Many children are introduced to animals through TV shows or movies. Shaun the Sheep, a stop-motion animated series, features a variety of animals living at the Mossy Bottom Farm. Among them, mischievous Shaun is the clever leader of his flock of sheep. Sheep in this animation look a bit different from common ones because the TV show used the Valais Blacknose sheep as the prototype.
There are few animals that make people say “Aww!” in a high-pitched voice as quickly as the Valais Blacknose sheep. Known as the cutest sheep in the world, these animals come from the Valais region in Switzerland. They are instantly recognizable thanks to their captivating appearance. They have fluffy, white wool, which contrasts with the black patches spread evenly over their faces and found on their ears, knees and ankles. The sheep also have spiral-shaped horns popping out of their wool.
The Valais Blacknose sheep have a rich history deeply rooted in the Swiss Alps. They were originally bred in the 15th century for their highly valued wool, which has been traditionally used to produce luxurious textiles and garments. However, it was not until 1962 that they were officially recognized as a breed. Their population once dwindled, but dedicated conservation efforts have been implemented to protect this unique breed. These efforts have been successful, and the Valais Blacknose sheep can now be found in various parts of the globe.
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Looking like a combination of a lamb and a teddy bear, the Valais Blacknose sheep has found its place in the hearts of many people. They are also raised as pets due to their adorable, gentle and friendly nature, which makes them perfect companions. However, it’s important for owners to consider their needs, including appropriate living environment, nutrition and space to roam. Whether as wool producers or beloved pets, the Valais Blacknose sheep have earned their spurs in being helpful animals.
很多孩子透過電視節目或電影認識動物。《笑笑羊》是一部定格動畫影集，主打各式各樣居住在青苔底農場的動物。其中，調皮的尚恩是牠所屬的羊群中聰明的領導者。這部動畫裡的羊看起來跟一般的羊有點不同，因為該電視節目以瓦萊黑鼻羊作為原型。
很少動物讓人以高音說出「噢！」的速度跟瓦萊黑鼻羊一樣快。身為世上最可愛的羊，這些動物來自瑞士的瓦萊州這一區。由於牠們吸引人的外表，牠們的辨識度很高。牠們有著毛茸茸的白色羊毛，這與牠們臉上平均散布的黑色斑塊、以及一樣可以在耳朵、膝蓋和腳踝上見到的黑色斑塊形成對照。這種羊還有一對螺旋型的羊角從羊毛裡冒出來。
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瓦萊黑鼻羊豐富的歷史深植於瑞士的阿爾卑斯山脈。十五世紀時，牠們原本是因其很有價值的羊毛而被飼養，牠們的羊毛傳統上被用來製作豪華的織物和衣服。然而，直到 1962年牠們才正式被承認為一個品種。牠們的總數一度減少過，但已實行了專門的保育工作來保護這獨特的品種。這些努力很成功，而瓦萊黑鼻羊現在可以在世界上不同地區看到。
瓦萊黑鼻羊看起來像小羊和泰迪熊的組合，打動了許多人的心。牠們也因為可愛、溫和以及友善的天性而被當成寵物飼養，這些天性讓牠們成為完美的夥伴。但是，主人考慮到牠們的需求是很重要的，包含合適的居住環境、營養和漫步的空間。不論是身為羊毛生產者或受喜愛的寵物，瓦萊黑鼻羊已贏得作為有幫助之動物的聲譽。
What Did You Learn?
1. Why is the show Shaun the Sheep mentioned in the passage?
(A) It uses the name of the first Valais Blacknose sheep.
(B) Its characters include the Valais Blacknose sheep.
(C) It teaches people how to raise the Valais Blacknose sheep properly.
(D) Its producer observed the Valais Blacknose sheep when creating the animation.
2. Which parts of a Valais Blacknose sheep can be black?
(A) a & d
(B) b & f
(C) c & e
(D) d & e
3. Which of the following is NOT true regarding the Valais Blacknose sheep?
(A) Their loyalty to humans makes them perfect pets.
(B) Their wool can be made into useful products.
(C) They were not initially considered a breed.
(D) They are easy to get along with.
4. What can we learn about the Valais Blacknose sheep from the passage?
(A) Their horns are hidden under their wool.
(B) Humans have helped increase their numbers.
(C) Sick ones may grow black wool all over their body.
(D) If raised as pets, they don’t need much space to walk around.
答案：
(1) B
(2) D
(3) A
(4) B
Words in use
1. mischievous [ `mIstSIvJs ] a. 調皮的，淘氣的
My mischievous puppy likes to chew on furniture when I’m not home.
我養的頑皮小狗喜歡趁我不在家時咬傢俱。
2. flock [ flak ] n.（牲畜、飛禽等的）群
a flock of... 一群……
As the sun set, a flock of seagulls flew over the ocean. 隨著太陽下山，一群海鷗飛過海面。
3. recognizable [ `rEkJg:nZIzJbL ] a. 可以辨認∕認出的
My brother is recognizable even from a distance because he’s the tallest in the crowd.
即使在遠處仍可以認出我哥，因為他是人群中最高的。
4. patch [ pAtS ] n.（與周圍不同的）斑∕小塊
The white cat has a heart-shaped black patch on its belly. 那隻白貓的肚子上有個心型的黑色斑塊。
5. evenly [ `ivJnlI ] adv. 平均地
Our manager always makes sure that everyone shares the workload evenly.
我們經理總是會確保每個人的工作量是平均的。
Practical Phrases
1. contrast with... 和……形成對照
contrast [ kJn`trast ] vi. 形成對照
The historic buildings contrast sharply with the skyscrapers surrounding them.
這些歷史建築與圍繞在旁的高樓大廈形成明顯的對照。
2. pop out of... 從……冒出∕突出
We saw dolphins popping out of the water after the trainers blew their whistles.
訓練員吹口哨後，我們看到海豚從水中冒出來。
3. be rooted in... 深植於∕起源於……
It is hoped that reducing plastics can be rooted in everyone’s daily lives.
希望減塑能深植於每個人的日常生活中。
According to the director, the movie’s concept is rooted in a famous science fiction novel.
根據導演說法，該電影的概念源自一本著名科幻小說。
4. be recognized as... 被承認∕公認為……
Jill was eventually recognized as a successful entrepreneur after decades of hard work.
努力數十年後，吉兒終於被承認是一位成功的企業家。
5. earn / win one’s spurs 贏得聲名
spur [ spr ] n. 馬刺，靴刺
Note: 馬刺在古代是騎士精神的象徵，因此 earn / win one’s spurs 引申為在某領域中，因證明了自己的價值或能力而贏得聲名，可說是實至名歸。
The rookie earned his spurs by scoring the most goals in the championship match.
那名菜鳥在總冠軍賽中得到最多分，贏得了聲名。
聽文章朗讀及講解: https://ivy.pse.is/455bfu
本文出自常春藤解析英語雜誌: www.ivy.com.tw
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