Fir and Fur

Hi, everyone!
Did you know that there are special words called “homophones”? It has nothing to do with phones, if that’s what you thought. Homophones (омонимы)  are words which have absolutely the same pronunciation but different meanings. For example, if you write that you’re so board, people will misunderstand you, because you’re not a board made of wood from a tree, you’re bored, you’re not interested.

Can you find another example in the picture? I’ll give you a hint  – it also has something to do with trees…

There are also words which have almost the same pronunciation, but still sound a bit different. For example, if you say “I want buy this” – it’s incorrect, because you meant “I won’t buy this”. One sound can make a great difference.

So as not to make fools of ourselves and do everything right, let’s find out a little more about…

Fir and Fur

Fir – этое лка, пихта
Произносим мы его так: [fɜ:r]
This is what a fir tree looks like ------->>>>>
 

Sometimes, people decorate a fir tree for Christmas. Тогда мы называем его Christmas tree.

Fur – это шерсть, мех
Произносим мы его точно так же: [fɜ:r]
 

This dog’s fur has been dyed (покрашена). Now it looks like a tiger!

Многие люди считают, что носить одежду из шерсти – это very very bad.
Их слоган гласит – be comfortable in your own skin and let animals keep theirs.

PETA (people for the ethical treatment of animals) – даже создали серию плакатов, на которых известные люди с разных континентов позируют со слоганом “Fur? I’d rather go naked!”

And now, answer these questions:
1.    Do you think you will have a fir tree for Christmas this year?
2.    What is the best way to decorate a fir tree for Christmas?
3.    Do you wear fur?
4.    Do you like furry cats, or do you like cats with short or no fur?