Music and Your Mind - Readworks

What is something that only humans make?

• sound

• music

• loud noise

• soft noise

What is an effect of listening to gentle, slow music before bed?

• getting a better night's sleep

• falling asleep later than usual

• waking up early the next morning

• having pleasant, soothing dreams

Music has been around as long as humans have. What evidence in the article supports this statement?

• "Scientists have discovered ancient flutes made of animal bones that date to prehistoric times."

• "In general, all members of a given species make the same sounds."

• "Studies have shown that even infants as young as eight months old can tell 'happy' music from 'sad' music."

• "Music has the power to affect the body."

What is an example of music affecting people mentally?

• Music can make a person's heart rate speed up.

• Music can help people memorize information.

• Music can harm people's ears.

• Music can make a person's breathing rate slow down

What is the main idea of this text?

• All members of a given species make the same sounds.

• Listening to fast songs can make a person's heart rate speed up.

• Music is connected to memory.

• Music affects people physically and mentally

Read these sentences from the text.

"Why does music have such power over us? After all, it isn't essential as food, water, and air are. We might enjoy it, but we don't need music to live. Or do we?"

Based on these sentences, what does the word "essential" mean?

• strong

• unimportant

• necessary

• enjoyable

Choose the answer that best completes the sentence.

There's no one music center in our heads. __________, music activates many areas of the brain.

A. B. C. D.

• In particular

• On the contrary

• Previously

• In the end