In a recent incident, the president of Moldova’s dog bit the hand of the visiting president of Austria. The incident occurred when President Maia Sandu and President Alexander Van der Bellen were walking together in the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau. President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog, named Codrut, but the dog became frightened by the presence of many people nearby and reacted by biting the Austrian president’s hand. President Van der Bellen was later seen with a bandaged hand and reassured the public that he is a dog lover.

The incident, captured on video, has gained attention and has been widely shared. It serves as a reminder that even in formal settings, it is important to approach animals with caution and respect their boundaries. President Sandu explained that her dog was simply frightened and reacted instinctively. This incident highlights the need for pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ behavior and to ensure that they are comfortable in social situations.

President Van der Bellen’s response to the incident demonstrates his understanding and empathy towards animals. Despite being bitten, he expressed his love for dogs and did not hold any ill will towards President Sandu or her dog. This incident serves as a reminder that accidents can happen, even with well-behaved pets, and it is important to approach animals with care and respect.

Overall, this incident serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of understanding and respecting animals’ boundaries, even in formal settings. It also highlights the need for pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ behavior and to ensure their comfort in social situations. President Van der Bellen’s response demonstrates his understanding and empathy towards animals, setting a positive example for others.

Original news source: Moldovan president’s dog bites hand of visiting Austrian president (BBC)

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Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Reporter Role-play
Instructions: Students pair up, with one student taking on the role of a news reporter and the other as President Maia Sandu or President Alexander Van der Bellen. The reporter will ask questions about the incident, allowing the presidents to explain the situation from their perspectives. After a few minutes, students switch roles. This activity helps students practice speaking and listening skills in a role-play scenario.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Create a list of statements about pet ownership, responsibility, and behavior in public settings based on the article. Students move around the classroom and poll their classmates, asking whether they agree or disagree with each statement. After polling, students will discuss the results and their own opinions in small groups, thereby practicing speaking and forming arguments.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Write down key vocabulary words from the article (e.g., “incident,” “reacted,” “boundaries,” “empathy,” “approach”). Divide the class into two teams. Members from each team take turns drawing the word for their teammates to guess. This activity helps reinforce new vocabulary in a fun and interactive way.

– Synonym Challenge
Instructions: Write down several words from the article on individual slips of paper (e.g., “frightened,” “caution,” “mindful,” “comfortable”). Students work in pairs or small groups to come up with as many synonyms as possible for each word within a set time limit. This helps expand students’ vocabulary and understanding of nuances in English synonyms.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: After discussing the article, students will write a short paragraph predicting future protocols for diplomatic visits involving pets, or the potential impact of such incidents on public figures’ images. They should use modal verbs of probability (might, could, should, etc.) to express their predictions. This activity encourages creative thinking and the use of advanced grammar structures.

Comprehension Questions:

1. What was the incident that occurred involving the presidents of Moldova and Austria?
2. Where did the incident between President Maia Sandu’s dog and President Alexander Van der Bellen take place?
3. What is the name of President Sandu’s dog that bit President Van der Bellen?
4. Why did the dog react by biting the Austrian president’s hand?
5. How did President Van der Bellen react after being bitten by the dog?
6. What does President Van der Bellen’s response to the incident indicate about his feelings towards animals?
7. What lesson does this incident highlight regarding the interaction with animals in formal settings?
8. According to the article, what is the broader message about pet ownership that is underscored by this event?
Go to answers ⇩

Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

In a (1)______ (2)______, the (3)______ of Moldova’s dog bit the hand of the visiting president of Austria. The incident occurred when President Maia Sandu and President Alexander Van der Bellen were walking together in the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau. President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog, named Codrut, but the dog became (4)______ by the presence of many people nearby and reacted by biting the Austrian president’s hand. President Van der Bellen was later seen with a bandaged hand and reassured the public that he is a dog lover.

The incident, (5)______ on video, has gained attention and has been widely shared. It serves as a reminder that even in formal (6)______, it is (7)______ to approach animals with caution and respect their boundaries. President (8)______ explained that her dog was simply frightened and reacted instinctively. This incident highlights the need for pet owners to be mindful of their pets’ behavior and to ensure that they are (9)______ in social situations.

(10)______ Van der Bellen’s response to the incident demonstrates his understanding and empathy towards animals. Despite being bitten, he (11)______ his love for dogs and did not hold any ill will towards President Sandu or her dog. This incident serves as a (12)______ that accidents can happen, even with well-behaved pets, and it is important to approach animals with care and respect.

