Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- If you had to leave home quickly, what is one thing you would bring with you?
- What do you think animals feel when they are left alone in a new place?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- conflict /KON-flikt/
- state /steyt/
- welcome /WEL-kuhm/
- kindness /KAHYND-nis/
- rural /ROOR-uhl/
[noun] – a fight or war between two or more groups or countries
News reports talked about the conflict in the northern region.
[verb] – to say or write something clearly and officially
The manager stated the rules at the beginning of the meeting.
[verb] – to say or show that something or someone is good or wanted
The community welcomed the new health center in the village.
[noun] – the quality of being nice and caring to others
She showed kindness by helping the lost child.
[adjective] – related to the countryside or farming areas
Many people in rural areas grow their own food.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
Thailand’s Livestock Department has created emergency shelters for pets and farm animals affected by armed conflict near the Cambodia border. The clashes forced many people to leave their homes quickly. Some could not bring their animals with them. To support those affected, local offices in border provinces, including Surin, prepared special spaces to care for the animals. In Surin, a government facility arranged areas for pets, with space for around 20 animals. It was already housing several cats and dogs. Officials also prepared food for livestock, such as cows and buffaloes, left in dangerous zones.
The program was developed to reduce stress for families who had to evacuate but could not stay with their pets due to rules at shelters and hotels. Sornchai Kongsook, director of the Surin center, stated that pet owners can leave their animals at no cost but must visit every day to care for them. The shelter’s efforts have been welcomed by many, including Wilawan Duangvao, a schoolteacher who had to leave her dogs after an evacuation order. She thanked the staff for their kindness. The conflict has not only affected people but also rural communities that depend on farming. Officials say this action shows the importance of animal protection during emergencies.
The program was developed to reduce stress for families who had to evacuate but could not stay with their pets due to rules at shelters and hotels. Sornchai Kongsook, director of the Surin center, stated that pet owners can leave their animals at no cost but must visit every day to care for them. The shelter’s efforts have been welcomed by many, including Wilawan Duangvao, a schoolteacher who had to leave her dogs after an evacuation order. She thanked the staff for their kindness. The conflict has not only affected people but also rural communities that depend on farming. Officials say this action shows the importance of animal protection during emergencies.
Comprehension questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What kind of shelters did Thailand’s Livestock Department create?
- How many animals can the Surin facility hold?
- What kinds of animals were staying at the shelter?
- What animals were left in dangerous zones?
- What must pet owners do if they leave animals at the shelter?
Discussion questions
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Do you have a pet or know someone who has a pet? If yes, who takes care of the pet when the owner is not at home? If not, would you like to have a pet? Why or why not?
- Have you ever seen or visited an animal shelter? If yes, what did the animals have or do there? If not, what do you think animals need if they stay in a shelter for many days?
- Do you agree that animals should have a safe place during emergencies?
- What problems might happen if there are too many animals in a small shelter?
- What can schools or communities do to help animals in dangerous situations?