The Way Monkeys Use Hot Springs
TECHNOLOGY & SCIENCE
2/4/2026
WARM-UP
Answer briefly. No overthinking.
Do you like hot baths?
Do you prefer winter or summer?
Have you seen monkeys before?
VOCABULARY
ESSENTIAL (A1–B1)
comfort – something that makes you feel relaxed and good
Example: A warm blanket gives me comfort.
steady – not changing; stable
Example: His breathing became steady again.
cope – to deal with something difficult
Example: She is learning to cope with stress.
parasite – a living thing that survives by living on another organism
Example: Ticks are a common parasite.
louse – a small insect that lives on skin or hair
Example: The child had a louse in her hair.
disrupt – to interrupt or stop something
Example: Loud noise can disrupt sleep.
DEVELOPED (B2–C2)
stress hormone – chemical released in the body during stress
Example: Exercise can lower stress hormones.
body temperature – how warm the body is
Example: Fever raises your body temperature.
natural hot spring – heated water from underground
Example: The town is famous for its natural hot springs.
bathe – to wash or soak in water
Example: The monkeys bathe in warm pools.
survival strategy – behavior that helps an animal stay alive
Example: Migration is a survival strategy.
READING
INTRODUCTION
This article explains how snow monkeys use hot springs not only for comfort, but also to cope with cold weather and manage parasites.
ARTICLE (ALL LEVELS)
During winter in Japan, snow monkeys often bathe in natural hot springs while snow falls around them.
Bathing helps keep their body temperature steady and gives them warmth and comfort.
DEVELOPED ARTICLE (B1–C2)
Researchers found that monkeys who use hot springs more often have lower stress hormone levels, which helps them cope better with winter conditions.
Another study showed that warm water can disrupt louse activity and affect where parasites live on the monkeys’ bodies.
These findings suggest that hot spring bathing is an important survival strategy, helping snow monkeys stay warm, relaxed, and healthier during cold seasons.
COMPREHENSION CHECK
A1–A2
Where do snow monkeys bathe?
Does bathing help keep body temperature steady?
Do monkeys use hot springs only for warmth?
B1–B2
How does bathing affect stress levels?
What happens to lice in warm water?
Why is bathing helpful in winter?
C1–C2
Why can hot spring use be called a survival strategy?
How do stress reduction and parasite control connect?
What does this research suggest about animal behavior?
SPEAKING
A1–A2 — FOUNDATION
Language Support:
“I like…”
“I don’t like…”
“It is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Do you like hot baths?
Do you prefer showers or baths?
Do you enjoy winter?
Have you seen monkeys before?
Do animals interest you?
Do you like warm places?
Do you ever feel cold easily?
What gives you comfort?
Do you like snow?
Have you visited a zoo?
Do you like nature?
Would you visit hot springs?
Do you like relaxing activities?
Do you watch animal videos?
Do you enjoy quiet time?
B1–B2 — EXPANSION
Language Support:
“In my opinion…”
“I think that…”
“One reason is…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
Why do animals need survival strategies?
How do you cope with cold weather?
Would you try winter swimming?
Do hot baths reduce your stress?
What animals fascinate you most?
Why is body temperature important?
Should people learn more about wildlife?
How do you relax after work?
Have you visited natural environments?
Do you prefer mountains or beaches?
What helps you lower stress?
Do you think animals feel comfort?
Should wildlife be protected more?
How do seasons affect your mood?
Do you enjoy learning about science?
C1–C2 — DEPTH & REFLECTION
Language Support:
“This suggests that…”
“One implication is…”
“From a biological perspective…”
PERSONAL QUESTIONS
How do small behaviors increase survival chances?
Why might warmth reduce stress hormones?
What parallels exist between human and animal relaxation?
How does environment shape behavior?
Should humans observe animals to improve health habits?
How does research change our understanding of animals?
Can comfort be considered a biological need?
What ethical duties do we have toward wildlife?
How might climate change affect these behaviors?
Do animals display cultural habits?
How do habits form in wild populations?
Can relaxation increase longevity?
Why is parasite control vital for survival?
How can science help wildlife conservation?
What makes an animal behavior “intelligent”?
