Unit 03: The Crocodile Show

Exploring Samut Prakan (Student Book 2)

Read the story and answer the questions

The Crocodile Show

Jane arrived last night and is now staying with Malee at her house. This morning, Malee is taking her to visit the Crocodile Farm. It is not very far from Paknam. They go there by songtaew, which is a local public bus, and by motorcycle taxi.

Malee: Can you look in the brochure to see when the next Crocodile Show starts?

Jane: It starts at 9 a.m. We only have five minutes. We'd better be quick.

Malee: On our left there are some crocodile pens. There are thousands of crocodiles there. We can come back here later to take a look. You can buy some chicken to feed them.

Jane: That sounds good. I think the show is about to begin. I can hear the music. Let's find a seat.

Malee: Here come the crocodile wrestlers. I think they must be very brave to do this every day. Look closely at his right arm and you will see a scar. That is where a crocodile bit him when he got too close.

Jane: That is so scary. How many shows do they do a day?

Malee: There are shows every hour but I think they have other wrestlers as well. Once this show is finished, we can go to the elephant show.

Jane: I thought they only had crocodiles. What other animals do they have?

Malee: They have over 60,000 crocodiles. But they also have tigers, monkeys, hippos, camels, emus, snakes and other animals.

Jane: How long does the crocodile show last?

Malee: I think it lasts about 20 minutes. Look over there, he is going to put his hand in the crocodile’s mouth!

Jane: Oh no! I cannot look. Have you seen this show before?

Malee: Yes, I used to come here often when I was younger. On Children's Day we can go in for free. But it always makes me jump when they snap at the man's hand. Sometimes they pretend that the crocodile has bitten off their fingers.

Jane: I don't think I could ever be brave enough to do anything like that.

Malee: After the show they let people go down and have their picture taken with the crocodile. Do you want to do that?

Jane: No way!