Recent advances in neuroimaging have revealed that the human brain exhibits remarkable plasticity, allowing it to reorganize neural pathways in response to learning or injury. However, this adaptability is not uniform across all cognitive functions. For instance, while the motor cortex can rapidly compensate for damage, higher-order functions such as language and abstract reasoning show more limited recovery, particularly in adults. This discrepancy suggests that the brain's capacity for change is constrained by both developmental timing and the complexity of the neural networks involved. Consequently, therapeutic interventions designed to enhance plasticity must be tailored to specific regions and critical periods, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.
❓ According to the passage, why is recovery of higher-order cognitive functions more difficult than motor recovery?
A. A) Higher-order functions are less important for survival.
B. B) The brain's plasticity is limited by developmental timing and network complexity.
C. C) Motor cortex is larger than regions for language and reasoning.
D. D) Therapeutic interventions are not effective for adults.
✅ 正确答案
B) The brain's plasticity is limited by developmental timing and network complexity.
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