April Week One

 This week we discussed animals! Pets, dogs, cats, puppies, creepy crawlies, charismatic megafauna... All of the ins and out of the animal kingdom.

Listening:
Learners can try an activity from the British Council about Wild animals or an article from Breaking News English about Animal Rights.

For original version, try a TED Talk related to the animal kingdom: Hooked on Octopus or the Emergent Genius of Ant Colonies. Or try the episode from Radiolab, Animal Minds.

Reading:
Learners can try a reading comprehension activity about pets, or about the domestication of cats.  Finally, try an article about protecting the giant panda.

For original version, read about a Japanese dog's encounter with Google Street View.  Or try one of the following excellent essays:

The Squid Hunter by David Grann There was no land for hundreds of miles, yet the mast rattled and the hull shuddered, as if the vessel had run aground…

The Truth About Lions by Abigail Tucker The world’s foremost lion expert reveals the brutal, secret world of the king of beasts.

Dining With the Snakes by Jared Diamond Watching a python eat rat is not a spectacle for the squeamish. But it is a lesson in some prodigious feats of physiology.

Riding the Rays by Douglas Adams Heading out on a Bond-style submarine moped in search of a giant manta ray to surf. (Yes, it is nonfiction).

Writing:
This week please write an essay about one of the following topics:Some people think that zoos should be closed. Do you agree? Write about:

1. living conditions for the animals
2. conservation
3. … (your own idea)

Is it better to keep cats just in the home or to let them go outside? Write about:

1. the natural way for cats to live
2. cats’ effect on wildlife
3. … (your own idea)

Best,
Kelly