Question

【题目】Directions: Read the following passage. Summarize the main idea and the main point(s) of the passage in no more than 60 words. Use your own words as far as possible.

The Benefits of Being Bilingual

At one time being bilingual was thought to slow down brain development, although it is now known to have many benefits. Aside from professional and social benefits, studies show that the process of learning a second language actually strengthens some areas of the brain.

To start off with, a study done at the University of British Columbia shows that babies exposed to two languages before birth don’t confuse the languages. Moreover, it showed that the effort it takes to keep the languages separate improves perception.

The benefits aren’t only for people who grow up bilingual, however. Anyone who learns a second language during their lifetime will have certain advantages. For one, Swedish scientists found that the brain grows during language learning, particularly the area where memories are created.

Not only does the brain grow, but language learners also improve in many areas. They are good at multitasking while paying detailed attention to each task. Additionally they strengthen their math skills, listening skills, ability to focus, problem-solving skills, reading and vocabulary in their native language, and their memory increases. In the area of math, a study done at the University of Washington shows that bilinguals solve new math problems half a second faster than monolinguals.

Language learning also has huge benefits for old age. Brian Gold of the University of Kentucky did a study comparing the ability of bilingual seniors and monolingual seniors to do an attention-switching task. Usually this skill fails with age. However the bilingual seniors performed better than the monolinguals, and their brains worked less hard and more efficiently.

Neuroscientists (神经系统科学家) think that having more brainpower at an older age helps protect us from Alzheimer’s. Current medication for Alzheimer’s only delays it for 6-12 months, while learning a new language delays it for 4-5 years. Again, this is not only for people who learn a second language from birth. Even if you don’t learn another language until after middle age it helps. Language learning keeps your brain active and “fit”.

Answer 1

【答案】Being bilingual, though once considered to be a barrier to brain development, is known to benefit those speaking two languages from birth, enhancing perception, and those learning another language later in life, improving their memories and various other skills. It also has long-term benefits for the old, keeping their brain active in thinking.

【解析】

这是一篇概要写作。本文是说明文，主要介绍了双语的好处。

概要写作基本按照两步走，一是解读文本，二是遣词成文。①解读文本，梳理主旨。本文的体裁是说明文，介绍了双语的好处。结合说明文文体特点，将主题句直观归纳法和关键词整合归纳法相结合，对文本的主旨大意进行梳理解读。

文章第一部分（第1段）介绍了对双语现象过去和现在的研究情况的介绍。通过整合关键词at one time, slow down ,brain development, now, many benefits.可归纳出段落大意：Bilingual, once considered to be a barrier to brain development, is now known to have many benefits.

第二部分（第2段，第3段，第4段，第5段，第6段）描述了双语的好处。第2段谈到了对孩子的好处。通过整合关键词：babies, exposed to two languages before birth, don’t confuse the languages, improves perception可以归纳出段落大意：Babies involved in two languages before birth don’t confuse the languages, but also improve their perception.第3段通过关键词aren’t only for, anyone, have certain advantages可以归纳段落大意：The benefits is also helpful to people learning a second language.第4段，结合首句可以得出段意：Learners not only grows the brains, but also improve in many areas. 第5段，首句为中心句，所以段意为 Language learning also has huge benefits for old age.第6段，末句为总结句，所以段意可以概括为：Language learning keeps your brain active and “fit”

②遣词成文。综上描述，双语的好处应该从孩子出生后的认知，对第二语言的学习，对生活，对老人的帮助四个方面来描述总结。