Why Do We Yawn? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

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

Yawning often happens when we are tired, bored, or changing body states.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

195 words

Reading Passage

Everyone yawns. A yawn is a big breath that usually happens with an open mouth. It may seem simple, but scientists still study why we do it.

People often yawn when they feel tired or bored. A yawn can happen before sleep, after waking up, or during a quiet activity. It may be a sign that the body is changing from one state to another.

Yawning may help the brain become more alert. When we yawn, we take in a deep breath and stretch muscles in the face and neck. This action may help the body wake up a little.

Yawning can also happen when our attention becomes low. During a long lesson, a slow meeting, or a quiet ride, the brain may need a small change. A yawn can be part of that change.

Another interesting thing is that yawning can be contagious. If you see someone yawn, you may yawn too. Even reading about yawning can make some people yawn.

Yawning is usually normal. It is one way the body responds to tiredness, boredom, and changes in attention. A yawn is a small reminder that the body and brain are always working together.

Yawning may be linked to sleepiness, alertness, body changes, and social copying.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
yawn	a deep breath with the mouth open	I gave a big yawn before bed.
alert	ready to notice and respond	A short walk can help you feel alert.
attention	the act of focusing the mind	My attention became low during the long talk.
contagious	able to spread from one person to another	Yawning can be contagious.
state	a condition or situation	The body changes state before sleep.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. When do people often yawn?
2. What does a yawn usually look like?
3. How may yawning help the brain?
4. What does contagious mean?
5. Is yawning usually normal?

Answers

1. People often yawn when they feel tired or bored.
2. A yawn is a big breath with an open mouth.
3. It may help the brain become more alert.
4. Contagious means able to spread from one person to another.
5. Yes. Yawning is usually normal.

Short Summary

People yawn when they are tired, bored, or changing body states. Yawning may help the brain become more alert and can spread from person to person.

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