Language Point 1
…it may also power up the brain. (Para. 1)
Meaning: … it (exercise) may also provide power for the brain to work better.
“Power”, as used in the text, is a verb. If you look around, you will find many typical nouns can be used as verbs, too. For example, “time” could be used as a verb to mean “measure or fix the time of some action or movement” (测时；定时).
Please time how long it takes me to do two lengths of the pool. 请测一下我在泳池内游一个来回需要多长时间。
Language Point 2
A succession of scientific studies of animals implies that physical activity has a positive effect on mental functioning. (Para. 1)
Meaning: A number of scientific studies of animals indicates that physical activity has a good effect on the function of the brain.
Language Point 3
A succession of scientific studies… (Para. 1)
succession: n.
1) a number of persons or things following one after the other
He took a succession of jobs from which he got much experience. 他做过很多工作，从中获取了很多经验。
A succession of things of the same kind is a number of them that exist or happen one after the other. 一连串同类的事是指一件接一件发生的许多事。
2) the act of following one after the other
His words came out in quick succession. 他一口气说出一串话。
Our school has won the speech contest for the third year in succession. 我们学校连续第三年获得演讲比赛第一名。
Language Point 4
A succession of scientific studies of animals implies… (Para. 1)
imply: vt. suggest; indicate; express indirectly
His manner implies that he would like to come with us. 他的行为表明他愿意和我们一起走。
Are you implying that I am the one to blame? 你是说这是我的责任？
What’s the implied meaning of the sentence? 这个句子有什么含义？
Language Point 5
It's clear that the brain benefits from exercise, … (Para. 2)
Meaning: It's clear that exercise helps the brain function better, …
Language Point 6
…the brain benefits from exercise… (Para. 2)
benefit from: (also benefit by) gain advantages, pleasure, or profit from sth.
Did you benefit from your holiday? 度假对你有好处吗？
I think the boy would benefit by further study. 我想继续学习会对孩子有好处。
Both sides benefit from the talk. 双方都从谈话中获益。
Language Point 7
His studies with rats have demonstrated two primary effects of activity: vigorous physical exercise provides the brain with more fuel, and skill-based exercise increases the formation of connections in the brain, which, according to the proposals of some scientists, may make the brain better able to process information. (Para. 2)
Meaning: He has made experiments with rats and got evidence to show that there are two main effects of activity. The first is that intense physical exercise provides the brain with more fuel. The second is that exercise based on skills helps the brain establish connections and therefore, according to some scientists, process information better.
Language Point 8
His studies with rats have demonstrated two primary effects of activity… (Para. 2)
rat: n. any of several types of long-tailed animal related to but larger than the mouse
do a lab experiment with rats 在实验室用老鼠做实验
Language Point 9
His studies with rats have demonstrated two primary effects of activity… (Para. 2)
primary: a.
1) chief; main
A primary cause of Tom’s failure is his laziness. 汤姆失败的主要原因是懒惰。
That’s the primary reason for the failure of the business. 这是这次生意失败的主要原因。
The family continues to be the primary source of care and comfort for people, as they grow older. 随着年龄的增长，家庭依然是人们得到关爱和舒适的主要源泉。
2) (of education or a school) for children between 5 and 11 years old
a primary school 小学
primary education 初等教育
primary pupils 小学生
primary teachers 小学教师
3) earliest in time or order of development
primary colour 原色（指红、黄、蓝三色之一）
The primary meaning of this word isn't used now, but you can look it up in a big dictionary. 这个词最初的意思如今已经不用了，但你还能在大词典里查到。
Language Point 10
…vigorous physical exercise provides the brain with more fuel... (Para. 2)
vigorous: a. powerful; strong; healthy and active
He is more vigorous than skillful. 与其说他技术娴熟，还不如说他是精力充沛。
Very vigorous exercise can increase the risk of heart attacks. 活动太剧烈可能增加心脏病发作的危险。
This kind of dance is vigorous and demands energy. 这种舞强烈有力，需要体力。
They will take vigorous action to recover their losses. 他们会采取有力的措施来挽回损失。
Language Point 11
…and skill-based exercise increases the formation of connections in the brain… (Para. 2)
skill-based exercise: exercise that emphasizes skills, such as fencing and shooting
Language Point 12
…and skill-based exercise increases the formation of connections in the brain… (Para. 2)
formation: n. the shaping or development of sth.
