According to a new study by a British university, learning a second language can lead to an increase in your brain power. Researchers found that learning other languages changes grey matter. This is the area of the brain which processes(处理) information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles(肌肉).
The study also found the effect is greater when the younger people learn a second language. A team led by Dr. Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons who only spoke English. They were compared with a group of “early bilinguals” who had learnt a second language before the age of five, as well as a number of later learners. Scans showed that grey matter density (密度) in the brain was greater in bilinguals than in people without a second language. But the longer a person waited before mastering a new language, the smaller the difference.“Our findings suggest that the structure(结构)of the brain is changed by the experience of learning a second language,” said the scientists.
It means that the change itself increases the ability to learn. Professor Dylan Vaughan Jones of the University of Wales, has researched the link between bilingualism and maths skills. “Having two languages gives you two windows on the world and makes the brain more flexible (灵活的),” he said. “You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas.”
The findings had the same result in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and thirty-four. Reading, writing, and comprehension were all tested. The results showed that the younger they started to learn, the better. “Studying a language means you get an entrance to another world,” explained the scientists.
1. The main idea of this passage is ________.
A.science on learning a second language |
B.man’s ability of learning a second language |
C.that language can help brain power |
D.language learning and maths study |
A.a researcher on language learning |
B.a second language learner |
C.a person who can speak two languages |
D.an active language learner |
A.the earlier you start to learn a second language, the higher the grey matter density is |
B.there is no difference between a later second language learner and one who doesn’t know a second language |
C.the experience of learning a second language has bad effect on people’s brain |
D.the ability of learning a second language is changing all the time |
A.learning a second language is the same as studying maths |
B.early learning of a second language helps you a great deal in studying other subjects |
C.Italian is the best choice for you as a second language |
D.you’d better choose the ages between 2 and 34 to learn a second language |
相似题推荐
【推荐1】Confirmation bias(偏见) is our tendency to seek out information that confirms our existing beliefs. It also describes how we try to find ways to look at unclear information in ways that support rather than challenge those beliefs — or simply ignore information that contradicts them.
People usually don't engage in confirmation bias on purpose.
So what can we do to avoid confirmation bias?
And perhaps most importantly: we have to be careful not to jump to conclusions.
A.The thing we most want to believe might not actually be true. |
B.But research has found that it is real and affects our judgment. |
C.But it can be helpful to talk to people who don't share our beliefs. |
D.Research has shown that confirmation bias occurs in several contexts. |
E.Most of all, accept that you have biases that impact your decision-making. |
F.One thing we can do is try to look for evidence that contradicts our beliefs. |
G.This is especially true for information about things that feel very important to us. |
【推荐2】In 2000, famed evolutionary theorist Stephen Jay Gould said, “There’s been no biological change in humans in 40,000 or 50,000 years. We’ve built everything we call culture and civilization with the same body and brain. Now, 22 years later, most evolutionary biologists beg to differ. Natural selection is still operating on humans, they say and they have evidence to back up the claim.
Sarah Tishkoff, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Pennsylvania, cites an example of natural selection still going on today. Some people have a genetic variant that protects them from malaria, which infects and kills millions of people every day. These people will be more likely to live and pass on that variant to their children.
Scientists have been able to discover many examples of ongoing natural selection thanks to a technology: the ability to sequence the human genome quickly and inexpensively. But not all the tools that uncover such evidence are so high tech. Church records that list births, marriages, and deaths offer a unique window into evolution on a population.
Scott Solomon, an evolutionary biologist at Rice University, dug into this type of data and found that natural selection favors an earlier start to reproduction — in other words, more time to have children. The more children, the more chances are for evolution.
There’s another important actor in this evolutionary play: culture. When people move from one population to another, they take their genes with them, and that changes the genes in both the populations they leave and the ones they join. “That is actually one of the most important systems for modern human evolution,” Scott says. “In the last couple of hundred years, and certainly in the last century, human populations have been mixing like never before.”
