1.

Pets are sometimes criticised because they...

A.    lack intelligence.
B.    need considerable care.
C.    are destructive.
D.    demand affection.
QUOTE: For every tale of shredded cushions, flattened plants and chewed slippers...

2.

The idea that animals are a substitute for children is...

A.    supported by research.
B.    encouraged by psychologists.
C.    an argument for keeping a pet.
D.    a common prejudice.
QUOTE: Childless couples in particular give rise to speculation, but a consultant in animal behaviour says, "There is no evidence that a pet is a direct substitute for a child."

3.

Talking to animals is...

A.    silly.
B.    not beneficial.
C.    suspicious.
D.    stimulating.
QUOTE: And while many adults feel foolish if caught talking to their pets, they have no need to. The experts say you cannot have a close relationship with a pet without treating it as a person and that talking to a pet is not unhealthy — simply a way of establishing rapport.

4.

When choosing a pet you should remember that...

A.    a young animal is best for everyone.
B.    the animal need not be attractive.
C.    certain animals can be dangerous.
D.    a ferret makes a good pet.
QUOTE: But animals don’t have to be soft and cuddly to bring out the best in us.

5.

The writer believes that pets are valuable to children because they...