Her front teeth were irregular in formation. 她的门牙长得不整齐。
They believe that school life has a great influence on the formation of a child's character. 他们认为学校生活对孩子的性格形成影响很大。
Language Point 13
…which, according to the proposals of some scientists, may make the brain better able to process information. (Para. 2)
proposal: n.
1) a plan or suggestion offered
peace proposals 和平提议
His proposal to the committee was turned down. 他给委员会的提议被否决了。
The President is to put forward new proposals for resolving the country's crisis in its political situation. 总统将提出新的建议，解决该国的政治危机。
2) the act of proposing
Everyone stood respectfully during the proposal of the king's health. 向国王祝贺时，人们都恭恭敬敬地站着。
3) an offer of marriage
She refused his proposal. 她拒绝了他的求婚。
Language Point 14
In one experiment, laboratory rats were separated into three groups. (Para. 3)
laboratory: n. (often shortened to lab) a building or room in which a scientist works, with apparatus for the examination and testing of materials
language laboratory 语言实验室
Language Point 15
One group was exercised by running inside an automatic wheel, a second group improved their skills in a complicated obstacle course, and a third group was inactive. (Para. 3)
Meaning: One group was put to the exercise of running inside a wheel that turns around on its own, a second group improved their skills by running through a difficult course with objects in the way, and a third didn’t do any exercise at all.
Language Point 16
…in a complicated obstacle course… (Para. 3)
complicated: a. difficult to understand or explain, often containing many closely related parts
a complicated machine 一台复杂的机器
a very complicated voting system 一种非常复杂的选举制度
The situation in the Middle East is very complicated. 中东的局势极其复杂。
Language Point 17
…in a complicated obstacle course… (Para. 3)
obstacle course: a training course in which runners have to climb over or cross various objects that are designed to test their fitness and strength
obstacle: n. an object that makes movement, going forward or action more difficult
Most competition cars will only roll over if they hit an obstacle. 多数参赛的车碰到障碍就只有翻车的份了。
He left the horse to run its own way around the obstacles. 他让马自己绕着障碍跑。
To succeed, you must learn to overcome obstacles. 要成功，你得学会克服困难。
Language Point 18
The animals that learned to go through the obstacle course exhibited a greater number of brain connections… (Para. 4)
exhibit: vt. show in public, as for sale , or in a competition
He has exhibited symptoms of anxiety and overwhelming worry. 他表现出来的症状为焦虑和极度不安。
The economy continued to exhibit signs of decline in September. 九月份，经济继续显示出下滑的势态。
His work was exhibited in America, Europe and Asia. 他的作品在美洲、欧洲和亚洲展览过。
Language Point 19
In contrast, the animals that exercised inside the automatic wheel possessed a greater density of blood vessels in the brain than did either of the other two groups of animals. (Para. 4)
Meaning: Different from the second and third groups, the first group that ran inside the automatic wheel had more densely connected blood vessels in the brain than either of the other two groups.
Language Point 20
In contrast, the animals that exercised inside the automatic wheel possessed a greater density of blood vessels in the brain… (Para. 4)
in contrast: (also by contrast) being different from sth.
In contrast, the lives of girls in well-to-do families were often well sheltered. 相比之下，家境富有的女孩生活常常很有保障。
The rich people, by contrast, have more money to spend. 与之相比，富人有更多的钱花。
Language Point 21
In contrast, the animals that exercised inside the automatic wheel possessed a greater density of blood vessels in the brain… (Para. 4)
density: n. the quality of being closely packed or crowded together
population density 人口密度
areas with high densities of immigrant population 移民人口密度大的地区
Language Point 22
Learning a new dance step may boost the brain in the same way that learning a language can. (Para.5)
Meaning: Learning a language can improve the brain, and so can learning a new dance step.
