Close-up photo of Slow Loris
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Grammar,

The Science of Awwww

The fascinating reason why we find certain things cute

From the September 2024 Issue

Learning Objective: to identify when to use a and an

Featured Skills: Grammar, Usage, and Mechanics,
Common Core Standards
  • Anchor Standards
    L.1
  • Grade 6
    L.6.3
  • Grade 7
    L.7.3
  • Grade 8
    L.8.3
TEKS Standards
  • Grades 6, 7, 8
    2b, 10c, 10d (ix)

Presentation View
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Directions:

Read the hint below. Then read the blurbs that follow. Pick the correct word in each bolded pair. 

A or An?

Use a before nouns that begin with a consonant sound, like dog, bathtub, and unicorn (the starting sound in unicorn is “yoo”). 

Use an before nouns that begin with a vowel sound, like apple, eye, and honor (the starting sound in honor is “ah”). 

Example:
It was an honor to win a prize at the fair. 

seregraff/Adobe Stock
A slow loris has a gland on its arm that produces a toxin. When threatened, the loris licks its arm, combining the toxin with its saliva. Boom: a deadly bite!

Cute but Deadly

Those giant round eyes. That tiny fluffy body. That precious button nose! No doubt about it, the slow loris is a/an adorable primate. But while it looks like a snuggly stuffed animal, a/an slow loris can be quite vicious. Its bite is full of deadly venom. So why can’t we help but find these dangerous fuzz balls cute? 

 

 

 

Shutterstock.com

The Cute Response

When you find something adorable, it means your brain’s “cute response” has been triggered. You feel a/an instant rush of emotions like joy and compassion. This cute response doesn’t just make life sweeter. It’s also necessary for our survival as a species. And it all has to do with babies. 

A/An baby has certain features—big eyes, chubby cheeks, a soft body—that tell our brains “That cutie needs to be taken care of!” (After all, there’s a lot babies can’t do for themselves.) That’s why when we see a/an infant, we feel a/an urge to protect, nurture, and cuddle it. 

Shutterstock.com
See those big round eyes and chubby cheeks? Grogu—aka Baby Yoda—from Star Wars was designed to be irresistibly cute.

Resist the Cuteness!

The cute response is so powerful that it can be triggered by any creature with baby-like features, whether that’s a/an purring kitten—or a/an venomous slow loris. It doesn’t matter if the creature poses a/an threat to you or not. 

So just remember: No matter how adorable a/an wild animal might be, don’t try to cuddle it. Things might not end well!

 

 

This article was originally published in the September 2024 issue.

video (1)
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
video (1)
Activities (2)
Skill-Building Activities
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

Close Reading, Critical Thinking, Skill Building

Download the Printable Version
Table of Contents

1. Prepare to Read

(5 minutes)

Watch the Video

Show students the Grammar Hack: A or An video, a short animated video with tips for how to keep these words straight.

Set a Purpose for Reading

Direct students’ attention to the hint box and directions on page 2 or at the top of the digital story page. Read each aloud.

2. Read and Discuss

(5 minutes)

Have students read the three boxes of text independently or with a partner, circling the correct word in each bolded word pair. Optionally, share the interactive version of this article, which has dropdown menus. Then discuss the answers.

In your Resources tab, find an anchor chart and a skill-reinforcement activity called A or An? This activity is also available as a Google Slideshow for projecting.

3. Write

(1 minute)

Have students practice using this grammar skill in context. Project this Exit Ticket prompt on your board for students to respond to on a sticky note before they leave class:

Fill in either a or an in the sentences below:

1. We have been here for _______ hour already.

2. Coach has _______ uniform for you in the locker room.

3.  I have _______ history test this Friday.

4. Make sure to bring _______ umbrella with you tomorrow.


Text-to-Speech