The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

updated at

Updated on Apr 03, 2025, 07:49

The IELTS Reading section tests your ability to understand and interpret a variety of texts within a 60-minute time limit. You will encounter different question types, such as multiple-choice, locating information, and True/False/Not Given, requiring strong comprehension and analytical skills. The passages are taken from books, journals, magazines, and newspapers, covering a range of academic and general topics.
 

The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading passage explores the dual nature of the Sun’s impact on life on Earth. While it is essential for survival, providing light and warmth, it also poses significant risks, such as harmful UV radiation and climate-related challenges.


Let’s look at The Sun A Mixed Blessing reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

On this page

Arrow right
Slider image

1. The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 13 based on The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answer Passage below.

Read More Down arrow
1/ 4
Slider image

2. The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about The Sun A Mixed Blessing.

Read More Down arrow
2/ 4
Slider image

3. Check Out Top 45+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

Read More Down arrow
3/ 4

More for you

Boost Your IELTS Reading Score

Practice IELTS Reading Answers arrow right

4-Week IELTS Course with
 

Band Jump Guarantee

Attend Free Masterclass arrow right
4/4
1.

The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answer Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. People in Western countries have very mixed feelings about the sun. On the one hand, it evokes memories of beaches, summer holidays and playful times. Children's books often personify the sun as a smiling, happy typically contrasted with angry, moody rain clouds. The sun has such positive connotations that the descriptor sunny' refers not only to a state of weather but also to 'cheery, cheerful, or joyous' moods and dispositions amongst humans. On the other hand, many people fear the sun because of its association with cosmetic degeneration, which can cause people to look much older than they are. Even more seriously, many people see the sun as a killer. This is because excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, which has a very high mortality rate. So, is the sun our friend or a foe? The answers are complex and contradictory.

 

Paragraph B. Let's start with the worst news about the sun. It is a carcinogen. As the National Toxicology Program Report on Carcinogens from the Department of Health and Human Services reports, broad-spectrum UV radiation and solar radiation (what is known as 'sun rays') are thought to contribute to most of the estimated 1.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in the United States each year. This gives the sun the unfavourable distinction of being the leading carcinogen in the United States ahead of genetic mutations, bad diets, cigarettes, alcohol, chemical exposure and other lifestyle factors. Of these diagnoses, 8,000 sufferers will perish from the condition. The primary cause of this mortality is metastatic melanoma- moles that become cancerous and then spread mutated cells into the lymph nodes and eventually through the rest of the body.

 

Paragraph C. Even if you are lucky enough to avoid skin cancer, the sun can still have damaging effects on your skin. This is known as premature ageing, so-called because sun damage mimics the skin's natural ageing process but does so at a much earlier age. The sun causes premature ageing by breaking down and mutating collagen fibrous, glue-like substance that supports and connects tissue and is responsible for the firmness, suppleness, elasticity and overall appearance of the skin. Skin's collagen production slows and eventually stops due to ageing anyway, but sun exposure accelerates this process. It also mutates collagen cells, producing visible abnormalities on the skin. The slowing collagen production appears as wrinkles, sagging and fine lines, while the mutated cells can take the form of a leathery skin texture, facial ruddiness and blemishes known as liver spots. Together these can dissolve signs of youth and vitality from a person's looks - an image that contrasts starkly with the smooth, tanned and youthful-looking models we often associate with summer!

 

Paragraph D. The sun does have a lot of positive things to offer humans, however. Firstly, it staves off Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), an appropriate acronym for a mood disorder caused by insufficient exposure to light - as such, it is typically associated with winters and is sometimes called 'winter blues' or 'winter depression'. SAD, once treated with scepticism by health experts but now widely acknowledged to be a legitimate condition, can create several distressing problems. Sufferers may oversleep and find it difficult to be roused in the morning, crave 'comfort foods' high in carbohydrates, lack energy, find it difficult to concentrate and may withdraw from social exposure. Together, these symptoms can lead to depression, pessimistic feelings of hopelessness and an inability to find pleasurable activities. Researchers are not yet sure of the exact physical mechanism that causes SAD, but they do know that exposure to bright life is an effective remedy. The sun has a palliative effect here.

