Lesson
Are Beards Really Unhygienic?
Read this news story in English at three levels, easy, standard, and advanced (B1–C1) — with vocabulary and a comprehension quiz.
Research shows beards may not be as dirty as thought. Clean-shaven faces can harbor more bacteria if not washed.
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Standard — Natural English
58 words · ~1 min readEasy version (A2–B1)
Many people think beards are dirty. A study found that clean-shaven faces can have more bacteria than bearded ones. If you wash your face, being clean-shaven is better. But if you don’t wash, a beard is okay. Bacteria are everywhere.Standard version (B1–B2)
The belief that beards are unhygienic has persisted for years. Research indicates that unwashed clean-shaven faces can harbor more bacteria than bearded faces. If you wash your face regularly, being clean-shaven is slightly better. However, if you do not wash, having a beard may be preferable. Bacteria are present on all parts of the body, regardless of hair.Advanced version (C1–C2)
The notion that beards are inherently more unhygienic than clean-shaven faces has been a longstanding belief. Studies reveal that unwashed clean-shaven faces tend to harbor more bacteria than their bearded counterparts. If individuals maintain a regular washing routine, being clean-shaven is marginally more hygienic. Conversely, for those who do not wash their faces, having a beard may be the lesser of two evils. It is important to note that bacteria exist on all body parts, whether they are hairy or not, and pose a risk primarily when open wounds are present.Lesson audio
Standard level
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Test your understanding
01What did the 1967 study find about bacteria on faces?
02What does John Tregoning say about beards and hygiene?
03What is the general consensus about beards and bacteria?
Discussion
What are your thoughts on the hygiene of facial hair?
Vocabulary
hygienic word
clean and healthy
“It is important to keep your environment hygienic.”
bacteria word
tiny living things that can cause disease
“Bacteria are found on many surfaces.”
perceive word
to think of something in a certain way
“People often perceive beards as dirty.”
unwashed word
not cleaned
“An unwashed face can have more bacteria.”
research word
the study of a subject to discover new information
“Research shows that beards may not be unhygienic.”