Language Point 23
Learning a new dance step may boost the brain… (Para. 5)
boost: vt. help to advance or improve
We need a holiday to boost our spirits. 我们需要休个假来振作精神。
The government is hoped to take action to boost the economy. 人们希望政府采取行动改善经济。
n. increase; improvement; growth
It would get the economy going and give us the boost that we need. 它会推动经济，带来我们需要的增长。
Language Point 24
And if the dance is a good physical exercise as well, the benefits multiply. (Para. 5)
multiply: v. increase by times, for example, to double or to quadruple; be many times greater
Her husband multiplies his demands on her time. 她丈夫对她的时间要求得越来越多。
What do you get if you multiply six by nine? 6乘9等于多少？
Language Point 25
Young brains may be especially able to boost brain power through exercise, suggested another of Greenough's experiments that showed the most significant changes in the brain occurred among rats that had been exercised when very young. (Para. 5)
This is a rather long sentence. Please note its grammatical structure. “Young brains may be especially able to boost brain power through exercise” is the object of the verb “suggested”. The subject is “another of Greenough's experiments”. The clause “that showed the most significant changes in the brain occurred among rats” modifies “experiments”, while the clause “that had been exercised when very young” modifies “rats”.
Language Point 26
And while animals aren't people, he says it is logical to make the inference that an effect found in rats may also apply to humans. (Para. 5)
Meaning: He says that it is reasonable to draw the conclusion that effects found in rats may also be found in human beings although animals are not people.
Language Point 27
…he says it is logical to make the inference that… (Para. 5)
logical: a. according to the rules of logic or reason
If the climate gets drier, then the logical conclusion is that even more drought will occur. 如果气候越来越干燥，那么必然的结果就是会有更严重的干旱。
He was unwilling to admit that the logical outcome could be a company reduced in size. 他不愿承认必然的结果是公司规模变小。
Language Point 28
…he says it is logical to make the inference that… (Para. 5)
inference: n.
1) the meaning or conclusion which one draws from sth. done, said, etc.
There were two inferences to be drawn from her letter. 从她的信里得出了两条推断。
He never arrives on time, and my inference is that he feels the meetings are useless. 他从不准时到会，我的推断是他认为这些会议没有用。
2) the act of drawing conclusions about sth. based on the information that one already has
It had an extremely tiny head and, by inference, a tiny brain. 它的头非常小，由此可推断它的大脑也很小。
Language Point 29
…that an effect found in rats may also apply to humans. (Para. 5)
apply to:
1) have an effect on
This part of the new law does not apply to Scotland. 新法律的这一部分不适用于苏格兰。
We have to apply the same rules to everyone, showing no favour. 我们须将相同的规定用于每个人，不要有偏袒。
2) make a formal request to
You must apply to the general manager for an increase in pay. 你必须向总经理申请才能获得加薪。
How many universities have you applied to? 你向多少大学发了申请？
Language Point 30
Human studies have focused primarily on older adults and suggest that regular exercise can improve the speed with which the brain processes information. (Para. 6)
Meaning: Studies of men have been carried out mainly on old people and they suggest that regular exercise can improve the speed of the brain's processing of information.
Language Point 31
Human studies have focused primarily on older adults… (Para. 6)
primarily: ad. mainly
This book is aimed primarily at computer science. 本书论述的主要是计算机科学。
The flight was delayed primarily because of the fogs.该航班推迟主要是因为有雾。
Language Point 32
Measurements made by Arthur Kramer at the University of Illinois demonstrated… (Para. 6)
measurement: n. the act of measuring; an amount obtained by measuring
Measurement of blood pressure can be undertaken by practice nurses. 量血压可由实习护士来做。
These measurements are very accurate. 这些测量数据非常准确。
Language Point 33
…that inactive adults, aged 63 to 82, could hit buttons faster in response to a tone after they went through a 10-week water exercise course. (Para. 6)
in response to: as an answer to
He went to open the door in response to a knock. 听到有人敲门，他走过去开门。
A meeting was called in response to his proposal. 应他的提议，召开了一次会议。
Language Point 34
…after they went through a 10-week water exercise course. (Para.6)
Meaning: …after they completed a water exercise course of 10 weeks.
