PSLE#21 English Oral – Sharing Our Parks: When Pets Meet Wildlife
PSLEhacker Episode #21 - TREE Method
Date of News Article: 19 February 2026 Source: Adapted from The Straits Times (Environment & Community)
Reading Passage:
Singapore’s vision of becoming a “City in Nature” has brought vibrant biodiversity back to our urban spaces. Our clean waterways and lush parks are now home to a thriving population of smooth-coated otters. While these playful creatures have become beloved local mascots, their increasing presence in public parks has led to more frequent encounters with park-goers and their pets.
Recently, there have been several reported incidents of otters acting defensively towards domestic dogs. Wildlife experts explain that otters are highly protective of their family groups, or “romps,” especially when there are young pups around. To a wild otter, a curious dog running towards them can be perceived as a serious threat, prompting them to attack in self-defense.
To ensure the safety of both wildlife and pets, the National Parks Board (NParks) urges all dog owners to keep their pets on a tight leash when visiting parks. If otters are spotted, the best practice is to stop walking, keep a safe distance, and slowly move away without making sudden movements or loud noises.
Learning to share our recreational spaces is a shared responsibility. We must remember that while parks are our playgrounds, they are the natural habitats for these animals. Parents and pet owners must take a proactive approach by staying alert and reading park advisories. By choosing to respect wildlife and inculcate boundaries, we make a meaningful and wise choice. This ensures that everyone—whether on two legs, four legs, or with a tail—can enjoy Singapore’s green spaces safely and peacefully.
Word Count: 289 words
PSLE Oral Practice: Stimulus-Based Conversation (TREE Method)
Question 1: Visual Stimulus
“Look at the picture. What is the woman doing, and why is her action important?”
Thought (T): The woman is pulling back tightly on her dog’s leash to keep it away from the otters crossing the path, which is a very important safety measure.
Reason (R): Otters are wild animals and can become very aggressive if they feel threatened by a dog. By keeping her dog restrained, she is preventing a fight where either her pet or the otters could get seriously injured.
Experience (E): I have read news articles where unleashed dogs chased otters and ended up getting bitten. Seeing this woman act so responsibly gives a deep sense of reassurance that conflicts can be avoided if we are alert.
Ending (E): Therefore, controlling our pets around wildlife is a wise choice that protects both our animals and nature.
Question 2: Personal Opinion
“Some people feel that wild animals like otters should be removed from our public parks because they might be dangerous. Do you agree?”
Thought (T): No, I do not agree that they should be removed, as long as humans learn how to behave around them.
Reason (R): Having otters in our parks is a wonderful sign that our rivers and environment are clean and healthy. They only become dangerous when humans or pets provoke them, get too close, or try to feed them.
Experience (E): My family often cycles at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and we occasionally spot otters swimming. We always byte the bullet and stop our bicycles to wait for them to pass safely. Watching them play from a distance is a fun-filled experience that makes me appreciate Singapore’s wildlife.
Ending (E): Instead of removing them, we should do our part by learning to respect their space so we can coexist peacefully.
Question 3: Solution-Based
“Besides keeping dogs on leashes, what else can the community do to ensure safety when visiting parks with wildlife?”
Thought (T): The community can stay informed by reading warning signs and reminding each other of the safety rules.
Reason (R): Many park-goers might not know what to do when they suddenly see a wild animal, and they might panic or try to take close-up photographs, which is dangerous.
Experience (E): NParks could place more bright, visible signboards near areas where otters frequently cross. Also, if I see someone trying to get too close to an otter for a picture, I would politely advise them to step back. Looking out for one another helps to forge a strong sense of camaraderie and keeps the community safe.
Ending (E): By staying educated and proactive, we can prevent accidents and enjoy our beautiful “City in Nature” without worry.
Reading at your own pace……………..
Theme: Wildlife Encounters / Safety / Coexistence : A photo taken in a lush green park with the city skyline in the background. A group of three otters is crossing the paved pathway. On the right, a woman is walking her Golden Retriever. She is pulling back firmly on the dog’s leash to keep her pet away from the otters, while the dog looks curiously at them.
📖 Vocabulary List
Biodiversity (Noun): The variety of plant and animal life in the world or in a particular habitat.
Defensively (Adverb): In a way that is intended to defend or protect.
Perceived (Verb): Interpreted or looked on (someone or something) in a particular way.
Restrained (Adjective): Kept under control; prevented from acting freely.
Coexist (Verb): Exist at the same time or in the same place despite differences (e.g., humans and wildlife living together peacefully).
🌟 Idiom of the Day
“Keep at arm’s length”
Meaning: To avoid being very close to or too familiar with someone or something.
PSLE Oral Usage: “When we encounter wild animals in the park, the best rule to follow is to always keep them at arm’s length for our own safety.”