How Do Bones Heal? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL science reading passage to learn how bones heal. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

Bones can repair themselves when they are kept still and protected.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

237 words

Reading Passage

A bone is strong, but it can break after a fall or hard hit. A crack or break in a bone is called a fracture.

When a bone breaks, a doctor may take an X-ray to see the break. The doctor may put the bone in the right position. Then the bone must stay still so it can heal.

Many people wear a cast or a brace. A cast protects the bone and stops it from moving too much. This gives the body time to work.

First, blood gathers around the break. This makes a small clot that helps protect the area. Then the body makes a soft bridge between the broken parts. This bridge is not as hard as bone yet.

Over time, the soft bridge becomes harder. New bone cells fill the space and repair the break. The bone slowly becomes stronger.

Healing takes time. A small bone may heal faster than a large bone. Children often heal faster than adults. Rest, healthy food, and following a doctor's advice can help.

Bones heal because the body can rebuild damaged parts. A broken bone may feel weak at first, but with care, it can become strong again.

A broken bone heals in steps as the body repairs the break.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
bone	the hard part inside the body that gives shape and support	A bone can break after a fall.
heal	to become healthy again after injury	The bone needs time to heal.
fracture	a crack or break in a bone	An X-ray can show a fracture.
cast	a hard cover that keeps a broken bone still	The cast protects the arm.
repair	to fix something that is damaged	The body can repair a broken bone.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is a fracture?
2. Why must a broken bone stay still?
3. What does a cast do?
4. What forms around the break first?
5. What can help a bone heal?

Answers

1. A fracture is a crack or break in a bone.
2. It must stay still so it can heal.
3. A cast protects the bone and stops it from moving too much.
4. Blood gathers and makes a small clot.
5. Rest, healthy food, and following a doctor's advice can help.

Short Summary

Broken bones heal when the body protects the break and builds new bone. Casts and rest help the bone stay still while it repairs.

More Easy Readings

• How Do Teeth Help Us Eat? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage
• How Does the Heart Pump Blood? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage
• Why Do We Shiver? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage