Table of Contents
BEST IELTS Academic Reading Test 577
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST 577 – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS ACADEMIC READING TEST – 577
READING PASSAGE – 2
The Complexities of Human Memory
A Human memory is a fascinating yet intricate cognitive function, essential to learning, identity, and everyday decision-making. While it might seem straightforward to recall a past event, the processes involved are multifaceted and not completely understood. Memory is broadly divided into stages: encoding, storage, and retrieval, each influenced by a variety of biological and psychological factors.
B Encoding refers to how information is initially perceived and transformed into a form that can be stored. This stage is highly selective, as the brain filters out irrelevant stimuli and focuses on what is deemed important. Emotional significance, repetition, and context play critical roles in determining what gets encoded. For example, events linked to strong emotions or frequent exposure are more likely to be remembered.
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C Once encoded, memories enter storage — the brain’s system of maintaining information over time. Storage is not passive; memories can be consolidated, strengthened, or even altered. The hippocampus, a key brain region, is heavily involved in consolidating short-term memories into long-term ones. Sleep is known to enhance this consolidation process, suggesting why rest is vital for effective memory retention.
D Retrieval is the final stage, where stored memories are accessed. However, this is not always accurate or complete. Memories can be reconstructed, influenced by current beliefs or external suggestions, leading to distortions or false memories. Psychologists have found that recalling a memory repeatedly can sometimes change its details, highlighting memory’s dynamic and malleable nature.
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E Research on memory also reveals differences among individuals. Age, stress levels, and neurological conditions impact memory performance. For instance, older adults may experience slower encoding and retrieval processes. Stress hormones like cortisol can either impair or enhance memory depending on intensity and duration. Disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease severely disrupt memory functions, affecting daily life.
F Understanding memory’s complexity has practical applications. Educational methods now emphasize active learning and spaced repetition to improve encoding and retention. Therapies for trauma often address memory distortions to help patients reframe painful memories. Furthermore, the legal system increasingly recognizes the unreliability of eyewitness testimonies due to memory’s reconstructive tendencies.
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G In summary, human memory is a complex, active system influenced by emotional, biological, and environmental factors. Ongoing research continues to uncover its mysteries, aiming to improve educational, clinical, and social outcomes through better understanding of how memory works.
Questions 14–20
Match the information below with the paragraphs (A-G).
Write the correct paragraph A-G.
14. Factors influencing which information is initially recorded.
15. The role of sleep in memory formation.
16. How memories can change during recall.
17. Biological influences on individual memory differences.
18. Practical uses of memory research in education.
19. Emotional importance increases memory encoding.
20. The impact of memory research on legal processes.
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Questions 21–26
Use NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage for each answer.
21. Memory is divided into encoding, storage, and __________ stages.
22. The __________ helps consolidate short-term memories into long-term memories.
23. Sleep enhances the __________ process in memory formation.
24. Repeatedly recalling a memory can lead to __________ of details.
25. Stress hormones like __________ can affect memory performance.
26. Therapies for trauma focus on reframing __________ memories.
IELTS Academic Reading Test
IELTS Academic Reading Test
ANSWERS
14. A
15. C
16. D
17. E
18. F
19. A
20. F
21. RETRIEVAL
22. HIPPOCAMPUS
23. CONSOLIDATION
24. DISTORTIONS
25. CORTISOL
26. PAINFUL
IELTS Academic Reading Test