If you want to make sure that you understand this story as fully as possible, you might consider printing the article and reading it on paper. That is one of the findings of a recent study of research done on the differences between paper and screen reading.
Virginia Clinton carried out the research examination. Clinton looked at 33 past studies done between 2008 and 2018 that examined paper versus screen reading. Her examination found that reading from paper generally led to better understanding and improved a person’s performance on tests connected to the reading material. And, she found no major differences in reading speed between the two. Such differences were notable only when the reading materials were expository texts — or explanatory and based on facts. Clinton said she found no major difference when it came to narrative, fictional texts.
Clinton also found that paper readers usually have a higher recognition of how well they have understood a text than screen readers. This skill is called metacognition. The word “cognition” means the mental action of increasing knowledge and understanding. “Metacognition” simply means thinking about one’s own thinking.
Clinton said, “We think that we’re reading the story or the book better than we actually are. We think we understand what we are reading better than how we are actually reading.” Yet, this inflated (夸大的) sense of understanding, or over-confidence, is especially common among screen readers.
Clinton said there are many possible reasons for such findings. Over-confidence of screen readers, for example, could be the result of a less focused mind. Clinton said, “If you are enjoying the reading, you’re going to be more concentrated. You’re going to be paying better attention. Preferences are a key issue here.”
Several studies have found that people often think of paper materials as more important and serious. “If you are reading from paper, your mind thinks,’ This is something important. I need to pay attention to it’,” Clinton said. Readers might connect computer screens with fun, less serious activities — such as checking social media or watching Netflix. That, Clinton said, could explain why most studies find no major difference in screen and paper among narrative, fictional reading materials. Clinton described this kind of reading as “enjoyment reading”.
Although her findings may support paper reading over screen reading, Clinton points to new and developing tools that can be used to improve a screen reader’s understanding and focus. “For example, when you’re reading off of a screen it can be programmed that you have to answer questions and get them right before you can continue. Paper can’t make you do that.”
27. Which of the followings is true about Clinton’s research findings?
A.Reading from screen has helped readers improve their test performance. |
B.When it comes to fictions, paper readers have a faster speed than screen readers. |
C.Screen readers usually are more aware of their level of understanding about the text. |
D.Whether a reader regards the material as important affects his or her degree of concentration. |
28. Which of the following actions in daily life reflects “metacognition”?
A.Matt always tries to figure out the personality of the characters when reading a book. |
B.Tom often writes down his mind map and evaluates it after solving a math problem. |
C.“I think I am in love with you.” Ted said to Mary, without a second thought. |
D.We are expected to pay attention to others’ feelings when talking with them. |
29. What does Clinton think is the advantage of screen reading?
A.It provides the same reading materials. |
B.It encourages readers to read at a high speed. |
C.It can be programmed to check understanding. |
D.It has tools to force readers to continue reading. |
30. What is the main idea of the passage?
A.Screen time makes reading more effective. |
B.Computer reading is improving paper reading. |
C.Screen-reading is more suitable for some readers. |
D.Paper reading is more effective than screen reading. |