Reading Comprehension (1)

The three phases of human memory are the sensory memory, the short-term memory and the long-term memory. This division of memory into phases is based on the length of time of the memory. Sensory memory is instantaneous memory. It is an image or memory that enters your mind only for a short period of time; it comes and goes in under a second. The memory will not last longer than that unless the information enters the short-term memory.

Information can be held in the short-term memory for about twenty seconds or as long as you are actively using it. If you repeat a fact to yourself, that fact will stay in your short-term memory as long as you keep repeating it. Once you stop repeating it, either it is forgotten or it moves to long-term memory.

Long-term memory is a huge memory tank that can hold ideas and images for years and years. Information can be added to your long-term memory when you actively try to put it there through memorization or when an idea or image enters your mind on its own.

1. The best title of this passage would be;

a. the difference between sensory and short-term memory.

b. how long it takes to memorize.

c. the stage of human memory.

d. human phases.

2. The three phases of memory discussed in the passage are differentiated according to,

a. the location in the brain.

b. the period of time it takes to remember something.

c. how the senses are involved in the memory.

d. how long the memory lasts.

3. The expression ‘is based on’ in the line 3 could be replaced by,

a. is on the top of.

b. is at the foot of.

c. depends on.

d. is below.



4. According to the passage, which type of memory is the shortest?

a. sensory memory.

b. active memory.

c. short-term memory.

d. long-term memory.

5. According to the passage, when will the information stay in your short-term memory?

a. for as long as twenty minutes.

b. as long as it is being used.

c. after you have repeated it many times.

d. when it has moved into long-term memory.

6. The word ‘keep’ in line 10 could be replaced by,

a. Hold.

b. Continue.

c. Retain.

d. Save.