Multi-tasking and the brain
Read Multi-tasking and the brain and check the IELTS Reading answers. Do you think you're a master of multi-tasking? Think again. Unless you are one of the three percent of super-taskers in the population, research shows that your brain is incapable of paying close attention to more than one comple…
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Do you think you're a master of multi-tasking? Think again. Unless you are one of the three percent of super-taskers in the population, research shows that your brain is incapable of paying close attention to more than one complex task at a time. Researchers who study attention say that effective multi-tasking is beyond most of us. Psychiatrist Edward M Hallowell even describes multi-tasking as a 'mythical activity in which people believe they can perform two or more tasks simultaneously as effectively as they can perform one'.
Vocabulary from this passage
10 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- capacity limitation noun
The finite amount of information or processing power a system can handle at once
The human brain can perform simultaneous tasks, but attention is governed by capacity limitations.
- concurrently adverb
Happening or done at the same time as something else; simultaneously
Tasks are performed more efficiently when done individually rather than concurrently with other activities.
- coordinate verb
To bring the different elements of a complex activity or organization into a relationship
The brain must coordinate inputs from various areas to effectively manage complex information.
- deteriorate verb
To become progressively worse in quality, value, or condition over a period of time
Research shows that driving performance deteriorates dramatically when a driver's attention is split.
- extraordinary adjective
Very unusual, remarkable, or exceptional; far beyond what is considered typical
A small percentage of the population possesses an extraordinary ability to perform multiple tasks.
- innate adjective
Existing in, belonging to, or determined by factors present from birth; natural
Innate activities like breathing do not require the same level of attention as complex tasks.
- mythical adjective
Widely believed to exist but actually false or non-existent in reality
The psychiatrist describes multi-tasking as a mythical activity that people falsely believe they can master.
- neural structure noun
The physical arrangement and connectivity of neurons within the brain or nervous system
Super-taskers are likely born with a specific neural structure that allows for extreme efficiency.
- prefrontal cortex noun
The part of the brain responsible for executive functions like decision-making and moderating social behavior
The prefrontal cortex is the brain region responsible for choosing which tasks to prioritize.
- superior adjective
Higher in quality, effectiveness, or status compared to others of a similar type
Some researchers believe women are superior multi-taskers because they use more organized strategies.
Answers with explanations
- 14. iv
Section 14 establishes that most people's brains **cannot handle** multiple complex tasks simultaneously. It explicitly states that **effective multi-tasking** is **beyond most of us**, which aligns with the heading 'Real multi-tasking is nearly impossible'. Answer: iv.
- 15. iii
Section 15 creates a **distinction** between **innate activities** (like breathing) which don't require attention, and **complex activities** (like driving) which do. This illustrates the specific **situations** where simultaneous actions are possible versus when they are not. Answer: iii.
- 16. vi
Section 16 explains the **neurological reason** for multi-tasking difficulties: the **prefrontal cortex** has two sides that can work independently for two tasks, but we lack a third lobe for more. It focuses on the **physical brain structure** (lobes) to explain why we struggle. Answer: vi.
- 17. v
Section 17 explicitly investigates if there is a **difference between the sexes** regarding multi-tasking. It mentions both imaging studies (finding no difference) and real-life scenarios (suggesting women might have better strategies). The central theme is **gender**. Answer: v.
- 18. i
Section 18 lists specific **occupations** such as **pilots**, **chefs**, and **doctors** where 'super-taskers' are likely to be found. It discusses how these individuals rise to the top of **professions** that require high attention juggling. Answer: i.
- 19. vii
Section 19 identifies **DNA** and **inheritance** as the primary factors for multi-tasking ability. It states you are **born** with the necessary structure or you aren't, clearly linking the ability to **genes**. Answer: vii.
- 20. C
The statement claims the brain of a **good multi-tasker** (super-tasker) **works differently**. David Strayer's research found they show **different patterns of brain activity** and **less activity** in the prefrontal cortex, indicating higher efficiency. Thus, Strayer (C) is the researcher who made this observation. Answer: C.
- 21. C
David Strayer observed drivers at intersections and found that **performance deteriorates dramatically**, leading to **more mistakes** and slower completion times. This directly supports the claim that the **rate of error** is higher during multi-tasking. Answer: C.
- 22. A
The statement suggests people are **mistaken** in their **assumption** of being able to multi-task. Hallowell supports this by calling multi-tasking a **'mythical activity'** and noting that people only **believe** they can perform tasks effectively simultaneously. Answer: A.
- 23. E
Keith Laws discusses gender differences and notes that **men** (one gender) **jump to it** and do not **stop to reflect** or plan. This matches the statement about one gender failing to **pause to consider** before acting. Answer: E.
- 24. position
The blank requires a **noun** representing what super-taskers achieve in their careers. The text says they will rise to a **'top position'**. This fits the context of moving up the 'career ladder'. Answer: position.
- 25. attention
The blank requires a **noun** that describes what the tasks 'need' or 'demand'. The passage states these tasks **'demand attention'** at the same time. Grammatically and semantically, 'attention' fits the requirement for what the tasks require from the person. Answer: attention.
- 26. structure
The blank requires a **noun** describing what super-taskers have in their brain. The text mentions they are born with a specific **'neural structure'**. This special **structure** allows them to perform tasks others cannot. Answer: structure.