雅思課外讀物--Are cats selfish,？

近年來，養(yǎng)貓的朋友似乎越來越多,，大家對(duì)貓的可愛與性格也有了不同的看法,。本文將探討貓是否自私的問題，從進(jìn)化論的角度來分析貓的行為特征,，或許我們可以得出一個(gè)結(jié)論：貓確實(shí)是可愛的,！

Are Cats Selfish?

It's dawn, and your cat gently taps your eyelid. "Wake up," she seems to say, indifferent to your tiredness. She simply wants her breakfast.

Many people perceive that cats often act in their own interest, leading to the belief that they are selfish. To explore this notion, we asked the BBC Earth audience: Are cats selfish?

Some respondents challenged the question itself. "Selfishness is a human quality," stated Ann Halim. Kevin Bonin echoed this sentiment, asserting that it's difficult to apply the term "selfish" to animals.

While it may be challenging, that hasn't stopped us from trying to understand. In his 1871 work The Descent of Man, Charles Darwin suggested that animal minds share similarities with ours. He wrote, "The difference in mind between man and the higher animals is certainly one of degree and not kind."

If Darwin's theory holds, perhaps a cat could fit the Oxford Dictionary's definition of selfish: primarily concerned with one's own benefit or enjoyment.

Many respondents agreed with the idea that cats prioritize their own needs. "Are cats selfish? That's like asking if the pope has a balcony!" exclaimed Jane Ramsden. Dan Okeneski humorously noted, "There is an 'I' in kitty." Frankathon Dirabis added, "Cats are entirely self-serving, but at least they're cute and furry."

Gina Darlin Strange's cat has particular preferences regarding where to sleep. "If the sun shines on my bed, she demands access and gets upset if moved," she shared.

Annette Jeneane Behnke-Park described her cat as constantly seeking attention, wanting to play, eat what she has, and even take her spot on the chair.

Some respondents reported their cats displaying selfish behavior towards other felines. Marlee Lütz mentioned that Hector would steal treats from Harvey whenever he could. Vijaya Shadrak's tomcat began urinating where two other cats liked to rest, which scared them away.

However, many cat owners do

Understanding Cat Behavior and Psychology ??

Cats are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors that can sometimes be puzzling to their owners. Understanding these behaviors not only enhances the bond between humans and cats but also helps in providing better care for them. In this article, we will explore some common cat behaviors and the psychology behind them.

1. The Purring Phenomenon ??

Purring is one of the most recognizable sounds made by cats. While many people associate purring with contentment, it can also indicate other emotions. Cats often purr when they are in pain or feeling anxious as a self-soothing mechanism. This duality of purring shows how complex feline emotions can be. As a cat owner, it's essential to observe the context in which your cat is purring to understand its true feelings.

2. Kneading Behavior ??

Kneading, often referred to as "making biscuits," is a behavior where cats push their paws alternately against a soft surface. This action is rooted in kittenhood when they knead their mother’s belly to stimulate milk flow. Adult cats may continue this behavior as a way to express comfort and affection. If your cat kneads on you, consider it a sign of love!

3. Scratching: A Natural Instinct ??

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that serves multiple purposes. It helps them sharpen their claws, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. Providing a scratching post can help protect your furniture while giving your cat an outlet for this instinctive behavior. Remember, it’s not just about damaging furniture; it’s about fulfilling a natural need!

4. The Mysterious Slow Blink ??

When a cat looks at you and slowly closes its eyes, it’s often referred to as a "cat kiss." This behavior signifies trust and affection. In the wild, cats are cautious creatures, so a slow blink is a way of showing that they feel safe around you. You can return the gesture by slowly blinking back at your cat, reinforcing the bond between you.

5. The Importance of Play ??

Playtime is crucial for a cat's mental and physical health. Engaging your cat in play not only satisfies their hunting instincts but also provides exercise and stimulation. Interactive toys, laser pointers, and feather wands can keep your cat entertained and active. Regular play sessions help reduce stress and prevent behavioral issues caused by boredom.

6. Understanding Cat Communication ??

Cats communicate through a variety of vocalizations, body language, and even scent marking. A loud meow may indicate that your cat wants attention, while a low growl can signal discomfort or fear. Pay attention to your cat’s tail position; a raised tail usually means a happy cat, while a puffed-up tail indicates agitation. Learning to read these signals can enhance your relationship and ensure your cat feels understood.

