It is Not Surprising That Physical Afflictions have Physical Causes.

Reading Passage Question

It is not surprising that physical afflictions have physical causes. For example, writers may suffer from carpel tunnel syndrome, which is caused by damage to the nerves in the wrist. They may also be struck with mental conditions, such as writer's block, which is a condition in which one cannot think of anything to write, or hypergraphia, which is a contrasting condition in which they experience an uncontrollable urge to write. Interestingly, recent studies reveal a physical cause for these disruptions in creativity. Writer's block and hypergraphia have their roots in the function of the temporal and frontal lobes of the brain. The temporal lobes are where word recognition and idea formation occur. The frontal lobe is where the brain makes connections between ideas and forms logical thought. Research indicates that these areas of the brains influence one another and by extension to a person's ability to express ideas clearly in writing. If the temporal lobe goes unchecked by the frontal lobe, a writer may churn out pages and pages without any discernment. Normally, the frontal lobe inhibits temporal lobe activity, resulting in reasonable creative output. One question guiding current research is whether the frontal lobe can go too far-causing writer's block and, if so, whether the process can be reversed. Scientists who study seasonal affective disorder use light to stimulate the lobes of the brain and observe changes in their activity. Researchers hope to discover whether by stimulating the lobes they can unlock problems of creativity.

“It is not surprising that physical afflictions have physical causes.” - is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.

This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 3 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.

Solution and Explanation

1. Which of the following can cause writer's block

1. the temporal lobe failing to recognize words.
2. an irregular connection between the limbic system and frontal lobe.
3. misfiring neurons in the temporal lobes.
4. a lack of connection between the temporal and frontal lobes.
5. insufficient stimulation of the brain.

2. The author mentions the study of seasonal affective disorder in order to

1. suggest that using light to stimulate lobes of the brain may cure writer's block.
2. demonstrate that light can affect brain function.
3. confirm that those who suffer from seasonal affective disorder are also likely to suffer writer's block or hypergraphia.
4. suggest that stimulating the temporal and frontal lobes may yield valuable information about writer's block and hypergraphia.
5. demonstrate that seasonal affective disorder is caused by improper functioning of the temporal and frontal lobes.

3. Which of the following would serve as an effective metaphor for writer's block?

1. Loving to dance but finding one's self paralyzed
2. Having a high IQ but failing classes at school
3. Memorizing a script but stuttering during the delivery
4. Suffering memory loss due to a physical injury
5. Suffering carpal tunnel syndrome so severe that writing becomes painful

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