The two halves are linked by a trunkline (主干线) of between 200 and 300 million nerves, the corpus callosum. Scientists have found quite recently that the corpus callosum in women is always larger and probably richer in nerve fibres (纤维) than it is in men. This is the first time that a structural difference has been found between the brains of women and men and it must have some significance. The question is “What?”, and if this difference exists, are there others? Research shows that present-day women think differently and behave differently from men. Are some of these differences biological and inborn, a result of evolution? We tend to think that is the influence of society that produces these differences. But could we be wrong?
Research showed that these two halves of the brain had different functions, and that the corpus callosum enabled them to work together. The better the connections, the more harmoniously the two halves work. Usually, women have the better connections.
But it isn?t all that easy to explain the actual differences between the skills of men and women on this basis. In schools throughout the world girls tend to be better than boys at “language subjects” and boys better at math. If these differences correspond (相符合) with the differences in the trunkline, there is an unchangeable distinction between the sexes.
We shan?t know for a while, partly because we don?t know of the exact relationship between abilities in school subjects and the functioning of the two halves of the brain. And we cannot understand how the two halves interact through the corpus callosum. But one thing is certain:
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nothing in our world is still—even scientific thought. 74. Which of the following statements is TRUE?
A. Biologists are doing research where psychologists have given up. B. Brain differences point to advantage of one sex over the other.
C. The structural difference in the brain between the sexes has long been known. D. The brain difference is the only difference between the sexes. factors.
A. biological
B. psychological
C. physical
D. social
76. The expression of “these differences” refers to those in ________.
A. skills of men and women
B. school subjects D. learning habits
C. the brain structure of men and women 77. What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To discuss the various factors that cause brain differences. B. To explain the link between sex and brain structure. C. To suggest new areas in brain research.
D. To indicate the many differences between the sexes.
75. According to the passage, it is commonly believed that brain differences are caused by ________
Section C
Directions: Read the following passage and then answer the questions or complete the statements
in the fewest possible words.
You are what you eat and fats are a main food for Asia?s fast-food generation. Dr. Chwang, director of the Department of Food Nutrition, says children are consuming more meat and soft drinks. That is a thorough departure from the traditional diet of vegetables and rice and little meat. “They like big pieces of fried meat with a soft drink. So although they may eat the same volume of food, their calorie intake (卡路里摄入量) has increased. Now about 40 to 45 percent of their calories come from fat,” says Chwang.
Although on the whole Asians tend towards thinness, Asians? hospitality（好客）is the first and foremost reason for the fatness of today?s generation, according to Chwang. “Asian people love food,” she says. “Eating and drinking are important social and family functions.” In the past, however, big meals were only hosted on special occasions as people were more careful with money. In today?s climate of wealth and remarkable consumption, 10-course meals are no longer reserved for significant occasions.
Needless to say, that children are being spoilt by their parents is another cause of children?s overweight. More than anyone else, children are on the receiving end of their parents? improved circumstances. “In the past, people had four or more children —now, they have one or two, so they tend to spoil them,” says Chwang. “The easiest way is to give them ?quality food?. Parents think feeding them well is showing their love. They feel bad when their children look thin.”
When describing the physical condition of most overweight Asian children, Chwang says: “There is a clear relationship between fatness and indoor play children spend too much time on. Children get fat because they don?t move, and eventually, they don?t want to move because they?re
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fat. Thanks to technology, a growing army of children prefer video games to old outdoor sports. “What do children do when watching TV or sitting in front of the computer playing video games? They eat chocolate and drink Coke,” says Chwang.
(Note: Answer the questions or complete the statements in NO MORE THAN EIGHT WORDS.) 78. Despite the same volume of food, children take in more calories due to ________. 79. Thanks to ________, big meals nowadays are no longer enjoyed on special occasions. 80. Why do some parents feel bad when their children look thin?
