​Example 1

 Multiple Choice – 

Reading Passage

The Psychology of Color

Color is everywhere. It surrounds us in nature, influences our design choices, and affects our moods in ways we may not even realize. The study of how color affects human behavior and perception is known as color psychology, and it has fascinating implications for marketing, interior design, and even healthcare.

The impact of color on human psychology begins in the brain. When light enters the eye, it strikes the retina, which sends signals to the hypothalamus. This part of the brain controls the endocrine system and the autonomic nervous system, regulating hormones, body temperature, appetite, and sleep cycles. Different wavelengths of light trigger different responses. Blue light, for example, suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. This is why exposure to screens before bed can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Cultural associations also play a powerful role in how we perceive color. In Western societies, white is traditionally associated with purity and is worn by brides at weddings. In many Eastern cultures, however, white is the color of mourning and is worn at funerals. Red symbolizes danger or love in the West, but in China, it represents good fortune and prosperity. These associations are learned rather than innate, yet they feel completely natural to those within the culture.

Marketers have long understood the power of color to influence consumer behavior. Fast food restaurants frequently use red and yellow in their branding. Red is believed to stimulate appetite and create a sense of urgency, while yellow grabs attention and evokes feelings of happiness. This combination encourages customers to eat quickly and leave, increasing table turnover. In contrast, high-end restaurants often use subdued colors like gray, beige, or deep purple, which suggest sophistication and encourage diners to linger over their meals.

The use of color in healthcare settings has gained attention in recent years. Studies suggest that exposure to natural light and certain colors can accelerate patient recovery. Blue light has been shown to reduce stress and lower blood pressure, making it useful in hospital waiting areas. Green, associated with nature and tranquility, is often used in patient rooms to create a calming atmosphere. However, researchers caution that individual responses vary, and what soothes one patient may agitate another.

Workplace design has also embraced color psychology. Many companies now use color strategically to enhance productivity and well-being. Blue is thought to promote productivity and focus, making it suitable for offices where concentration is required. Yellow can inspire creativity and optimism, so it is sometimes used in brainstorming rooms. However, too much yellow can cause eye strain and anxiety. Green is believed to reduce eye fatigue, which is why "green breaks" where employees look at greenery are encouraged in some workplaces.

Despite these findings, color psychology has its critics. Some researchers argue that the effects of color are overstated and that individual differences, personal experiences, and context matter more than the color itself. A color that one person finds calming might remind another of a traumatic event. Additionally, many studies on color psychology have been conducted in laboratory settings that may not reflect real-world conditions. As a result, while color undoubtedly influences us, the extent and consistency of its effects remain subjects of ongoing debate.

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Questions 1-10

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

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Question 1

What happens when light enters the eye according to paragraph 2?

A. It directly affects the endocrine system
B. It sends signals to the hypothalamus
C. It increases melatonin production
D. It controls body temperature automatically

🔑 Keywords: light enters eye, paragraph 2

🔍 Scan the text for: the process described in paragraph 2

📖 The text says: "When light enters the eye, it strikes the retina, which sends signals to the hypothalamus."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Directly affects the endocrine system" ❌ The text says signals go to the hypothalamus, which controls the endocrine system, but light doesn't directly affect it.
· B: "Sends signals to the hypothalamus" ✅ This matches exactly: "sends signals to the hypothalamus."
· C: "Increases melatonin production" ❌ The text says blue light suppresses melatonin, not increases it.
· D: "Controls body temperature automatically" ❌ The hypothalamus controls body temperature, but this happens after the signal, not as a direct effect of light entering the eye.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 2

What does the text say about blue light and sleep?

A. Blue light helps people fall asleep faster
B. Blue light has no effect on sleep cycles
C. Blue light reduces the production of a sleep hormone
D. Blue light is only found in screens

🔑 Keywords: blue light, sleep

🔍 Scan the text for: relationship between blue light and sleep

📖 The text says: "Blue light... suppresses the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Helps people fall asleep faster" ❌ Opposite. It suppresses melatonin, making sleep harder.
· B: "Has no effect on sleep cycles" ❌ It clearly has an effect.
· C: "Reduces the production of a sleep hormone" ✅ "Suppresses" means reduces. Melatonin is a sleep hormone.
· D: "Is only found in screens" ❌ The text doesn't say this. Blue light is also in sunlight.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 3

According to paragraph 3, how do cultural associations with color develop?

