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Chapter 4
Brain Power
Introduction
Generally speaking, every language used for communication around the world
is processed by the brain. When people are trying to jump-start their brain to do better
on something, or they simply want to do their best to avoid diseases that attack their
brain, there are some definite ways to boost brain power. The aim of this chapter is to
give students or learners practice in learning different ways to boost brain power via
vocabulary learning, reading, speaking or presentations, and writing specific
information on articles about brain power. Before studying the above-mentioned
topics, first take a look at these questions on how to boost brainpower and then
answer each of these questions with your partner/group using the information on
pages 56-58.
1. How is deep breathing useful for your brain?
2. What kind of drink can help keep your brain going all day?
3. What kind of food can help boost your brainpower?
4. People say, “Laughter is the best medicine.” What do you think of this
statement?
5. Do you agree with the fact that sleep is necessary for your memory? If yes,
why? If no, why not?
6. Now, students are learning the English language. Do you think learning a
language helps to keep your brainpower? If yes, how? If no, why not?
Source: Louisville (2014)
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Vocabulary
Activity1: Match the words or phrases on how to boost brain power with the pictures.
a. taking a break f. laughing
b. drinking green tea g. learning something new
c. getting enough exercise h. hydrating
d. learning to meditate i. deep breathing
e. getting enough sleep j. eating brain-boosting food
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Activity 2: Think about the words or phrases on how to boost brain power. Discuss
the pictures with a partner.
1. What are these pictures about?
2. According to the pictures, which way do you think is good for you to help
increase your brain power?
3. How do they help to boost your brain power?
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Grammar
The difference between “like” and “as”
1. Like - preposition / conjunction
1.1 Like may be used as preposition meaning similar to. It is used to
compare things, eg:
He has been working like a dog.
I am like my mother. I hate waiting.
He looks like his father.
1.2 Like is often used in place of the subordinating conjunction as, or as if.
Examples:
They look like they have been having fun. = They look as if they
have been having fun.
2. As – preposition / conjunction
2.1 As may function as a preposition and is used when we talk about a job
or function:
Examples:
I worked as a taxi driver.
He was nominated as a Secretary of State.
He used the carpet as a decoration in his office.
The wind can be used as a source of energy.
2.2 As may also be used as a conjunction meaning in the same way that...
Examples:
She behaved exactly as her mother told her.
When in Rome do as the Romans do.
(My English Pages, n.d.)
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Activity 3: Choose the correct answer (as or like)
1. She looks ________ her mother. .
2. He was appointed_______ a lecturer in a university.
3. She is_______an angel.
4. _______I told you before; you have to come to work on time.
5. My brother is not ________ me.
6. James qualified ________ an engineer and worked for an Italian
company.
7. She works _____a slave.
8. John can swim _______a fish.
9. It looks_______ it’s going to rain.
10. She did the work _______she promised.
Reading
1. How to boost brain power
Activity 1: Skim the article How to boost brain power to get the general idea and
choose the best title from the choices a-j in activity 1 for each paragraph.
Whether you're trying to jump-start your brain to do better on tomorrow's test,
or you simply want to do your best to avoid diseases that attack your brain, there are
some definite ways to boost your brainpower.
1.__________________________
Deep breathing helps to increase your blood flow and oxygen levels, which in
turn helps your brain to function better. Doing 10-15 minutes of deep breathing each
day can help in the long run, but especially doing some deep breathing before and
during your studying (and even while you're taking your exam) not only helps keep
oxygen and blood flow to your brain, but it also keeps your anxiety levels down,
helping your brain function better. When you're breathing, make sure that you breathe
into the bottom of your lungs. Think of it like a balloon expanding, first your neck,
then your chest, then your belly. When you let the breath go, it will go in the opposite
direction, belly, chest, then neck.
2. __________________________
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition says that drinking 5 or more cups
of green tea each day can lower the possibility of psychological distress by as much as
20%. It can also give you a good boost, like caffeine, to help keep your brain going all
day.
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3. __________________________
A good way to help your brain charge up is to take a break. This can either
mean cruising the internet for 15 minutes, or switching to something else for a while,
as a change of pace for your brain. It's also a good idea to spend no more than an hour
on something before switching to something else for a while. If you haven't finished
that something in an hour, set aside time later to work on it some more.
4. __________________________
People always say that laughter is the best medicine, but it also stimulates
different areas of the brain, allowing people to think in a broader and freer manner.
Laughter is also a natural stress reducer, and stress is something that inhibits and
limits brainpower.
5. __________________________
There are lots of different foods that can help boost your brainpower. Of
course, on the flipside there are foods that do the opposite like foods high in sugar and
refined carbohydrates, "junk food" and soda. These are foods that dull brain processes
and make you foggy and sluggish. Try foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids like
walnuts and salmon (although eat this sparingly because of the possibility of a higher
mercury content), ground flaxseed, winter squash, kidney and pinto beans, spinach,
broccoli, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans. Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood
circulation, and boost the function of neurotransmitters, which help your brain process
and your thinking powers.
6. __________________________
When you aren't getting enough sleep, everything that your brain does is
worsened because of it. So creativity, thinking, cognitive functioning, problem
solving, memory, all of these are tied to getting enough sleep. Sleep is especially
necessary for memory functions, so make sure you're getting to the deeper stages of
sleep to allow for memory processing. Turn off any electronics at least 30 minutes
before going to bed. That means cell phones, computers, iPods, etc., otherwise your
brain will be over-stimulated while you're trying to sleep, and you'll have greater
difficulty in falling asleep and getting to the necessary stages of sleep.
7. __________________________
Physical exercise can do things like enhancing the oxygen flow to your brain,
which will help it process and function better. It also releases chemicals that enhance
your overall mood, as well as protect your brain cells. Scientists have found that
exercising actually helps spark the production of more neurons in the brain. Dance
and martial arts are especially good ways to boost your brainpower, because they
stimulate a wide variety of brain systems, such as organization, coordination,
planning, and judgement. You're having to move your body (and various parts of it,
too) in synch with the music.
8. ___________________________
Meditating, especially mindfulness meditation, can help to retrain the brain to
work better, and not go down certain negative neuro-pathways. Meditation both
reduces stress, (which helps the brain function better), but it also increases memory as
well. Find a place to sit quietly, even if only for 15 minutes. Focus on your breathing.
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Say to yourself as you breathe "breath in, breath out." Whenever you find your mind
wandering, gently draw it back to focusing on your breath. As you get better at
meditating, notice what is going on around you, feel the sun on your face, notice the
sound of the birds and the cars outside, smell your roommate's pasta lunch.
9. ____________________________
Getting enough liquid in your system is super important since your brain is
about 80% water. It won't function as well if you're dehydrated. So make sure to keep
drinking water all day, at least 8 6-ounce glasses. It's also a good idea to drink fruit or
vegetable juice. Polyphenols, which are the antioxidants in fruit and vegetables, can
help protect brain cells from damage, and keep your brain at a high-functioning level.
10. ____________________________
Learning something new gives your brain a workout, in the same way that you
would do a physical workout to increase your strength and endurance. If you stick to
the well-worn paths of the stuff you already know, your brain isn't going to keep
developing and growing. Learning a language stimulates lots of different parts of your
brain and helps make new neuro-pathways. It takes mental effort and will help expand
your knowledge base.
(Wikihow, n.d.)
Activity 4: Scan the article How to boost brain power to get particular information.
Write T for true or F for false for each statement.
_____ 1. While you are breathing out deeply, it will help to increase your
blood flow and oxygen level.
_____ 2. Drinking 5 or more cups of green tea each day can lower the
possibility of psychological distress by as much as 10%.
_____ 3. Taking a break is a good way to help your brain charged up.
_____ 4. Laughter is not a natural stress reducer.
_____ 5. Omega-3 fatty acids improve blood circulation, but decrease the
function of neurotransmitters.
_____ 6. Sleep is necessary for memory functions, so make sure you're
getting to the deeper stages of sleep to allow for memory processing.
_____ 7. Exercises are bad ways to boost your brainpower, because they
stimulate a wide variety of brain systems.
_____ 8. Meditation helps to reduce stress, increasing memory.
_____ 9. Your brain won't function if you are not hydrated. So make sure to
keep drinking water all day, at least 8 6-ounce glasses.
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_____ 10. Learning a language stimulates lots of different parts of your brain
and helps make new neuro-pathways.
2. Brain facts
Activity1: Work in pairs/groups. Read the information about brain facts and try to get
some information about brain facts. Then share your ideas of brain facts 1-6 with the
class.
Brain fact 1:
Brain fact 2:
Brain fact 3:
Brain fact 4:
Brain fact 5:
Brain fact 6:
(Harrison, 2011, p. 53)
Activity 5: Read the brain facts in activity 1 again and answer the questions below.
1. How much does the average human brain weigh?
__________________________________________________________
2. Look at information in brain fact 5. Which brain is heaviest and which one is
lightest?
__________________________________________________________
3. How many neurons (nerve cells) are there in the brain?
__________________________________________________________
4. What percent of the average body weight does the human brain represent?
__________________________________________________________
5. It is a fact that the human brain is part of the central nervous system. Which other
part does it also include?
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_________________________________________________________
Speaking with a short presentation
Activity 6: Making a short note/summary
1. Work in pairs /groups.
2. Read the article How to boost brain power again and make notes on the
main points. The first one has been done for you.
3. After finishing short note-making, each pair/group must share their ideas
of the main points in each topic, with a short presentation to the class.
Note: Recommendations for making a short media presentation may be:
- “Short presentation VDO clip” or
- “Future board” or
- “PowerPoint” or
- “Depending on instructor’s assignments”
Deep breathing
to help to increase blood flow and oxygen levels, helping brain to function
better
to help in the long run
to help to keep anxiety down
Drinking green tea
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Taking a break
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Laughing
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
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Learning something new
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Getting enough exercise
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Learning to meditate
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Hydrating
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Getting enough sleep
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
Eating brain-boosting food
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………
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Writing
How to write a summary
To write a good summary it is important to thoroughly understand the material
you are working with. Here are some preliminary steps in writing a summary:
Step 1: Skim the text, noting in your mind the subheadings. If there are no
subheadings, try to divide the text into sections. Consider why you have been
assigned the text. Try to determine what type of text you are dealing with. This can
help you identify important information.
