©REUTERS/Casey Hall
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- cub /kuhb/
- tire /tahyuhr/
- trough /trawf/
- enclosure /en-KLOH-zher/
- antic /AN-tik/
[noun] – a young animal, especially a young bear, lion, or similar mammals
The lion cub played in the grass with its siblings.
[noun] – a rubber covering around a wheel
The car’s tire burst after hitting a sharp rock.
[noun] – a long, narrow container for holding water or food for animals
The horses drank from the wooden trough in the stable.
[noun] – an area surrounded by a fence or wall, often used to keep animals in
The zoo added a new enclosure for the elephants.
[noun] – playful, silly, or amusing behaviors or actions
The children’s antics at the party had everyone laughing and enjoying the moment.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Junjun, an 11-month-old brown bear cub, has become a popular attraction at a zoo in Shanghai, China. Standing 1 meter tall and weighing more than 35 kg, Junjun’s every move delights the crowds that gather to watch him. His playful nature is on full display as he enjoys playing with toys like his favorite tire or splashing in a water trough. Even on quiet weekdays, when the zoo is mostly empty, visitors arrive at his outdoor enclosure every two days to see the cub. His fluffy fur and lively movements have earned him comparisons to a playful puppy, and his charm has captured the attention of many, including social media users. Videos and pictures of Junjun have gone viral online, with many people noting his similarity to the popular Disney character Duffy, a teddy bear.
Born at the zoo as the first cub of his parents, Junjun was hand-raised by the zoo’s keepers, who provided him with toys and his favorite foods, such as beef and apples with honey. His playful spirit is a constant source of joy for visitors, who admire his energetic antics. His keeper, Yang Junjie, mentioned that Junjun can play all day in his enclosure, often racing with his keepers. At times, Junjun chases them, then stops to let them catch up before running again. The bear’s popularity has grown so much that his keeper did not initially realize he had become an online celebrity. Junjun’s charm continues to make him a beloved figure at the zoo and on social media.
Born at the zoo as the first cub of his parents, Junjun was hand-raised by the zoo’s keepers, who provided him with toys and his favorite foods, such as beef and apples with honey. His playful spirit is a constant source of joy for visitors, who admire his energetic antics. His keeper, Yang Junjie, mentioned that Junjun can play all day in his enclosure, often racing with his keepers. At times, Junjun chases them, then stops to let them catch up before running again. The bear’s popularity has grown so much that his keeper did not initially realize he had become an online celebrity. Junjun’s charm continues to make him a beloved figure at the zoo and on social media.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever visited a zoo and seen an animal that was very playful, like Junjun? If yes, what animal was it, and what did it do? If not, would you like to visit a zoo and see playful animals? Why or why not?
- Have you ever learned about how animals are cared for in a zoo? If yes, what do you know about how animals are fed or treated in zoos? If not, would you be interested in learning more about how animals are raised and cared for in zoos? Why or why not?
- Do you agree that Junjun’s playful behavior makes him more popular with visitors?
- How might the popularity of animals like Junjun affect how zoos treat or care for animals?
- How can social media impact the way we view animals in zoos? Do you think it’s always positive? Why or why not?
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- crowd
- popular
- favorite
- attention
- celebrity