PASSAGE 1: Sensational Sunlight
By Dawson Novo
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 fact, 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.
PASSAGE 2: Sun Exposure
By Matt Hardy
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.
Passage 1 discusses the benefits of sunlight, such as reducing blood pressure, increasing vitamin D levels, and improving moods. It also highlights the importance of sunlight for plants and animals, as they use it for energy and warmth.
Passage 2 focuses on the dangers of too much sun exposure. It mentions the risks of sunburn, skin damage, and the development of cancer. It also mentions the potential harm to the eyes and the heat-related issues that can arise from spending too much time in the sun.
Both passages emphasize the importance of moderation when it comes to sun exposure and provide recommendations on how to stay safe in the sun, such as wearing protective clothing, sunscreen, and seeking shade during peak sunlight hours.
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.
Please use two line spaces (using the "enter" key twice) between each paragraph.
Sunlight plays a crucial role in our lives, affecting people, plants, and animals in various ways. Both passages emphasize the positive and negative effects of sunlight, providing evidence to support their claims. In this essay, I will explain the multiple effects of sunlight on our well-being, using information from both texts.
Firstly, sunlight has significant benefits for humans. The University of Edinburgh's research, mentioned in Passage 1, indicates that sun exposure can reduce blood pressure. When exposed to sunlight, a compound is released in our blood vessels, leading to lower blood pressure and a decreased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Furthermore, moderate sun exposure helps our bodies produce vitamin D, as discussed in Passage 1. Vitamin D deficiency can be linked to various diseases, including multiple sclerosis, reinforcing the importance of sunlight in maintaining our health.
However, the lack of sunlight can also have detrimental effects on our mood and well-being. The second passage highlights the occurrence of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression associated with reduced sunlight during certain times of the year. As sunlight exposure decreases, the production of vitamin D in our bodies diminishes, leading to feelings of gloominess and even depression. This information supports the claim made in Passage 1 that increased sunlight leads to improved moods.
Sunlight is not only essential for humans but also crucial for the growth of plants. Passage 1 explains how sunlight is used in photosynthesis, a process where plants convert sunlight into energy, allowing them to grow and thrive. The relationship between plants and animals is also touched upon; animals use plants as a food source, and reptiles, as mentioned in Passage 1, rely on the sun's warmth to regulate their body temperature. This interdependency between plants and animals underscores the significance of sunlight in sustaining life.
While acknowledging the benefits of sunlight, it is crucial to recognize its potential dangers, as discussed in Passage 2. Excessive sun exposure can result in sunburn, which causes red, sore skin and can lead to peeling and even blistering. Moreover, the risk of skin cancer increases with prolonged exposure to UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun. This insight reinforces the need for moderation and protective measures when it comes to sun exposure.
To ensure safe sun exposure, the American Cancer Society, as mentioned in Passage 2, provides recommendations. They advise people to "Slip on a shirt, Slop on sunscreen, Slap on a hat, and Wrap on sunglasses" to protect the skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays. Seeking shade during peak sunlight hours and avoiding tanning beds are also suggested as preventive measures.
In conclusion, sunlight has profound effects on humans, plants, and animals. It can improve our overall health, elevate our mood, and aid in the growth of the natural world. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can lead to harmful consequences, including skin damage and an increased risk of cancer. By following recommended safety practices, such as wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, we can enjoy the benefits of sunlight while minimizing its potential hazards. Remember, moderation is key when it comes to harnessing the power of sunlight.
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