Language Point 35
… after they went through a 10-week water exercise course. (Para.6)
go through: pass or complete (a stage, task, etc.)
I have to go through the final examination before I can leave school. 我得通过期末考试后才能离校。
Your suggestion has to go through several stages. 你的建议得经过几个步骤。
Tom’s book has gone through three printings. 汤姆的书已印了三次。
Has the new law gone through all its stages yet? 新法律通过所有的步骤了吗？
Language Point 36
A corresponding control group that didn't exercise showed no improvement. (Para. 6)
corresponding: a. matching; related
All rights carry with them corresponding responsibilities. 所有的权利都带有相应的责任。
The sales this year were up 8 per cent compared with the corresponding period in 2001. 今年的销售比2001年同期增长了8%。
Language Point 37
This boost in reaction time after exercise training may occur because declines associated with getting old could actually stem from declines in physical condition. (Para. 7)
Meaning: After exercise training the reaction time may speed up because of a slowing-down in reaction which is connected to getting old and could actually come from a slowing-down in fitness.
Language Point 38
…because declines associated with getting old could actually stem from declines in physical condition. (Para. 7)
stem from: originate in; come from
Dependence on alcohol often stems from unhappiness in the home. 对酒精的依赖常常源于家庭不幸福。
Mental illness can stem from being treated improperly in childhood. 精神病可能源于童年时受到的不当对待。
Language Point 39
Some scientists speculate the reduction in mental function often attributed to getting old may really be a penalty of neglecting to stay physically active, in addition to related factors such as medicines and poor diet. (Para. 7)
Meaning: Some scientists think that while getting old is often considered to be the cause for weakening mental function, the real reason for the weakening may be a lack of physical activity, besides improper use of medicines and poor diet. The weakening is the punishment for not keeping physically active.
Notice that the past participial phrase “often attributed to getting old” modifies “reduction”.
Language Point 40
Some scientists speculate the reduction in mental function often attributed to getting old… (Para. 7)
speculate: v. guess
John refused to speculate about the content of the letter. 约翰拒绝猜测信的内容。
The family didn’t want to speculate on the reasons for her suicide. 这家人不愿猜测她自杀的原因。
The doctors speculate that he died of cancer. 医生推测他死于癌症。
The reader can speculate what will happen next. 读者可以推测接下来会发生什么事。
Language Point 41
Some scientists speculate the reduction in mental function often attributed to getting old… (Para. 7)
reduction: n. making or becoming smaller; the amount taken off in making sth. smaller
a reduction in interest rate 利率降低
This week there is a 30% reduction on all the shoes at that store. 本周那家商店的所有鞋类都降价30%。
Many companies have announced reductions in staff. 许多公司宣布减员。
Language Point 42
Some scientists speculate the reduction in mental function often attributed to getting old… (Para. 7)
attribute to: believe to be the result of sth.
Jim attributes his success to hard work. 吉姆将他的成功归因于努力工作。
Some scientists attribute the poor function of the brain to lack of physical exercise. 有些科学家将大脑功能不佳归因于缺乏体育锻炼。
Language Point 43
…may really be a penalty of neglecting to stay physically active… (Para. 7)
penalty: n.
