Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What types of pets are common in your country?
- What do you consider the most challenging aspect of owning a pet?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- boast /bohst/
- database /DEY-tuh-beys/
- feline /FEE-lahyn/
- ailment /EYL-muhnt/
- affection /uh-FEK-shuhn/
[verb] – to proudly possess or to emphasize something desirable or impressive about oneself or something else
The company boasts a revolutionary new technology that has changed the industry.
[noun] – a structured set of data held in a computer, especially one that is accessible in various ways
The company maintains a comprehensive database of customer preferences to tailor their marketing strategies effectively.
[adjective] – relating to cats or resembling cats
The veterinarian specializes in treating various feline illnesses and conditions.
[noun] – an illness
He was diagnosed with a chronic digestive ailment that required long-term treatment.
[noun] – a gentle feeling of fondness or liking
Her pet dog greeted her with affection every time she came home from work.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Mayumi Kitakata, a 57-year-old from central Tokyo, uses the AI app CatsMe! to ensure her 14-year-old cat, Chi, stays healthy. Developed by Carelogy and Nihon University, CatsMe! detects cat discomfort, easing vet visit stress. Kitakata appreciates its effectiveness in monitoring Chi’s health, especially in Japan where pets are crucial in homes amid an aging population and declining birth rates.
CatsMe! has gained significant traction since its launch, attracting over 230,000 users. It boasts an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 95%, expected to improve as its AI learns from a growing database of feline images. Nihon University professor Kazuya Edamura explains that while veterinarians can often detect animal discomfort, it is more challenging for pet owners. He highlights that over 70% of elderly cats suffer from ailments like arthritis, with only a small fraction receiving proper medical attention. The app serves as a crucial tool for preliminary assessment, alerting owners to potential health issues. Kitakata closely monitors Chi’s daily activities, using the app to analyze his facial expressions. She hopes this technology will prevent a recurrence of what happened with her previous cat, Soran, who tragically lost the battle with cancer despite regular vet visits. Kitakata’s commitment reflects a blend of technology and affection in modern pet care, aiming to enhance Chi’s quality of life through AI-driven health monitoring.
CatsMe! has gained significant traction since its launch, attracting over 230,000 users. It boasts an impressive accuracy rate exceeding 95%, expected to improve as its AI learns from a growing database of feline images. Nihon University professor Kazuya Edamura explains that while veterinarians can often detect animal discomfort, it is more challenging for pet owners. He highlights that over 70% of elderly cats suffer from ailments like arthritis, with only a small fraction receiving proper medical attention. The app serves as a crucial tool for preliminary assessment, alerting owners to potential health issues. Kitakata closely monitors Chi’s daily activities, using the app to analyze his facial expressions. She hopes this technology will prevent a recurrence of what happened with her previous cat, Soran, who tragically lost the battle with cancer despite regular vet visits. Kitakata’s commitment reflects a blend of technology and affection in modern pet care, aiming to enhance Chi’s quality of life through AI-driven health monitoring.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How does Mayumi Kitakata use the CatsMe! app?
- Why does Kitakata appreciate the CatsMe! app?
- According to the article, what is significant about Japan’s pet population?
- How many users have the CatsMe! app attracted since its launch?
- What percentage of elderly cats suffer from ailments like arthritis, according to Nihon University professor Kazuya Edamura?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you think advanced technology like the CatsMe! app could improve the way pet owners manage their pets’ health? If so, in what ways? If not, what are the potential drawbacks?
- Considering the statistics shared in the article about elderly cats’ health issues, what steps do you think pet owners can take to ensure their pets receive adequate medical attention as they age?
- Do you agree with the statement that Japan’s aging population and declining birth rates contribute to the increasing importance of pets in households?
- How might the widespread use of AI apps like CatsMe! impact traditional veterinary practices and the role of veterinarians in pet healthcare?
- Considering Kitakata’s experience with both Soran and Chi, what ethical considerations should be taken into account when using AI-driven technologies in pet care?