News Mash-up: Animals

Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. first family / fɜrst ˈfæm ə li / (n.) – the family of the head of state
    Example:

    The first family of the United States lives at the White House during the president’s term.


  2. community college / kəˈmyu nɪ ti ˈkɒl ɪdʒ / (n.) – a college in a local community that offers programs on different practical skills
    Example:

    Bryan enrolled at a community college to get a professional certificate in IT.


  3. room / rum / (n.) – the space that’s available for someone to occupy or use for something
    Example:

    I rearranged the furniture to make room for our son’s play area.


  4. be in favor of (something) / bi ɪn ˈfeɪ vər əv / (idiom) – to approve and support something
    Example:

    Many people are in favor of banning the use of plastic straws.


  5. direct democracy / dɪˈrɛkt dɪˈmɑk rə si / (n.) – a government system in which the people directly vote on policies instead of being represented by someone else
    Example:

    Direct democracy allows citizens to actively participate in resolving issues in their community.


Article

Read the text below.

Biden family welcomes Willow, a Pennsylvanian farm cat, to White House


The Biden family finally has a cat.


First lady Jill Biden’s office has announced America’s first family is excited to welcome a 2-year-old, gray-and-white-striped cat named Willow to the White House.


Biden, a community college professor, named the cat after her hometown of Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, said Michael LaRosa, the first lady’s spokesperson.


“A farm cat from Pennsylvania, Willow made quite an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 when she jumped up on the stage and interrupted her remarks during a campaign stop,” LaRosa said. “Seeing their immediate bond, the owner of the farm knew that Willow belonged with Dr. Biden.”


The green-eyed, short-haired tabby cat was settling in well at the White House with “her favorite toys, treats and plenty of room to smell and explore,” LaRosa said. (Reuters)


Swiss voters reject ban on animal testing


Swiss voters rejected a proposal by animal rights activists to make Switzerland the first country to ban medical and scientific experiments on animals in referendums.


Only 21% of voters were in favor of the animal experiment ban, with 79% against, according to government figures, in the nationwide referendum held Feb. 13 under the Swiss tradition of direct democracy.


Supporters hoped to halt tests but ran into opposition from the powerful pharmaceuticals lobby, which warned of the economic damage such a ban could cause. (Reuters)


These articles were provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The U.S. presidents or the first family usually have pets during their stay in the White House. Do you think this affects how the public views them? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Willow made an impression on Dr. Biden in 2020 during a campaign stop. What do you think about their immediate bond (ex. sweet, heartwarming)? Have you ever felt an immediate bond with an animal or another person? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • Supporters hoped that animal testing would be banned, but they were opposed by powerful pharmaceuticals warning people that it may cause economic damage. Do you think minimizing economic damage is a valid reason to continue animal testing? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What are the pros and cons of animal testing? Would you buy a product that was tested on an animal? Why or why not? Discuss.