1 . Generations of parents have told their children to practice their musical instruments. They have good reason for it: learning an instrument is not only associated with better educational attainment but also cognition (认知) and even intelligence scores in children. But does this musicality translate to better cognition (thinking) later in life?
A recent study showed that musical people had better memory and executive (决策的) function than those with less or no musicality. This makes sense as continued engagement in cognitively stimulating activities, such as playing an instrument, should result in continued brain health benefits.
Singing is a very popular musical activity as it allows joining musical groups, such as choirs. But does singing provide the same cognitive benefit as playing an instrument? According to the study, singing can result in better executive function but not memory, suggesting that playing an instrument has additional brain health benefits. However, when singing is done in choirs, there is good evidence that being engaged in social activity is good for our brain health.
Many people might remember the famous “Mozart Effect”, which was based on a 1993 study showing that when students were played Mozart, they scored higher on intelligence tests. Sadly, the current study found having played the recorder for three years at primary school might not have that big an impact on our cognitive performance. So, passively listening to music doesn’t seem to provide any cognitive benefits.
Playing an instrument or singing seems to have benefits to our brain health in aging, according to the study. What is yet to be established is whether this would also help prevent future cognitive decline or dementia. Still, considering the overall cognitive and social benefits of learning an instrument or singing in a choir, it might be worth engaging in such cognitive stimulation as we age. Our parents would be proud of us.
1. Why do parents intend their kids to play an instrument?
| A．They suppose it can broaden the kids’ horizons. |
| B．They design the kids to be musicians in the future. |
| C．They expect to equip the kids with critical thinking. |
| D．They think it can improve the kids’ study and thinking. |
2. Where could singing differ from playing an instrument?
| A．It has better memories. | B．It has social benefits. |
| C．It requires more energy. | D．It shapes brain development. |
3. What is the author’s purpose of mentioning Mozart Effect?
| A．To show cognition relies on active engagement. |
| B．To display the real role that music plays in study. |
| C．To list similarities between music and study. |
| D．To demonstrate how to play a recorder properly. |
4. Which of the following is the best title for the text?
| A．Why Do People Prefer Singing? | B．What Musicals Can Do for You |
| C．How Music Boosts Your Brain | D．Where Shall We Find Musicality? |
