Recent advances in cognitive neuroscience have revealed that the human brain's capacity for neuroplasticity extends well into adulthood, challenging the long-held assumption that neural development ceases after adolescence. Studies involving functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) demonstrate that adults who engage in sustained learning activities, such as acquiring a new language or mastering a musical instrument, exhibit increased grey matter density in regions associated with memory and executive function. Furthermore, these structural changes are accompanied by enhanced synaptic efficiency, which facilitates faster information processing. However, researchers caution that plasticity is not unlimited; the degree of adaptation depends on factors such as the intensity of training, genetic predispositions, and the individual's baseline cognitive health. This suggests that while adult brains remain malleable, targeted interventions must be carefully designed to optimize outcomes, particularly in educational and rehabilitative contexts.
❓ Каков основной вывод исследований, упомянутых в отрывке?
A. A) Взрослый мозг способен претерпевать структурные изменения в ответ на обучение, вопреки прежним представлениям.
B. B) Нейропластичность у взрослых абсолютно безгранична и не зависит от внешних факторов.
C. C) Изучение нового языка является единственным эффективным способом улучшения когнитивных функций у взрослых.
D. D) Мозг подростка более адаптивен, чем мозг взрослого, во всех аспектах обучения.
✅ 正确答案
A) The adult brain can undergo structural changes in response to learning, contrary to previous beliefs.
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