Unlocking
Word Meanings
Read
the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. neutral (adj.) [noo-truhl] – plain; without any distinct
or special quality, characteristic or type
Example:
A neutral expression reveals no
particular feeling.
2. canine (adj.) [key-nahyn] – relating to dogs,
wolves or other similar animals
Example:
My friend is a professional canine
trainer who trains dogs in assisting blind people.
3. cognition (n.) [kog-nish-uhn] – a mental process of
gaining knowledge
Example:
Alzheimer’s disease is a disorder that affects the brain and human cognition.
4. affection (n.) [uh-fek-shuhn] – a positive
feeling of liking or caring for others
Example:
He shows affection to his dogs by
walking them to the park regularly.
5. adapt (v.) [uh-dapt] – to change something in
order to suit different conditions and purposes
Example:
It took me quite some time to adapt
to Hong Kong’s busy life.
Article
Read
the text below.
A new study
in Japan reveals that dogs can recognize people’s facial expressions.
Researchers
from Azabu University, headed by Miho Nagasawa, showed nine pet dogs two
different kinds of photos of their owners—one with the owner smiling and the
other with a neutral expression on the owner’s face. These dogs
were then trained to touch with their noses the photos with the smiling faces
of their owners. Five of the nine dogs were able to pass this stage.
Later, these
five dogs were then asked to choose between pairs of photos with smiling and
neutral expressions on their owners and on some unfamiliar people,
Surprisingly, the dogs chose the photos with smiling faces of either their
owners or the strangers.
According to
the research team, the dogs may have easily recognized differences in facial
features by seeing obvious signs such as the exposure of teeth, which is
generally connected to smiling.
Monique
Udell, who studies canine
cognition at
the University of Florida, said that dogs are not born with the ability to
recognize human facial expressions. Rather, they develop this skill as they
spend time with humans and feel people’s affection.
Based on the
results, Nagasawa’s team concluded that the dogs that were trained have
acquired social abilities which helped them adapt and live well with humans.
Viewpoint
Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
·
What do you think
are the advantages of studies like the one discussed in the article?
·
What are the
important things people should remember when keeping pets?
Discussion B
·
What can you say
about the research presented in the article?
·
What do you think
makes a research reliable?