Online Exercises Designed to Make People Smarter

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. presumably [pri-ZOO-muh-blee] (adv.) – most likely to happen

Example: He will presumably get good grades after studying hard for the exam.

2. dub [duhb] (v.) – to give a person or an object a descriptive nickname

Example: She is dubbed as the “Queen of Chess” after winning the national chess tournament.

3. deterioration [dih-teer-ee-uh-REY-shuh n] (n.) – the condition of being worse in terms of quality or strength

Example: The deterioration of her memory is caused by her old age.

4. impact [IM-pakt] (n.) – a strong influence or a powerful effect

Example: Having enough sleep has a great impact on one’s ability to focus and concentrate.

5. in the long run [in thuh lawng ruhn] (idiom) – after a long time or in the end

Example: Thinking positively will do you good in the long run.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Brain experts and psychologists from Stanford University designed Lumosity, a web-based program that presumably improves intelligence and develops mental skills. Dubbed as a “brain training program,” Lumosity systematically provides exercises for the brain. At the end of every exercise, the program provides a report showing the user’s performance and progress. Lumosity also undergoes regular changes in order to develop the games that further reinforce the strengths of the users. Brain experts believe that constant effort and practice can prevent the deterioration of one’s thinking capacity to keep the brain active. Carrying out mental exercises and doing mind games will also create more connections between brain cells. These connections can later improve intelligence. According to the creators of Lumosity, users who undergo the online program will experience faster thinking, better memory, increased alertness and improved concentration. Having developed intellectual functions will create a positive impact on one’s personal, social and professional well-being. Creators conducted trials to prove the program’s effectiveness. Results revealed that students who used Lumosity for six weeks got higher Math scores by 34% compared with students who are non-users of Lumosity. Most of the games and exercises in Lumosity’s website are free. However, a subscription fee is required to fully utilize the program in the long run. The company is offering free trial for new users to familiarize themselves with the program before they decide to subscribe.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Do you think Lumosity can be effective in improving mental skills? Why or why not?

·         Aside from keeping our mind active, how else can people achieve good mental health and well-being?

Discussion B

·         How important are memory skills, mental alertness, and concentration in your job/studies?

·         What daily tasks and activities do you find tiring or demanding for your brain? Why do you say so?

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