1. Why does the author mention genetic variant in Paragraph 2?A.To explain a biological phenomenon. | B.To prove an evolutionary theory. |
C.To stress the seriousness of malaria. | D.To highlight efforts by scientists. |
A.Rapid genetic changes. | B.Increasing research budget. |
C.Advancement in technology. | D.Birth records from the government. |
A.More children will absolutely benefit the whole society. |
B.Church records show a trend of early reproduction. |
C.Culture affects evolution greater than technology. |
D.Population movement has reached a record high. |
A.To argue against natural selection. | B.To present a new point of view. |
C.To defend Stephen Jay Gould. | D.To explore a new method. |
【推荐3】Reading is a complex and crucial skill that impacts the youth’s ability to perform as students. Therefore, it’s important to develop reading skills during childhood. A team of researchers focused on the effect of whole-body learning in instruction, known as embodied learning.
The research included 149 children, aged 5 to 6, who had just started school. They were divided into three groups: one that stood up and used their whole bodies to shape letter sounds; a seated group that shaped letter sounds with their hands and arms; and a control group that received traditional, seated instruction during which they wrote letters by hand.
“Our research showed that children who used their whole bodies to shape the sounds of letters became twice as proficient (熟练的) at letter sounds that are more difficult to learn as those who received traditional instruction,” says PhD student Linn Damsgaard of UCPH’s Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports.
With regard to difficult letter sounds, she adds, “There are many difficult letter sounds in Danish. These sounds are particularly important because once children become proficient at them, they will be better readers.”
Associate professor Jacob Wienecke, who led the study, explains, “The primary goal is to learn more about which methods can be used to give beginner readers a good start. The idea is that if, through play and movement, we can learn where their strengths truly lie, we’ll create a form of learning that combines reading with play, and that’s truly positive.”
Previously, the researchers showed that the children felt more motivated by teaching methods which included physical movement. Jacob Wienecke hopes this will provide an opportunity to inspire teachers and school managers to prioritize movement across subjects.
The study also investigated whether a direct effect of embodied learning could be found on children’s reading of individual words. This was not possible, which might be due to the fact that the children were at such an early stage of their literacy development that they could not yet use their knowledge of letter sounds to read words.
1. What were the participants required to do in the study?A.To pick out difficult letter sounds in Danish. |
B.To learn new letters through repeated writing. |
C.To learn letter sounds using different approaches. |
D.To memorize some letter sounds as soon as possible. |
A.By combining learning with games. | B.By offering them chances to cooperate. |
C.By inspiring them to overcome difficulties. | D.By explaining instructions to them patiently. |
A.Promoting harmonious teacher-student relationships. |
B.Urging schools to pay attention to physical exercise. |
C.Enabling researchers to carry out further studies. |
D.Encouraging educators to apply it to teaching. |
A.Children prefer learning step by step. |
B.Children are too little to use their knowledge smartly |
C.Children lack enough practice to get fully improved. |
D.Children’s learning still relies on adults’ instruction. |
A.Whole-body learning — a good start to children’s reading |
B.Embodied learning — a booster for children’s reading speed |
C.Children’s reading skills matter a lot in their literacy development |
D.Children’s literacy development depends on the flexibility of their bodies |
【推荐1】Breakdancing is close to becoming an Olympic sport after the organizers of the 2024 Paris Olympics announced that they would recommend four additional sports, including newcomer breakdancing and the other three sports: surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing to the Games in 2024.
“Breakdancing is a fantastic opportunity to be really in line with the story that Paris 2024 wants to tell. We want those Games in connection with creativity, connected with the youth, more urban, more out of the stadiums. We look forward to working with breakdancing to have a new experience.” Paris 2024 President Tony Estanguet told the media.
Breakdancing is a sport played anytime and anywhere in cities and other environments. It has no previous appearance at the Summer Olympic Games, but was included at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018.
“Right from the beginning, our aim was to offer Games that would have an effect and a part of surprise. This is why we have chosen to present the IOC (International Olympic Committee) with four sports that are as creative, attracting the youth and completely in line with our vision (愿景). We are sure that breakdancing, skateboarding, sport climbing and surfing will contribute to strengthening our project,” Estanguet added.
The organizers try to follow three key rules in hosting the Games: sustainable (可持续的) and socially-responsible Games with the IOC’s new standards; Games in keeping with the times and inspiring new audiences and attracting young people; Games reflecting the identity (特征) of Paris 2024,which is brilliant, culture-related, engaging and accessible.
