What is ONE common central idea in BOTH passage's Sensational Sunlight and Sun Exposure? Use at least ONE detail from EACH text to support your answer. Write your answer in the space provided. Remember to clearly reference the texts.

One common central idea in both passages "Sensational Sunlight" and "Sun Exposure" is that prolonged exposure to the sun can have both positive and negative effects on the human body.

In "Sensational Sunlight," it is mentioned that sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is necessary for strong bones and a healthy immune system. This indicates a positive effect of sun exposure.

In "Sun Exposure," it is stated that prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. This highlights the negative effects of sun exposure.

Therefore, both passages emphasize that the sun's rays have the potential to provide benefits as well as harm to the human body.

WRITING TASK

Sunlight is an important part of our survival. The amount of sunlight that people, plants, or animals receive can affect their lives in many areas.

Think about what you have read, and then write an explanatory essay in your own words explaining the various effects of sunlight.

Be sure to use evidence from BOTH texts in your explanatory essay. Write your response in the space provided.

Before you write, be sure to:

think about ideas, facts, definitions, details, and other information and examples you want to use;
think about how you will introduce your topic and what the main topic will be for each paragraph;
develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the source texts;
be sure to identify the sources by title or number when using details or facts directly from the sources.
Now write your explanatory essay in the space provided. Be sure to:

use information from the two texts so that your essay includes important details;
introduce the topic clearly, provide a focus, and organize information in a way that makes sense;
develop the topic with facts, definitions, details, quotations, or other information and examples related to the topic;
use appropriate and varied transitions to create cohesion;
clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts;
use clear language and vocabulary to inform about the topic;
establish and maintain a formal style;
provide a conclusion that follows the information presented; and
check your work for correct grammar, usage, capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.

The Effects of Sunlight

Sunlight plays a crucial role in the survival of not just humans, but also plants and animals. The amount of sunlight that living beings receive can have a profound impact on their lives. In the passages "Sensational Sunlight" and "Sun Exposure," the authors discuss the various effects that sunlight can have, highlighting both its positive and negative consequences.

One of the most well-known effects of sunlight is its role in the production of vitamin D, as mentioned in "Sensational Sunlight." Sunlight stimulates the body to produce this essential nutrient, which is crucial for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and plays a crucial role in preventing conditions like rickets and osteoporosis. This positive effect of sunlight on our health underscores its importance in our lives.

However, it is important to note that sun exposure should be balanced, as discussed in "Sun Exposure." Prolonged exposure to the sun can have detrimental effects on the skin, leading to skin cancer and premature aging. Harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun can penetrate the skin and damage the DNA in skin cells, increasing the risk of cancer. The passage warns about the need for protective measures like sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to mitigate the harmful effects of sun exposure.

Sunlight also influences our mood and mental well-being, as indicated in "Sensational Sunlight." Exposure to sunlight triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood. People often experience a better mood and increased energy levels when exposed to sunlight, leading to improved mental health. This positive effect of sunlight on our emotional state highlights its significance beyond physical health.

Furthermore, sunlight plays a vital role in the growth and development of plants. In "Sensational Sunlight," it is mentioned that sunlight is essential for the process of photosynthesis. Plants use sunlight to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, their primary source of energy. Without sunlight, plants would not be able to survive and thrive. Additionally, sunlight affects the flowering and fruiting of plants, influencing their reproductive cycle.

In conclusion, sunlight has a range of effects on living organisms. As discussed in the passages, sunlight is essential for the production of vitamin D, contributes to our mood and mental well-being, and is crucial for the growth and development of plants. However, it is important to balance sun exposure and take necessary precautions to avoid the harmful effects, such as skin cancer. Understanding these effects helps us appreciate the significance of sunlight in our lives and underscores the importance of responsible sun exposure.