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A. Answer these questions with your best guess. Say
Yes or No.
1. Would it be warmer inside a plane if the plane were painted in black? 2. Do only humans enjoy listening to music? 3. Does a walk at the seaside help sleep better? 4. Does being left-handed mean that the right side of your brain works better?
B. Read the text and check if your guesses are right or wrong.
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Have you ever wondered why most passenger planes are painted white?
It is firstly because this colour is the colour that best reflects sunlight. White
paint is the best way to minimise cabin heating and prevent potential damage
from solar radiation. You can compare the effect of white on the warming up
of the cabin to wearing a white T-shirt in summer. It is always warmer when
wearing a dark coloured T-shirt.
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Do you know why music makes us feel good? Enjoying music is unique to
humans. Our favourite melodies increase dopamine levels. Dopamine, which
is often called the happy hormone, activates our brain's pleasure and reward
system. Music can have a positive impact on our mental state; fast tempos
can psychologically and physiologically energise us for the day.
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Do you remember when you last walked at the seaside? Did you sleep
better that night? According to a 2015 study by the UK's National Trust, if you
take a coastal walk, the chances that you will sleep better that day are much
higher. However, there is no evidence that sea air in itself will make you sleep
better. In fact, we sleep better after a trip to the seaside because we have had
enough exercise and have been calmed by the sound of waves. Those who
live their lives by the seaside don't tend to report improved sleep.
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Do you know why some people are left-handed? The answer may be in
the way the brain works. The brain has two halves - the right brain and the
left brain. The right half controls the left side of the body, and the left half
controls the right side of the body. One half is usually stronger than the other.
When the right side of the brain is stronger, the person will have a strong left
hand and may be left-handed. Left-handed people are more likely to prefer
art, music, and literature.
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