A. They are innate and present from birth
B. They are learned through experience in a particular society
C. They are universal across all human cultures
D. They are determined by biological factors

🔑 Keywords: cultural associations, develop, paragraph 3

🔍 Scan the text for: how cultural color associations form

📖 The text says: "These associations are learned rather than innate, yet they feel completely natural to those within the culture."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Innate and present from birth" ❌ The text explicitly says "learned rather than innate."
· B: "Learned through experience in a particular society" ✅ "Learned" matches directly.
· C: "Universal across all human cultures" ❌ The examples show different meanings in different cultures.
· D: "Determined by biological factors" ❌ Not mentioned; they are cultural, not biological.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 4

Why do fast food restaurants use red and yellow in their branding?

A. To make customers feel relaxed and stay longer
B. To suggest sophistication and luxury
C. To stimulate appetite and encourage quick eating
D. To reduce eye strain and fatigue

🔑 Keywords: fast food restaurants, red and yellow, branding

🔍 Scan the text for: purpose of red and yellow in fast food

📖 The text says: "Red is believed to stimulate appetite and create a sense of urgency, while yellow grabs attention... This combination encourages customers to eat quickly and leave."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Feel relaxed and stay longer" ❌ Opposite. They want customers to leave quickly.
· B: "Suggest sophistication and luxury" ❌ That's for high-end restaurants with subdued colors.
· C: "Stimulate appetite and encourage quick eating" ✅ "Stimulate appetite" and "eat quickly" match directly.
· D: "Reduce eye strain" ❌ Not mentioned for fast food; green reduces eye strain in workplaces.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 5

What colors do high-end restaurants typically use according to the text?

A. Bright red and yellow
B. Subdued colors like gray, beige, or deep purple
C. Blue and green only
D. White and black exclusively

🔑 Keywords: high-end restaurants, colors

🔍 Scan the text for: colors used in high-end restaurants

📖 The text says: "high-end restaurants often use subdued colors like gray, beige, or deep purple."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Bright red and yellow" ❌ That's fast food.
· B: "Subdued colors like gray, beige, or deep purple" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Blue and green only" ❌ Not mentioned for high-end restaurants.
· D: "White and black exclusively" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 6

What has research suggested about color in healthcare settings?

A. Color has no measurable effect on patients
B. Certain colors may help patients recover faster
C. All patients respond identically to the same colors
D. Bright colors should never be used in hospitals

🔑 Keywords: healthcare settings, research suggested

🔍 Scan the text for: findings about color in healthcare

📖 The text says: "Studies suggest that exposure to natural light and certain colors can accelerate patient recovery."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "No measurable effect" ❌ Opposite. Studies suggest it does have effects.
· B: "Certain colors may help patients recover faster" ✅ "Accelerate patient recovery" means recover faster.
· C: "All patients respond identically" ❌ The text says "individual responses vary."
· D: "Bright colors should never be used" ❌ Not stated.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 7

According to paragraph 6, why is blue used in some offices?

A. It reduces eye strain and fatigue
B. It promotes productivity and focus
C. It inspires creativity and optimism
D. It creates a calming atmosphere

🔑 Keywords: blue, offices, paragraph 6

🔍 Scan the text for: purpose of blue in workplaces

📖 The text says: "Blue is thought to promote productivity and focus, making it suitable for offices where concentration is required."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Reduces eye strain" ❌ That's green, mentioned later in the paragraph.
· B: "Promotes productivity and focus" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Inspires creativity and optimism" ❌ That's yellow.
· D: "Creates a calming atmosphere" ❌ Not mentioned for blue in this context.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 8

What potential negative effect of yellow is mentioned in the text?

A. It causes people to lose their appetite
B. It can cause eye strain and anxiety in large amounts
C. It makes people fall asleep at work
D. It increases blood pressure dangerously

🔑 Keywords: negative effect, yellow

🔍 Scan the text for: drawbacks of yellow

📖 The text says: "However, too much yellow can cause eye strain and anxiety."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Causes people to lose appetite" ❌ Not mentioned; red stimulates appetite.
· B: "Can cause eye strain and anxiety in large amounts" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Makes people fall asleep" ❌ Opposite; yellow is stimulating.
· D: "Increases blood pressure dangerously" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 9

What is the main criticism of color psychology mentioned in paragraph 7?