 

Paragraph E. In other ways, the health-improving effects of the sun can be even more powerful. These effects typically relate to Vitamin D, of which the sun is a great source for two reasons. Firstly, it is completely free, and secondly, our bodies have natural mechanisms that prevent an overdose of internally- generated Vitamin D from the sun. Although this vitamin can be sourced from milk, cod liver oil and supplements, solar radiation is still the primary source for most humans. Its preventative role is important: Vitamin D seems to protect against prostate, breast, colon, kidney and ovarian cancers, benefit bone health, as well as reduce overall mortality and the occurrence of cardiovascular events- mortality from strokes and heart attacks is up to 40% higher in some countries during winter months, a connection linked to lack of sun exposure. Skin cancer rates rise with proximity to the equator amongst light-skinned people, but the prognosis of most other cancers is exactly the opposite. Indeed, the overall benefits of sun exposure outweigh the risks when it comes to cancer, even though the sun is a well-documented carcinogen.

 

Paragraph F. Ultimately, moderation and protection may be the key when it comes to sun exposure. This is true of other carcinogens such as alcohol, as studies suggest that binge drinkers and teetotallers experience higher levels of health problems than people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol on social occasions. Healthy access to the sun involves wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen before every exposure (even in winter) and not staying in the sun any longer than is necessary, which is about five minutes for adequate Vitamin D exposure. With these simple steps, the sun once again becomes A fined and not our foe.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of The Sun a Mixed Blessing reading answer passage.

2.

The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-6
  • The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading answer passage has six paragraphs A-F.
  • Which paragraph contains the following information?
  • Write the correct letter, from A-F.

 

1. A description of the physical process that makes someone look older.

2. Recommendations for how to be safe in the sun.

3. Examples of emotional ailments that contact with the sun can treat.

4. Evidence that the sun can lower death rates.

5. An explanation of how a single word can have contrasting connotations.

6. Several causes of cancer.

 

The Sun A Mixed Blessing  Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
 

Type of question: Locating Information

 

In this task, you are required to find specific details, facts, or information within the passage. These questions typically ask you to identify where particular information is located in the text.
 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Understand what specific information you need to find (e.g., a word, phrase, or detail).
  • Quickly skim through the relevant paragraph or section to locate keywords related to the question.
  • Ensure the answer fits grammatically and contextually into the sentence or passage.
  • Check for synonyms or keywords to locate the information
  • Finalise your answers.
     
1. Paragraph C

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “The sun causes premature ageing by breaking down and mutating collagen fibrous, glue-like substance that supports and connects tissue and is responsible for the firmness, suppleness, elasticity and overall appearance of the skin.”

 

Explanation: This line describes the physical process through which the sun affects collagen, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and other visible signs of ageing. Since it explains how sun exposure accelerates the ageing process, "paragraph C" is the correct answer.

 

2. Paragraph F

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “Healthy access to the sun involves wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen before every exposure (even in winter) and not staying in the sun any longer than is necessary, which is about five minutes for adequate Vitamin D exposure”

 

Explanation: This line outlines the precautions people should take to protect themselves from the harmful effects of sun exposure. Since it provides safety recommendations regarding sunscreen and exposure duration, "paragraph F" is the correct answer.
 

3. Paragraph D

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “SAD, once treated with scepticism by health experts but now widely acknowledged to be a legitimate condition, can create several distressing problems.”

 

Explanation: This line discusses Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and highlights the emotional difficulties associated with a lack of sunlight. Since it describes the impact of sunlight on mood disorders, "paragraph D" is the correct answer.

 

4. Paragraph E

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Mortality from strokes and heart attacks is up to 40% higher in some countries during winter months, a connection linked to lack of sun exposure”.

 

Explanation: This line provides statistical evidence that lower sun exposure is associated with higher death rates from strokes and heart attacks. Since it supports the claim that sunlight reduces mortality rates, "paragraph E" is the correct answer.

 

5. Paragraph A

 

Reference: From Paragraph A: “The sun has such positive connotations that the descriptor sunny' refers not only to a state of weather but also to 'cheery, cheerful, or joyous' moods and dispositions amongst humans”.

 

Explanation: This line explains how the word "sunny" can have both literal and metaphorical meanings, showing a contrast between positive and negative associations of the sun. Since it describes the dual connotations of a word, "paragraph A" is the correct answer.

