EXERCISE 5: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the question.
There are three basic types of classroom learning styles: visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. These learning styles describe the most common ways that people learn. Individuals tend to instinctively prefer one style over the others; thus each person has a learning style that is dominant even though he or she may also rely somewhat on the other approaches at different times and in different circumstances.
Visual learners prefer to sit somewhere in the classroom where no obstructions hinder their view of the lesson. They rely on the teacher's facial expressions and body language to aid their learning. They learn best from a blend of visual displays and presentations such as colorful videos, diagrams, and flip-charts. Often, these learners think in pictures and may even close their eyes to visualize or remember something. When they are bored, they look around for something to watch. Many visual learners lack confidence in their auditory memory skills and so may take detailed notes during classroom discussions and lectures. Auditory learners sit where they can hear well. They enjoy listening and talking, so discussions and verbal lectures stimulate them. Listening to what others have to say and then talking the subject through helps them process new information. These learners may be heard reading to themselves out loud because they can absorb written information better in this way. Sounding out spelling words, reciting mathematical theories, or talking their way across a map are examples of the types of activities that improve their understanding.
Kinesthetic learners may find it difficult to sit still in a conventional classroom. They need to be physically active and take frequent breaks. When they are bored, they fidget in their seats. They prefer to sit someplace where there is room to move about. They benefit from manipulating materials and learn best when classroom subjects such as math, science, and reading are processed through hands-on experiences. Incorporating arts-and-crafts activities, building projects, and sports into lessons helps kinesthetic learners process new information. Physical expressions of encouragement, such as a pat on the back, are often appreciated.
In addition to these traditional ways of describing learning styles, educators have identified other ways some students prefer to learn. Verbal learners, for example, enjoy using words, both written and spoken. Logical learners are strong in the areas of logic and reasoning, Social learners do best when working in groups, whereas solitary learners prefer to work alone. Research shows that each of these learning styles, as well as the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic styles, uses different parts of the brain. Students may prefer to focus on just one style, but practicing other styles involves more of the brain's potential and therefore helps students remember more of what they learn.
(Adapted from Essential words for the JELTS by Dr. Lin Lougheed)
Question 27: What topic does the passage mainly discuss?
- Fundamental kinds of learning approaches
- Different classrooms for different learner groups
- The most common way to learn
- Basic classrooms for individuals
Question 28: The word “dominant” in the first paragraph is closest in meaning to
______.
A. successful B. foremost C. familiar D. distinctive
Question 29: According to the second paragraph, visual learners______ _.
- have a preference for sitting at the backs of the classrooms,
- must keep an eye on the pictures to memorize the content of the lessons.
- are easy to get fed up with the lessons.
- are not confident in remembering what they have listened.
Question 30: The word “blend” in paragraph 2 could be best replaced by_____ _.
A. division B. list C. mixture D.separation Question 31: What does the word "them" in paragraph 3 refer to?
A. auditory learners B. discussions C. verbal lectures D.others Question 32: Which of the following is NOT true about auditory learners?
- They get information and the content of the lecturers aurally and orally.
- Reciting the lessons aloud is an effective way to understand the subjects.
- They always fidget when they are indifferent to the lectures.
- They merely learn well when they are able to listen to the lessons clearly.
Question 33: The following are suggested methods to attract kinesthetic learners, EXCEPT
- merging arts-and-crafts activities
- integrating projects and sports into the lessons______.
- stimulating them by physical expressions
- isolating them in a customary classroom
Question 34: What did the author suggest learners in order to keep in their mind what they learnt in the last paragraph?
- Practicing merely one style of learning to make the brain work more effectively.
- Using variety of learning methods to increase the potential of their brain.
- Using both written and spoken words to improve their logical thoughts.
- Identifying the most suitable learning style themselves.