1) suffering or loss caused by one’s unwise action or certain condition or state
One of the penalties of fame is that people point at you in the street. 盛名之累之一是在街上遭人指指点点。
Why should I pay the penalty for somebody else’s mistake? 别人的错为何由我来受罚？
2) punishment for breaking a law, rule, or agreement
penalty kick 点球
penalty goal 罚进的球
One of those arrested would face the death penalty. 被逮捕的人中有一个将被判死刑。
The maximum penalty is up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine. 最重的惩罚是坐7年牢，或者罚很多的钱。
Language Point 44
In older people, an exercise program appears important for brain maintenance… (Para. 8)
important for brain maintenance: important for keeping the brain in good condition
Language Point 45
In older people, an exercise program appears important for brain maintenance… (Para. 8)
maintenance: n. keeping sth. in good condition, by making repairs to and taking care of it
maintenance of a house 维修房子
This summer there is a lot of maintenance work to do on the buildings on the campus. 今年夏天，校园里的建筑要作大量的维修。
The window had been replaced last week during routine maintenance. 窗户在上周的日常维修中给换了。
Language Point 46
…an article reviewing the scientific literature on activity’s effect on the brain. (Para. 8)
scientific literature on activity’s effect on the brain: scientific works on activity's effect on the brain
Language Point 47
…the scientific literature on activity's effect on the brain. (Para. 8)
literature: n. a set of works on a particular subject
a developing literature of social work 有关社会工作的发展文献
This work is documented in the scientific literature. 这篇著作被收录进了科学文献。
Language Point 48
But until recently, the academic edge gained by participating in sports was thought to come from … (Para. 9)
Meaning: But until recently, the academic advantages that one has gained by taking part in sports was thought to come from …
Language Point 49
But until recently, the academic edge gained by participating in sports was thought to come from … (Para. 9)
academic: a. concerning teaching or studying, esp. in a college or university
academic year 学年
I had enough of academic life. 我过够了学校生活。
Different schools teach different types of courses, from the highly academic to the broadly vocational. 不同学校教不同的课程，从高度学术性的到非常职业性的不等。
Language Point 50
But until recently, the academic edge gained by participating in sports was thought to come from … (Para. 9)
edge: n. advantage that makes one stronger or more likely to be successful
The three days France have to prepare could give them the edge over England. 法国人有三天的时间做准备，之后他们能够取得超过英国人的优势。
With excellent production techniques they were able to gain the competitive edge. 凭借极好的生产技术，他们能够取得竞争上的优势。
Language Point 51
…and the ability to concentrate that comes from burning off steam in exercise. (Para. 9)
Meaning: …and the concentrating ability that comes from working off one's excess energy through exercise.
Language Point 52
…and the ability to concentrate that comes from burning off steam in exercise. (Para. 9)
concentrate: v. direct all one’s thoughts, efforts, and attention towards sth.
I don’t know what's wrong with me today. I can’t concentrate myself in class. 不知道今天是怎么回事，在课堂上我不能集中精力。
If you don’t concentrate more on your work, you’ll be fired. 如果你工作中精力不能再集中一些，你就会被解雇。
Language Point 53
…and the ability to concentrate that comes from burning off steam in exercise. (Para. 9)
burn off steam: get rid of excess energy, or work off bad feelings or strong unhealthy emotions through physical activity
Here “steam” means “power, energy, force, or feelings considered as trapped by self-control”. It doesn’t mean “water in the state of a gas produced by boiling”.
Probably the phrase derives from the set phrase “let off/work off steam” which means “get rid of one’s excess energy, or release one’s strong feelings or emotions with physical activity or by behaving in a noisy or violent way”.
Regular exercise helps to fight against unwanted stress and is a good way of relaxing or letting off steam. 经常锻炼有助于减轻不必要的压力，是一种放松或消除被压抑情绪的好办法。
I was so angry that I worked off steam by taking a walk. 我很生气，于是出去散步，以消除心中的郁闷。
Language Point 54
Now, however, some scientists have revised their way of thinking, and point to possible physical connections. (Para. 9)
Meaning: Now, however, some scientists have changed their thoughts; they think that the academic edge gained by participating in sports possibly comes from physical fitness rather than from the increased self-confidence, the better mood, or the ability to concentrate that comes from burning off steam in exercise.
Language Point 55
Now, however, some scientists have revised their way of thinking, and point to possible physical connections. (Para. 9)
revise: v.
