Master Longer STEP Passages · reading

Longer Passage: Health & Behaviour

قطعة أطول: الصحة والسلوك

Track claims, evidence, and cautious conclusions.

Unit: Master Longer STEP Passages Course

Reading passage

Researchers have long studied the relationship between physical activity and mental performance. Short periods of moderate exercise appear to increase blood flow and alertness, which may help people concentrate immediately afterward. Some studies also report small improvements in memory or problem solving after regular exercise programs.

Yet researchers are careful not to claim that exercise alone determines academic or workplace performance. Sleep, stress, nutrition, prior knowledge, and motivation also matter. In addition, studies differ in how they measure both exercise and mental performance, which can make comparisons difficult.

The overall evidence therefore suggests that physical activity can support mental functioning, but its effects should be understood as one part of a much larger set of influences.

Practice

Answer the 3 questions, then check — أجب عن الأسئلة الثلاثة ثم تحقق

1. What is the author's main conclusion? A. Exercise is the only factor affecting mental performance. B. Physical activity may support mental performance, but many other factors also matter. C. Exercise has no relationship with concentration. D. All studies measure exercise in exactly the same way.
2. Why are comparisons between studies sometimes difficult? A. Researchers refuse to measure exercise. B. Studies use different measurement methods. C. Exercise never changes blood flow. D. Mental performance cannot be studied.
3. The phrase "one part of a much larger set of influences" suggests: A. exercise should be considered together with other factors B. exercise has no effect C. nutrition is the only important factor D. researchers have stopped studying exercise