Under the new IOC rules, Olympic host cities can select sports and recommend them to be included in those Games if they are popular in that country and add to the Games’ attraction. But that still needs to agreed by the IOC, which is expected to make the final decision after the Tokyo Olympics.
1. What can be inferred about breakdancing?A.It is very popular in France. |
B.It first appeared at the 2018 Olympics. |
C.It is attractive to most of the Olympic host cities. |
D.It has been decided to be included in 2024 Paris Olympics. |
A.It is easy to learn. | B.It can be enjoyed freely. |
C.It costs nothing to prepare. | D.It can be practiced conveniently. |
A.Reasons for recommending new games. | B.Ways of improving the games. |
C.Characteristics of new games. | D.Rules of holding the games. |
A.To show the uniqueness of the 2024 Olympics. | B.To show the great power of the country. |
C.To further spread the Olympic spirits. | D.To attract more tourists to Paris. |
【推荐2】The traditional Chinese lunar calendar divides the year into 24 solar terms (节气). The year starts from Beginning of Spring and ends with Greater Cold, moving in cycles. The solar term culture is still useful today to guide people’s lives through special foods, cultural ceremonies and even healthy living tips.
Grain Buds (小满) is the 8th solar term of the year. It means that the seeds (种子) from the grain are becoming full. During Grain Buds, the summer harvest is about to begin. A saying about rain during this time mentions, “Heavy rainfall makes the river full.” Because of the great increase in rainfall, rivers are full of water. This is a good time to enjoy fish. It is also a harvest season for fishermen.
Frost’s Descent (霜降), the 18th solar term of the year, is the last solar term of autumn. The weather becomes much colder than before and frost begins. The apple is one kind of recommended fruit during Frost’s Descent. There are many sayings about apples’ benefits (益处) in China, such as “ Eat an apple after meals. Even old men can be as strong as young men.”
Minor Cold (小寒) is the 23rd one. For most areas of China, it marks the start of the coldest days of the year and people always start preparing for Chinese New Year. According to traditional Chinese medicine thoughts, people need to eat food that has more yang energy to prevent cold from harming their bodies. Another important traditional food for Minor Cold is Laba porridge (腊八粥).
1. Which is the last solar term of a year?A.Frost’s Descent. | B.Greater Cold. |
C.Minor Cold. | D.Beginning of Spring. |
A.Beginning of Spring. | B.Grain Buds. |
C.Frost’s Descent. | D.Minor Cold. |
A.An apple a day keeps the doctor away. |
B.It’s more useful for old men to eat apples than young men. |
C.If old men eat apples after meals, they will never die. |
D.Old men will grow into young men after eating an apple. |
①prepare for Chinese New Year ②have Laba porridge
③say goodbye to the coldest days ④wear warmer clothes
A.①②③ | B.②③④ | C.①②④ | D.①③④ |
【推荐3】These days, tourism is back in full swing. An increasing number of people prefer to take a break from big city life and start exploring those harder-to-reach towns.
Paraty, Brazil
Paray is a bays de town halfway between Rio and Sao Paulo. Here, life moves at the pace of a horse-and-cart moving across the road (no cars allowed in the historic Old Town). The boats in the harbor are not just there to look good. Pick your favorite and set sail for a deserted island beach nearby.
Avignon, France
One of the most recognizable historic towns is found in the south-eastern part of France. The Palace of the Popes here defines the city and is the city and is visible from a far. It once housed Europe’s largest library, and became a hotbed for thinkers, philosophers, composers, and musicians. Now it is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Four million tourists visit Avignon every year to explore the ancient architecture.
Sakrisoy and Reine, Norway
This pair of tiny finishing villages sit far, far north. Admittedly, they are a bit of pain to reach: The long (but beautiful!) journey there will require some combination of one or two fights, a bus or a boat. If you can make it that far, though, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most impressive scenery on Earth. Look out across the mountains from the hike or enjoy the Northern Lights.
Old San Juan, US
The oldest settlement in the country was founded in the early 16th century. Today everything here is colorful: the houses differ in color and style and even the pavements are made of the blue bricks, making it a very attractive and amusing place.
