Vocabulary Idioms & Phrases Paragraphs 4-6 Post-reading

Listen to paragraphs 4-6 Skip

Now, answer the following questions.

How could animals tell the coming of a quake? They may feel the ground move in ways that people can’t and hear sounds that tell them something is wrong.

Some places have more quakes than others. some... others = some... other + 複數可數名詞 表示「有些 … 有些 … 」  Some students like to read novels and others/other students like to play video games.  I have to study many subjects. Some (subjects) are easy and others (are) difficult.

People who live in those places have learned to watch their pets. In a town in China some years ago, the animals seemed to go wild. people who live in those places →people living in those places go/become/get/grow/turn + Adj 變得 …  He turned pale when he saw her at the party.  It is getting colder day by day.

Chickens ran up and down. Dogs would not stop barking. up and down (1) 來回地 (= to and fro) Mr.White walked up and down in front of the desk when he spoke. (2) 上下地 (= high and low) The man bounced his child up and down on his knees. stop + V-ing 停止 … Stop talking so loudly, please. stop to +V 停下來去 … He was so thirsty that he stopped to buy a drink.

Mice and rats ran out of their holes. The people of the town saw all of these, and they all left their homes. Two days later, a big quake hit. The people of the town: the townspeople

Most of the houses fell down, but no one was in them. No one was hurt. The wildness of the animals had saved many lives.

People who study earthquakes would like to know what the animals know. It’s not magic. people who study earthquakes = people studying earthquakes = seismologists 地震學家 would like to 表示「想要」，口氣較 want to 來得客氣禮貌。  I’d like to think it over before I make the final decision.  I’d like you to meet my wife.

Cats and dogs may feel the ground move in ways that people can’t. 感官動詞 + O 原形動詞 + 現在分詞 過去分詞 in...ways = in...manners 以 … 方式 The girls wore their hats in different ways.

Animals may hear sounds that tell them something is wrong. And when they are scared, animals act strangely. that tell them something is wrong →that warn them of an approaching danger

Animals may help people learn about earthquakes. Someday we may be able to tell when a quake is going to strike. help + O + (to) V 有助於  Peter helped me solve the math problem.  Climbing higher helps one look further. someday = some day; in the future ( 未來 ) 某一天 be able toV 有能力 … = be capable of V-ing; be competent to V No one has ever been able to finish the work in one day.

And that could save lives, as it once did in China. that → the ability to predict a quake as 如同  She enjoys all kinds of music as I do.  Music carries human emotions as metal carries heat. Back

Check the main idea of the reading. ____ 1. Animals can tell when an earthquake is coming. ____ 2. Earthquakes can be dangerous to both people and animals. ____ 3. China has more earthquakes than other places. ____ 4. Today, we are able to predict when an earthquake will come.

Topics for Discussion

Discussion 1: Do you believe that animals know that an earthquake is about to happen? Explain your reasons.

Reference answer 1: Yes, I believe animals really know when an earthquake will hit. The reading and many examples around the world show that animals have this ability and that they can sense sounds or other signs better than people.

Reference answer 2: No, I don’t believe animals can do so because there is not enough proof. I think all these things happen just by chance.

Discussion 2: Have you ever experienced an earthquake? If so, how did you feel?

Reference answer: Yes, I did experience a strong earthquake in the early hours of September 21, At that time, I woke up. The house was shaking violently and everything was in a mess. I felt so scared that I almost cried out/couldn’t sleep anymore.

Discussion 3: What is the best thing for us to do in an earthquake? Why?

Back Reference answer: During an earthquake, it is best for us to stay calm, find a safe place to hide and watch for falling objects. This is the best way to protect ourselves from harm.