1) change (opinions, intentions, etc.) because of new information or more thought
I have to revise my opinion about the profession I'm in. 我得改变对自己从事的这份职业的看法。
I can see I'll have to revise my ideas about my boss — he's rather clever and yet stubborn. 我明白了，我得改变对老板的看法。他挺聪明，但也很固执。
2) study again; review
revise my grammar notes 复习语法笔记
I must revise for the examination. 我得复习准备考试。
3) read through (a piece of writing) carefully, making improvements and correcting mistakes
I'll revise the article before its publication. 发表之前我要修改一下这篇文章。
There is a need to revise the exercise program. 有必要修改锻炼计划。
Language Point 56
Now, however, some scientists have revised their way of thinking, and point to possible physical connections. (Para. 9)
point to: offer (sth.) as proof or explanation
When asked to explain where all the housekeeping money had gone, Mary pointed to the rising prices. 当请她解释养家的钱都到哪里去了时，玛丽说都用于对付物价上涨了。
One need only point to the increase in violence as an example of the fall in moral values in our time. 只需提一提暴力增长，就足以说明我们时代的道德观的堕落。
Language Point 57
…increases the amount of certain brain chemicals that stimulate growth of nerve cells. (Para. 10)
nerve cells: Please refer to Note 4, Background Information (for Text B)
cell: n. a very small division of living matter, with one center of activity
blood cells 血液细胞
cell walls 细胞壁
Those cells divide and give many other different types of cells. 那些细胞分裂，产生出许多其他不同的细胞。
Language Point 58
Consequently, the brains of people who exercise may be better equipped to tackle mental challenges. (Para. 10)
Meaning: As a result, the brains of physically active people may be more capable of meeting mental challenges.
Language Point 59
Consequently, the brains of people who exercise may be better equipped to tackle mental challenges. (Para. 10)
consequently: ad. as a result; therefore
The rain was heavy, and consequently the land was flooded. 雨下得很大，以至地上积水成灾。
He had broken his legs in a car accident. Consequently, he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. 他在一次交通事故中断了双腿，因此只能在轮椅上度过余生。
Language Point 60
Consequently, the brains of people who exercise may be better equipped to tackle mental challenges. (Para. 10)
equip: vt. provide with
well-equipped travellers 装备齐全的游客
The room is well equipped. 这房子装备得很好。
The army is equipped with modern weapons. 这支军队配备了现代武器。
Language Point 61
Consequently, the brains of people who exercise may be better equipped to tackle mental challenges. (Para. 10)
tackle: vt. deal with
The question set by the teacher was so difficult that the pupils didn’t know how to tackle it. 老师提出的这个问题非常难，学生们不知道如何解答。
The computer can tackle the problem when programmed properly. 如果程序编得好，计算机可以解决这个问题。
Language Point 62
Inactivity may also have negative effects on mind and body alike. (Para. 11)
Meaning: Inactivity may also have bad effects on mind and body in the same way.
Language Point 63
Inactivity may also have negative effects on mind and body alike. (Para. 11)
alike: ad. in the same way; equally
A teacher should treat all his students alike. 老师应该同等对待所有的学生。
Some people think that men and women think alike. 有些人认为男女的思维方式一样。
The techniques are being applied almost everywhere by big and small companies alike. 无论在哪里，大大小小的公司都用这一技术。
a. being almost the same in appearance, quality, character, etc.; like one another
The two brothers are very much alike. 两兄弟长得很像。
You two are more alike than I thought. 你们俩长得比我想像的还像。
Language Point 64
“Scientists recognize that mind is body, and body is mind,” comments Howard. (Para. 11)
comment: v. give an opinion about or an explanation for
The police refuse to comment on whether anyone has been arrested. 警察拒绝评论是否有人被捕。
So far, the chairman has not commented on the report I submitted to him. 到目前为止，主席还没有评论我递交给他的报告。
You really can't comment until you know the facts. 不知实情莫开口。
Language Point 65
The most beneficial forms of exercise, he says, engage both. (Para. 11)
beneficial: a. helpful; good for someone
These vitamins are beneficial to our health. 这些维他命对我们的健康有益。
Using computers has a beneficial effect on children's learning. 使用计算机对孩子们的学习有良好的作用。
Students should be encouraged to participate in physical activities, for they are beneficial not only to their bodies but also to their minds. 应该鼓励学生参加体育锻炼，因为锻炼不仅有益于他们的身体，还有益于他们的心智。
