PRAYING MANTIS

Praying Mantis

Praying Mantis are type of insect. They live in many parts of the world including the rainforests of South Africa. They eat small insects and spiders but some big Mantis eats small frogs and birds. Some Mantis eats other Mantis. They start with the head first so that they cannot get away. They come in many different colours, some of them are very beautiful. The flower Mantis from Africa looks like flowers. Insects land on them to get food but, instead, the Mantis eats them! Mantis lives for about five to seven years.

(Dit. PSMP, 2006)

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PRAYING MANTIS EXERCISE

Answer the questions carefully.

1. What is Praying Mantis? 
2. Where do they live? 
3. How they eat their food? 
4. What is Flower Mantis? 
5. How long the Mantis live?

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DANCING BIRDS

DANCING BIRDS

 

Many birds dance to attract a mate, especially in springtime. From pigeons to parrots, birds like to show themselves off by dancing. Have a look at the birds near where you live and see what kinds of dances they perform.

Ostriches are the only birds which dance for fun. Early in the morning, the birds gather and begin to dance in circles on tip-toes with their wings outstretched. Very soon, the whole group joins in with the twirling dance. Scientists think that this dance is purely an expression of joy at being alive!

(Dit. PSMP, 2006)

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DANCING BIRDS EXERCISE

Comprehension questions

1. What kind of bird is reported in the text? 
2. Why do they dance? 
3. When do they dance? 
4. Who says that the ostriches’ dancing is an expression of joy?
5. Which of the following description is not correct?

          A.   Birds may dance to attract their mates. 

          B.   Ostriches dance for fun. 

          C.   Ostriches dance without their friends.

     6.  The writer uses a pronoun to replace a noun.

          What does ‘their’ in ‘their wings outstretched’ refer to? 

          A.   Circles
          B.   Tip-toes 
          C.   Ostriches

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ELEPHANTS: THE AMAZING ANIMALS

Elephants: The Amazing Animals

Elephants are the largest land animals on earth. They have the largest brains of any mammal. Elephants talk to each other. Researchers have discovered more than 50 different types of calls that they use to communicate with each other. Their trunks are strong enough to pick up trees but sensitive enough to pick up a flower. They use them as tools to sweep paths, to scratch themselves, to swat flies, and to draw in the dirt. They are good swimmers and use their trunks like snorkels. They live together in family groups. They help each other when in trouble. They join together to care for and rescue their young.

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EXERCISE ELEPHANTS: THE AMAZING ANIMALS

Comprehension questions

1. What kind of animal is reported in the text? 
2. What is its brain like? 
3. Mention its parts of the body as described in the text. 
4. How do they sweep paths? 
5. Who discovered that elephants have different types of calls they use for communication? 
6. Do elephants like to isolate themselves from other elephants? Why or why not?
7. Which of the following descriptions is not correct? 

          a.   Elephants can’t take flowers. 
          b.   They can communicate well with their babies.
          c.   They are cooperative among others.

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THE CHEETAH

THE CHEETAH

The cheetah is the fastest animal on land. It can run 100 kilometers an hour. It is now rare and is one of the animals which is in danger of extinction.

The cheetah has a small head and ears, and long, powerful legs. It always hunts and chases its prey on open ground.

This is a different way of hunting from the other “big cats.” They like to stay in and near trees to catch their prey. The cheetah is also different from other cats because it cannot draw in its claws.

(Source: Abbs, Brian, et.al. Take Off. Student Book 2, p. 52)

GORILLAS

GORILLAS

Gorillas are the largest of all the primates. A male gorilla can be 180 centimeters tall and can weigh 200 kilograms. Gorillas are very strong but they do not often fight. In fact they are peaceful animals.

Gorillas live in small family groups of about 15. In a group there is one strong, older male, some young males, and a few females with their babies. They move slowly around a large area of jungle eating leaves and bushes.

In some ways gorillas are very like humans. When they are happy, they laugh and wave their arms. When they are angry, they beat their chests. When they are sad, they cry. But they cry quietly, without any tears.

Unfortunately, people hunt and kill gorillas. They also cut down and burn their trees. There are now only about 10,000 gorillas left in the world.

(Source : Abbs, Brian, et.all. Take Off, Student Book 2, p 68)