7. The Significance of Routine ?

Cats thrive on routine. They appreciate consistency in their feeding schedule, playtime, and even litter box maintenance. Sudden changes in their environment can lead to stress and anxiety. If you need to make changes, do so gradually to help your cat adjust smoothly. Keeping a stable routine will contribute to your cat's overall well-being.

Conclusion

Understanding cat behavior and psychology requires patience and observation. By paying attention to your cat's actions and reactions, you can create a supportive environment that caters to their needs. Whether it's through play, communication, or recognizing their emotional cues, fostering a deeper connection with your feline friend will lead to a happier and healthier life for both of you. So, take the time to learn about your cat's unique personality, and enjoy the rewarding experience of being a cat owner! ??

雅思考試是許多學(xué)子追求留學(xué)夢(mèng)想的重要一步，而閱讀部分往往是考生們最感到挑戰(zhàn)的一環(huán),。在這篇文章中,，我將分享一些推薦的雅思閱讀材料，幫助你更有效地備考,。??

1. 官方雅思備考材料

首先,，建議你使用IELTS Official Practice Materials。這套材料由雅思官方發(fā)布,，內(nèi)容涵蓋了真實(shí)的考試樣題和詳細(xì)的答案解析,。這不僅能幫助你熟悉考試形式，還能讓你了解評(píng)分標(biāo)準(zhǔn),。

2. 劍橋雅思系列

劍橋大學(xué)出版社出版的Cambridge IELTS Series是另一個(gè)不可或缺的資源,。每一冊(cè)都包含四套完整的雅思考試試題，并附有聽力材料和答案解釋,。通過反復(fù)練習(xí)這些真題,，你可以提高自己的閱讀速度和理解能力,。?

3. 雅思閱讀書籍推薦

除了官方材料，市場(chǎng)上還有許多優(yōu)秀的雅思閱讀書籍,。例如,，“Target Band 7”和“The Complete Guide to IELTS”都是很受歡迎的選擇。這些書籍不僅提供了大量的練習(xí)題,，還包含了應(yīng)試技巧和策略,，幫助考生更好地應(yīng)對(duì)閱讀部分的挑戰(zhàn)。

4. 在線資源與應(yīng)用

在數(shù)字化時(shí)代,，在線資源也變得越來越重要,。網(wǎng)站如IELTS Liz和IELTS Simon提供了豐富的學(xué)習(xí)材料,，包括閱讀技巧,、范文和練習(xí)題。此外,，應(yīng)用程序如IELTS Prep App和IELTS Test Pro也能幫助你隨時(shí)隨地進(jìn)行學(xué)習(xí),。???

5. 閱讀習(xí)慣的培養(yǎng)

為了提高閱讀能力，建議每天堅(jiān)持閱讀英語材料,。你可以選擇新聞文章,、學(xué)術(shù)論文或小說。推薦的網(wǎng)站包括The Guardian和BBC News,，這些資源不僅能提高你的語言水平,，還能讓你了解時(shí)事熱點(diǎn)。??

6. 詞匯積累與練習(xí)

雅思閱讀部分對(duì)詞匯量的要求較高,，因此積累詞匯非常重要,。可以使用Quizlet等應(yīng)用來創(chuàng)建自己的單詞卡片,，進(jìn)行定期復(fù)習(xí),。此外,，建議關(guān)注常見的雅思話題,，如環(huán)境、科技和教育,，這樣在考試中遇到相關(guān)內(nèi)容時(shí)會(huì)更加游刃有余,。

7. 模擬測(cè)試與時(shí)間管理

進(jìn)行模擬測(cè)試是提升雅思閱讀能力的重要方法。你可以選擇在規(guī)定時(shí)間內(nèi)完成一套閱讀題,，以訓(xùn)練自己的時(shí)間管理能力,。建議每次模擬測(cè)試后，認(rèn)真分析錯(cuò)題,，找出薄弱環(huán)節(jié)并加以改進(jìn),。?

8. 尋求反饋與交流

最后,，不要忽視與他人交流的重要性。加入雅思學(xué)習(xí)小組,，與其他考生分享經(jīng)驗(yàn)和學(xué)習(xí)資料,，互相鼓勵(lì)，可以大大提高你的學(xué)習(xí)效率,。同時(shí),，向老師或?qū)I(yè)人士尋求反饋，能夠幫助你更快地發(fā)現(xiàn)問題并解決,。??

希望以上推薦的雅思閱讀材料和備考方法能對(duì)你有所幫助,。祝你在雅思考試中取得理想的成績(jī)！