Question

【题目】New research shows how kids’ brains reorganize as they learn math.

All the time you spent memorizing multiplication tables(乘法表)may have made you a better mathematician, according to a new study. A team of scientists from Stanford University, in California, have shown how the brain reorganizes itself as kids learn math.

After a certain amount of time spent practicing math, kids can put away the calculator(计算器). They don’t even need to count on their fingers. They simply know the answers to subtraction(减法), addition, and multiplication facts. The quicker kids can recall basic math facts, the easier it is for them to solve more complicated math problems.

The Stanford University researchers observed the brain activity of 28 students aged 7to 9 for the study. They took scans of the students’ brains as the students solved math calculations without the help of a calculator, pen or paper. A calculation—three plus four equals seven, for example—flashed on a screen. The students pushed a button to say if the answer was right or wrong. The scientists also recorded the response speed, and what parts of the brain became active as the kids pushed the button.

These observations showed a process called fact retrieval(事实检索). Rather than using their fingers to count, or writing out answers on a piece of paper, the students pulled the answers from memory. It’s as if the answers to basic math problems are kept in a long-term storage area in the brain, which was built from repetition. “Experience really does matter,” said Dr. Kathy Mann Koepeke.

Children make the shift(转换)from counting to fact retrieval when they are 8 to 9 years old, the study shows. This is the time when most students are learning basic addition and subtraction. When kids have basic math facts memorized, the brain has more free space to learn more complicated math.

This process has benefits for the future. The study shows as kids grow older, their answers rely more on memory and become quicker and more accurate. Less brain activity is devoted to counting. Some children make this shift quicker than others.

【1】What did the researchers do when students worked out the given problems?

A. They recorded the students’ brain activities.

B. They pushed a button linked to the students.

C. They noticed whether they used a calculator.

D. They found out who responded most quickly.

【2】 Fact retrieval is a process when the students________.

A. calculate answers using pens

B. use their fingers to count out

C. repeat the answers they remember

D. find the answers from their memory

【3】What plays a key role in solving a math problem?

A. Intelligence B. Experience

C. Learning method D. Constant practice

【4】What happens to kids when they are 8 to 9 years old?

A. Their brains are more active than before.

B. They depend on fact retrieval for answers.

C. They become more interested in learning math.

D. They work out complicated problems more quickly.

Answer 1

【答案】

【1】A

【2】D

【3】B

【4】B

【解析】

试题分析: 本文是说明文，讲述最后研究成果，孩子是如何学习数学。

【1】A细节理解题。根据第四段提到The Stanford University researchers observed the brain activity of 28 students aged 7to 9 for the study研究都观察28个七到九岁学生的大脑活动进行研究，故选A项

【2】D 细节理解题。根据第五段提到Rather than using their fingers to count, or writing out answers on a piece of paper, the students pulled the answers from memory而不是用手指数，或写在纸上，学生从记忆中提出答案，故选D项。

【3】B细节理解题。根据第五段提到“Experience really does matter,” said Dr. Kathy Mann Koepeke.可知经验真的很重要，故选B项；

【4】B 推断题。根据第六段提到Children make the shift(转换)from counting to fact retrieval when they are 8 to 9 years old, the study shows当孩子八到九岁时会把数数转换成事实检索，故选B项。