Why Do We Sweat? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

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

Sweat helps the body cool down when it gets too hot.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

216 words

Reading Passage

Sweat may feel wet and uncomfortable, but it has an important job. Sweat helps the body stay cool when it gets too hot.

The body can become hot in many ways. We may run, play sports, sit in the sun, or wear warm clothes. Sometimes people also sweat when they feel nervous. In each case, the body is trying to control its temperature.

The brain checks body temperature all the time. When the body gets too warm, the brain sends a message to sweat glands in the skin.

Sweat glands are tiny parts of the skin that make sweat. Sweat is mostly water, but it also has a little salt. The sweat moves through small openings in the skin.

When sweat reaches the skin, air can help it dry. This drying is called evaporation. Evaporation takes heat away from the skin. That helps the body cool down.

This is why a breeze can feel good when you are sweaty. The moving air helps sweat evaporate faster.

Sweating is useful, but the body also loses water when it sweats. That is why people need to drink water after exercise or on very hot days.

Sweat is not just a sign that we are hot. It is one way the body protects itself and keeps its temperature safe.

Sweat cools the body when it evaporates from the skin.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
sweat	liquid from the skin that helps cool the body	Sweat ran down his face after running.
temperature	how hot or cold the body is	The body tries to control its temperature.
sweat gland	a tiny part of the skin that makes sweat	A sweat gland opens when the body is hot.
evaporation	the change from liquid into gas	Evaporation cools the skin.
breeze	a light wind	A breeze helped the sweat dry.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main job of sweat?
2. What part of the body checks body temperature?
3. What do sweat glands do?
4. How does evaporation help the body?
5. Why should people drink water after sweating?

Answers

1. Sweat helps the body stay cool.
2. The brain checks body temperature.
3. Sweat glands make sweat.
4. Evaporation takes heat away from the skin.
5. People lose water when they sweat.

Short Summary

Sweat helps the body cool down. When sweat evaporates from the skin, it takes heat away from the body.

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