1.Read the text and answer the questions.
How Does Brain Work?
Theories about how brain works remain a topic of debate. It is agreed, though, that the hippocampus, a part of the brain, is undeniably important for memory. When we experience something, the information is sent via our senses to the hippocampus, where it is processed. Scientists believe that brain cells called neurons first transform the sensory stimuli we experience into images in our immediate memory. Then, these images are sent to the hippocampus and stored temporarily in short term memory. In the hippocampus information is organized, and it is during this process that parts of the image of our experience fade away. Finally, certain information is then transferred to long term memory in a section in the frontal lobe of the brain known as the cerebral cortex. Scientists think this process may happen while we are sleeping, but exactly how the information is transferred from one area of the brain to another is a mystery.
1. This reading is mainly concerned with —-.
A) how to improve our memory
B) why some of the information in short term memory fades away
C) illness that results in severe memory loss
D) how human brain processes and stores information
E) the importance of neurons in transferring sensory stimuli
According to the passage scientists —-.
A) know that information is sent from the long term memory to the hippocampus
B) have found out why some of the information is lost in the hippocampus
C) don’t know exactly how the information is transferred from one area of the brain to another
D) agree on how the brain works
E) still debate whether the hippocampus is important for memory
- It is pointed out in the reading that —-.
A) the brain was not considered as a highly complex organ in the past
B) damage to hippocampus doesn’t cause memory loss
C) all of the information stored in the short term is transferred to long time memory
D) hippocampus is in the frontal lobe of he brain
E) scientists agree that the hippocampus is important in processing information
2. People With Extraordinary Abilities
Fictional stories about people who have extraordinary abilities have always attracted people’s attention. One of them is the story of Vera Petrova, who is able to perceive things with different parts of her skin, and through solid walls. One day she comes into his father’s office and puts her hands on the door of a locked safe. Suddenly she asks her father why he keeps so many old newspapers locked away there. Vera’s curious talent is brought to the notice of a scientific research institute and she is given a series of tests by a special commission. During these tests she manages to read a newspaper through an opaque screen and then she describes the figures and colors of a picture hidden under a carpet. During all these tests Vera is blindfolded; and, indeed, except when blindfolded she lacks the ability to perceive things with her skin. It was also found that although she could perceive things with her fingers, this ability ceased the moment her hands were wet.
1. As we understand from the reading, Vera Petrova —-.
A) can only perceive things with her fingers
B) is a curious child
C) is not the only fictional character who has extraordinary abilities
D) fails most of the tests administered by a special commission
E) perceives the objects only when her fingers are wet
2. It is pointed out in the reading that Vera Petrova loses the ability to perceive objects with her fingers —-.
A) when her father first notices this ability
B) when she is asked to read a newspaper through an opaque screen
C) after she is given a series of tests
D) as soon as her hands get wet
E) when the object is hidden under a carpet
3. According to the reading, —-.
A) Vera Petrova’s father asks her why she keeps the old newspapers in the locked safe
B) the scientific research institute is not interested in Vera Petrova’s talent
C) Vera can’t perceive objects with her skin unless she is blindfold
D) there are several scientific research institutes which examine people like Vera
E) the special commission is made up by people who can also perceive objects with their skin
For example: I’ve got little money left in my account. / Ben has few friends in London.
- He likes a little sugar for his tea.
2. My parents will be home in a few minutes.
3. She told me a little about her life in Los Angeles.
4. I can’t come because there’s still a little work to do.
5. They only sang a few songs on the festival.
6. She invited a lot of girls and a few boys to her party.
7. There’ll probably be a little rain on Sunday.
8. They are good students, but they have a little problems with maths.
9. A few of his movies became very successful.
10. We get a few extra pocket money from our grandma.
11. I’m going to meet a little friends this afternoon.
12. There were only a few rainy days in January.
13. do we know about his early years in Paris.
14. There’s little crime in the country where I live.
15. They need a little luck to win the final.
16. We stayed only for a few days before moving on.
17. There were only a few cars on the highway last night.
18. They had a few new ideas, but I didn’t like any.
19. Your mum needs a little help with the housework.
20. I read a few chapters last night before I fell asleep.
5.Talking Points, answer the questions below.
- What do you use the computer for?
Mostly the computer I use for work and study. For my personal hobbies and time, I use a phone and a graphic tablet, and the computer does not download the full information
- Does the computer save time?
Not for me. Computer is more likely to take a lot of time away from me and work easier on my phone. But the computer is comfortable with a large screen and keyboard. On the other hand on my computer it takes a lot of time to download and save files.
- On the desert island, would you pefer a human or a computer for company, why?
- Has you life changed since you started using computers?
Yes much. And it has changed, both brighter and worse. Many new opportunities have opened up for me, and now I can communicate with people even in a very good position. But, on the other hand, the world wide web is dragging your life down and making you addicted, but I can't imagine my life without the internet ...
- Speak about your future plans.
Questions that will help you:
- Where do you see yourself in five years?
- Do you want to study and work here in Armenia or abroad?
- What are you doing this year to move you toward your dreams?
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