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Sunglasses - Clothes and Fashion

20 chapters
levelintermediate

Check out our readings on accessories to discover how items like hats, scarves, and jewelry can complete any outfit and add a personal touch.

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Sunglasses 
Read a passage about protective eye wear designed to shield your eyes from the sun, adding style and comfort while outdoors. 

What Are Sunglasses? 

1.1
Sunglasses are a type of glasses that protect your eyes from the bright light of the sun.  They have dark lenses that help to block some of the sunlight, making it easier for you to see when it is very bright outside.  Sunglasses also keep your eyes safe from harmful rays that come from the sun, called UV rays.  These rays can hurt your eyes if you do not protect them.  Sunglasses are not just for safety; they are also a fashion item.  Many people wear them to look stylish or to add something special to their outfit. 

Las gafas de sol son un tipo de gafas que protegen tus ojos de la luz brillante del sol. Tienen lentes oscuros que ayudan a bloquear parte de la luz solar, facilitando la visión cuando hace mucho sol afuera. Las gafas de sol también mantienen tus ojos seguros de los rayos dañinos del sol, llamados rayos UV. Estos rayos pueden lastimar tus ojos si no los proteges. Las gafas de sol no solo son para seguridad; también son un artículo de moda. Muchas personas las usan para verse elegantes o para agregar algo especial a su atuendo.

A Glimpse into the Past 

1.2
The history of sunglasses goes back to ancient times.  The first known version of sunglasses was used by the Inuit people.  They lived in places with lots of snow and ice, where the sunlight could be very strong.  To protect their eyes, they made small slits in pieces of bone or wood to block the bright light.  While these were not the kind of sunglasses we know today, they helped in the same way by protecting their eyes from the sun. 

La historia de las gafas de sol se remonta a la antigüedad. La primera versión conocida de gafas de sol fue utilizada por el pueblo inuit. Vivían en lugares con mucha nieve y hielo, donde la luz solar podía ser muy fuerte. Para proteger sus ojos, hacían pequeñas hendiduras en trozos de hueso o madera para bloquear la luz brillante. Aunque no eran el tipo de gafas de sol que conocemos hoy, ayudaban de la misma manera protegiendo sus ojos del sol.

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1.3
In the 12th century, the Chinese started using sunglasses made from a type of dark stone called smoky quartz.  These glasses did not block harmful sunlight like modern sunglasses do, but they had another purpose.  Judges in courtrooms would wear them to hide their facial expressions.  They did not want people to know what they were thinking, so the dark glasses helped them keep a straight face.  This is one of the early ways sunglasses were used, though not exactly for sun protection. 

En el siglo XII, los chinos comenzaron a usar gafas de sol hechas de un tipo de piedra oscura llamada cuarzo ahumado. Estas gafas no bloqueaban la luz solar dañina como las gafas de sol modernas, pero tenían otro propósito. Los jueces en las salas de audiencia las usaban para ocultar sus expresiones faciales. No querían que la gente supiera lo que estaban pensando, por lo que las gafas oscuras les ayudaban a mantener una expresión seria. Este es uno de los primeros usos de las gafas de sol, aunque no exactamente para protección solar.

The Invention of Modern Sunglasses 

1.4
The modern sunglasses we use today began to appear in the early 1900s.  An American businessman named "Sam Foster" is often seen as the person who made sunglasses popular.  In 1929, he started selling sunglasses on the beaches of New Jersey, and they quickly became a hit.  People loved wearing them, especially when they were outside in the sun for a long time. 

Las gafas de sol modernas que usamos hoy en día comenzaron a aparecer a principios del siglo XX. Un empresario estadounidense llamado "Sam Foster" es visto a menudo como la persona que popularizó las gafas de sol. En 1929, comenzó a vender gafas de sol en las playas de Nueva Jersey, y rápidamente se convirtieron en un éxito. A la gente le encantaba usarlas, especialmente cuando estaban al aire libre bajo el sol durante mucho tiempo.

1.5
By the 1930s, sunglasses had become more advanced.  A famous company called "Ray-Ban" was created around this time.  "Ray-Ban" made sunglasses with lenses that could block ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are dangerous for your eyes.  This was a big step forward because now people could protect their eyes more effectively while still enjoying time in the sun.  One of "Ray-Ban's" most famous styles, called aviator sunglasses, was made for pilots at first, but they became very popular with everyone and are still loved today. 

En la década de 1930, las gafas de sol se habían vuelto más avanzadas. Una famosa compañía llamada "Ray-Ban" fue creada en esta época. "Ray-Ban" fabricaba gafas de sol con lentes que podían bloquear los rayos ultravioleta (UV), que son peligrosos para los ojos. Este fue un gran paso adelante porque ahora las personas podían proteger sus ojos de manera más efectiva mientras disfrutaban del sol. Uno de los estilos más famosos de "Ray-Ban", llamado gafas de aviador, fue hecho para pilotos al principio, pero se volvió muy popular entre todos y todavía se ama hoy.

