If English means endless new words, difficult grammar and sometimes strange pronunciation, you are wrong. Haven’t you noticed that you have become a master since you stated to learn a language?
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 information. It is similar to the way that exercise builds muscles.
The study also found the effect is greater, the younger people learn a second language.
A team led by Dr Andrea Mechelli, from University College London, took a group of Britons (土著的英国人)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 is.
"Our findings suggest that the structure 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,"he said. "You are actually going beyond language and have a better understanding of different ideas."
The findings were matched in a study of native Italian speakers who had learned English as a second language between the ages of two and 34. 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 subject talked about in this passage is ______.
A. science on learning a second language
B. man’s ability of learning a second language
C. 1anguage can help brain power
D. 1anguage learning and maths study
2. The underlined word “bilingual'’ probably means ______.
A. a researcher on language learning
B. a second language learner
C. a person who can speak two languages
D. an active language learner
3. In the second paragraph, the writer mentions “exercise” in order to ______.
A. say language is also a kind of physical labor
B. prove that one needs more practice when he (she) is learning a language
C. show the importance of using the language when you learn the language
D. make people believe language learning helps grey matter work well
4. We may know from the scientific findings that _________.
A. the earlier you start to learn a second language the higher the gray matter density is
B. there is 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 had an effect on people’s
D. the ability of learning a second language is changing all the time
5. In the last two paragraphs, the author wants to tell us that__________.
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
CCDAB
A. Profits enlarging B. Technology developing C. Education investing D. Benefits transferring E. Dominance disappearing F. A nation rising |
The following is an imaginary diary entry written by US president. This diary is part of Global Trends 2025, which was written by the US National Intelligence Council
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The
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The
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Global wealth and economic power will shift from West to East.
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The transition from old fuels to new will be slow, as will the development of new technologies that present feasible alternatives to fossil fuels or help eliminate food and water problems. All current technologies are inadequate, and new ones will probably not be commercially possible by 2025