Overall, this incident serves as a (13)______ tale about the importance of understanding and respecting animals’ boundaries, even in formal settings. It also (14)______ the need for pet owners to be (15)______ of their pets’ behavior and to ensure their (16)______ in social situations. President Van der Bellen’s response demonstrates his understanding and empathy towards animals, setting a positive example for others.
Go to answers ⇩

Discussion Questions:

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

1. What is your opinion on approaching unfamiliar pets, and have you ever had a similar experience to President Van der Bellen’s?
2. How would you feel if your pet unexpectedly acted aggressively towards someone?
3. Do you think it’s important for high-profile figures, like presidents, to show understanding and empathy towards animals in public incidents? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever been in a situation where an animal reacted negatively to you? How did you handle it?
5. What measures do you believe pet owners should take to ensure their pets are comfortable in social situations?
6. In your culture, how are incidents like the one involving President Sandu’s dog typically handled?
7. Do you like the idea of leaders having pets, and why do you think it’s significant when they display affection towards animals?
8. Do you think President Van der Bellen’s response to being bitten might influence public perception of dog behavior? Why or why not?
9. How do you approach animals that you don’t know? Do you have any personal rules or guidelines?
10. What is your reaction to seeing someone with a bandaged hand from a dog bite? Does it affect your view of the dog or the owner?
11. Do you think there should be special training or protocols for pets owned by public figures? Why or why not?
12. Have you ever had to calm someone else’s pet, and how did you manage to do so?
13. What are some ways people can show respect for an animal’s boundaries, especially in a formal setting?
14. Do you think the presence of pets in official residences, like the presidential home, is a good idea? Why or why not?
15. If you were President Sandu, how would you address the public after such an incident with your pet?

Individual Activities

Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. incident
2. president
3. dog
4. hand
5. bitten
6. pet
7. frightened
8. boundaries

Meanings:
(a) The part of the body at the end of the arm, including the palm, fingers, and thumb
(b) Limits or restrictions that define acceptable behavior or actions
(c) To stroke or pat an animal affectionately
(d) A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice
(e) Past tense of bite, to use the teeth to cut into something
(f) An event or occurrence, typically involving something unexpected or harmful
(g) The head of a country or organization
(h) Feeling afraid or anxious
Go to answers ⇩

Multiple Choice Questions:

1. What happened when President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog?
(a) The dog ran away
(b) The dog licked his hand
(c) The dog bit his hand
(d) The dog barked at him

2. Where did the incident occur?
(a) In the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau
(b) In a park in Austria
(c) In a restaurant in Moldova
(d) In a museum in Austria

3. Why did the dog bite President Van der Bellen’s hand?
(a) The dog was hungry
(b) The dog was frightened by the presence of many people nearby
(c) The dog didn’t like President Van der Bellen
(d) The dog was protecting President Sandu

4. What was President Van der Bellen’s reaction to being bitten?
(a) He yelled at President Sandu
(b) He demanded that the dog be put down
(c) He filed a lawsuit against President Sandu
(d) He expressed his love for dogs and did not hold any ill will

5. What did President Van der Bellen reassure the public about?
(a) That he will never visit Moldova again
(b) That he will get revenge on the dog
(c) That he is a dog lover
(d) That he will never pet another dog again

6. What does this incident serve as a reminder of?
(a) The importance of not owning pets
(b) The importance of approaching animals with caution and respecting their boundaries
(c) The importance of never petting a dog
(d) The importance of always carrying treats for dogs

7. What does President Sandu explain about her dog’s behavior?
(a) The dog was simply frightened and reacted instinctively
(b) The dog is always aggressive towards strangers
(c) The dog was trained to bite people
(d) The dog was hungry and mistook President Van der Bellen’s hand for food

8. What does President Van der Bellen’s response to the incident demonstrate?
(a) His fear of dogs
(b) His anger towards President Sandu
(c) His desire to ban all dogs from Moldova
(d) His understanding and empathy towards animals

Go to answers ⇩

True or False Questions:

1. The president of Moldova’s cat scratched the hand of the visiting president of Austria.
2. The dog became frightened by the presence of many people nearby.
3. President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog, named Codrut.
4. President Sandu explained that her dog purposefully attacked and was not frightened or instinctive.
5. President Van der Bellen was later seen with an uninjured hand.
6. The incident occurred in the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau.
7. The incident was captured on video and has been widely shared.
8. President Van der Bellen expressed his disdain for dogs and held ill will towards President Sandu and her dog.
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. What was the nature of the incident involving the president of Moldova’s dog and the president of Austria?
2. How did President Alexander Van der Bellen react after being bitten by President Maia Sandu’s dog?
3. What lesson can be learned from the incident regarding approaching animals in formal settings?
4. How did President Sandu explain her dog’s behavior during the incident with President Van der Bellen?
5. What positive example did President Van der Bellen set in his response to the incident?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. What was the incident that occurred involving the presidents of Moldova and Austria?
The incident involved President Maia Sandu’s dog biting the hand of the visiting President Alexander Van der Bellen of Austria.