1. What can visitors do in Avignon, France?A.Take a boat trip. |
B.Enjoy the Northern Lights. |
C.Admire ancient architecture. |
D.Explore the largest library in the world. |
A.Paraty, Brazil. | B.Avignon, France. |
C.Sakrisoy and Reine, Norway. | D.Old San Juan, US. |
A.In a wellness book. | B.In a travel magazine. |
C.In an adventure guide. | D.In a geography textbook. |
【推荐1】Where in the world would you most like to live? According to an annual statistics by the Economist Intelligence Unit, you should think about Vienna The magazine again rated it as one of the world's “most livable” cities. Winning for the second year in a row, the Austrian capital scored top marks for all three categories: culture, environment and infrastructure.
Culture
Beating more popular cities like London and New York, Vienna has culture as its trump card (王牌). Whether your passion is art, music or history, Vienna has something for you. The Kunsthistorisches national museum has one of Europe's largest art collections, including the world's largest collection of works by Dutch artist Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Meanwhile, the Hofburg Imperial Palace is free to explore. Music lovers can enjoy Vienna's Annual Summer Night Concert, played by the Vienna Philharmonic (爱乐乐团). It attracts over 10.000 people-what else can you expect from the home of Mozart?
Environment
As well as being a cultural mecca (胜地), Vienna's environment are world-class. The city has many green areas, such as the Neue Donau hiking tail, and an average PM 2.5 level of just 18, which is far below the international standard, according to the WHO.
Infrastructure
This was, in part, achieved by Vienna's transport system. In 2013 the government introduced the euro-a-day system to get more people to use regional trains. It worked! Over half of the residents have annual travel cards, making it both reliable and cheap by European standards. Not to mention, you can take a tram and get up close with Vienna's architectural landmarks, like the Burg Theatre and St. Stephan's Cathedral. Austrian author Karl Kraus famously said, “The streets of Vienna are paved with culture, the streets of other cities with asphalt (柏油).” So if you're looking for a safe cultural city, Vienna could be your best choice.
1. Where can a music lover go in Vienna?A.To the Kunsthistorisches National Museum. | B.To the Hofburg Imperial Palace. |
C.To the Vienna's Annual Summer Night Concert. | D.To the St. Stephan's Cathedral. |
A.Vienna was awarded as one of the world's “most livable” cities for the first time. |
B.Vienna is one of the popular cities which are full of cultural atmosphere. |
C.The PM 2.5 level in Vienna is just above the international standard. |
D.People can visit Vienna's architectural landmarks by using regional trains. |
A.Vienna is an ancient city with modem facilities. |
B.People can experience different lifestyles in Vienna. |
C.Vienna is not as developed as other cities. |
D.Vienna is a destination for people who like culture. |
【推荐2】Here's the nine o'clock news.
Prime Minister Abdul Krim of Syria (叙利亚) has said that the danger of war in the Middle East is greater now than in the past two years. His country does not want war, he says, but the Syrian people have waited too long for an end to the troubles with their neighbours. If war comes, says Mr Krim, Syria will be ready.
Ben Kitson, the writer of stories and plays for children, died at his home in California. Mr Kitson was 82. His most famous book of stories, The Gentleman’s House, sold all over the world, in more than twenty-five languages.
Policemen in New York have stopped work. Their leader, Mr Paulo Angeli, says that they will return to work only when they receive more money for working long hours and doing what Mr Angeli calls “the most dangerous job in the city”.
It has been a good year on the farm. The warm, wet spring and the fine summer have been very good for all kinds of food plants. This means that fruit and vegetables will cost less in the shops this year.And now it's time for“Morning Music”.
1. Abdul Krim has said that ______.A.there is no danger of war in the Middle East. |
B.it is more possible for war to happen now. |
C.the danger of war passed two years ago. |
D.there has been a danger of war for the past two years. |
A.a book Mr Kitson wrote in many languages. |
B.the name of Mr Kitson’s house in California. |
C.the name of Mr Kitson’s most famous book. |
D.a play that Mr Kitson wrote for children. |
A.the most dangerous policeman in New York. |
B.a policeman who receives more money for working longer hours. |
C.the head of the police in New York. |
D.a policeman who leads the strike. |
【推荐3】Interested in becoming a skydiver? Learn to skydive in SC with Skydive Carolina.We offer the most comprehensive skydive training in the United States with our AFP — Accelerated Freefall Progression program. All jumps are video recorded and are used during video debriefs (任务报告) after the skydive for immediate feedback and learning.
