
©(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What are some of the most popular dog breeds in your country?
- Do you think a dog’s behavior depends more on its breed or how its owner treats it? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- arena /uh-REE-nuh/
[noun] – a level area surrounded by seats for spectators, used for sports or entertainment
Thousands of fans arrived at the basketball arena to watch the championship game. - participant /pahr-TIS-uh-puhnt/
[noun] – a person or animal that takes part in an event or activity
The teacher asked each participant in the discussion to share their opinion clearly. - demanding /dih-MAN-ding/
[adjective] – needing a lot of time, energy, or attention
My new job at the hospital is very demanding, but I enjoy helping the patients. - excellence /EK-suh-luhns/
[noun] – the quality of being extremely good or outstanding
The restaurant is famous for the excellence of its food and service. - long-standing /LAWNG-stan-ding/
[adjective] – having existed or continued for a long time
The government is working hard to find a solution to the country’s long-standing housing problem.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show finished on February 11, 2025, in New York, where a Doberman pinscher named Penny won the top prize. This prestigious event included 2,500 dogs from more than 200 different breeds. Each dog competed in a specific category based on its breed. Expert handler Andy Linton led Penny to victory, which was a significant moment because he won the same title in 1989. The judge, David Fitzpatrick, stated that the final group of dogs was a historic lineup. Winning this competition requires very careful preparation and many years of practice. He noted that the quality of all the animals was very high this year, making the final decision difficult for the judges at the arena.
The judges looked for dogs that perfectly matched the standards for their breed. Penny was praised because she performed perfectly even though her handler was facing some health challenges during the show. Every participant in the event hoped to win the top trophy and the special ribbons. A Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota took second place, which made many fans happy. This year, the show also welcomed the Danish-Swedish farmdog for the first time. Owners noted that while the competition is demanding, the bond between humans and animals is the most important part of the experience. The event concluded with a celebration of canine excellence and long-standing sports tradition in the city.
The judges looked for dogs that perfectly matched the standards for their breed. Penny was praised because she performed perfectly even though her handler was facing some health challenges during the show. Every participant in the event hoped to win the top trophy and the special ribbons. A Chesapeake Bay retriever named Cota took second place, which made many fans happy. This year, the show also welcomed the Danish-Swedish farmdog for the first time. Owners noted that while the competition is demanding, the bond between humans and animals is the most important part of the experience. The event concluded with a celebration of canine excellence and long-standing sports tradition in the city.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- How many different breeds of dogs were in the event?
- What does winning this competition require people to do for many years?
- Why was the final choice difficult for the judges at the arena?
- What did the judges look for to see if a dog was perfect for its breed?
- According to owners, what is the most important part of the experience?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever watched a professional dog show or a similar animal competition? If yes, which part did you find most interesting? If not, what kind of animal events would you like to see?
- Have you ever owned a dog or another kind of pet? If yes, what was your favorite activity to do together? If not, what kind of animal would you like to have in the future?
- Do you think a dog’s personality is more important than its appearance?
- Why is it important for a city to keep its old traditions and celebrations?
- How do you think a person feels when they win a big award after years of practice?