 

6. Paragraph B

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “This gives the sun the unfavourable distinction of being the leading carcinogen in the United States ahead of genetic mutations, bad diets, cigarettes, alcohol, chemical exposure and other lifestyle factors”.

 

Explanation: This line lists various causes of cancer and highlights that sun exposure is the most significant carcinogen. Since it provides multiple factors contributing to cancer, "paragraph B" is the correct answer.

 

Also Read: IELTS Reading Band Score 2025

Questions and Answers 7
  • Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

 

7. Which of the following is premature ageing?

A. Loose skin

B. Organ problems

C. Redness on the face

D. Rough, dry feel to skin.
 

The Sun A Mixed Blessing  Reading Answers With Explanations (7)
 

Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

7. A - Loose skin

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “The slowing collagen production appears as wrinkles, sagging and fine lines, while the mutated cells can take the form of a leathery skin texture, facial ruddiness and blemishes known as liver spots”.

 

Explanation: This line indicates that premature ageing leads to sagging skin, which is another term for loose skin. The breakdown of collagen reduces the skin's firmness and elasticity, making it appear less tight. Therefore, "loose skin" is the correct answer.

 

Read more about the IELTS General Reading Practice Test 2025

Questions and Answers 8-13
Do the following statements agree with the information given in The Sun A Mixed Blessing Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 8-13 on your answer sheet, write
  • TRUE if the statement agrees with the information.
  • FALSE if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

8. Sun exposure can result in SAD.

9. Experts no longer consider SAD to be a health problem.

10. Artificial sources of light are not very good at treating SAD.

11. The sun cannot give us too much Vitamin D.

12. Most people get their Vitamin D from the sun.

13. The sun can both cause and prevent cancer.
 

The Sun A Mixed Blessing  Reading Answers With Explanations (8-13)

 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.

 

8. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “SAD, once treated with scepticism by health experts but now widely acknowledged to be a legitimate condition, can create several distressing problems.”

 

Explanation: This line explains that SAD is caused by a lack of light, not sun exposure. Since the passage does not link sun exposure to causing SAD, the correct answer is “False”.
 

9. False

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “SAD, once treated with scepticism by health experts but now widely acknowledged to be a legitimate condition, can create several distressing problems.”

 

Explanation: This line confirms that SAD is now recognised as a legitimate health condition. Since experts still acknowledge it as a health issue, the correct answer is “False”.

 

10. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage discusses the effectiveness of the sun in treating SAD but does not compare it to artificial sources of light. Since there is no information about whether artificial light is effective or not, the correct answer is “Not given”.

 

11. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Firstly, it is completely free, and secondly, our bodies have natural mechanisms that prevent an overdose of internally- generated Vitamin D from the sun”.

 

Explanation: This line states that the human body has a built-in mechanism to prevent excessive Vitamin D from the sun. Since this confirms that too much Vitamin D cannot be absorbed from sunlight, the correct answer is “True”.

 

12. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Although this vitamin can be sourced from milk, cod liver oil and supplements, solar radiation is still the primary source for most humans”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that, although Vitamin D can come from other sources, most people primarily obtain it from sunlight. Since this supports the statement, the correct answer is “True”.

 

13. True

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Indeed, the overall benefits of sun exposure outweigh the risks when it comes to cancer, even though the sun is a well-documented carcinogen”.

 

Explanation: This line shows that while the sun can cause cancer, it also has benefits that help prevent certain types of cancer. Since this confirms the dual effect of the sun, the correct answer is “True”.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the IELTS Academic Reading 2025!
3.

Check Out Top 45+ IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top 45+ free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

ielts logo

Get the IELTS Prep App

Star rating icon

4.2

1M+ Installs

 app download banner image

Get the app link on your phone

+91

Or download app from

google play storeapp store

Next Up

IELTS Reading Practice Test
IELTS Practice Test
IELTS Cue Card
IELTS Writing Task 2
IELTS Writing Task 1
IELTS Listening Practice Test

IELTS Important Information

IELTS ExamIELTS Exam DateIELTS Exam FeeIELTS ModulesIELTS Listening Practice TestIELTS Speaking Practice TestIELTS Reading Practice TestIELTS Writing Practice TestIELTS Test CentresIELTS ResultsTypes of IELTSIELTS PatternIELTS Exam EligibiltyIELTS Slot BookingIELTS Band ScoreIELTS RegistrationIELTS BooksIELTS PreparationIELTS Practice Test

