Unit 1
Memory-Improving Techniques
There are many techniques you can use to improve your memory. Some of them are introduced here.
First and foremost, you need to stimulate your memory all the time. To put it simply, you should use your memory as much as possible. It is especially important to try to learn something new. If you work in an office, learn to dance; if you are a dancer, learn to deal with a computer; if you work with sales, learn to play chess; if you are a programmer, learn to paint. These added activities stimulate the brain so that it continues to function.
Older people need to pay attention to things they are dealing with. Don't try to memorize everything that catches your attention; focus on what you consider important. For example, you can take any object such as a pen and concentrate on it. Think on its various characteristics: its material, its function, its color, and so on. Don't allow any other thought to occupy your mind while you are concentrating on that pen.
Another method that can be used is to relax yourself. It is impossible to remember things if you are tense or nervous. So, try holding your breath for ten seconds, and then release it slowly. Association is also a powerful tool to develop your memory. For example, if you cannot remember a person's name, you can think about a special feature of his face and then link it with his name.
1. What’s seems to be an especially important way to stimulate one’s memory? 2. What seems to be the best way to focus your memory? 3. How can you concentrate on a pen?
4. How can you relax yourself according to the passage? 5. What is the main idea of the passage? Kes: 1A 2.C3. D 4.B 5.D
1.
A) Learning different things. B) Learning to dance.
C) Learning to use a computer. D) Learning to play chess.2.
A) Noticing even a small object like a pen.
B) Memorizing anything that catches your attention. C) Concentrating only on what is important. D) Both A) and B).3.
A) You can focus only on its color.
B) You can focus on one of its characteristics. C) You can associate it with other objects. D) You can focus on its features.4.
A) You can stop breathing in for a minute, and then breathe out.
B) You can stop breathing in for a short time, and then breathe out slowly.
C) You can breathe hard for ten seconds. D) You can hold your breath and count to ten.5.
A) The importance of stimulating one's memory. B) The relationship between stimulation and association. C) The importance of improving one's memory. D) Memory-developing skills.
The Role Memory Plays in Our Life
Since memory plays a significant role in our life, scientists are increasingly interested in research on how to improve memory. Here are some factors they believe to be important in expanding memory capacity.
To begin with, you must take special care in your daily life. Food for example, is very important. Some vitamins are essential for your memory to work properly. They are found in bread, cereal, vegetables and fruits. Some experts say that synthesized vitamins improve memory, but others have doubts about this, arguing that the studies have not confirmed they do work. Another essential factor is water. It helps to maintain the memory systems, especially in older persons. According to Dr. Rosewell, lack of water in the body has an immediate and strong effect on memory; it can cause confusion and other thought difficulties. Sleep also plays a significant role. To be able to have a good memory, we must allow the brain to have plenty of rest. While sleeping, the brain no longer controls the senses, and starts to revise and store the information one has received. Lack of sleep would make one feel exhausted and would weaken one's ability to concentrate. Also, one's ability to store information would be affected.
1. What is the passage mainly about?
2. Why are foods important in promoting memory according to the passage? 3. To whom is water especially important in maintaining the memory system? 4. What problem can a lack of water cause? 5. Why is sleep important to memory? Keys: 1.A 2.B 3.D 4.D 5.C
1.
A) Factors related to memory development. B) The importance of food in memorization. C) The important role of a good memory. D) The misery caused by a poor memory.2.
A) They contain protein. B) They contain vitamins. C) They contain water.
D) A full stomach leads to a good sleep.3.
A) Babies. B) Teens. C) Adults. D) Older people.4.
A) A weak memory. B) Confusion.
C) Difficulty in thinking. D) All of the above.5.
A) Sleep can control the senses. B) Sleep promotes rest.
C) Sleep helps the brain to revise and store information. D) Sleep reduces tiredness.
Where did the professor go?
This is a true story, which happened to friends of ours in a small
entertained town in South Africa. They were a hospitable couple who often neighbors for drinks, tea or dinner. On this retired particular their spring night, they had invited a pour professor to supper. During the evening, it began to opened with rain, and the heavens really put
him
up
for
. Because he had walked there, they offered to night.
They
pointed
out
that
the
by staying overnight, he did not need to go out i. He agreed on the soundness of that idea, thanked his hosts profusely, and the matter seemed to be settled. But while they were
washing the dishes after supper, the forgetful pr. No one could find him anywhere.
Eventually, after about 40 minutes, the front door bell rang. There was the professor, soaked to the skin. When he was asked what on earth he had been doing in the rain, he replied that
because he was going to stay there overnight, he . Unit 2
How to Get Straight A's
It is interesting to note how straight A students achieve academic excellence. Here, according to education experts and students themselves, are the secrets of super-achievers.
First, they know how to set priorities. Top students allow no intrusions on study time. Once the books are open or the computer is turned on, phone calls go unanswered, TV shows unwatched, snacks ignored. Study is business, and business comes before recreation.
Also, good students can study anywhere and everywhere. Claudia Hill, an Arizona State University business professor recalls a cross-country runner who worked out every day. Hill persuaded him to use his spare time to memorize biology terms. Then he posted a list of biology terms on the mirror in the bathroom. He learned a few terms every day while brushing his teeth. Eventually, he scored high on the final examination.