[C] I'm not crazy about them when they turn into cats

LET'S READ! 📖

Direction: Read the conversation below. Then, exchange roles with your mentor.

Women

Icon_Staff

Staff

Hi. Welcome to Maryville Township. Can I help you?

Icon_Marie

Marie

Thanks, yeah. I think I've got a big problem. Now that the nice weather is here, I'm spending more time outside in the yard. The other day I noticed a cat with a little of kittens in the corner of the yard under a tree.

Icon_Staff

Staff

I love kittens! They're so cute! Did you ask your neighbors if anyone is missing a cat?

Icon_Marie

Marie

Oh, I think kittens are cute, too. But I'm not crazy about them when they grow into cats. I'm a dog person. Anyway, I checked with the neighbors, but they don't own cats. I don't know what to do about them. I don't really want a litter of kittens in my yard, but I don't know who can help me.

Icon_Staff

Staff

Come on in. Mr. Suzuki is our animal control officer. His office is right down the hall, on the left. His department takes care of these things. I'm sure he can help.

Icon_Marie

Marie

That's a relief! I don't want them to go hungry, but I don't want the responsibility of taking care of them.

A short time later...

Icon_Take

Mr. Suzuki

I understand that you have some feral cats in your yard. Be careful. These are wild cats, and they can be very aggressive around humans.

Icon_Marie

Marie

I don't want to hurt them. Is there a way to move them from my yard?

Icon_Take

Mr. Suzuki

Actually, we have a feral cat program. There are a few specially trained cat people in the neighborhood who can trap the cats humanely. Then, they'll take them to the vet to be neutered or spayed. When the cats have recovered, they'll be released back into the woods.

Icon_Marie

Marie

Won't they be in danger in the woods?

Icon_Take

Mr. Suzuki

These cats can take care of themselves. They'll be fine.

Icon_Marie

Marie

Wow, thanks so much for the help. I didn't know there are so many ways the town can help residents!

QUESTION

1. Why did Marie seek help from the receptionist?

2. What does Mr. Suzuki suggest as a solution for the feral cats?

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. When as a conjunction

We use when as a conjunction meaning ‘at the time that’. The clause with when is a subordinate clause (sc) and needs a main clause (mc) to complete its meaning. If the when-clause comes before the main clause, we use a comma.

Let's Understand

B. When as a relative pronoun

We can use when as a relative pronoun in relative clauses.

Example: That was the week when we booked our holiday.

C. When vs If

We use when to refer to a future situation or condition that we are certain of, whereas we use if to introduce a possible or unreal situation.

Compare

When I see Gary, I'll tell him that you said hello.	I will definitely see Gary.
If I see Gary, I'll tell him that you said hello.	I may see Gary but I am not certain.

Part I

A. Direction: Imagine that you're in the following situations and complete the statements.

When I see my favorite actor, __________________________________.
When I was young, .
When you learn a new language, ________________________________________.

B. Direction: Listen to the dialogue and answer the questions below.

Why couldn't Anne join Mary and Charles on the hiking trip?
What do Mary and Charles promise to do for Anne next time?
What is Anne looking forward to on their next hike?