A. The effects of color are completely imaginary
B. Studies have only been done on animals
C. Individual differences and context may matter more than color itself
D. Companies have stopped using color in marketing

🔑 Keywords: criticism, color psychology, paragraph 7

🔍 Scan the text for: criticisms mentioned

📖 The text says: "Some researchers argue that the effects of color are overstated and that individual differences, personal experiences, and context matter more than the color itself."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Effects are completely imaginary" ❌ They say "overstated," not imaginary.
· B: "Studies only done on animals" ❌ Not mentioned.
· C: "Individual differences and context may matter more than color itself" ✅ Direct match.
· D: "Companies have stopped using color" ❌ Not mentioned; companies still use it.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 10

What conclusion does the author reach about color psychology at the end of the passage?

A. Color psychology is a proven science with predictable results
B. Color definitely influences us, but its effects are still debated
C. Color has no real impact on human behavior
D. More research is needed before any conclusions can be drawn

🔑 Keywords: conclusion, author reach, end of passage

🔍 Scan the text for: final sentences of the passage

📖 The text says: "while color undoubtedly influences us, the extent and consistency of its effects remain subjects of ongoing debate."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Proven science with predictable results" ❌ The text says effects are debated, not proven and predictable.
· B: "Color definitely influences us, but its effects are still debated" ✅ This matches exactly: "undoubtedly influences us" and "remain subjects of ongoing debate."
· C: "No real impact" ❌ The text says it "undoubtedly influences us."
· D: "More research is needed before any conclusions" ❌ The text already concludes it influences us; the debate is about extent and consistency.

📍 Answer: B


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Key Tips for Multiple Choice Questions

✅ Read the question carefully and identify keywords

✅ Find the relevant section of the text that matches the keywords

✅ Read that section thoroughly before looking at the options

✅ Eliminate obviously wrong answers first

✅ Watch for "distractors" – options that use words from the text but change the meaning

✅ Pay attention to qualifiers like "all," "never," "always" – these often make an option wrong

✅ If two options seem possible, check which one is directly supported by the text

⚠️ Common mistake: Choosing an answer because it contains words you remember from the text, without checking if it actually answers the question

⚠️ Common mistake: Not reading all options before deciding

⚠️ Common mistake: Letting prior knowledge influence your answer – only use the text!

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Example 2

6. Multiple Choice – 10 Questions from One Text (Example 2)

Reading Passage

The Benefits of Bilingualism

For many years, educators and parents worried that raising children in bilingual environments might confuse them or delay their language development. However, a growing body of research over the past two decades has revealed that bilingualism offers significant cognitive, social, and even health benefits that extend far beyond the ability to speak two languages.

One of the most well-documented advantages of bilingualism is its effect on what psychologists call "executive function." This term refers to a set of mental skills that include attention control, inhibition, and task switching. Bilingual individuals constantly manage two active language systems. Even when using only one language, the other language remains active in the background, creating a need for the brain to suppress interference. This constant mental exercise strengthens the brain's executive control network, much like physical exercise strengthens muscles.

Research using brain imaging technology has supported these findings. Studies show that bilingual and monolingual brains perform tasks differently. When solving complex problems, bilinguals often show greater activation in areas associated with executive function. Furthermore, the constant mental juggling appears to increase grey matter density in regions responsible for attention and inhibition. These structural differences suggest that bilingualism physically changes the brain in ways that enhance cognitive performance.

The cognitive benefits of bilingualism appear early in life. In one study, bilingual toddlers were asked to sort objects by color and shape while rules frequently changed. The bilingual children adapted to rule changes more quickly than their monolingual peers. Similar advantages have been observed in preschool-aged children, who demonstrate better ability to understand others' perspectives and communicate effectively in social situations.

Perhaps most remarkably, bilingualism may protect against cognitive decline in aging. A landmark study of over 200 patients with Alzheimer's disease found that bilingual patients showed symptoms four to five years later than monolingual patients with the same level of brain damage. This protective effect, known as "cognitive reserve," means that bilingual individuals can sustain more brain damage before exhibiting symptoms. The constant mental stimulation of managing two languages appears to build a buffer against age-related decline.

