How To Handle The Sun IELTS Academic Reading Sample with Explanation
This IELTS Reading topic is a part of the IELTS Academic Reading section. It is an Identifying information task. The IELTS Academic Reading passage How to Handle The Sun talks about the effects of the sun on the human body. The IELTS Academic Reading passage contains two types of questions:
- True/False/Not given
- Fill In the blanks
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Section 1
Read the Passage to Answer the Following Questions
How To Handle The Sun IELTS Academic Reading Sample
The medical world appears to be divided on the effects of the sun upon the human body. From statements like, “There is no known relationship between a tan and health” to “perhaps sun-tanned skin absorbs the ultraviolet rays and converts them into helpful energy”, there are some things that are still the topic of research. Doctors agree on one of the benefits of the sun – vitamin D.
It is well known that vitamin D is acquired from the direct rays of the sun – an entirely separate miracle from sun tanning. The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate only a tiny amount into the human skin, but in the process, they irradiate an element in the skin called ergosterol, which is a substance that stores up reserves of vitamin D received from the sun. This is both healthy and beneficial for human skin.
All around the Western World, people have developed an obsession with the sun. In many western countries, a suntan has become the trade-mark of a healthy, active, outdoor person. The basic reddish hue just beneath the surface of our skin is the outward reflection of the millions of red corpuscles flowing through tiny blood vessels. This is most noticeable in the pure skin of a baby which can change in a moment from porcelain white (with anger or a switch in temperature) to crimson. In Caucasians, this coloring is somewhat hidden by an acquired layer of sun-made pigment, which varies in tone according to the complexion and occupation of the individual.
Locale plays a big part in the effectiveness of the suntan. Mountain tops and beaches are nonpareil sun spas because they receive far purer sunlight than the rest of the land. Urban areas with their smoke and smog act as a filter removing all the healthy properties of the sun. Perhaps the seashore is best of all, with its air estimated to have at least a fifth of a percent more oxygen than inland ether – free of city and inland dust, tars, pollen, and allergens.
The sun has long been called nature’s greatest health giver and healer and has played a chief role at health resorts ever since August Rollick, the Swiss father of heliotherapy, opened his first high-Alps sanatorium in 1903. Dr. W. W. Coblenz suggests that the sun cure is a major factor in the treatment of at least 23 skin diseases, ranging from acne and eczema to ulcers and wounds. Another specialist, Dr. Richard Kovacs writes, “Sun treatment is often helpful to persons suffering from general debility – repeated colds, respiratory diseases, influenza and the like”.
After a long winter, the return to the sun writes Dr. Leonard Dodds, the British sunlight scholar, “is a general stimulus to the body, more potent if applied after a period when it has been lacking which gradually loses its effect if exposure is over prolonged, even when not excessive”.
Over many years of study, dermatologists have proven that excessive exposure to sunlight for years is responsible for a large proportion of skin cancer amongst the population. Those with the greatest chance of doing permanent damage to their skin are the year-round outdoor workers – 90% of which occurs on the heavily exposed hands and face. The first line of defense against permanent sun damage is the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat, which combine to form an oily acid surface shield against the ultraviolet rays.
At the beach, the saltwater washes away this natural oily coat, the hot sun overworks the sweat glands so that the excess becomes ineffective and the dry wind and hot sun combine to dehydrate the skin itself. Over the years, women have shown far greater wisdom in the care of their skin than men. Since the ladies of ancient Egypt first began to apply the fat of the so-called sacred temple cats to their faces, women have been tireless in waging this battle against damage to the skin from the sun. Both sexes now contribute annually to a multi-million dollar global sunscreen business.
Other pans of the human body which tend to suffer from exposure to the sun are the eyes and hair. Many years ago, optometrists undertook studies in America to examine the influence of the sun upon the eyes by studying Atlantic City lifeguards and found that even a few hours in the bright sun without sunglasses could cause a significant loss of vision – a loss that might take several weeks from which to recover. So gradual was the change that the lifeguards were unaware that their sight had been affected. The solution to this problem was to introduce sunglasses as a standard part of the lifeguard uniform. These were dark enough to absorb the sun’s harmful UV rays and most of its infrared and ultraviolet rays.