What is AFP?
AFP is a comprehensive, 16 jump program designed to train an individual with a strong foundation to become a solo, certified skydiver by building strong freefall and canopy skills. Upon completion of the AFP program, students will need to make 9 solo jumps and learn to pack in order to attain an A license.
What is an A license?
An A license certifies that a skydiver can safely jump with other skydivers and visit other skydiving centers.Attaining an A license requires a physical test, passing of a written test, a United States Parachute Association membership, a minimum of 25 jumps and showing ability to pack a parachute.
How is AFP different from tandem training?
Unlike a tandem skydive, your first jump will have you at the controls flying your very own parachute! On your first skydive, two instructors will jump alongside you giving you feedback using hand signals throughout the skydive. At the end of the freefall, you will deploy your own parachute and our ground crew will then talk you down via wireless radio giving you instructions based on the flight plan introduced during the first jump course. Click here to see an example of what jump number one looks like!
1. When you have skydive training with AFP,________.A.you can watch video before skydiving |
B.your jumps will be set down immediately |
C.you will get feedback by watching videos |
D.you must do some video debriefs first |
A.will be flying your very own parachute |
B.will be accompanied by two instructors |
C.can talk to the instructors via wireless radio |
D.can get feedback by watching video |
A.A travel journal. |
B.A sports magazine. |
C.A newspaper. |
D.A website. |
【推荐1】
We understand that in light of the latest government CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL ADVICE, your travel plans will be changing. To reflect this, some terms & conditions for refunding tickets or changing journeys are different to usual.
Refunds on Unused Tickets for Travel
• You can apply for refunds up to four weeks from the last day that the ticket was valid.
• Unused Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets can be refunded and a service fee applies. Advance tickets are not refundable. Alternatively, you can change your ticket io travel at a later date — See 'Changing Tickets or Requesting a Travel Voucher' below.
• PLEASE NOTE that if the train you are booked on does not ran or is canceled due to irresistible forces, refund: will be made on ALL TICKETS TYPES with no service fee.
If you are uncertain about travelling, you may wish to consider purchasing a more flexible ticket — such as Anytime or Off-Peak - for travel.
Changing Tickets or Requesting a Travel Voucher
• If you bought an Advance ticket before the National Lockdown was announced on 4lh January and will no longer be travelling, you should apply for a travel voucher or reschedule your journey free of charge. You need to do this be lore your first train departs and pay the difference if your new ticket is more expensive. Please note you will not be entitled to a travel voucher if your Advance ticket was purchased after 4lh Jan. Speak to the original retailer of your ticket for advice.
• Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are more flexible and can be changed any time before you travel There is no fee to change these tickets. you will only need to pay any difference in fare.
Refunding Season Tickets
•Unexpired(未逾期的)Season Tickets can be submitted for refund at any time and train companies calculate how much is refunded by bow much value is left on your ticket, they do this by deducting (扣除)the value of any other tickets you could have travelled with in the same lime until you stopped using and return your Season Ticket Refunds can only be backdated with evidence that illness prevented you from travelling. (National Rail Conditions of Travel. Condition 40.4).
• To see how much you could get back from your Season Ticket, try the Season Ticket Refund Calculator below. For more information, including if you require a refund due to sickness that prevented you from using a Season Ticket see the link here,
• Customers can still claim refunds remotely online, minimizing contact between customers and staffs keeping everyone safer. Please see your retailer's website for details.
Travelling on Another Train Company's Service
• In areas where there is cancellation, train companies may agree acceptance of tickets routed via another company For more details, please contact your rail service provider.
