Reading Tsi

Read the following early draft of an essay and then choose the best answer to the question or the best completion of the statement. What happens in our brains when we read? As one would expect, the parts of the brain associated with language development and processing play a central role. But recent research by neuroscientists suggests that the words and phrases we encounter when reading stories activate many other parts of our brains as well, including those responsible for smell, touch, motion, and even empathy. In one study, researchers asked participants to read words and have them scanned by a brain imaging machine. Brain imaging machines are also used to detect the effects of tumors, stroke, head and brain injury, or diseases such as Alzheimer’s. When subjects looked at words such as “perfume,” their primary olfactory cortex, the region used for smells, lit up; when they saw words such as “chair,” this region remained dark. In another study, metaphors involving texture, such as “The singer had a velvet voice,” roused the sensory cortex, while phrases such as “The singer had a pleasing voice” did not. The sensory cortex is the part of the brain responsible for perceiving texture through touch. In a third study, sentences like “Pablo kicked the ball” caused brain activity in the motor cortex, which coordinates the body’s movements. This activity was concentrated in different parts of the motor cortex depending on whether the movement was arm-related or leg-related. The idea that reading activates parts of the brain associated with “real life” functions goes beyond simple words and phrases: there is evidence that the brain treats the detailed interactions among characters in a book as something like real-life social encounters. One scientist has proposed a reason: reading produces a vivid simulation of reality, one that “runs on minds of readers just as computer simulations run on computers.” The brain, it seems, does not make much of a distinction between reading about an experience and encountering it in real life. Which piece of evidence, if added to the third paragraph (sentences 11–13), would best support the writer’s argument?

• Information about a study that showed substantial overlap in the parts of the brain used to understand stories and those used to navigate interactions with other people

• A discussion of how the nature of reading has changed due to people choosing to read books, magazines, and newspapers on computers and mobile devices rather than in print

• A quote from a neuroscientist about the connection between watching television and decreased brain activity

• A statement from a teacher about how reading great literature enhances students’ minds and improves students as human beings

When we think of volcanoes, eruptions, lava, and smoke-filled air come to mind—all occurring on land. Most people are surprised to learn about the prevalence of underwater volcanoes on our planet. Because the lava and smoke spilling out of an active, underwater volcano is contained by the ocean, people generally do not take note of these eruptions. However, the largest underwater volcanoes are capable of creating huge tidal waves, threatening coastal communities.

The main idea of this passage was...

• traditional volcanoes and underwater volcanoes are similar

• the lava and smoke from an underwater volcano is contained by the sea

• most tidal waves are caused by underwater volcanoes

• underwater volcanoes receive little attention but can be dangerous

The author of Passage 2 probably would respond to the last sentence of Passage 1 (“Parents . . . every day!”) by

• asserting that parents should help children find a balance of indoor and outdoor activities

• claiming that young children often know more about computers than their parents do

• pointing out that many children would rather use technology than play outside

• arguing that children should be spending more time using computers

The author of Passage 1 would most likely criticize the author of Passage 2 for

• overemphasizing the strength of the data about students’ technological literacy

• overlooking the drawbacks of increasing the time children spend using technology

• dismissing as unimportant the development that occurs during outdoor activities

• exaggerating the proportion of careers that require knowledge of science and math

Which of the following statements is logically based on the information contained in the passage above?

• George Washington's background as a wealthy landholder directly led to his faith in equality, liberty, and democracy.

• George Washington would have opposed America's involvement in the Second World War.

• George Washington would not have been able to write as great a farewell address without the assistance of Alexander Hamilton.

• George Washington would probably not approve of modern political parties.

Which of the following statements is the best description of the author's purpose in writing this passage about George Washington?

• To inform American voters about a Founding Father's sage advice on a contemporary issue and explain its applicability to modern times.

• To introduce George Washington to readers as a historical figure worthy of study

• To note George Washington was more than a famous military hero.

• To convince readers that George Washington is a hero of republicanism and liberty.

What is the main idea of the passage about reading and brain activity?

• Reading activates only the language processing parts of the brain.

• Reading activates various parts of the brain, including those responsible for sensory experiences.

• Reading has no significant effect on brain activity.

• Reading is only beneficial for language development.

Which part of the brain is activated when reading words related to smell, according to the passage?

• Motor cortex

• Sensory cortex

• Primary olfactory cortex

• Visual cortex

What evidence supports the idea that reading simulates real-life experiences in the brain?

• Reading activates the visual cortex.

• Reading activates the primary olfactory cortex.

• Reading activates the motor cortex during action-related sentences.

• Reading activates only the language processing parts of the brain.

Which metaphor in the passage activates the sensory cortex?

• The singer had a velvet voice.

• The singer had a pleasing voice.

• The singer had a loud voice.

• The singer had a soft voice.