Of a lesser impact is the effect of the sun upon the hair. The penalty of the sun parching is a brittle dryness. Haircare professionals recommend a nutritional cream treatment with a substance containing lanolin to bring your hair back to its natural softness, these usually come in the form of leave-in conditioners, and should be applied frequently, just as you would a sunscreen for the skin. Or, easier still, wear a hat. Wearing a hat has a dual effect: it protects the hair and helps to prevent the most dangerous of outdoor afflictions: sunstroke.
Section 2
Solution With Explanation
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the reading passage.
In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
[Guide: Read the passage carefully and do not stop until you finish each sentence. After reading the passage answer the questions given from 1-6]
Question 1: The suntan is considered to be a sign of a healthy person due to the flow of red corpuscles in the blood vessels of humans.
Answer: TRUE
Supporting Sentence: All around the Western World, people have developed an obsession with the sun. In many western countries, a suntan has become the trade-mark of a healthy, active, outdoor person. The basic reddish hue just beneath the surface of our skin is the outward reflection of the millions of red corpuscles flowing through tiny blood vessels.
Keyword: Suntan, healthy, active, outdoor person, red corpuscles, blood vessels.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 3 lines 2-3
Explanation: In many Western countries, a suntan has become the trademark of a healthy, active, outdoor person. The basic reddish hue just beneath the surface of the skin is the outward reflection of the millions of red corpuscles flowing through tiny blood vessels.
According to these lines, suntan is considered a sign of a healthy person that may be observed in the form of a reddish hue beneath the surface of the skin.
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Question 2: Sunlight easily passes through the air in Urban areas. The healthy properties of the sun help the people living in Urban areas have active skin and increase immunity power.
Answer: FALSE
Supporting Sentence: Mountain tops and beaches are nonpareil sun spas because they receive far purer sunlight than the rest of the land. Urban areas with their smoke and smog act as a filter removing all the healthy properties of the sun.
Keywords: urban areas, smog, smoke, removing, healthy properties of the sun.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 4 lines 2-3
Explanation: Mountain tops and beaches are nonpareil sun spas because they receive far purer sunlight than the rest of the land. Urban areas with their smoke and smog act as a filter removing all the healthy properties of the sun.
Here the writer describes that due to increased pollution in the urban areas, the smoke and smog act as a layer and obstruct the sunlight rays from passing in. So, the healthy properties of the sun cannot be received by the people.
Question 3: Dr. W. W. Coblenz suggests that sun cure can be used for treating ulcers, cancer, skin treatments, and other wounds.
Answer: TRUE
Supporting Sentence: Dr. W. W. Coblenz suggests that the sun cure is a major factor in the treatment of at least 23 skin diseases, ranging from acne and eczema to ulcers and wounds.
Keyword: Dr. W. W. Coblenz, major factor, sun cure, treatment, skin diseases, ulcers, wounds.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 5 lines 2-4
Explanation: Dr. W. W. Coblenz suggests that the sun cure is a major factor in the treatment of at least 23 skin diseases, ranging from acne and eczema to ulcers and wounds.
Here is the statement given by Dr. W. W. Coblenz mentioned that sun cure can be used for various skin diseases, ulcers, and sounds.
Question 4: Exposing of skin to sunlight leads to skin cancer among outdoor workers. And years of study have suggested that fatty matter and sweat may act as cover from ultraviolet rays.
Answer: TRUE
Supporting Sentence: The first line of defense against permanent sun damage is the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat, which combine to form an oily acid surface shield against the ultraviolet rays.
Keywords: Defense, sun damage, skin, fatty matter, shield, ultraviolet rays.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 7 lines 1-5
Explanation: Dermatologists have proven that excessive exposure to sunlight for years is responsible for a large proportion of skin cancer amongst the population. Those with the greatest chance of doing permanent damage to their skin are the year-round outdoor workers – 90% of which occurs on the heavily exposed hands and face. The first line of defense against permanent sun damage is the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat, which combine to form an oily acid surface shield against the ultraviolet rays.
