【Unlocking Word Meanings】
今日の単語・フレーズ
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
1. guardian /ˈgɑr di ən/ (n) – someone who guards and protects others
Example: The blind man’s dog acts not only as a guide but also as a guardian.
2. paralyzed /ˈpær əˌlaɪzd/ (adj.) – having lost the ability to move because of an injury or disease
Example: He was paralyzed from the waist down after the car accident.
3. starvation /stɑrˈveɪ ʃən/ (n.) – the state of suffering because of lack of food and water
Example: Very poor people often face starvation.
4. distress /dɪˈstrɛs/ (n.) – the state of being in severe pain and/or unease
Example: No one can ease Jack’s distress when his pet cat died.
5. innate /ɪˈneɪt, ˈɪn eɪt/ (adj.) – drawing from a natural instinct instead from a learned habit
Example: Unlike pets, animals born in the wild have an innate need to hunt for their food.
【Article】
ニュース記事
Read the text below.
Two golden retrievers have proven that dogs are not just man’s best friend—they can also be a person’s guardian.
A 76-year-old American woman who had a life-threatening accident in her home owed her life to her two dogs, Higgins and Dodger. Judy Muhe [myoo HEY] had been paralyzed for two days after collapsing in her kitchen. Muhe has Parkinson’s Disease and lives on her own. With a broken shoulder, a bruised head, and a weakened consciousness, Muhe had not been able to call for help on her own. She said that the cold temperature, starvation, and her injuries might have taken her life if not for her two golden retrievers.
After sensing her distress, the two dogs had laid down beside her. Higgins let Muhe rest on his back while Dodger laid on her legs and feet. The dogs were able to keep her warm and lessen her pain. Muhe said that her dogs put her comfort and safety above their own needs, as they neither ate nor drank.
A friend of Muhe’s came and found her only two days after the accident. Muhe said that her dogs made her feel safe despite being helpless on the floor. She is certain that she can trust them if her life was ever threatened again.
Dogs are known for their innate sense to detect danger as well as their loyalty towards their owners. Furthermore, studies show that older pet owners are emotionally and mentally healthier than those without pets. This is because having pets, such as dogs, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol and lessens the risk of falling into depression.
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【Viewpoint Discussion】
ディスカッションテーマ
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
· After reading the article, would you want to have a dog as a pet? Why or why not?
· Aside from old people, who else do you think would need to have dogs as a pet? Please explain your answer.
Discussion B
· Aside from dogs, what other animals do you think would make good pets? Please explain your answer.
· Do you think everyone should get pets? Why or why not?