Why Do We Have Nails? | A2 ESL Science Reading Passage

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

Nails protect fingertips and help us use our hands.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

232 words

Reading Passage

A nail is the hard part at the end of a finger or toe. Nails may look simple, but they do several helpful jobs.

One job is to protect the soft skin at the end of each finger. The end of a finger is called a fingertip. Fingertips have many nerves, so they can feel touch very well. Nails give the fingertips a harder cover.

Nails also help people use their hands. They can help you pick up a coin, peel a sticker, or open a small package. Without nails, some small jobs would be harder.

People also use nails to scratch an itchy place. Nails can help remove dirt from a surface too. But scratching too hard can hurt the skin.

Nails grow slowly from the base under the skin. Fingernails usually grow faster than toenails. A nail can grow back if it is damaged, but this can take time.

It is important to keep nails clean and trimmed. Dirt can get under nails, and long nails can break.

Nails protect fingertips, help with small tasks, and keep growing through life. They are small body parts with useful jobs.

Nails protect, help grip small things, and keep growing slowly.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
nail	the hard part at the end of a finger or toe	A nail protects the fingertip.
protect	to keep something safe	Nails help protect soft skin.
fingertip	the end of a finger	The fingertip can feel touch.
scratch	to rub with nails or something sharp	Do not scratch too hard.
grow	to become bigger or longer	Fingernails grow slowly.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Where are nails?
2. What do nails help protect?
3. Name one small task nails can help with.
4. Where do nails grow from?
5. Why should people keep nails clean?

Answers

1. Nails are at the ends of fingers and toes.
2. They help protect the soft skin of the fingertips.
3. They can help pick up a coin, peel a sticker, or open a small package.
4. Nails grow from the base under the skin.
5. Dirt can get under nails.

Short Summary

Nails protect fingertips and help people do small tasks. They grow slowly and should be kept clean and trimmed.

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