Question 5: Optometrists in America have concluded that direct exposure of eyes to sunlight for a long time causes vision loss. And that defect cannot be cured.
Answer: FALSE
Supporting Sentence: optometrists undertook studies in America to examine the influence of the sun upon the eyes by studying Atlantic City lifeguards and found that even a few hours in the bright sun without sunglasses could cause a significant loss of vision – a loss that might take several weeks from which to recover.
Keyword: Optometrist, America, Eyes, loss of vision, recover.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 9 lines 2-5
Explanation: Many years ago, optometrists undertook studies in America to examine the influence of the sun upon the eyes by studying Atlantic City lifeguards and found that even a few hours in the bright sun without sunglasses could cause a significant loss of vision – a loss that might take several weeks from which to recover.
Here the writer describes that longer exposure of eyes to the bright sun causes loss of vision. But it is mentioned that the defect can be recovered with treatment for a few weeks.
Question 6: Sunlight breaks down into three major components visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared radiation.
Answer: NOT GIVEN
Questions: 7 to 20
Fill in the blanks for the following summary using the words given in the box.
[Guide: In the questions marked from 7-20 candidates are required to complete it with information taken from the passage]
Starting from there is no relationship between the tan and health studies have concluded that acquiring …………….(7) from the sun tanning is a miracle. When the sunlight rays fall on human skin reserves of vitamin D are stored in the form of …………….(8). To obtain sunlight with fresh air …………..(9) is the best place. Pure sunlight cure can be used for the treatment of skin diseases, acne, alzima, wounds, and ………..(10). Over ………….(11) of the skin on hands and face is heavily exposed to sunlight leading to ……………(12). A natural oily surface of …………(13) and …………(14) acts as a shield against ultraviolet rays. Other than skin the sunlight may also affect …………(15) and ………….(16). Loss of vision can be …………(17) through the treatment for few weeks. Brittle …………(18) of hair is caused due to exposure to sunlight. Wearing ………..(19) for hair and …………..(20) for eyes can prevent the effects of sunlight.
| Hat | Dryness | Sunglasses |
| Sweat | Eyes | 90% |
| Fatty matter | Hair | Recovered |
| Ulcers | Vitamin D | Skin cancer |
| Ergo sterol | Seashore |
ANSWERS :
Question: 7
Answer: Vitamin D
Supporting Sentence: Doctors agree on one of the benefits of the sun – vitamin D.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 1, line 5
Explanation: The paragraph denotes that the effects of the sun on the human body are decided by different factors. Some believe that there is no known relationship between a tan and health and some say that sun-tanned skin absorbs the ultraviolet rays and converts them into helpful energy. But doctors approve of one of the benefits of the sun – vitamin D.
Question: 8
Answer: Ergosterol
Supporting Sentence: The sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate only a tiny amount into the human skin, but in the process, they irradiate an element in the skin called ergosterol, which is a substance that stores up reserves of vitamin D received from the sun.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 2, line 3
Explanation: Ergosterol is an element in the skin irradiated by the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The paragraph states that this substance stores the vitamin D received from the sun. Ergosterol is very beneficial for the skin.
Question: 9
Answer: Seashore
Supporting Sentence: Perhaps the seashore is best of all, with its air estimated to have at least a fifth of a percent more oxygen than inland ether – free of city and inland dust, tars, pollen, and allergens.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 4, line 4
Explanation: The paragraph expresses that the smoke and smog in urban areas remove all the healthy properties of the sun. And that is why the seashore is the best. It is free of dust, pollen, tars, and allergens, and its air is estimated to have at least a fifth of a percent more oxygen than inland.
Question: 10
Answer: Ulcers
Supporting Sentence: Coblenz suggests that the sun cure is a major factor in the treatment of at least 23 skin diseases, ranging from acne and eczema to ulcers and wounds.
