READING

1 | Discuss the question. Then read the text and check your answers. • Why do people yawn, laugh and forget things?

2 | Six sentences have been removed from the text below. Choose from the sentences (A-H) the one which fits each gap. There are two extra sentences which you do not need to use.

Everybody yawns - from unborn babies to the oldest great-grandparent. Animals do it, too. No one knows the reason behind it for sure. But there are many theories. 1. ★★★ As this theory goes, our bodies take in less oxygen because our breathing has slowed. That's why yawning helps us bring more oxygen into the blood and move more carbon dioxide out of the blood.

Sounds good, but other studies have shown that breathing more oxygen does not decrease yawning. Likewise, breathing more carbon dioxide does not increase yawning. Another theory is that yawning stretches the lungs. Stretching and yawning may be a way to feel more awake. Other people think that yawning helps our body protect itself. It helps improve lung function. 2. ★★★ These theories might or might not be true, but there is one cool thing about yawning that everyone knows to be true. Yawning is a bit like a team sport. When one person yawns, it can make others around them yawn, too! Even thinking about yawning can get you yawning. |

Have you ever walked into a room only to forget what you needed? Or opened the fridge only to forget what food you were looking for? 3. ★★★
Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus found in his research that within about 20 minutes of reading the paper, people often forget about 42% of what they learned or read.
Although there is no one clear reason for forgetfulness, there are 3 common explanations. The first one is the inability to recall a memory without relying on some kind of reminder. For example, you cannot remember the name of a certain singer, but when one of their songs comes on, you suddenly remember.

| Confusion is the second reason. This happens when similar thoughts or memories get confused. The last one is ineffective coding. Sometimes you simply fail to move the information from your short term to your long term memory. Also, scientists say that our brains are like superhero organisers or filters. 4. ★★★ It's like saying, "Okay, we've had fun with these memories, now let's make space for some new adventures!"