1. Decide if the following statements are true or false, then correct the false ones.
1. The different parts of the brain work independently.
☐ T ☐ F
2. You move your arm because the cerebrum sends a stimulus.
☐ T ☐ F
3. You can remember what happened a long time ago thanks to the cerebrum.
☐ T ☐ F
4. Analytical reasoning takes place in the right side of your cerebrum.
☐ T ☐ F
5. The cerebrum is smaller than the cerebellum.
☐ T ☐ F
6. Body functions are managed by the brain stem, which also sends messages to and from the brain.
☐ T ☐ F
2. Look back at the text you have read and find words for the following definitions.
1. to think, understand, and form logical judgements = to ........................................
2. not physical, theoretical = ........................................
3. stability produced by an even distribution of weight = ........................................
4. the rear part of the human body especially from the neck to the end of the spine = ........................................
5. having life = ........................................
3. How Your Brain Works: Myths and Facts. Choose the best option.
1. What percentage of your brain do you use?
a. 10%
b. 50%
c. 100%
2. At what age does the brain usually stop developing?
a. 18
b. 25
c. 50
3. Some people are right-brained (creative), and others are left-brained (logical).
a. True
b. False
4. What colour is your brain?
a. Grey
b. White
c. Different colours
5. What effect does listening to classical music have on babies?
a. It speeds up reaction times
b. It increases IQ
c. It does not have any effect
6. What happens to the brain during sleep?
a. It shuts down
b. It rests
c. It’s busy
7. How many new brain cells do adults grow per day?
a. None
b. 100 to 350
c. about 700
8. People learn better when they’re taught in their preferred learning style, like through pictures, words, sound, or touch.
a. True
b. False
c. Not mentioned
9. What happens in your brain when you learn new things?
a. New brain cells grow
b. New connections form
c. New wrinkles appear
10. What age is best to learn new information?
a. Age 3 and under
b. Ages 11 to 18
c. Any age
11. What percentage of your intelligence is set by your genes?
a. 10%
b. 50%
c. 80%
12. What effect does learning two languages at the same time have on your brain?
a. You learn slower
b. It helps protect you against dementia
c. It doesn’t have an effect
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
Your brain is not fully formed unti I you are about 25. Brain development begins from the back of the brain and works its way to the front. Therefore, your frontal lo bes, which control planning and reasoning, are the last to strengthen structural connections.
GLOSSARY
asleep: addormentato
balance: equilibrio
brain stem: tronco encefalico
cerebellum: cervelletto
cerebrum: cervello
half (pl. halves): metà
to kick: calciare
spinal cord: midollo spinale
upright: dritto, in piedi
medulla: midollo
oblongata: midollo allungato