Keyword Location: in paragraph 5, line 4
Explanation: This paragraph gives information about how the sun has been nature’s greatest health giver and healer. Dr. W. W. Coblenz suggests that the sun cure is a major factor in the treatment of at least 23 skin diseases. Acne, eczema, ulcers, and any type of wound sunset the power to help cure these diseases.
Question: 11
Answer: 90%
Supporting Sentence: Those with the greatest chance of doing permanent damage to their skin are the year-round outdoor workers – 90% of which occurs on the heavily exposed hands and face.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 7, line 4
Explanation: This paragraph informs about the study done by the dermatologists proving that excessive exposure to sunlight can cause skin cancer. And the year-round outdoor workers are more prone to having this cancer.
Question: 12
Answer: Skin cancer
Supporting Sentence: Over many years of study, dermatologists have proven that excessive exposure to sunlight for years is responsible for a large proportion of skin cancer amongst the population.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 7, line 2
Explanation: Excessive exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer amongst the population. It is a fact proven by the study done by dermatologists.
Question: 13
Answer: Fatty matter
Supporting Sentence: The first line of defense against permanent sun damage is the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat, which combine to form an oily acid surface shield against the ultraviolet rays.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 7, line 5
Explanation: Dermatologists also state that excessive exposure to the sun permanently damages the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat. Sweat and fatty matter combine together to form an oily acid surface to protect the skin against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Question: 14
Answer: Sweat
Supporting Sentence: The first line of defense against permanent sun damage is the skin’s own natural fatty matter and sweat, which combine to form an oily acid surface shield against the ultraviolet rays.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 7, line 5
Explanation: Sweat and fatty matter play a great role in protecting the skin from the permanent damage caused by the harmful ultraviolet rays.
Question: 15
Answer: Hair
Supporting Sentence: Other pans of the human body which tend to suffer from exposure to the sun are the eyes and hair.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 9, Line 2
Explanation: The harmful UV rays damages hair badly. It makes the hair dry and brittle. It is recommended to use nutritional cream treatment with a substance containing lanolin to bring your hair back to its natural softness, these usually come in the form of leave-in conditioners.
Question: 16
Answer: Eyes
Supporting Sentence: Other pans of the human body which tend to suffer from exposure to the sun are the eyes and hair.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 9, Line 1
Explanation: Eyes are the most sensitive part of the human body. And the UV rays can really harm the vision. Studies indicate even a few hours in the bright sun without sunglasses could cause a significant loss of vision.
Question: 17
Answer: Recovered
Supporting Sentence: Atlantic City lifeguards and found that even a few hours in the bright sun without sunglasses could cause a significant loss of vision – a loss that might take several weeks from which to get recovered.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 9, Line
Explanation: This paragraph informs that the damage caused by sun exposure can cause damage. A significant loss of vision can be recovered but it could take several weeks.
Question: 18
Answer: Dryness
Supporting Sentence: Of a lesser impact is the effect of the sun upon the hair. The penalty of the sun parching is a brittle dryness.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 10, line 2
Explanation: Due to exposure to sunlight the brittle dryness of hair is caused. Those who sufferers from brittle dryness should use a nutritional cream treatment with a substance containing lanolin to bring your hair back to its natural softness,
Question: 19
Answer: Hat
Supporting Sentence: Or, easier still, wear a hat. Wearing a hat has a dual effect: it protects the hair and helps to prevent the most dangerous of outdoor afflictions: sunstroke.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 10, line5
Explanation: To prevent yourself from the damage caused by UV rays, wear a hat. This will protect the hair and also help to prevent the most dangerous of outdoor afflictions: sunstroke.
Question: 20
Answer: Sunglasses
Supporting Sentence: The solution to this problem was to introduce sunglasses as a standard part of the lifeguard uniform.
Keyword Location: In paragraph 9, line 7
Explanation: Sunglasses can prevent the damage caused to the vision by the sun. dark sunglasses can absorb the sun’s harmful UV rays and most of its infrared and ultraviolet rays.
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