Understanding Your Newly Adopted Dog
TEXTO 4
The Lake’s Solace
She was glad of the lake. Its soft, dark water helped to soothe and quiet her mind. It took her away from the noisy, stressful world of the cat-walk and let her lie untroubled at its side, listening only to the gentle lapping of its waves. She felt at peace. Alone. Unhindered and free. Free to do nothing but watch and listen and dream.
London, Paris, New York – names, only names.
RESPUESTA
Understanding the Passage
1. The passage describes a woman seeking refuge from the pressures of her modeling career by a peaceful lake. The tranquility is disrupted by an approaching storm, forcing her to return to her cottage where she encounters an unexpected and unsettling visitor.
Vocabulary and Sentence Structure
2. a) soothe/quiet b) ripples c) thundered d) odd
3. a) Her mind was soothed by its soft, dark water.
b) Not only did she feel at peace, but she also felt unhindered and free.
c) After gathering her things together, she made for the cottage.
d) A skinny, cadaverous, and unwelcome man stood in the kitchen.
Comprehension and Inference
4. a) She seeks solace by the lake because she feels overwhelmed by the stress of her modeling job.
b) The thin clouds are likely precursors to the thicker, darker storm clouds.
Narrative Continuation
5. “Hello!” the stranger replied, looking at her nervously. “I need your help. I’ve just escaped from Pentonville prison, and the police are looking for me. I have to find a place to hide! I saw that your door was open, and, as this is a very lonely place, I came in. Please, please help me, or they will catch me and torture me, and take me back to prison!”
“Oh, no!” she thought, “I really can’t face a thing like this”. But the man before her was wearing only a t-shirt and thin jeans, and it was beginning to pour with rain outside. Also, there was an expression in his eyes that made her feel sorry for him.
“O.K.” she said, “but you can’t stay here for long. As soon as the rain stops, you must go. I don’t want problems with the police”.
TEXTO 5
Michael Phelps’ Diet
In his autobiography, Below the Surface, 2008 Olympic swimming sensation Michael Phelps says, “I eat pretty much whatever I want.”
RESPUESTA
Understanding the Passage
1. The text highlights the contrasting eating habits of athletes. Michael Phelps, despite consuming a diet that includes junk food, maintains his physique due to his rigorous 5-hour daily training regimen. Similarly, Usain Bolt incorporates fast food into his diet, deviating from conventional nutritional recommendations by opting for lighter breakfasts.
Vocabulary
2. a) pretty much; b) junk; c) consumed; d) copious
Sentence Structure
3. a) Phelps stated that he could eat pretty much whatever he wanted.
b) Phelps could improve his diet by incorporating fruit or salad.
c) Contrary to the copious breakfast that Phelps consumes…
d) He may have encountered Michael Phelps there.
Comprehension and Inference
4. a) The title “Below the Surface” likely alludes to Phelps’ swimming career, referencing the underwater environment where the sport takes place.
b) Phelps’ ability to consume a calorie-rich diet without significant weight gain is attributed to his exceptionally high level of physical activity, exceeding that of an average person.
Letter to John
5. Dear John,
So you tell me you’re putting on weight! That’s probably because, now you’re so busy studying for your exams, you don’t do enough exercise. I expect you spend all day sitting in front of your books, which really isn’t healthy.
I would advise you to take an hour’s break every day and go out for a walk with your dog, or cycling, or running, or something. This will be very good for you physically, and will also help you clear your mind so that you concentrate better afterward.
If you don’t do this, you’ll just have to give up eating things like chocolate, biscuits, potatoes, bread, pasta, and above all, junk food. But life without these things is so miserable!
Write and tell me what you decide.
All the best,
TEXTO 6
Welcoming Your New Dog
If you adopt a dog, you and your new pet will spend the first couple of weeks “getting to know one another.” He doesn’t know why he has come to your home or what is expected of him.
RESPUESTA
Understanding the Passage
1. When welcoming an adopted dog into your home, it’s crucial to recognize their initial anxiety and nervousness in the unfamiliar environment. Patience and understanding are key to navigating any unusual behaviors they might exhibit. However, establishing clear and consistent rules is equally important for their integration and training.
Vocabulary
2. a) anticipate; b) exhibit; c) symptoms; d) commands
Sentence Structure
3. a) The writer advises against leaving tempting items like shoes, clothing, or children’s toys within the dog’s reach.
b) Perhaps his appetite will be poor initially.
c) Consistency is key: if you allow a behavior once, avoid prohibiting it later.
d) Teaching manners is essential for your pet.
Comprehension and Inference
4. a) Patience and understanding are crucial during the initial adjustment period as the dog acclimates to a new environment and learns the household rules.
b) Effective training involves patience, consistent behavior, and dedicated time for obedience and behavioral training.
Personal Anecdote
5. When I was about seven years old, I had a hamster as a pet, but it wasn’t a very engaging companion. It slept all day, only emerging from its nest at night when I had to go to bed. Its activity was limited to running on a wheel in its cage. Sometimes, I’d try to hold it while it slept, but it often bit me with its surprisingly sharp teeth. It also had an unpleasant odor, prompting frequent reminders from my mother to clean its cage. One day it escaped, and despite a thorough search, we couldn’t find it. Eventually, it turned up under a sofa cushion, unfortunately, someone had sat on it. Honestly, I’d much rather have a dog.