Memory Decoding
Read Memory Decoding and check the IELTS Reading answers. Try this memory test: Study each face and compose a vivid image for the person's first and last name. Rose Leo, for example, could be a rosebud and a lion. Fill in the blanks on the next page. The Examinations School at Oxford University is…
Passage preview
Try this memory test: Study each face and compose a vivid image for the person's first and last name. Rose Leo, for example, could be a rosebud and a lion. Fill in the blanks on the next page. The Examinations School at Oxford University is an austere building of oak-paneled rooms, large Gothic windows, and looming portraits of eminent dukes and earls. It is where generations of Oxford students have tested their memory on final exams, and it is where, last August, 34 contestants gathered at the World Memory Championships to be examined in an entirely different manner.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- austere adjective
Severe or strict in manner, appearance, or attitude; having an extremely plain and unadorned style
The monks lived in an austere environment, focused entirely on their spiritual and academic studies.
- compelling evidence noun
Strong and persuasive proof that leaves little room for doubt or disagreement regarding a claim
The prosecutor presented compelling evidence that forced the jury to reach a quick and unanimous verdict.
- eminent adjective
Famous and respected within a particular sphere or profession; distinguished or high-ranking
The conference featured several eminent scientists who presented their latest findings on quantum physics.
- encode verb
To convert information or data into a particular form for storage in the human memory
The human brain must effectively encode sensory data before it can be stored as long-term memory.
- extraordinary retention noun
An exceptional ability to remember and keep information or facts in one's mind over time
The memory champion demonstrated extraordinary retention by reciting ten thousand digits of pi accurately.
- innately adverb
In a way that is an essential or natural part of a person's character or ability
Some psychologists believe that humans are innately programmed to learn language during early childhood.
- resonant adjective
Having a profound or lasting effect; deeply meaningful or evocative of particular memories or emotions
The speaker's message was highly resonant with the audience, addressing their deepest concerns and hopes.
- spatial navigation noun
The process or ability of determining one's position and direction within a physical environment
Migratory birds possess a remarkable capacity for spatial navigation during their long journeys across continents.
- synesthesia noun
A neurological phenomenon where stimulation of one sensory pathway leads to automatic experiences in another pathway
Artists with synesthesia might perceive specific musical notes as distinct colors or geometric shapes.
- treatise noun
A written work dealing formally and systematically with a subject, usually at great length
The philosopher published a comprehensive treatise on the nature of ethics in the modern age.
Answers with explanations
- 27. E
The prompt asks for the reason super memory was significant in **academic settings**. Paragraph E states that before printed books existed, the art of memory was a **staple of classical education**, considered just as important as grammar or logic. This shows its academic importance.
- 28. A
The question requires mention of a **contest** held in **consecutive years**. Paragraph A introduces the **World Memory Championships**, noting it has been running for **14 years**. This explicitly confirms an annual competition for extraordinary memory.
- 29. C
We need a demonstrative **example** of an extraordinary person doing an **unusual recalling game**. Paragraph C vividly depicts Ed Cooke sitting in a pub (the Lamb and Flag), pointing at a fireplace, and playing a bizarre visualization game to rapidly memorize a shuffled deck of playing cards.
- 30. G
The prompt asks for a belief that super memory can be **gained through practice**. Paragraph G focuses on Ericsson's research, stating his belief that **anyone can acquire** these skills and that exceptional memorizers rely entirely on techniques and **lots of practice**, rather than innate talent.
- 31. F
The question looks for a depiction of a **rare ability** that assists memory. Paragraph F describes the Russian journalist Shereshevski, noting he had **synesthesia**, a **rare condition** where senses intertwine. The text notes that these synesthetic reactions evoke responses in more brain areas, **making memory easier**.
- 32. specific person
The summary asks what Ed Cooke encoded a playing card to. The text explains Cooke's method: he assigns each card an association. The first card in a triplet is always assigned to a **specific person** (like Destiny's Child for the 7 of spades). Grammatically, this fits the gap perfectly.
- 33. three cards
The blank requires the number/amount of cards grouped in one order. The passage states that when Cooke commits a deck to memory, he processes it **three cards** at a time, forming a single image from the triplet.
- 34. mental walk
The summary needs the action Cooke takes when recalling. The passage explicitly states that when it's time to recall the deck, Cooke takes a **mental walk** along his imagined route to retrieve the visual associations he planted.
- 35. loci method
The blank requires the name of the strategy from Ancient Greece. The passage explains that the technique of placing images along an imaginary route is known as the **loci method**, tracing its origins to the Greek poet Simonides.
- 36. education
The summary asks what major subject area this technique belonged to in ancient times. The text states that the art of memory was considered a staple of classical **education**. This noun perfectly fits the context of being a major subject taught to students.
- 37-38: AB
The question asks which two activities require good memory at the Championships. The text lists the challenges: memorizing rows of numbers (Option A: **Order for a large group of each digit**) and recalling names after looking at photographs (Option B: **Recall people's faces**). The other options are incorrect or not mentioned.
- 39-40: BE
The question asks what the MRI scans revealed. The text confirms that when memorizing sequences of numbers, the scans showed an 'immense' difference between champions and controls (Option B). Furthermore, it notes that the champions activated brain regions specifically involved in **visual memory and spatial navigation** (Option E). The other options contradict the passage or were not found.