A TikTok video featuring guinea pigs living in a luxurious shed has gone viral, accumulating over 140 million views. The shed, affectionately called “the Ritz,” is home to more than 140 guinea pigs and is equipped with air conditioning and room service. The videos, created by Sophie and Mark Mason, known as Masons’ Cavies, showcase the rodents enjoying large vegetable platters and relaxing in specially designed beds. According to the couple, each guinea pig has its own unique personality and name.

The popularity of the videos highlights the fascination people have with animals living in comfortable and extravagant environments. The guinea pigs’ luxurious accommodations have captured the attention and admiration of viewers on TikTok. The Masons’ Cavies have successfully created an online presence by showcasing the adorable and pampered lives of their guinea pigs.

The couple’s TikTok videos have gained widespread attention, with millions of people tuning in to witness the guinea pigs’ lavish lifestyle. The popularity of these videos demonstrates the power of social media in spreading joy and entertainment. People from all over the world have been captivated by these adorable creatures and their opulent living arrangements.

The Masons’ Cavies have tapped into a niche market on TikTok, where animal lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy watching adorable and well-cared-for pets. The videos provide a sense of escapism and allow viewers to momentarily immerse themselves in the world of these pampered guinea pigs. The success of the Masons’ Cavies on TikTok serves as a reminder of the diverse content available on social media platforms and the ability to find joy in unexpected places.

Overall, the viral success of the guinea pig videos on TikTok showcases the appeal of animals living in luxurious environments. The Masons’ Cavies have created a unique and entertaining online presence, capturing the hearts of millions with their adorable and well-cared-for guinea pigs. These videos serve as a reminder of the joy that can be found in the simple pleasures of life, even for our furry friends.

Original news source: Guinea pigs in luxury shed become TikTok hit (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Give each group a copy of the article.
3. Instruct the groups to read the article and summarize it in 3-4 sentences.
4. Each group will then share their summary with the rest of the class.
5. Encourage discussion and ask for any additional insights or opinions.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions:
1. Ask the class to form pairs.
2. Give each pair a list of questions related to the article, such as “Do you think it’s necessary to provide such luxurious accommodations for guinea pigs?”
3. Instruct the pairs to discuss and answer the questions together, sharing their opinions.
4. After a few minutes, ask for volunteers to share their answers and opinions with the rest of the class.
5. Encourage respectful debate and discussion among the students.

– Headline Creation
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups.
2. Instruct each group to come up with a catchy headline for the article.
3. Give them a few minutes to brainstorm and discuss their ideas.
4. Each group will then present their headline to the rest of the class and explain why they chose it.
5. Discuss the different headlines and the impact they have on attracting readers’ attention.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions:
1. Write down a list of vocabulary words from the article, such as “luxurious,” “extravagant,” “niche,” etc.
2. Divide the class into pairs or small groups.
3. Instruct each pair/group to choose a word from the list and draw a picture representing that word.
4. The rest of the class will then try to guess the word based on the drawing.
5. Encourage the students to explain the meaning of the word after it has been guessed correctly.

– Pros and Cons
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into two groups.
2. Assign one group to come up with the pros of providing luxurious accommodations for guinea pigs, and the other group to come up with the cons.
3. Give the groups a few minutes to brainstorm and discuss their ideas.
4. Each group will then present their arguments to the rest of the class.
5. Encourage respectful debate and discussion among the students, and ask for any additional points or counterarguments.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How many views has the TikTok video featuring the guinea pigs accumulated?
2. What is the shed where the guinea pigs live called?
3. What are some of the amenities in the guinea pigs’ shed?
4. Who created the TikTok videos featuring the guinea pigs?
5. What is the main reason for the popularity of the videos?
6. What does the success of the videos demonstrate about social media?
7. What kind of market have the Masons’ Cavies tapped into on TikTok?
8. What is the overall message of the article about the guinea pig videos?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

A TikTok video featuring guinea pigs living in a luxurious shed has gone viral, accumulating over 140 million views. The shed, affectionately called “the Ritz,” is home to more than 140 guinea pigs and is equipped with air conditioning and room service. The (1)______, (2)______ by (3)______ and Mark Mason, known as Masons’ Cavies, showcase the rodents enjoying large vegetable platters and relaxing in specially designed beds. According to the (4)______, each guinea pig has its own unique personality and name.

The popularity of the videos highlights the fascination people have with animals living in (5)______ and extravagant environments. The guinea pigs’ luxurious (6)______ have (7)______ the attention and admiration of viewers on TikTok. The Masons’ Cavies have successfully created an online presence by showcasing the adorable and pampered lives of their guinea pigs.

The couple’s TikTok videos have gained widespread attention, with (8)______ of people tuning in to witness the guinea pigs’ lavish lifestyle. The popularity of these videos demonstrates the (9)______ of social media in spreading joy and entertainment. People from all over the world have been captivated by these adorable creatures and their opulent living arrangements.

