Education is nothing more or less than learning to think.When it comes to the ability to think, do you know how our brains function ? Read the following passage, and try to find the answer.
B.Reading
Hemispheric Specialization
Studies with split-brain subjects ( people whose hemispheres cannot communicate ) have made clear the striking differences between the functions of the two hemispheres.The left hemisphere governs our ability to express ourselves in language.It can perform many complicated logical analytic activities and is skilled in mathematical computations.The right hemisphere can comprehend very simple language.It can respond to simple nouns by selecting objects such as a nut or comb,and it can even respond to associations of these objects.For example, if the right hemisphere is asked to retrieve from a group of objects the one used “for lighting fires,”it will instruct the left hand to select a match.But it cannot comprehend more abstract linguistic forms.For example, if the right hemisphere is presented with such simple commands as “wink”，“nod”，“shake head”,or“smile”,it seldom responds.
The right hemisphere can add simple two-digit numbers but can do little beyond this in the way of calculation.However, the right hemisphere appears to have a highly developed spatial and pattern sense.It is superior to the left hemisphere in constructing geometric and perspective drawings.It can assemble coloured blocks to match a complex design much more effectively than the left hemisphere.When split-brain subjects are asked to use their right hand to assemble the blocks according to a picture design, they make numerous mistakes.Sometimes they have trouble keeping their left hand from automatically correcting the mistakes being made by the right hand.
Studies with normal individuals tend to confirm the different specializations of the two hemispheres.For example, verbal information (such as words or nonsense syllables) can be identified faster and more accurately when flashed briefly to the left hemisphere (that is, in the right visual field),than to the right hemisphere.In contrast,the identification of faces, facial expressions of emotion, line slopes or dot locations occur more quickly when flashed to the right hemisphere.And electroencephalogram ( EEG ) studies indicate that electrical activity from the left hemisphere increases during a verbal task，whereas during a spatial task, EEG activity increases in the right hemisphere.
Thus, a range of evidence indicates that the two hemispheres operate in different ways.The left hemisphere controls speech, reading, writing, and arithmetic.It operates in a logical, analytical mode, focuses on details, and perceives in terms of individual features rather than holistic patterns.The right hemisphere, on the other hand, plays a special role in musical and artistic abilities, in imagery and dreaming, and in the perception of complex geometric patterns.Its perceptions are holistic, and it is particularly effective on tasks that require the visualization of relationships.The right hemisphere also shows more emotion and impulsiveness than its companion.
Some researchers have speculated that individual differences in cognitive style are related to individual differences in the relative efficiency of the two hemispheres.Thus, individuals who are very logical, analytical, and verbal would have highly efficient left-hemisphere functions, whereas those who are unusually holistic, musical, intuitive, and impulsive would have a balance in favor of the right hemisphere.The notion of a differential balance in hemispheric functioning to explain individual differences in cognitive style is an attractive idea,though it is based more on speculation than on direct experimental evidence.
One should not infer from this discussion that the two hemispheres work independently of each other.Just the opposite is true.The hemispheres differ in their specializations, but they integrate their activities at all times.It is this integration that gives rise to mental processes greater than and different from each hemisphere s special contribution.
Notes on language and culture
1.split (sth) (into sth ): to make sth divide into two or more parts.
2.hemisphere: either half of the brain.
3.retrieve : to find and get back data or in formation.
4.superior (to sb/ sth ): better in quality than sb/ sth else.
5.geometric: 几何的, 几何学的。
6.perspective: 透视的, 透视画的。
7.assemble: to fit together all the separate parts of sth.
8.syllable: 音节。
9.electroencephalogram:脑电图。
10.perceive:to notice or become aware of sth perception: n.
11.holistic: considering a whole thing.
12.impulsive: ( of people or their behaviour ) acting suddenly without thinking carefully about what might happen because of what you are doing.
13.speculate (about/ on sth ): to form an opinion about sth without knowing all the details or facts.
14.cognitive: 认知的, 认识的。
15.integrate: to combine two or more things so that they work together.
16.give rise to: to cause sth to happen or exist.
C.Post-reading activity
Answer the following questions:
1.According to the passage, which of the following listed is generally attributed to the left hemisphere: Holistic perception,Imagery, Writing,Impulsiveness?2.What is cognitive style related to?3.What is the right hemisphere responsible for?4.What is the topic of the passage?Ⅳ.Fast Reading
In this part,you are required to read three passages and choose the best answers for the questions after each passage, using the skill you have just learned.
Remember to think differently.The hands on the clock in Grace Murray Hopper s office swept counterclockwise.The backwards clock showed that things did not always have to be done the same way.Thinking like that helped Grace become a pioneer in computer science.
Grace was born in New York in 1906.At a time when few women went to college, Grace had a different idea.She earned advanced mathematics degree from Yale University.