[ENVIRONMENT ★]
HUGE SPIDER TERRIFIES THE INTERNET
(P1) Is this the largest spider ever photographed?
(P2) This picture of a huge huntsman spider was posted on REDDIT after a homeowner spotted it LURKING outside their property.
(P3) Complete with a huge body, thick legs, and long hairs, the terrifying image has been viewed more than 20,000 times in just 24 hours.
(P4) Many Reddit users were horrified, with one posting: “Please tell me that’s a fake spider!”
(P5) Others POINTED OUT that this kind of spider was a common find in Australia, and explained it was not VENOMOUS and therefore would cause no harm.
(P6) A spider expert from the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales confirmed that the picture was of a huntsman spider.
(P7) The creatures, although known to bite humans occasionally, are more likely to run away when CONFRONTED and are not considered truly dangerous, according to the National Museum of Australia.
(P8) One Reddit user joked that maybe the home owner should pack up and leave because the size of the spider.
(P9) He wrote: “It is now time to take your PRIZED possessions and leave the house. Your home now belongs to the spider. If you stay, this spider has now become your new boss.”
(P10) Huntsman spiders can grow to an ASTONISHING size of 12 inches across.
(P11) The spider is INFAMOUS for hiding in cars.
(P12) They have been found hiding in sun visors, behind the dashboard, and under the seats, as well as hiding behind curtains and furniture in homes.
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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.
- Briefly summarize the content of the article in your own words.
- What would you do if you saw a spider this size?
- Are you very afraid of spiders and snakes, or not especially?
- Have you ever had a problem with insects or mice in your home? What did you do about it?
- A spider like this could give people NIGHTMARES. Do you ever have nightmares?
EXPRESSIONS TO PRACTICE:
What do the following expressions mean? Practice using each expression in a sentence; extra points if you can use it in conversation.
- Point out
