Why would reflecting on our great-great-grandparents help us perform better? The authors of the study note that such musings “mostly remind us about eventful and successful lives. Normally, our ancestors managed to overcome a multitude of personal and societal problems, such as severe illnesses, wars, loss of loved ones or severe economic declines. So, when we think about them, we are reminded that humans who are genetically similar to us can successfully overcome a multitude of problems and adversities.” So the next time you have to prepare for a high-pressure event, remember that compared to world wars and great depressions, a test or a presentation should be a snap.
【重点单词及短语】
psych up 使兴奋;做好精神准备
gear up 准备好;促进;增加;使换快档
internal monologue 内心独白
ride on 依靠;取决于
screw up 搞砸;弄糟
impede v. 阻碍;妨碍;阻止
spur v. 刺激;鼓舞
achievement gap 成绩落差;学术落差
affirm v. 确认;断言;肯定
buttress v. 支持;以扶壁支撑
alleviate v. 减轻;缓和
intervention n. 介入;干预;调停
intelligence test 智力测试
a multitude of 大批的;众多的
Question time:
1. Why did the African-American students improved their grades in the research?
2. What could we do in order to get good grades according to the study?