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.
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.
The effects of sunlight are far-reaching and impact both people and nature. Sunlight not only provides essential benefits but also poses risks, making it crucial to understand how to maintain a balance between exposure and protection.
Firstly, sunlight offers an array of benefits to our overall health and well-being. Research conducted by the University of Edinburgh reveals that sunlight can lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is due to a compound that is released in blood vessels when exposed to sunlight, which effectively lowers blood pressure. Additionally, sun exposure increases the production of nitric oxide, further reducing the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Moderate sunlight exposure also aids in the production of vitamin D in our bodies, as mentioned in the publication "Benefits of Moderate Sun Exposure" from Harvard Medical School. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to diseases like multiple sclerosis, making sunlight crucial for maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.
Conversely, lack of sunlight can have detrimental effects on our mental health. Prolonged periods of gloomy, cloudy weather can lead to a deficiency in vitamin D, causing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is often prevalent during winter months when sunlight is scarce. Studies have shown that sunlight exposure increases the production of vitamin D and subsequently improves mood. Thus, the more sunlight people receive, the better they tend to feel.
Apart from humans, plants and animals also heavily rely on sunlight. Plants utilize a process called photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy, enabling them to grow. Meanwhile, cold-blooded reptiles like lizards rely on the sun's warmth to maintain their body temperature. This close relationship between plants and animals demonstrates the vital role sunlight plays in sustaining life.
However, excessive sun exposure can lead to a range of health problems, with skin damage being the most apparent consequence. Sunburn, characterized by red, sore skin that may peel off, can occur from overexposure. In addition to sunburn, excessive sun exposure can cause rashes, blisters, and discoloration of the skin. The most alarming risk associated with excessive sun exposure is the potential development of skin cancer. UVA and UVB rays, both emitted by the sun, can penetrate the skin and cause damage that increases the likelihood of cancer. While UVB rays primarily affect the outer layers of the skin, UVA rays are capable of penetrating deeper, intensifying the risk of cancer.
It is crucial to take proper precautions to mitigate the risks of too much sunlight. The American Cancer Society emphasizes the importance of "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" to safeguard against excessive sun exposure. This entails wearing protective clothing, applying sunscreen, wearing a hat, and using sunglasses to shield the eyes and surrounding skin. Seeking shade during the peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is also recommended, as direct sunlight during this time can be damaging. Additionally, avoiding tanning beds is advised since they emit UVA and UVB rays, similarly increasing the risk of skin damage and cancer.
In conclusion, sunlight plays a crucial role in the lives of people, plants, and animals. It offers numerous health benefits, including reducing blood pressure, preventing vitamin D deficiency, and improving mood. However, excessive exposure to sunlight can result in sunburn, skin damage, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between enjoying the benefits of sunlight and protecting ourselves from its harmful effects. By following safety measures and seeking shade when necessary, we can continue to benefit from sunlight while staying safe and healthy.