The concept of 'neuroplasticity' has revolutionized our understanding of the human brain. Historically, scientists believed that the adult brain was largely fixed after a critical period in childhood. However, recent research demonstrates that the brain retains the remarkable ability to reorganize its neural pathways throughout life. This plasticity is not merely a passive response to injury but an active, ongoing process that underpins learning and memory. For instance, studies on London taxi drivers revealed that their posterior hippocampus, a region involved in spatial navigation, was significantly larger than that of control subjects, suggesting that extensive environmental demands can physically alter brain structure. This finding challenges the traditional view and opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders, emphasizing that cognitive training might not only improve function but also induce structural changes.
❓ ¿Cuál es la principal implicación del estudio de los taxistas mencionado en el pasaje?
A. A. El cerebro adulto está en gran medida fijado después de la infancia.
B. B. Las demandas ambientales pueden provocar cambios estructurales en el cerebro.
C. C. El hipocampo solo está involucrado en la navegación espacial.
D. D. Los trastornos neurológicos pueden curarse mediante el entrenamiento cognitivo.
✅ 正确答案
B. Environmental demands can lead to structural brain changes.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first