The Masons’ Cavies have tapped into a (10)______ market on TikTok, where animal lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy watching adorable and well-cared-for pets. The videos provide a sense of escapism and (11)______ viewers to momentarily immerse themselves in the world of these pampered (12)______ pigs. The success of the Masons’ Cavies on TikTok serves as a reminder of the (13)______ content available on (14)______ media platforms and the ability to find joy in unexpected places.

Overall, the viral success of the guinea pig videos on TikTok showcases the appeal of animals living in luxurious environments. The Masons’ Cavies have created a unique and entertaining (15)______ presence, capturing the hearts of millions with their adorable and well-cared-for guinea pigs. These videos serve as a reminder of the joy that can be (16)______ in the simple pleasures of life, even for our furry friends.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What is your opinion on the idea of animals living in luxurious environments?
2. How would you feel if you had a pet that lived in a shed like “the Ritz”?
3. Do you think it’s important for animals to have comfortable living arrangements? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever had a pet with its own unique personality? If so, what was it like?
5. What do you think about the popularity of these guinea pig videos on TikTok?
6. Do you think social media has a positive impact on spreading joy and entertainment? Why or why not?
7. How do you feel about niche markets on social media, like the one the Masons’ Cavies have tapped into?
8. Have you ever found joy in unexpected places? Can you give an example?
9. What are some other simple pleasures in life that bring you joy?
10. Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies or interests that bring them joy? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the Masons’ Cavies have been able to capture the hearts of millions with their guinea pigs?
12. Have you ever had a pet that brought you a lot of joy and happiness? If so, what was it like?
13. What are some other ways that social media can be used to spread joy and entertainment?
14. How do you think the guinea pigs in these videos feel about their luxurious accommodations?
15. Do you think it’s important for people to find ways to escape and immerse themselves in something enjoyable? Why or why not?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. viral
2. luxurious
3. accumulating
4. affectionately
5. equipped
6. showcase
7. rodents
8. personality
9. fascination
10. accommodations
11. admiration
12. pampered
13. escapism
14. niche
15. opulent

Meanings:
(A) Having become very popular quickly on the internet
(B) Magnificently rich and luxurious
(C) In a loving or fond manner
(D) The distinct character or nature of an individual
(E) Characterized by grandeur and comfort
(F) To present or display, especially in a way that highlights qualities or features
(G) A specialized market segment
(H) Places or spaces provided for a particular purpose, especially for living or staying
(I) Small mammals that are often characterized by strong, constantly growing incisors
(J) A strong interest or attraction
(K) Gathering or amassing over time
(L) Provided with the necessary items for a specific purpose
(M) The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities
(N) Treated with excessive care or indulgence
(O) Feeling or expression of high regard or respect
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What is the name of the shed featured in the TikTok video?
(a) The Palace
(b) The Mansion
(c) The Ritz
(d) The Luxury

2. How many guinea pigs live in the shed?
(a) More than 140
(b) Less than 100
(c) Exactly 140
(d) Exactly 100

3. What special features does the shed have?
(a) Air conditioning and room service
(b) Swimming pool and spa
(c) Movie theater and bowling alley
(d) Gym and sauna

4. What do the guinea pigs enjoy in the videos?
(a) Fast food meals
(b) Fancy desserts
(c) Gourmet coffee
(d) Large vegetable platters

5. What is the name of the couple who created the TikTok videos?
(a) Emma and John Smith
(b) Sophie and Mark Mason
(c) Olivia and David Johnson
(d) Lily and James Brown

6. What has captured the attention of viewers on TikTok?
(a) The guinea pigs’ impressive tricks
(b) The guinea pigs’ singing talents
(c) The guinea pigs’ fashion sense
(d) The guinea pigs’ luxurious accommodations

7. What does the popularity of the videos demonstrate?
(a) The popularity of guinea pigs as pets
(b) The importance of luxury for animals
(c) The power of social media in spreading joy and entertainment
(d) The need for more animal-themed content on TikTok

8. What market have the Masons’ Cavies tapped into on TikTok?
(a) Fashion enthusiasts
(b) Animal lovers and enthusiasts
(c) Food lovers
(d) Fitness enthusiasts