IELTS Accepting Countries

Study In USAStudy In CanadaStudy In UKStudy In AustraliaStudy In Ireland

IELTS Accepting Universities

Massachusetts Institute Of TechnologyThe University Of British ColumbiaHarvard UniversityUniversity Of TorontoConestoga CollegeUniversity Of East LondonStanford UniversityUniversity Of AlbertaCoventry UniversityNew York University

Read More about IELTS Practice Test

IELTS Speaking Practice TestIELTS Writing Practice TestIELTS Reading Practice TestIELTS Listening Practice TestIELTS Speaking Cue CardIELTS Speaking Part 1IELTS Writing Task 1IELTS Writing Task 2Task 1 Pie ChartTask 1 Table ChartTask 1 MapTask 1 Bar GraphTask 1 Line GraphTask 1 Diagram

Top Reading Samples with Answers

Glaciers Reading AnswersStonehenge Reading AnswersStepwells Reading AnswersCork Reading AnswersThe White Horse Of Uffington Reading AnswersUrban Farming Reading AnswersThe Lost City Reading AnswersThe Story Of Silk Reading AnswersRoman Tunnels Reading AnswersCrop Growing Skyscrapers Reading Answers

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in HyderabadIELTS Test Centre and Dates in BangaloreIELTS Test Centre and Dates in ChennaiIELTS Test Centre and Dates in AmritsarIELTS Centre and Dates in LudhianaIELTS Test Centre and Dates in MumbaiIELTS Test Centres and Dates in AhmedabadIELTS Centre and Dates in DelhiIELTS Test Centres and Dates in ChandigarhIELTS Center and Dates in Pune
Related videos

Related Articles

Related read

The Secret Schizoid Reading Answers

Related read

The Extraordinary Watkin Tench Reading Answers

Related read

The Discovery Of Uranus Reading Answers

FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in The Sun: A Mixed Blessing reading passage?

Ans. Common keywords include solar radiation, UV rays, skin damage, vitamin D, climate impact, and sun exposure. These words help locate key information in the passage and understand its main themes.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in The Sun: A Mixed Blessing reading passage?

Ans. Read the headings first to understand their main ideas, then skim each paragraph to find the one that best matches each heading. Look for synonyms and key phrases rather than exact words. Ensure the heading summarises the whole paragraph, not just a single sentence.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of The Sun: A Mixed Blessing reading passage?

Ans. One challenge is distinguishing between the benefits and risks of sun exposure, as the passage presents both perspectives. Additionally, scientific terms related to solar radiation and climate effects may require careful reading and understanding.

Q. Are The Sun: A Mixed Blessing passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. This passage is typically found in the IELTS Academic Reading section, as it discusses scientific concepts related to the sun's effects on health and the environment.

Q. How much time do I have to complete the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You have 60 minutes to complete the IELTS Reading test, which includes reading three passages and answering 40 questions. There is no extra time for transferring answers, so you must write them directly on the answer sheet.

Q. Can I use a pen or pencil in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You must use a pencil to fill in the answer sheet. Using a pen is not allowed, as answers should be clear and easy to erase if corrections are needed.

Q. Are the passages in the IELTS Reading test related to specific topics?

Ans. Yes, IELTS Academic passages often focus on science, history, technology, or social issues, while General Training passages cover everyday topics like advertisements, notices, or workplace-related texts.

Q. How are the questions structured in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The test includes different question types, such as multiple-choice, true/false/not given, matching headings, sentence completion, and diagram labelling. The questions follow the order of the passage but may require scanning for key details.

Q. Is there negative marking for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking. You should attempt all questions, even if unsure, as an educated guess might still be correct.

Q. What types of questions can I expect in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You can expect multiple-choice questions, matching headings, matching information, sentence completion, summary completion, true/false/not given, and diagram or flowchart labelling. These test different reading skills like skimming, scanning, and detailed understanding.

Q. How are the passages presented in the IELTS Reading test (e.g., chronologically, by difficulty)?

Ans. The passages are generally arranged in increasing difficulty. The first passage is the easiest, while the third is the most complex, requiring more in-depth understanding and critical thinking.