A HEALTHY MIND
The brain is the most amazing part of our body and nobody really understands everything about
it. But just like our bodies, it needs to be cared for in quite simple ways. Getting a good night’s
sleep, eating a balanced diet and taking deep breaths are all important methods of looking after
both your body and your brain.
Many people think their brain will slow down with age and their memory will get worse . The
truth is, just like your body, you can also improve your mind. I’ve found I can improve my
memory by imagining what I need to remember. For example, if I’m going shopping and I need
bread, milk and a birthday card for my brother, I think of a loaf of bread, a carton of milk with a
cow on the front and a birthday card with a football on it.
You can use the same method for important dates. If you have a picture of something in your
mind, it’s much easier to remember it.
Another way of improving your mind is to visit new places and have new experiences.
Personally I find learning Spanish is a great way to keep the brain working. Having a conversation
is so much better for your brain than looking at a computer screen or at other people talking on
TV.
Circle the correct answer
1. What is the writer’s main aim in
writing the text?
a) to explain how our body works
b) to talk about problems with the brain
c) to describe how clever she is
d) to suggest the brain needs attention

2) What does the reader learn about
the writer from the text?
a) She has a computer.
b) She is learning another language.
c) She likes shopping.
d) She enjoys travelling.

3) What does the writer say about
the brain?
a) We must look after our brains.
b) People know everything about the brain.
c) The brain becomes tired when we are old.
d) It works very hard when we watch TV.

4) What does the writer say about
her own memory?
a) It is possible to make it better.
b) She can’t remember numbers at all.
c) It has got worse over the years.
d) She often forgets birthdays.

5) What would be another title for the text?
a) Easy ways to develop your mind.
b) We know everything about the brain.
c) The power of memory.
d) Learning Spanish is easy.