Health Benefits of Wearing Sunglasses 

1.6
Wearing sunglasses is not just about looking cool; they are also important for your health.  One of the main reasons to wear sunglasses is to protect your eyes from UV rays.  These rays can cause serious problems for your eyes, like cataracts.  Cataracts make the lens of your eye cloudy, which can make it hard to see.  Sometimes, people with cataracts need surgery to fix their vision.  By wearing sunglasses with UV protection, you are helping to keep your eyes in tip-top shape. 

Usar gafas de sol no se trata solo de verse bien; también son importantes para la salud. Una de las principales razones para usar gafas de sol es proteger los ojos de los rayos UV. Estos rayos pueden causar problemas serios en los ojos, como cataratas. Las cataratas nublan el cristalino del ojo, lo que puede dificultar la visión. A veces, las personas con cataratas necesitan cirugía para corregir su visión. Al usar gafas de sol con protección UV, ayudas a mantener tus ojos en óptimas condiciones.

1.7
Another reason to wear sunglasses is that they reduce glare.  Glare happens when bright light reflects off surfaces like water, snow, or even the road.  It can make it hard to see clearly and can tire your eyes.  Polarized sunglasses are especially good at cutting down glare, making it easier to see when you are driving, skiing, or spending time near water. 

Otra razón para usar gafas de sol es que reducen el resplandor. El resplandor ocurre cuando la luz brillante se refleja en superficies como el agua, la nieve o incluso la carretera. Puede dificultar la visión clara y cansar tus ojos. Las gafas de sol polarizadas son especialmente buenas para reducir el resplandor, facilitando la visión cuando conduces, esquías o pasas tiempo cerca del agua.

Sunglasses in Popular Culture 

1.8
Sunglasses are not just for protecting your eyes; they are also a big part of popular culture.  Many famous movie characters are known for their cool sunglasses.  For example, in the movie "The Matrix," the character "Neo," played by "Keanu Reeves," often wears sleek black sunglasses.  This became an iconic look for the character, and many fans of the movie wanted to wear sunglasses just like his. 

Las gafas de sol no son solo para proteger tus ojos; también son una gran parte de la cultura popular. Muchos personajes famosos de películas son conocidos por sus gafas de sol geniales. Por ejemplo, en la película "The Matrix", el personaje "Neo", interpretado por "Keanu Reeves", a menudo usa gafas de sol negras y elegantes. Esto se convirtió en un look icónico para el personaje, y muchos fanáticos de la película querían usar gafas de sol como las suyas.

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1.9
In the music world, sunglasses are also a key part of some stars' identities.  "Elvis Presley" loved to wear large, flashy sunglasses, while "John Lennon" was known for his small, round ones.  These styles became part of their signature looks, showing how sunglasses can help create a certain image or personality. 

En el mundo de la música, las gafas de sol también son una parte clave de la identidad de algunas estrellas. "Elvis Presley" amaba usar gafas de sol grandes y llamativas, mientras que "John Lennon" era conocido por sus pequeñas y redondas. Estos estilos se convirtieron en parte de su apariencia característica, mostrando cómo las gafas de sol pueden ayudar a crear una cierta imagen o personalidad.

Choosing the Right Sunglasses 

1.10
Choosing the right pair of sunglasses can sometimes feel like finding a needle in a haystack.  There are so many different styles, colors, and shapes to choose from.  But the most important thing is to make sure they protect your eyes.  Always check that your sunglasses offer UV protection.  Some cheap sunglasses may look nice, but they do not always give your eyes the protection they need. 

Elegir el par de gafas de sol adecuado a veces puede sentirse como buscar una aguja en un pajar. Hay tantos estilos, colores y formas diferentes para elegir. Pero lo más importante es asegurarse de que protejan tus ojos. Siempre verifica que tus gafas de sol ofrezcan protección UV. Algunas gafas de sol baratas pueden verse bien, pero no siempre brindan a tus ojos la protección que necesitan.

1.11
Comfort is also important.  If your sunglasses are too tight or too loose, you will not want to wear them for long.  Look for sunglasses that fit well on your nose and ears.  Also, think about what you will be doing while wearing them.  If you are going skiing or spending time by the water, polarized sunglasses are a great choice because they help cut down the glare. 

El confort también es importante. Si tus gafas de sol están demasiado apretadas o demasiado sueltas, no querrás usarlas por mucho tiempo. Busca gafas de sol que se ajusten bien a tu nariz y orejas. También, piensa en lo que harás mientras las usas. Si vas a esquiar o pasar tiempo cerca del agua, las gafas de sol polarizadas son una gran elección porque ayudan a reducir el resplandor.

Sunglasses and Fashion 

1.12
Sunglasses are a big part of fashion today.  Designers from all over the world create sunglasses that stand out in fashion shows and everyday life.  Some people wear sunglasses to match their outfits, while others use them to hide their faces.  Celebrities are often seen wearing sunglasses even at night or indoors.  This shows how sunglasses are more than just a tool for protection; they are also a fashion statement. 

