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Pre-reading questions:
- What do you think defines an animal as “ugly” in the eyes of humans?
- How does society’s perception of beauty influence our attitudes toward animals?
Vocabulary:
- affection /uh-FEK-shuhn/
- standard /STAN-derd /
- appreciate /uh-PREE-shee-eyt/
- inspire /in-SPAHYUHR /
- treasure /TREZH-er /
[noun] – a feeling of liking for a person or place
Maria showed affection for her little sister by giving her a warm hug and a gentle smile.
[noun] – a level of quality
The teacher explained that it was important to follow the standard rules of grammar when writing an essay.
[verb] – to recognize how good someone or something is and to value them or it
I appreciate my teacher’s help because she always explains things clearly and makes learning easy.
[verb] – to make someone have a particular strong feeling or reaction
The motivational speaker’s words of encouragement and success stories inspired the students to believe in their own abilities and work hard towards their goals.
[verb] – to take great care of something because you love it or consider it very valuable
Sarah treasured the handmade bracelet her best friend gave her as a birthday gift.
Article reading:
Animals like the blobfish and naked mole rats captivate us by defying conventional beauty standards. They challenge our notions of attractiveness and remind us to appreciate their unique qualities beyond appearances. These “ugly” animals stand out with their exceptional adaptability and intriguing behaviors. Take, for example, the proboscis monkey with its long nose that helps it attract mates, or the axolotl with its incredible regenerative abilities. These unique animals inspire us as underdogs, facing challenges and prejudices. Despite society’s tendency to overlook them, their resilience and distinctiveness make them truly lovable. Their enduring popularity in popular culture further emphasizes our fascination with their unconventional beauty.
“Ugly” animals defy conventional beauty standards and captivate us with their exceptional qualities. Appreciating these creatures encourages us to look beyond appearances and admire the wonders of nature. By embracing and celebrating them, we expand our understanding of beauty and treasure the uniqueness of all living beings. Let’s continue to be in awe of the captivating world of “ugly” animals and cherish the diversity on our planet.
Comprehension questions
- What has piqued the curiosity of scientists and animal enthusiasts?
- How do animals like blobfish and naked mole rats challenge our notions of attractiveness?
- What qualities of the proboscis monkey and the axolotl make them stand out?
- How do “ugly” animals inspire us as underdogs?
- Despite society’s tendency to overlook them, what makes “ugly” animals truly lovable?
Discussion questions
- Can you recall a time when you witnessed an “ugly” animal displaying exceptional adaptations in its natural environment? How did that experience change your perception of its beauty?
- Have you ever had a conversation with someone who didn’t appreciate the unique qualities of an “ugly” animal? How did you respond to their perspective?
- Do you agree that unconventional animals, despite being considered “ugly,” can capture our attention and affection?
- How do you think our fascination with “ugly” animals can influence our perspective on beauty and diversity in general?
- Why do you think some animals that are not conventionally attractive can still capture our attention and affection?