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Why aren't babies afraid of snakes?

The emotion of fear is essential for humans to survive. So why is it that babies have no fear of snakes?

Do the preparation task first. Then watch the video and do the exercises. Remember you can read the transcript at any time.

Preparation

Exercise

Transcript

Presenter: The emotion of fear is a vital survival mechanism, designed to protect our body's inner balance, a first line of defence against potential threats, even before they’ve struck. The strange thing is, we aren't born with it. For the first few months of our lives, we're quite literally fearless. Our ability to identify things that can threaten our survival is something we learn from those around us. That's why some of our fears are rational ...:

Woman 1: I'm terrified of sharks.

Woman 2: Very quick-moving rodents.

Teenage girl: I'm really, really scared of spiders.

Presenter: ... but others are not:

Girl: Monsters.

Boy 1: Vampires.

Teenage boy: Giant squids.

Boy 2: /dɔk/. Very, very big /dɔk/. (It is not clear whether he is saying 'dark', 'duck' or 'dog'.)

Presenter: You're scared of the dark or a duck?

Boy 2: A duck.

Presenter: A duck?!

Boy 2: (laughs)

© BBC

Task 1

Exercise

Task 2

Exercise

Discussion

Would you let your baby touch a snake?

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

Submitted by sergo on Sat, 25/08/2018 - 16:26

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I think that it is normal when babby touches a snake, but it must be safe for babby
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Submitted by Kareem Merlo on Thu, 16/08/2018 - 17:05

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Of course Yes..!! I have no problem that my little boy touches one
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Submitted by Zahangir on Wed, 08/08/2018 - 11:38

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Realy I hate snakes.
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Submitted by Hala on Tue, 07/08/2018 - 21:39

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noway! I am also scared from snaks.

Submitted by Mesbahi Atika on Sat, 04/08/2018 - 18:02

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I love snakes so much, but I would let my baby touch a snake only in case I have been ensured that it is not poisonous

Submitted by Omer Gul on Thu, 02/08/2018 - 12:14

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No, I also hate snake.

Submitted by pio.perez on Thu, 02/08/2018 - 03:27

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If I know the snake isn't poisonous
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Submitted by Thomas GUES on Tue, 31/07/2018 - 13:57

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The question has been put in the right way: We assume that the baby won't be alone! To answer the question above, I could let my baby touch a snake only if I've been ensured that that snake isn't dangerous and doesn't bite, and if a professional stay next to me.

Submitted by Omer khalid on Sun, 22/07/2018 - 22:03

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No .. I love it .
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Submitted by Carlos Andrés … on Sat, 21/07/2018 - 01:24

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Well, I guess I would do it only if the snake is not poisonous. I think kids need to experience the most in their early age. That's a convenient way to stimulate their brain and learning skills.