Las gafas de sol son una gran parte de la moda hoy en día. Diseñadores de todo el mundo crean gafas de sol que destacan en los desfiles de moda y en la vida cotidiana. Algunas personas usan gafas de sol para combinar con sus atuendos, mientras que otras las usan para ocultar sus rostros. A menudo se ve a celebridades usando gafas de sol incluso de noche o en interiores. Esto muestra cómo las gafas de sol son más que una simple herramienta de protección; también son una declaración de moda.

1.13
In the 1950s, sunglasses became even more popular thanks to the movies.  "James Dean," in the film "Rebel Without a Cause," made wearing sunglasses look incredibly cool and laid-back.  Since then, sunglasses have been a key part of both fashion and celebrity culture. 

En la década de 1950, las gafas de sol se volvieron aún más populares gracias al cine. "James Dean", en la película "Rebelde sin causa", hizo que usar gafas de sol pareciera increíblemente genial y relajado. Desde entonces, las gafas de sol han sido una parte clave tanto de la moda como de la cultura de las celebridades.

Fun Fact: Astronauts Wear Sunglasses in Space 

1.14
Astronauts wear sunglasses in space!  While they do not deal with the same kind of sunlight that we have on Earth, space can still be very bright.  To protect their eyes from the intense light, astronauts wear special sunglasses designed for space.  These sunglasses are built to handle the unique environment of space, but they look a lot like the ones you might wear on a sunny day.  Imagine floating in space with your sunglasses on—it is not exactly a walk in the park! 

¡Los astronautas usan gafas de sol en el espacio! Aunque no enfrentan el mismo tipo de luz solar que tenemos en la Tierra, el espacio puede ser muy brillante. Para proteger sus ojos de la luz intensa, los astronautas usan gafas de sol especiales diseñadas para el espacio. Estas gafas están hechas para soportar el entorno único del espacio, pero se parecen mucho a las que podrías usar en un día soleado. Imagina flotar en el espacio con tus gafas de sol: ¡no es exactamente un paseo por el parque!

1. Sunglasses

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1.

What is the main purpose of wearing sunglasses with UV protection?

A

To look stylish

B

To block rain and wind

C

To protect eyes from harmful rays

D

To help you see at night

2.

Which group first used slitted bone or wood to block sunlight?

A

Ancient Greeks

B

The Inuit

C

Chinese judges

D

Medieval Europeans

3.

Sort the following events from earliest to latest:

ray-ban developed uv-protective sunglasses for pilots
the inuit used slitted bone or wood to protect their eyes from snow glare
chinese judges wore smoky quartz glasses to hide their expressions
sam foster began selling sunglasses on new jersey beaches
4.

What type of sunglasses are best for reducing glare?

A

Aviator sunglasses

B

Designer sunglasses

C

Oversized sunglasses

D

Polarized sunglasses

5.

Match each feature of sunglasses to its benefit or function.

UV protection
Polarized lenses
Wearing sunglasses
Aviator sunglasses
Helps prevent cataracts and other vision problems
Originally designed for pilots
Prevents damage from harmful sun rays
Helps reduce glare from roads, water, and snow
6.

Which of the following are types, uses, or features of sunglasses mentioned in the passage? (Select all that apply)

Polarized lenses to reduce glare

Colored lenses for night vision

UV protection to prevent eye damage

Used by astronauts to block sunlight in space

Built-in camera systems

Worn by celebrities as part of fashion

Anti-fog technology for underwater use

7.

Match each person or role with how sunglasses were used.

Chinese judges
Neo (The Matrix)
Elvis Presley
John Lennon
Famous for wearing small, round sunglasses
Wore sleek black sunglasses as part of a movie image
Hid their facial expressions in courtrooms
Known for wearing large, flashy sunglasses
8.

Fill in the blank with the correct words from the text (Only one word is allowed in each blank).

Sunglasses help protect your eyes from harmful rays called

.

The

used pieces of bone or wood with slits to block out sunlight.

Early modern sunglasses became popular after being sold on the

of New Jersey.

Wearing sunglasses can help prevent eye problems like

, which cause cloudy vision.

lenses are useful for reducing glare from surfaces like water or roads.

Some sunglasses look stylish but do not provide enough

for your eyes.

9.

Fill out the table below with the correct information based on the passage.

StatementAnswer

Earliest users of protective eyewear

people

Year sunglasses became popular through Sam Foster

Type of lens effective against glare

lenses

One of Ray-Ban's most famous styles

sunglasses

Important feature to check when buying sunglasses

protection

10.

Which of the following statements are true according to the passage? (Select all that apply)

The Chinese once used sunglasses to block UV rays

James Dean helped make sunglasses more fashionable

Sunglasses were first used by athletes

Cheap sunglasses always offer full protection

Judges in China used sunglasses to hide facial expressions

All sunglasses are made of plastic

Elvis Presley wore small round sunglasses

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