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The popularity of the videos highlights people’s fascination with animals living in modest and practical environments.
2. The Masons’ Cavies have successfully created an online presence by showcasing the adorable and pampered lives of their guinea pigs.
3. A TikTok video featuring guinea pigs living in a basic shed has gone viral, accumulating over 140 million views.
4. The guinea pig videos on TikTok have gained widespread attention, with millions of people tuning in to witness their lavish lifestyle.
5. The videos showcase the guinea pigs enjoying large vegetable platters and relaxing in specially designed beds.
6. Each guinea pig in the shed has its own generic personality and name.
7. The success of the Masons’ Cavies on TikTok serves as a reminder of the diverse content available on social media platforms and the ability to find joy in unexpected places.
8. The shed, called “the Ritz,” is home to more than 140 guinea pigs and is equipped with air conditioning and room service.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. How many views has the TikTok video featuring the guinea pigs in the luxurious shed accumulated?
2. What are some of the amenities in the guinea pigs’ shed?
3. What is the main reason for the popularity of the Masons’ Cavies’ TikTok videos?
4. What does the success of the guinea pig videos on TikTok demonstrate about social media?
5. What is the overall message conveyed by the viral success of the guinea pig videos?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. How many views has the TikTok video featuring the guinea pigs accumulated?
– The TikTok video has accumulated over 140 million views.

2. What is the shed where the guinea pigs live called?
– The shed is called “the Ritz.”

3. What are some of the amenities in the guinea pigs’ shed?
– The shed is equipped with air conditioning and room service.

4. Who created the TikTok videos featuring the guinea pigs?
– The TikTok videos were created by Sophie and Mark Mason, known as Masons’ Cavies.

5. What is the main reason for the popularity of the videos?
– The popularity of the videos is due to the fascination people have with animals living in comfortable and extravagant environments.

6. What does the success of the videos demonstrate about social media?
– The success of the videos demonstrates the power of social media in spreading joy and entertainment.

7. What kind of market have the Masons’ Cavies tapped into on TikTok?
– The Masons’ Cavies have tapped into a niche market on TikTok, where animal lovers and enthusiasts can enjoy watching adorable and well-cared-for pets.

8. What is the overall message of the article about the guinea pig videos?
– The overall message of the article is that the viral success of the guinea pig videos showcases the appeal of animals living in luxurious environments and the joy that can be found in the simple pleasures of life, even for our furry friends.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) videos
(2) created
(3) Sophie
(4) couple
(5) comfortable
(6) accommodations
(7) captured
(8) millions
(9) power
(10) niche
(11) allow
(12) guinea
(13) diverse
(14) social
(15) online
(16) found
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. viral
Answer: (A) Having become very popular quickly on the internet

2. luxurious
Answer: (E) Characterized by grandeur and comfort

3. accumulating
Answer: (K) Gathering or amassing over time

4. affectionately
Answer: (C) In a loving or fond manner

5. equipped
Answer: (L) Provided with the necessary items for a specific purpose

6. showcase
Answer: (F) To present or display, especially in a way that highlights qualities or features

7. rodents
Answer: (I) Small mammals that are often characterized by strong, constantly growing incisors

8. personality
Answer: (D) The distinct character or nature of an individual

9. fascination
Answer: (J) A strong interest or attraction

10. accommodations
Answer: (H) Places or spaces provided for a particular purpose, especially for living or staying

11. admiration
Answer: (O) Feeling or expression of high regard or respect

12. pampered
Answer: (N) Treated with excessive care or indulgence

13. escapism
Answer: (M) The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities

14. niche
Answer: (G) A specialized market segment

15. opulent
Answer: (B) Magnificently rich and luxurious
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What is the name of the shed featured in the TikTok video?
Answer: (c) The Ritz

2. How many guinea pigs live in the shed?
Answer: (a) More than 140

3. What special features does the shed have?
Answer: (a) Air conditioning and room service

4. What do the guinea pigs enjoy in the videos?
Answer: (d) Large vegetable platters

5. What is the name of the couple who created the TikTok videos?
Answer: (b) Sophie and Mark Mason

6. What has captured the attention of viewers on TikTok?
Answer: (d) The guinea pigs’ luxurious accommodations

7. What does the popularity of the videos demonstrate?
Answer: (c) The power of social media in spreading joy and entertainment

8. What market have the Masons’ Cavies tapped into on TikTok?
Answer: (b) Animal lovers and enthusiasts
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The popularity of the videos highlights people’s fascination with animals living in modest and practical environments. (Answer: False)
2. The Masons’ Cavies have successfully created an online presence by showcasing the adorable and pampered lives of their guinea pigs. (Answer: True)
3. A TikTok video featuring guinea pigs living in a basic shed has gone viral, accumulating over 140 million views. (Answer: False)
4. The guinea pig videos on TikTok have gained widespread attention, with millions of people tuning in to witness their lavish lifestyle. (Answer: True)
5. The videos showcase the guinea pigs enjoying large vegetable platters and relaxing in specially designed beds. (Answer: True)
6. Each guinea pig in the shed has its own generic personality and name. (Answer: False)
7. The success of the Masons’ Cavies on TikTok serves as a reminder of the diverse content available on social media platforms and the ability to find joy in unexpected places. (Answer: True)
8. The shed, called “the Ritz,” is home to more than 140 guinea pigs and is equipped with air conditioning and room service. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