The social advantages of bilingualism are equally impressive. Bilingual children often demonstrate enhanced theory of mind—the ability to understand that others have thoughts, beliefs, and perspectives different from one's own. This may develop because bilingual children must constantly consider which language to use with which person, requiring them to think about others' perspectives from an early age. Additionally, bilingualism opens doors to connecting with multiple cultures, fostering greater cultural empathy and understanding.

In professional contexts, bilingualism offers clear economic advantages. In an increasingly globalized economy, employers value workers who can communicate with international clients and partners. Studies from Switzerland and Canada show that bilingual workers earn, on average, 5-20% more than their monolingual counterparts. Bilingualism also enhances creativity and problem-solving, as exposure to different linguistic structures and cultural perspectives promotes flexible thinking.

Despite these benefits, acquiring a second language requires effort and commitment. The most successful bilinguals are those who have consistent, meaningful exposure to both languages from an early age. However, research confirms that it is never too late to learn. Adults who achieve high proficiency in a second language still show many of the cognitive benefits, though the neural changes may be less pronounced than in early bilinguals.

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Questions 1-10

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C, or D.

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Question 1

What was a common concern about bilingualism in the past?

A. It was too difficult for most children to learn two languages
B. It might confuse children and slow their language development
C. It offered no real benefits over speaking one language
D. It was only beneficial for children in certain countries

🔑 Keywords: common concern, past, bilingualism

🔍 Scan the text for: historical worries about bilingualism

📖 The text says in Paragraph 1: "For many years, educators and parents worried that raising children in bilingual environments might confuse them or delay their language development."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Too difficult for most children" ❌ Not mentioned. The concern was about confusion and delay, not difficulty.
· B: "Might confuse children and slow their language development" ✅ Direct match: "confuse them or delay their language development."
· C: "Offered no real benefits" ❌ Not mentioned as a past concern.
· D: "Only beneficial for children in certain countries" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 2

According to paragraph 2, what is "executive function"?

A. The ability to speak multiple languages fluently
B. A set of mental skills including attention control and task switching
C. The part of the brain that processes language
D. A measure of intelligence in young children

🔑 Keywords: executive function, paragraph 2

🔍 Scan the text for: definition of executive function

📖 The text says in Paragraph 2: "This term refers to a set of mental skills that include attention control, inhibition, and task switching."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Ability to speak multiple languages" ❌ That's bilingualism, not executive function.
· B: "A set of mental skills including attention control and task switching" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Part of the brain that processes language" ❌ Executive function is a set of skills, not a brain part.
· D: "Measure of intelligence in young children" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 3

How does the brain of a bilingual person differ physically according to paragraph 3?

A. It has less grey matter than a monolingual brain
B. It shows greater activation in areas related to memory
C. It has increased grey matter density in attention-related regions
D. It processes all information more slowly

🔑 Keywords: brain, differs physically, paragraph 3

🔍 Scan the text for: physical differences in bilingual brains

📖 The text says in Paragraph 3: "the constant mental juggling appears to increase grey matter density in regions responsible for attention and inhibition."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Less grey matter" ❌ Opposite. It increases grey matter density.
· B: "Greater activation in areas related to memory" ❌ The text mentions attention and inhibition, not specifically memory.
· C: "Increased grey matter density in attention-related regions" ✅ Direct match.
· D: "Processes all information more slowly" ❌ Not mentioned; bilinguals often process certain tasks faster.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 4

What did the study with bilingual toddlers demonstrate?

A. They were slower at sorting objects than monolingual children
B. They could speak earlier than monolingual children
C. They adapted more quickly to changing rules
D. They had larger vocabularies in both languages

🔑 Keywords: study, bilingual toddlers, demonstrated

🔍 Scan the text for: research on bilingual toddlers

📖 The text says in Paragraph 4: "bilingual toddlers were asked to sort objects by color and shape while rules frequently changed. The bilingual children adapted to rule changes more quickly than their monolingual peers."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Slower at sorting objects" ❌ Opposite. They adapted more quickly.
· B: "Could speak earlier" ❌ Not mentioned in this study.
· C: "Adapted more quickly to changing rules" ✅ Direct match.
· D: "Had larger vocabularies" ❌ Not mentioned in this study.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 5

What advantage do preschool bilingual children show in social situations?

