Passage 1
Consider how sunlight, or the lack thereof, affects people, plants, and animals. Plants, animals, and humans all benefit from sunlight and its miraculous qualities.
Here Comes the Sun
There are many benefits to sunlight. In fat, the benefits may even outweigh the dangers of sun exposure. The University of Edinburgh researched exposure to sunlight in the UK. They found that sunlight might help reduce blood pressure. The research, found on the website id.ac.uk, was discussed in Edinburgh University’s publication “Sunshine Could Benefit Health.” The research discovered that sunlight could reduce heart attacks and strokes. This research is based on science and the body. There is a compound that releases in blood vessels when people are exposed to sunlight. This compound lowers blood pressure. Additionally, nitric oxide increases after sun exposure. This lowers the risk of stroke or heart attack.
Moderate sun exposure also ensures that people get enough vitamin D. On the health.harvard.edu website, the publication from Harvard Medical School, “Benefits of Moderate Sun Exposure,” discusses the benefits of moderate sun exposure. This research mentions a link between low vitamin D levels and some diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
After two weeks of dreary, cloudy days without a lot of sun, people start to feel gloomy. This can be linked to the deficiency of vitamin D. This lack of sun is often related to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Several studies have found that sunlight changes moods due to the exposure of vitamin D. If people do not spend enough time being exposed to the sun, they may become depressed. SAD often occurs in the winter months when the sun is frequently covered by clouds. The largest cases of SAD are reported in areas that do not have a lot of sunlight during certain times of the year, like the UK, for example. The more sunlight that people receive, the better they feel.
Plants use the sun in a process called photosynthesis. In this process, plants absorb the sunlight and turn it into energy that helps the plant grow. Even more, animals benefit from the sun’s rays. Cold-blooded reptiles use the sun’s warmth to maintain body temperature. People can see this when a little lizard is basking in the sun on a warm day. The sunlight also helps create a relationship between plants and animals. Plants use the sunlight to grow, and animals use the plants as a food source.
Sunlight provides vitamin D, and it has been shown to even lessen depression. However, there are several dangers to too much sun exposure. Sun exposure should be done in moderation, and people should educate themselves on the dangers of too much sunlight.
The most obvious damage to skin from overexposure to sunlight is a sunburn—it causes red, sore skin that may bubble up and flake off over several days. Yet, there are several other issues that can occur. Sometimes, too much sun can give someone a rash or blisters. This can ruin a vacation and make it difficult to sleep. Over time, too much sun exposure can increase the number of spots on the skin. It can also create areas of the skin that are discolored.
passage 2
Sunlight provides vitamin D, and it has been shown to even lessen depression. However, there are several dangers to too much sun exposure. Sun exposure should be done in moderation, and people should educate themselves on the dangers of too much sunlight.
The most obvious damage to skin from overexposure to sunlight is a sunburn—it causes red, sore skin that may bubble up and flake off over several days. Yet, there are several other issues that can occur. Sometimes, too much sun can give someone a rash or blisters. This can ruin a vacation and make it difficult to sleep. Over time, too much sun exposure can increase the number of spots on the skin. It can also create areas of the skin that are discolored.
The worst result of too much sun exposure is the risk of developing cancer. This risk comes from UVA (ultraviolet A rays) and UVB (ultraviolet B rays)—both types can cause skin damage and cancer. The UVA rays, however, penetrate deeper into the skin than the UVB rays. If someone spends an entire life being exposed to too much sun, the possibility of developing cancer increases.
Be careful!
Although some sunlight provides vitamin D for the body, too much can cause additional problems for the body. Eyes can be damaged by the sun if proper care is not taken. Cataracts is another disease that can be caused by too much sunlight—this disease clouds up the eye and makes it difficult to see.
The heat from sun can create many issues for the body. People who are spending the day in the sun may become fatigued (tired); they might also pass out from dehydration if they do not get enough water to drink. Even worse, someone can become overheated and suffer from heat stroke. In this case, the body temperature reaches dangerous temperatures. This can even be fatal.
Prevention
There are many ways to enjoy the sunlight and be safe at the same time. The American Cancer Society recommends several strategies for safe sun exposure. Their phrase, “Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!” can help people to remember how to avoid too much sun exposure. They suggest that people should “Slip on a shirt. Slop on sunscreen. Slap on a hat. Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them.” These small steps allow people to enjoy the sun and be safe at the same time.
The American Cancer Society also suggests that one way of avoiding the sunlight is to find some shade. The direct sunlight is not good for the skin after so long, and the shade will keep the sun off during the strongest sunlight hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. They also recommend avoiding tanning beds since they also produce UVA and UVB rays.
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.
Sunlight is a vital aspect of life that affects not only people but also plants and animals. Passage 1 discusses the benefits of sunlight exposure, such as its ability to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The research conducted by the University of Edinburgh found that sunlight stimulates the release of a compound in blood vessels that lowers blood pressure. Furthermore, sunlight increases the production of nitric oxide, further lowering the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The passage also highlights the importance of moderate sun exposure in providing sufficient vitamin D, which is essential for overall health. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to diseases such as multiple sclerosis. Moreover, sunlight has a significant impact on mood and mental health. Lack of sun exposure can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), particularly during the winter months when sunlight is scarce. Several studies have connected sunlight exposure to the production of vitamin D, which has a positive influence on mood. Therefore, people generally feel better with increased exposure to sunlight.
In addition to its effects on humans, sunlight plays a crucial role in the growth and survival of plants. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb sunlight and convert it into energy for growth. Without sunlight, plants would not be able to produce the necessary energy to survive and thrive. This, in turn, has implications for animals as well. Cold-blooded reptiles, for example, rely on the warmth of the sun to maintain their body temperature. They can often be seen basking in the sun to absorb its heat. Moreover, the relationship between plants and animals is symbiotic. Plants use sunlight to grow, and animals rely on plants as a source of food.
While sunlight offers numerous benefits, it is important to be cautious of excessive exposure. Passage 2 highlights the dangers of too much sun exposure, particularly the risk of skin damage and cancer. Overexposure to the sun can cause sunburn, which results in red, sore skin that may peel off. Additionally, rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin can occur due to excessive sun exposure. The most severe consequence is the development of skin cancer, caused by UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and increase the risk of cancer with prolonged exposure. Furthermore, excessive sun exposure can lead to eye damage, including cataracts, which cloud the vision.
To mitigate the risks of excessive sun exposure, preventive measures are essential. The American Cancer Society advises the "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" approach to minimize sun exposure. This entails slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen, slapping on a hat, and wrapping sunglasses to protect both the eyes and the skin. Seeking shade during the sun's peak hours, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is also recommended. Moreover, it is important to avoid tanning beds as they emit UVA and UVB rays, posing similar risks as direct sunlight.
In conclusion, sunlight has numerous effects on people, plants, and animals. The benefits of sunlight include reducing blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, providing vitamin D, and improving mood. Plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis and energy production, while animals utilize the sun's warmth to regulate their body temperature. However, excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage, including sunburn, rashes, blisters, discoloration, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To enjoy the benefits of sunlight while minimizing risks, it is essential to practice safe sun exposure measures such as wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, seeking shade, and avoiding tanning beds.