BBS:Why do cats purr?猫咪为什么发出咕噜声？

语篇导读

Step 2 Reading and understanding

We’ve all heard catsmeowandhiss, but why do theypurr? There are a number of theories out there-from the commonly held belief that they are simply happy, to British comedian Eddie Izzard’s light-hearted suggestion that they are impersonating a drill.

While they do purr when tickled or caressed to show their appreciation for attention, cats also make the noise when not in our company. The purring noise is a consistentpulsingsound that occurs while they both in hale and exhale breath. The word ‘purr’ is a great example of onomatopoeia and refers to the constant noise which ranges in frequency between 25 and 150 hertz.

For a long time, scientists debated how cats purred. Most people believe that the cat’s brain signals the laryngeal muscles to vibrate and function like a valve, opening and closing the space between the vocal cords. What triggers this reaction is debated. Some argue that the cat intends to purr, while others say it may be due to end or phins released by the brain as a reaction to pleasure, orpain.

According to Leslie A. Lyons, an assistant professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, cats often purr while stressed, such as when they head to the vets or are recovering from an injury. So what are the potential benefits of this ‘drilling’ sound? Some scientists believe the vibrations that ripple through the cats’bodies may actually promote muscle development, heal bones and injuries, ease breathing and lessen pain. It could even help to soothe discomfort in a similar way to a child sucking their thumb.

So, the purring of a cat may have more uses than just telling you they’re enjoying attention. It’s also important to remember that not all cats can purr. Some bigger felines, like lions, can’t, and only roar. So, the next time you hear a roar, it probably isn’t your pussy cat, and you might need to run.

Step 3 语法填空

We’ve all heard catsmeow and hiss, but why do they purr? There are a number of _____1______(theory) out there -from the _____2_____ (common) held belief that they are simply happy, to British comedian Eddie Izzard’s light-hearted suggestion ____3____they are impersonating a drill.

While they do purr when ____4____ (tickle) or caressed to show their appreciation for attention, cats also make the noise when not in our company. The purring noise is a consistent pulsing sound ____5____ occurs while they both in hale and exhale breath. The word ‘purr’ is a great example of onomatopoeia(拟声词) and refers ___6___ the constant noise which ranges in ____7_____ (frequent) between 25 and 150 hertz.

For a long time, _____8_____ (science) debated how cats purred. Most people believe that the cat’s brain signals the laryngeal muscles to vibrate and function like a valve, opening and closing the space between thevocal cords. _____9_____ triggers this reaction is debated. Some argue that the cat intends to purr, ____10_____ others say it may be due to endorphins _____11_____ (release) by the brain as a reaction to pleasure, or pain.

According to Leslie A. Lyons, an assistant professor at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, cats often purr while stressed, such as when they head to the vets or are recovering from an _____12_____ (injure). So what are the potential benefits of this ‘drilling’sound? Some scientists believe the vibrations that ripple through the cats’bodies may actually promote muscle ____13____ (develop), heal bones and injuries, ease breathing and lessen pain. It could even help to soothe discomfort ___14____ a similar way to a child sucking their thumb.

So, the purring of a cat may have more uses than just telling you they’re enjoying attention. It’s also_____15_______ (importance) to remember that not all cats can purr. Some bigger felines, like lions, can’t, and onlyroar. So, the next time you hear a roar, it _____16_____ (probable) isn’t your pussy cat, and you might need to run.