News Discussion
Lancashire Heeler: Small Dog with Big Smile


Weekly News Digest
ニュースディスカッション教材

Lancashire Heeler: Small Dog with Big Smile

今回は、ベートーベンの代表作「交響曲第九番」の演奏速度をめぐる論争を紹介する記事です。約200年前の初演以来、演奏時間は指揮者によって大きく異なり、速さを重視すべきか表現を優先すべきか議論が続いています。記事に出てくる「compose」は「作曲する」という意味で、compose music(音楽を作曲する) のように使われます。聴力を失いながらもこの大作を作曲したベートーベンの考えと、演奏者が自由に表現すること、あなたならどちらをより大切にしたいと思いますか? 講師と話してみましょう。

1.Article

Directions: Read the following article aloud.

It is a small dog with a big “smile.” And it is ready to compete with 200 other kinds of dogs, known as breeds.

Say hello to the Lancashire Heeler.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) announced Wednesday that the rare dog breed can now compete in thousands of dog shows across the United States. That includes the famous Westminster Kennel Club show.

The AKC describes the breed as “a medium to high energy dog.” The organization says the dogs are intelligent, friendly and quick to learn new tasks. They are happy, talkative and always ready for a walk.

Lancashire Heelers have long bodies and short coats of hair, or fur, in black and tan. The breed stands about 30 centimeters high and weighs up to 7.7 kilograms. Historically, they helped to drive farm animals and chase away rats. The breed can also perform several dog-related sports and activities.

“They’re gritty little dogs, and they’re very intelligent little dogs,” says Patricia Blankenship of Flora, Mississippi, who has bred them for many years. “It’s an enjoyable little breed to be around.”

The breed is often described as “courageous, happy, affectionate to owner.” And owners say they sometimes pull back their lips into a “smile.”

Lancashire Heeler Club President Sheryl Bradbury says the breed “has to have a job” or stay active with its owners. It is also helpful for them to meet different people and dogs.

Lancashire Heelers have lived in Britain for hundreds of years, but they are now at risk of dying out as a breed. Britain’s Kennel Club has added an average of just 121 Lancashire heelers yearly to its registry in recent years. The AKC says only about 5,000 exist worldwide.

Founded in 1884, the AKC is the United States’ oldest purebred dog registry. It also organizes dog shows where 201 recognized breeds compete for the traditional “best in show.” To get recognized, a breed must have an official breeding standard and there must be at least 300 of the animals in at least 20 states.

Jennifer Peltz reported this story for the Associated Press. Hai Do adapted it for VOA Learning English.





Source:Lancashire Heeler: Small Dog with Big Smile VOA

本教材は、the U.S. Agency for Global Mediaより許諾を得て、産経ヒューマンラーニング株式会社が編集しています。

テキストの無断転載・無断使用を固く禁じます 。

Weekly News Digest
ニュースディスカッション教材

2.Key phrases and vocabulary

First repeat after your tutor and then read aloud by yourself.

  1. 1. compete (v.) to try to be the best at something
    Over a thousand high school students are competing for this year’s science award.
  2. 2. drive (v.) to push forward; to lead
    Cowboys drove the cows across the land to market.
  3. 3. affectionate (adj.) showing love for
    My Russian Blue cat is a very affectionate animal.
  4. 4. registry (n.) an official list or record of names or individual people
    Please add your name to our wedding registry.
  5. 5. exist (v.) to be
    Life may exist in other places in our solar system, but none has been found yet.

3.Questions

Read the questions aloud and answer them.

  1. 1. What kind of personality does the Lancashire Heeler have?
  2. 2. How were the dogs used in the past? What other abilities do they have?
  3. 3. How common are the dogs today?
  4. 4. Would you like to own a Lancashire Heeler?
  5. 5. When choosing a pet, would you buy one from a breeder, or would you adopt one from a shelter? Why?

本教材は、the U.S. Agency for Global Mediaより許諾を得て、産経ヒューマンラーニング株式会社が編集しています。

テキストの無断転載・無断使用を固く禁じます 。