Step 2: Read the text, highlighting important information and taking notes.
Step 3: In your own words, write down the main points of each section.
Step 4: Write down the key support points for the main topic, but do not
include minor detail.
Step 5: Go through the process again, making changes as appropriate.
When writing the summary, there are three main requirements:
1. The summary should cover the original as a whole.
2. The material should be presented in an unbiased way.
3. The summary should be a condensed version of the material,
presented in your own words. Also do not include anything that does not appear in
the original. Do not include your own comments or evaluation and be sure to identify
your source.
Take a look at the following example of writing a summary:
“Physical exercise can do things like enhance the oxygen flow to your brain,
which will help it process and function better. It also releases chemicals that enhance
your overall mood, as well as protecting your brain cells. Scientists have found that
exercising actually helps spark the production of more neurons in the brain. Dance
and martial arts are especially good ways to boost your brainpower, because they
stimulate a wide variety of brain systems, things like organization, coordination,
planning, and judgment. You have to move your body (and various parts of it too) in
synch with the music.”
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Summary:
“Physical exercise can increase the oxygen flow to your brain, which helps it
process and function better. It releases chemicals that enhance your mood, as well as
protect your brain cells. Scientists have found that exercising helps spark the
production of more neurons in the brain. Dance and martial arts are good ways to
boost your brainpower. You have to move your body with the music.”
Activity 7: Select one of the passages in the article “How to boost brain power”
above and write a short summary.
Summary:
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………
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……………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
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Review
1. Scan the paragraph about Albert Einstein’s brain. Complete the notes by answering
the questions below.
Einstein’s brain
What do we know about Einstein’s brain? We know quite a lot. He was born in
1879 in Germany. His family moved to Italy in 1894 and later he lived
in Switzerland. He became a teacher of mathematics and physics in a
secondary school and later became a university lecturer. He was world
famous for his research. In 1921 he received the Nobel Prize. This
award was for his research in physics and mathematics. Because Albert
Einstein was a great mathematician and scientist, other scientists
wanted to study his brain. He agreed that after his death they
could use his brain for research. When Einstein died in 1955 at the age of 76,
scientists began to study his brain. They found that his brain was the same as other
brains. In fact, its weight was less than the average male brain. However, one
thing was unusual. His brain was 15% wider than normal. This area was the part
of the brain responsible for mathematical thinking. (Harrison, 2011: 57)
1. When and where was Albert Einstein born?
2. After his family moved to Italy in 1894, where did he live?
3. What did he do?
4. What prize did he get for his research?
5. Why did scientists want to study his brain?
6. When did he die? How old was he?
7. How many percents of his brain were wider than male brain?
Notes
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Directions: Complete the following sentences by using the right form of ‘like’ or
‘as’.
3.1 After university I had a job _________ a teacher for 2 months.
3.2 She is a real pain! I can't imagine her ________a nurse.
3.3 She behaved ___________a fool and we got lost in the forest.
3.4 I woke up early, ___________I knew I would.
3.5 There was heavy snow _________ in the previous year according to my
friends.
3.6 He is eighty but he behaves __________he were much younger than he is.
3.7 You look terrible! You look ___________ you have seen a ghost.
Directions: Read the passage and write a short summary.
Meditating, especially mindfulness meditation can help to retrain the brain to
work better and to not go down certain negative neuro-pathways. Meditation both
reduces stress (which helps the brain function better), but it also increases memory, as
well. Find a place to sit quietly, even if only for 15 minutes. Focus on your breathing.
Say to yourself as you breathe "breathing in, breathing out." Whenever you find your
mind wandering, gently draw it back to focusing on your breath. As you get better at
meditating, notice what is going on around you, feel the sun on your face, notice the
sound of the birds and the cars outside, smell your roommate's pasta lunch.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………
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References
Cambridge Dictionaries online . (2015). Like-from English Grammar Today.
[online].
Retrieved December 21, 2015, from http://dictionary.cambridge.org/
grammar/british-grammar/like
English Grammar. (2013). As and like: grammar exercise. [online].
Retrieved December 21, 2015, from
http://www.englishgrammar.org/grammar-exercise-9/
Harrison, R. (2011). Academic Skills: reading, writing and study skills Level 1.
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Louisville. (2014). Exercise helps preserve brain power in studies.
[online]. Retrieved December 21, 2015, from http://www.courier-
journal.com/story/life/wellness/aging/2014/12/16/
exercising-brain-power/20483457/
My English Pages. (n.d.). Like and As. [online]. Retrieved Mya, 15, 2016, from
http://www.myenglishpages.com/site_php_files/grammar-lesson-like-as.php
Wikihow. (n.d.). How to boost brain power. [online]. Retrieved December 19, 2015, from
http://www.wikihow.com/Boost-Brain-Power