The concept of neuroplasticity, once considered a fixed attribute of the developing brain, has been radically redefined by recent research. Traditionally, scientists believed that after a critical period in childhood, the brain's structure became immutable. However, studies using advanced imaging techniques have demonstrated that adult brains retain the capacity to reorganize neural pathways throughout life. This plasticity is not uniform; it is influenced by factors such as learning, environmental enrichment, and even injury. For instance, when one sensory modality is lost, the corresponding cortical areas may be recruited for other functions, a phenomenon observed in individuals with visual impairment who show enhanced auditory processing. Such findings challenge the deterministic view of brain development and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions in neurological disorders.
❓ 본문에 따르면, 성인의 신경가소성이 갖는 주요 함의는 무엇인가?
A. 성인의 뇌는 완전히 고정되어 있으며 어린 시절 이후에는 변화할 수 없다.
B. 성인 뇌는 신경 경로를 재구성할 수 있지만, 이러한 능력은 모든 상태에서 동일합니다.
C. 성인의 뇌 가소성은 제한적이며 오직 결정적 시기에만 발생한다.
D. 성인 뇌는 적응하고 변화할 수 있으며, 이는 뇌 관련 질환의 치료법에 정보를 제공할 수 있습니다.
✅ 正确答案
Adult brains can adapt and change, which may inform treatments for brain-related conditions.
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