新视野大学英语视听说教程 听力材料及答案 (第(3)

M: That system is all very well for you; you've got a good memory. But what about me? I've got a memory like a sieve.

W: You're too modest. There's nothing wrong with your memory. But memory is like a muscle; it needs exercise. And don't forget it.

原文2

An 80-year-old couple was having problems remembering things, so they decided to go to their doctor to see what was wrong with them. They explained to the doctor about the

problems they were having with their memory. After checking the couple over, the doctor told them that they were physically okay but might need to start writing things down to help them remember. The couple thanked the doctor and left.

Later that night while watching TV, the old woman said to the old man, "Honey, will you please go to the kitchen and get me a dish of ice cream?"

Before the old man left, she added, "Why don't you write that down so you won't forget?" "Nonsense," said the husband, "I can remember a dish of ice cream!"

"Well," said the wife, "I'd also like some strawberries on it. You'd better write that down because I know your memory is failing."

"Don't be silly," replied the husband. "There're only two things: a dish of ice cream and some strawberries. I can surely remember that!"

With that, he rushed into the kitchen. After about twenty minutes he returned from the kitchen and handed her a plate of bacon and eggs.

The wife took one look at the plate, glanced up at her husband, and said, "Hey, you forgot the toast!"

原文3

There are many techniques you can use to improve your memory. Some of them are

introduced here.

First and foremost, you need to stimulate your memory all the time. To put it simply, you should use your memory as much as possible. It is especially important to try to learn

something new. If you work in an office, learn to dance; if you are a dancer, learn to deal with a computer; if you work with sales, learn to play chess; if you are a programmer, learn to paint. These added activities stimulate the brain so that it continues to function.

Older people need to pay attention to things they are dealing with. Don't try to memorize everything that catches your attention; focus on what you consider important. For example, you can take any object such as a pen and concentrate on it. Think on its various characteristics: its material, its function, its color, and so on. Don't allow any other thought to occupy your mind while you are concentrating on that pen.

Another method that can be used is to relax yourself. It is impossible to remember things if you are tense or nervous. So, try holding your breath for ten seconds, and then release it slowly.

Association is also a powerful tool to develop your memory. For example, if you cannot remember a person's name, you can think about a special feature of his face and then link it with his name.

The Role Memory Plays in Our Life

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