【英语时差8,16】涂鸦记忆

Ya?l: So Don, I was reading this very interesting article about how in prehistoric¹ times the world cooled because there was a sharp drop in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Don: Uh huh. Y: Yeah you know, because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse² gas. D: Right. Y: Don, are you even listening? D: Yes, of course. Y: No you're not, you're doodling! Look at that: stars, squiggles. I have to say, Don, it's pretty rude. If you're doodling then you're clearly not paying attention. D: Actually, that's not true. A study found that doodling can help you remember details--it's a way of concentrating the mind. Y: Really? D: Yep. The researchers had forty subjects listen to a tape listing the names of several people, some of whom were going to a party. Twenty of the participants were told to shade in shapes on a piece of paper, the other twenty just listened. Then all forty were told to write down only the names of the people on the tape going to the party. Y: So the people who doodled while listening remembered more of the names? D: Right. Granted³, it's only a small study, but psychologists know that something like doodling can help keep the mind from wandering when you're listening to a boring list or something. So you actually end up concentrating more on the content of what you're hearing. Y: So are you saying I was being boring? D: No! Please, tell me more about carbon dioxide in prehistoric times. Y: OK. And feel free to doodle.

1 prehistoric   

adj.（有记载的）历史以前的，史前的，古老的

参考例句：

• They have found prehistoric remains.他们发现了史前遗迹。
• It was rather like an exhibition of prehistoric electronic equipment.这儿倒像是在展览古老的电子设备。

2 greenhouse   

n.花房，温室，玻璃暖房

参考例句：

• Behind the green house was a greenhouse.在那所绿房子后面是一个花房。
• The tomatoes were grown in the greenhouse.这些西红柿是在温室栽培的。

3 granted   

conj.假定，就算v.（退一步）承认( grant的过去式和过去分词 )；（尤指正式地或法律上）同意；准许；让渡

参考例句：

• The president granted a general amnesty for all political prisoners. 总统大赦了所有的政治犯。
• She feared she would not be granted re-entry into Britain. 她担心不会获准再次踏足英伦。