Human Body

Why Do We Dream? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

Rose Reading Lab 2026. 6. 2. 06:33

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

A peaceful sleeping person with soft dream-like shapes above
Dreams happen while the brain stays active during sleep.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

286 words

Reading Passage

Dreams can be stories, pictures, sounds, or feelings that happen in our minds while we sleep. Some dreams are fun. Some are strange. Some are hard to remember after we wake up.

Scientists do not know every reason why people dream, but they have some strong ideas. One idea is that dreams are connected to the brain's work during sleep. Even when the body is resting, the brain is still active.

Dreams often happen during a part of sleep called REM sleep. During REM sleep, the eyes move quickly under the eyelids. The brain is very active, and dreams can feel real.

Dreams may help the brain work with memory. During the day, we learn, see, and feel many things. At night, the brain may sort some of this information. This may be one reason old places, people, or events appear in dreams.

Dreams may also help us deal with feelings. If a person feels worried, excited, or sad, those feelings can appear in a dream. The dream may not make perfect sense, but it can be connected to real emotion.

Imagination also plays a big role. In dreams, the brain can mix real memories with impossible events. That is why a dream can move from school to space in just a few seconds.

Dreams show that sleep is not empty time. While we rest, the mind is still working in quiet and surprising ways.

Infographic explaining why people dream
Dreams may connect sleep, memory, emotion, and imagination.

Key Vocabulary

Word Meaning Example
dream a story, picture, or feeling in the mind during sleep I had a dream about flying.
brain the organ in the head that helps us think, feel, and remember The brain stays active during sleep.
memory the ability to keep and remember information Dreams may include old memories.
emotion a strong feeling, such as joy, fear, or sadness An emotion can appear in a dream.
imagination the ability to create ideas or pictures in the mind Imagination can make dreams strange.

Reading Comprehension Questions

  1. What are dreams?
  2. Is the brain active during sleep?
  3. When do many dreams happen?
  4. How may dreams be connected to memory?
  5. Why can dreams be strange?

Answers

  1. Dreams are stories, pictures, sounds, or feelings that happen in the mind during sleep.
  2. Yes. The brain can be active while the body rests.
  3. Many dreams happen during REM sleep.
  4. Dreams may appear while the brain sorts information and memories.
  5. Dreams can be strange because imagination mixes real memories with impossible events.

Short Summary

People dream because the brain stays active during sleep. Dreams may be connected to memory, emotion, and imagination, especially during REM sleep.

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