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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - Wild Boar (B1/B2 intermediate level English)

In the beautiful countryside of the United Kingdom, there's a special animal called the wild boar. It's like a character in a story roaming around freely, creating tales of exciting adventures. This animal, with its wild spirit, has become a part of the British wilderness.


These wild boars are descendants of their ancient relatives and are really good at adapting to different environments. Originally from thick forests in Europe and Asia, they've made themselves at home in the British countryside. They do indeed look wild with their shaggy fur and strong tusks.


A long time ago, these boars were native to the British Isles, but they faced many problems in the Middle Ages like people hunting them and losing their homes. Now, after many years, they have made a strong comeback, showing how tough they are.


Imagine walking in the woods and finding a special place where you can see these interesting animals. This is happening in the UK, from the dense forests to the rolling hills. The wild boars have turned the British wilderness into one of their favourite place to explore.


Wild boars eat different things like plants, insects, small animals, and even crops. This can sometimes cause problems, especially for farmers, and that's why some people consider them pests. But these boars are good at eating a variety of foods, which helps them live in many different places.


These boars are also part of the stories people tell. From old legends to medieval tales, the boar is a symbol of strength and courage. People believe they have a wild spirit that can't be tamed, adding even more excitement to their presence.


Even though people are happy to see the wild boars coming back, there are also discussions about how to protect them and live together peacefully. Sometimes, wild boars can be a little dangerous, especially if they feel scared. Usually, they try to avoid people, but in some situations, they might act aggressively.


By https://www.flickr.com/photos/thimindu/ - https://www.flickr.com/photos/thimindu/5372763391/in/set-72157625742975891, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35835527


If you ever see a wild boar in the woods, it's important to be careful. Keep a safe distance, don't make sudden movements, and give them a way to escape. Feeding them is not a good idea because it can make them too used to people and cause problems.


In places where wild boars live, local authorities often give safety rules, especially where people and boars might meet. It's important to understand and respect how these animals behave to live together safely. Finding a balance between the good things they bring to the environment and the problems they might cause is a bit like walking a tightrope – it takes care and attention.


As the sun sets in the British woods, the wild boars become active, leaving footprints that tell a story of how they adapt, come back, and add untamed beauty to nature. The wild boar is a symbol of the wilderness, reminding us that nature is full of surprises. So, if you go into the woods, be ready for an adventure, enjoy the unknown, and let the stories of wild boars capture your imagination.


Check your understanding

  1. What is the significance of wild boars in the British countryside?

  2. Where did the wild boars originally come from?

  3. What challenges did wild boars face in the Middle Ages?

  4. Describe the impact of wild boars on the British wilderness, especially in terms of their exploration and presence in different landscapes.

  5. What is mentioned about the diet of wild boars, and why might their eating habits sometimes lead to conflicts, particularly with farmers?

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Vocabulary
  1. Descendants: People or animals that are the offspring, directly descended from a particular ancestor.

  2. Adapting: Adjusting to different conditions or environments; changing to fit new circumstances.

  3. Native: Originally belonging to a particular place or region.

  4. Hunting: The act of pursuing and capturing or killing wild animals for food, sport, or trade.

  5. Favourite: Preferred or liked more than others.

  6. Pests: Animals or plants that are harmful to crops, livestock, or humans.

  7. Legends: Traditional stories or tales, often handed down through generations, that explain the history or beliefs of a culture.

  8. Medieval: Related to the Middle Ages, a historical period roughly from the 5th to the 15th century.

  9. Aggressively: Behaving in a way that is forceful or hostile, often with the intention of causing harm.

  10. Tightrope: An extremely delicate and precarious situation, requiring careful balance and attention.

  11. Authorities: Those in a position of power or with the right to enforce rules, such as government officials or law enforcement.

  12. Imagination: The ability to create mental images or ideas not directly present to the senses.

  13. Untamed: Not domesticated or controlled; wild and free.

  14. Symbol: A thing that represents or stands for something else, often with deeper meaning.

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