2. Where did the incident between President Maia Sandu’s dog and President Alexander Van der Bellen take place?
The incident took place in the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau.

3. What is the name of President Sandu’s dog that bit President Van der Bellen?
President Sandu’s dog is named Codrut.

4. Why did the dog react by biting the Austrian president’s hand?
The dog became frightened by the presence of many people nearby and reacted instinctively by biting.

5. How did President Van der Bellen react after being bitten by the dog?
President Van der Bellen was later seen with a bandaged hand and reassured the public that he is a dog lover.

6. What does President Van der Bellen’s response to the incident indicate about his feelings towards animals?
President Van der Bellen’s response indicates that he has understanding and empathy towards animals, as he expressed his love for dogs and did not hold any ill will towards the dog or President Sandu.

7. What lesson does this incident highlight regarding the interaction with animals in formal settings?
This incident highlights the importance of approaching animals with caution and respecting their boundaries, even in formal settings.

8. According to the article, what is the broader message about pet ownership that is underscored by this event?
The broader message is that pet owners need to be mindful of their pets’ behavior and ensure that they are comfortable in social situations. It also underscores the importance of understanding and respecting animals’ boundaries.
Go back to questions ⇧

Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) recent
(2) incident
(3) president
(4) frightened
(5) captured
(6) settings
(7) important
(8) Sandu
(9) comfortable
(10) President
(11) expressed
(12) reminder
(13) cautionary
(14) highlights
(15) mindful
(16) comfort
Go back to questions ⇧

Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. incident
Answer: (f) An event or occurrence, typically involving something unexpected or harmful

2. president
Answer: (g) The head of a country or organization

3. dog
Answer: (d) A domesticated carnivorous mammal that typically has a long snout, an acute sense of smell, and a barking, howling, or whining voice

4. hand
Answer: (a) The part of the body at the end of the arm, including the palm, fingers, and thumb

5. bitten
Answer: (e) Past tense of bite, to use the teeth to cut into something

6. pet
Answer: (c) To stroke or pat an animal affectionately

7. frightened
Answer: (h) Feeling afraid or anxious

8. boundaries
Answer: (b) Limits or restrictions that define acceptable behavior or actions
Go back to questions ⇧

Multiple Choice Answers:

1. What happened when President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog?
Answer: (c) The dog bit his hand

2. Where did the incident occur?
Answer: (a) In the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau

3. Why did the dog bite President Van der Bellen’s hand?
Answer: (b) The dog was frightened by the presence of many people nearby

4. What was President Van der Bellen’s reaction to being bitten?
Answer: (d) He expressed his love for dogs and did not hold any ill will

5. What did President Van der Bellen reassure the public about?
Answer: (c) That he is a dog lover

6. What does this incident serve as a reminder of?
Answer: (b) The importance of approaching animals with caution and respecting their boundaries

7. What does President Sandu explain about her dog’s behavior?
Answer: (a) The dog was simply frightened and reacted instinctively

8. What does President Van der Bellen’s response to the incident demonstrate?
Answer: (d) His understanding and empathy towards animals
Go back to questions ⇧

True or False Answers:

1. The president of Moldova’s cat scratched the hand of the visiting president of Austria. (Answer: False)
2. The dog became frightened by the presence of many people nearby. (Answer: True)
3. President Van der Bellen attempted to pet President Sandu’s dog, named Codrut. (Answer: True)
4. President Sandu explained that her dog purposefully attacked and was not frightened or instinctive. (Answer: False)
5. President Van der Bellen was later seen with an uninjured hand. (Answer: False)
6. The incident occurred in the grounds of the presidential residence in Chisinau. (Answer: True)
7. The incident was captured on video and has been widely shared. (Answer: True)
8. President Van der Bellen expressed his disdain for dogs and held ill will towards President Sandu and her dog. (Answer: False)
Go back to questions ⇧