Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- vanish / ˈvæn ɪʃ / (v.) – to quickly, suddenly, and completely disappear
Example:Everyone was amazed when the magician made his assistant vanish.
- eject / ɪˈdʒɛkt / (v.) – to send out, remove, or push out someone or something, often in a forceful or violent way
Example:Several boxes were ejected from the delivery truck when it crashed.
- breed / brid / (v.) – to keep and take care of animals with the goal of producing more, especially those with particular characteristics
Example:My uncle breeds ducks and chickens on his farm.
- stunned / stʌnd / (adj.) – very shocked or surprised
Example:A lot of the guests were completely stunned when they saw the bride in a black dress.
- if it weren't for (someone/something) / ɪf ɪt wɜrnt fɔr / (idiom) – used to say how things would be different if a person or thing hadn’t helped or affected a situation in some way
Example:I wouldn’t be a doctor if it weren’t for my family’s support.
Article
Read the text below.
A pet dog who vanished for two days after being ejected from a vehicle during an accident has been found apparently doing the job it was bred to do — herding sheep.
Linda Oswald’s family and their dog, Tilly, were driving along Idaho State Highway 41 on June 6 when they crashed into another car, launching the dog through the rear window, The Spokesman-Review reported.
The unharmed but stunned dog ran away, prompting an immediate search with at least six complete strangers who witnessed the crash and pulled over along the highway to help, Oswald said.
Oswald said the family then wrote a Facebook post that included a picture of the 2-year-old border collie and red heeler mix; more than 3,000 people shared the post. That’s when Tyler, Travis and Zane Potter recognized the dog in the photo as the same dog they saw on their family farm south of Rathdrum on June 8.
“I think that dog was trying to herd,” Travis Potter said. If it weren’t for the Facebook post, Tilly would still be out there, Oswald said. (AP)
This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- Tilly was found on the Potter’s family farm south of Rathdrum. If someone else’s pet wandered into your home, what would you do (ex. take care of it, immediately report it)? Why? Discuss.
- If you lost a pet a long time ago and later found out that someone had adopted it, what would you do (ex. try to take your pet back, leave it with the new owner)? Why? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Oswald said that if it weren’t for the Facebook post, Tilly would still be out there. If you lost something important, would you consider posting about it on social media? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Aside from social media, what do you think are good ways to quickly find something important (ex. offering a reward, contacting a radio/TV station)? Why? Discuss.