1. Passengers are entitled to their money back on________.A.Anytime tickets completely free of charge | B.Oil-Peak tickets with no restrictions |
C.Advance tickets for their train not running | D.Super Off-Peaks that went invalid for half a year |
A.train companies refuse to calculate the value that is left on it |
B.you formally apply to cease using the ticket and hand it back |
C.you use the Season Ticket Refund Calculator on the website |
D.the proof is given that you were unable to travel due to illness |
A.Advance tickets purchased after Jan. 4th can also be rescheduled |
B.passengers with a fixed timetable are advised to buy Anytime tickets |
C.safer approaches to refund have been introduced to limit physical contact |
D.service from another train company is not available if your train get cancelled |
【推荐2】Some people think that as more and more people have televisions in their homes, fewer and fewer people will buy books and newspapers Why read an article in the newspaper, when the TV news can bring you the information in a few minutes and with pictures? Why read the life story of a famous man, when short television program can tell you all that you want to know?
Television has not killed reading, however. Today, newspapers sell in very large numbers. And books of every kind are sold more than ever before. Books are still a cheap way to get information and enjoyment. Although some books with hard covers are expensive, many books are printed today as paperbooks (平装本), which are quite cheap. A paperback collection of short stories, for example, is always cheaper than an evening at the cinema or the theater, and you can keep a book forever and read it many times.
Books are a wonderful provider of knowledge and pleasure and some types of books should be in every home. Every home should have a good dictionary. A good encyclopedia (百科全书), though expensive, is useful, too because you can find information on any subject. Besides, you can have such books as history books, science textbook, cookbooks, and collections of stories and poems. Then from time to time you can take a book of poems off your shelves and read the thoughts and feelings of your favorite poets.
1. It can be inferred from the passage that ________.A.TV programs are a main provider of knowledge |
B.cinemas are the best choice in getting information |
C.reading is a cheap way of learning and having fun |
D.newspapers are an expensive way to enjoy oneself |
A.People only need reading, though. | B.Reading is still necessary today. |
C.Reading is more fun than television. | D.Watching television doesn’t help reading. |
A.Fewer and fewer people will buy books. |
B.A good dictionary should be kept in every home. |
C.Books with hard covers sell better than paperbooks. |
D.More people like TV programs about famous men. |
A.indifferent | B.objective | C.doubtful | D.supportive |
Did you know that the Chinese built the largest canal in the world? Its length of 1,104 miles easily compares with a route linking New York and Florida. Connecting five river systems and four provinces, it ends at Beijing in the North and Hangzhou in the south. For this reason, it is officially called the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
In 486 B.C., the leader of the State of Wu, to transport goods to the northern areas of China, constructed a man-made channel using already existing waterways to link the Yangtze and Huai rivers. It was this channel that laid the foundation for the future longer Grand Canal. More than 1000 years later, Emperor Yang of Sui Dynasty had the old canals rebuilt and connected to form what we know today as the Grand Canal.
Then in 1403,Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty transferred his capital from Nanjing to Beijing. In order to feed all those moving North, he had to transport grain from the south along the Grand Canal. To restore the Canal, more than 47,000 men were employed.
The canal soon became the economic lifeline of the empire. Grain was not the only trade goods transported North on the waterways. Salt was another, as well as wine and tea. Goods traded from the North included cotton, wool, coal, flour, precious stones, and dried meat. At times, more than 120,000 soldiers and officers were needed to operate the almost 12,000 ships that annually travelled the Grand Canal.
With the expansion of the railway system in the mid-1800s, the Grand Canal became less and less important to traders. Today, few goods are transported along its waterways. Still, the current South-North Water Transfer Project proves that the Chinese government still sees the Grand Canal important to the welfare of China. The aim of this costly project is to divert huge amounts of water every year from the Yangtze River to the drier regions in the north.
1. What is special about the Grand Canal?A.It can date back to the Sui Dynasty. |
B.It has a history of less than1, 000 years. |
C.It runs from New York to Florida. |
D.It is the longest canal across the world. |
A.It was first constructed to convey officers. |
B.It was employed for wars by Emperor Yongle. |
C.It used to transport goods between south and north. |
D.It is now carrying more goods than the railway system. |
A.Transfer. | B.Recycle. | C.Conserve. | D.Clarify. |
A.A diary. | B.A magazine. | C.A novel. | D.A biography. |