©REUTERS/Casey Hall
Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever seen a baby cub in person? What kind of cub was it, and how was it different from an older one?
- If you could design your own zoo, what animals would you include, and why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- charm /chahrm/
- captivate /KAP-tuh-veyt/
- delight /dih-LAHYT/
- caretaker /KAIR-tey-ker/
- sensation /sen-SEY-shuhn/
[noun] – the quality of being pleasing or attractive
Her smile has a unique charm that makes everyone feel at ease.
[verb] – to attract and hold the attention or interest of someone
The magician’s performance captivated the entire audience.
[noun] – a strong feeling of happiness or satisfaction
It is always a delight to spend time with old friends.
[noun] – a person who takes care of someone or something
The caretaker of the building ensures everything is clean and well-maintained.
[noun] – a widespread reaction of interest or excitement
His unique style of painting created a sensation in the art world.
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 star attraction at a zoo in Shanghai, China. He stands about 1 meter tall and weighs over 35 kg. Visitors are enchanted by his playful behavior, whether he is splashing in a water trough or playing with his favorite toy, a tire. Even on quiet weekdays, visitors come to see him every two days, drawn by his fluffy fur and lively antics, which have earned him comparisons to a playful puppy. His charm has also captivated social media, where videos and photos of him have gone viral. Many have commented on his resemblance to Duffy, a beloved Disney teddy bear.
Junjun is the first cub born to his parents at the zoo and was hand-raised by keepers. They gave him toys and treats like beef, apples, and honey to keep him happy and healthy. His energetic personality is a delight to visitors, who love watching him run, play, and interact with his keepers. Yang Junjie, his caretaker, shared that Junjun can play all day, often chasing his keepers or stopping to let them catch up before running again. Although his keeper did not realize it at first, Junjun’s playful charm has made him an online sensation and a beloved figure at the zoo.
Junjun is the first cub born to his parents at the zoo and was hand-raised by keepers. They gave him toys and treats like beef, apples, and honey to keep him happy and healthy. His energetic personality is a delight to visitors, who love watching him run, play, and interact with his keepers. Yang Junjie, his caretaker, shared that Junjun can play all day, often chasing his keepers or stopping to let them catch up before running again. Although his keeper did not realize it at first, Junjun’s playful charm has made him an online sensation and a beloved figure at the zoo.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- Where does Junjun live?
- What is Junjun’s favorite toy?
- Why do people compare Junjun to a puppy?
- What kinds of treats does Junjun get from his keepers?
- Why has Junjun become famous on social media?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you have a favorite animal that you like to watch or learn about? If so, what makes that animal special to you? If not, do you think you would enjoy watching animals like Junjun? 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 do you think the keepers help Junjun stay happy and healthy?
- How can social media impact the way we view animals in zoos? Do you think it’s always positive? Why or why not?