25 봄의 시계가 고장 났어요

Reader's Bank_Level 7_Unit 09                                    Reading Text

Due to global warming, the blooming season comes earlier than in the past. According to scientists, flowers that used to bloom in April now appear in March. That is about 30 days earlier than in the 1980s. However, this early blooming causes problems. Pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies still wake up from their winter sleep in April. This is because insects are not as sensitive to climate change as plants. This mismatch in timing harms both plants and insects. When bees and butterflies wake up, they cannot find food because many flowers are already gone. Plants cannot bear fruit without the insects moving pollen from f lower to f lower. This affects humans too. About 75% of crop species need insects to help them make fruits. Scientists warn that if this continues, we might not have enough food in the future.

26 너무 깨끗해도 문제다?

“We are too clean!” says Professor Robin Marks. “That’s why dry skin is so common today.” He explains how hot water removes natural oils from our skin: “Think of a buttered knife under hot water. Hot water melts the oil and washes it away. Likewise, hot water washes away the natural oil that your body produces to protect your skin. If you add soap to hot water, your skin may become too dry and even get damaged. We bathe so often that soap is not really necessary.”

Many skin doctors also advise people not to use too much soap for different reasons. They say that soap can contain harmful chemicals. These can be absorbed through our skin and damage our nerves and organs. The more often you use strong soap, the drier and more sensitive your skin becomes. In addition, if overly used, soap might remove beneficial bacteria living on your skin. Doctors suggest that, if you must shower every day, you should take a warm shower without soap.

27 마티스, 색으로 행복을 그리다

Henri Matisse was a famous French artist in the early 1900s. He made beautiful art during the early to mid-1900s. His art is special because he created many of his best works when he was not feeling well. As he got older and sick, he could not paint in the usual way, but he did not stop being creative.

Instead, he came up with a new art form called “cut-outs.” He would cut shapes from colorful paper that his helpers painted for him. Using scissors, Matisse made lively shapes like stars, plants, and people. He then put these shapes on big backgrounds to create amazing pictures.

Even though he had to stay in bed or use a wheelchair, Matisse kept making art. One of his famous books, called “Jazz,” shows this time in his life. It has bold and colorful cut-out designs. Matisse is important in art history not just because he was very talented but also because he found new ways to create art, even when he faced challenges. During this tough time, he made some of his most important work!