1 . A team from the University of Tokyo just published a new study that says that writing on paper is actually the best for your mind. “Paper is more advanced and useful compared to electronic records because paper contains more one-of-a-kind information for stronger memory recall,” said Professor Kuniyoshi L. Sakai, a neuroscientist at the University of Tokyo and author in the study.

Most people like smartphones or tablets because they seem to make everyday tasks easier, but after gathering 48 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 29 for the study, the researchers found that those who wrote on paper to finish note-taking tasks completed these 25 percent faster than people who used smartphones or tablets. What is the reason? The team said that using paper gave the volunteers more of a chance to write in their own form, while digital devices (数字设备) are more consistent (始终如一的).

The researchers divided the volunteers, including college students and office staff, into three groups depending on their memory, preferences for using paper or digital tools, sex and age. Then each volunteer read a conversation that highlighted characters explaining their plans, which mentioned what they wanted to do in two months, their 14 different class times, the deadlines for the characters' homework, and any other things. After using their paper or a device to take notes about this conversation, the volunteers were given an hour break and at ask to keep them from thinking directly about the study. They were then asked a number of questions like “What are the deadlines for the characters’ homework?”

Those who used paper for notetaking took only 11 minutes to jot down their thoughts during the study, while people who used tablets took 14 minutes; smartphone users spent the most time on the task, taking 16 minutes to write down their thoughts. As for the accuracy of the answers, those writing on paper seemed to stand out. This suggested that writing on paper benefited their memory.

1. Why did the volunteers writing on paper finish note-taking tasks faster?

A．Their tasks were less difficult.

B．They took notes without any stops.

C．Their writing styles were consistent.

D．They could write in their unique ways.

2. What were the volunteers required to do in the study?

A．Make up some conversations.

B．Raise questions for each other.

C．Take notes about a conversation.

D．Discuss notes with group members.

3. Why were the volunteers asked to answer questions after a break?

A．To test their memory.	B．To ensure the accuracy.
C．To keep them energetic.	D．To remove their thoughts.

4. What does the underlined phrase “jot down” in the last paragraph probably mean?

A．Leave out.

B．Write down.

C．Break down.

D．Concentrate on.