and raising and fulfillment, providing
these creatures and their habitats. awareness about endangered species. companionship and a connection to the
natural world.
Conclusion and Call to Action
Kukol concludes her argument by urging readers to consider a balanced
perspective on exotic animal ownership. She encourages responsible ownership
that benefits both the animals and their human companions.

1 Promoting Responsible 2 Encouraging Dialogue

Ownership and Debate
Kukol advocates for a nuanced She believes that open
approach to exotic animal discussion and respectful
ownership, emphasizing the dialogue are essential to finding
importance of ethical solutions that benefit both
considerations. humans and animals.

3 Call to Action
Kukol invites readers to take action, whether it's supporting responsible
breeders, advocating for ethical policies, or educating others about the
importance of animal welfare.