A. They prefer playing alone rather than with others
B. They have better ability to understand others' perspectives
C. They are more likely to be leaders in group activities
D. They speak more loudly and clearly than monolingual children

🔑 Keywords: preschool, social situations, advantage

🔍 Scan the text for: social benefits for preschool bilinguals

📖 The text says in Paragraph 4: "preschool-aged children... demonstrate better ability to understand others' perspectives and communicate effectively in social situations."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Prefer playing alone" ❌ Not mentioned; they communicate effectively.
· B: "Better ability to understand others' perspectives" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "More likely to be leaders" ❌ Not mentioned.
· D: "Speak more loudly and clearly" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 6

What did the Alzheimer's study mentioned in paragraph 5 reveal?

A. Bilingualism cures Alzheimer's disease completely
B. Monolingual patients lived longer than bilingual patients
C. Bilingual patients showed symptoms several years later than monolingual patients
D. Alzheimer's disease progresses faster in bilingual individuals

🔑 Keywords: Alzheimer's study, paragraph 5, reveal

🔍 Scan the text for: findings of Alzheimer's research

📖 The text says in Paragraph 5: "bilingual patients showed symptoms four to five years later than monolingual patients with the same level of brain damage."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Cures Alzheimer's completely" ❌ It delays symptoms, not cures.
· B: "Monolingual patients lived longer" ❌ Not mentioned; symptom onset was later, not necessarily lifespan.
· C: "Bilingual patients showed symptoms several years later" ✅ Direct match: "four to five years later."
· D: "Disease progresses faster" ❌ Opposite. Symptoms appear later.

📍 Answer: C

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Question 7

What is "cognitive reserve" according to the passage?

A. A type of brain damage caused by aging
B. A buffer against age-related decline built by mental stimulation
C. A medical treatment for Alzheimer's disease
D. The ability to speak multiple languages without accent

🔑 Keywords: cognitive reserve, passage

🔍 Scan the text for: definition of cognitive reserve

📖 The text says in Paragraph 5: "This protective effect, known as 'cognitive reserve,' means that bilingual individuals can sustain more brain damage before exhibiting symptoms. The constant mental stimulation... appears to build a buffer against age-related decline."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Type of brain damage" ❌ It's a protective effect, not damage.
· B: "A buffer against age-related decline built by mental stimulation" ✅ Direct match: "buffer against age-related decline."
· C: "Medical treatment for Alzheimer's" ❌ It's a natural protective effect, not a treatment.
· D: "Ability to speak without accent" ❌ Not related.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 8

Why do bilingual children often have enhanced "theory of mind"?

A. Because they read more books than monolingual children
B. Because they must constantly consider which language to use with whom
C. Because their parents teach them directly about others' feelings
D. Because they attend special schools for bilingual education

🔑 Keywords: theory of mind, enhanced, why

🔍 Scan the text for: explanation for enhanced theory of mind

📖 The text says in Paragraph 6: "This may develop because bilingual children must constantly consider which language to use with which person, requiring them to think about others' perspectives from an early age."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Read more books" ❌ Not mentioned.
· B: "Constantly consider which language to use with whom" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Parents teach them directly" ❌ Not mentioned; it develops naturally from language choices.
· D: "Attend special schools" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B

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Question 9

What economic advantage of bilingualism is mentioned in paragraph 7?

A. Bilingual workers earn 5-20% more on average
B. Bilingual people pay lower taxes
C. Bilingual workers receive free language training
D. Bilingual people retire earlier than monolinguals

🔑 Keywords: economic advantage, paragraph 7

🔍 Scan the text for: economic benefits mentioned

📖 The text says in Paragraph 7: "Studies from Switzerland and Canada show that bilingual workers earn, on average, 5-20% more than their monolingual counterparts."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Bilingual workers earn 5-20% more on average" ✅ Direct match.
· B: "Pay lower taxes" ❌ Not mentioned.
· C: "Receive free language training" ❌ Not mentioned.
· D: "Retire earlier" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: A

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Question 10

What does the passage say about adults learning a second language?

A. Adults cannot achieve any cognitive benefits from language learning
B. Adults who achieve high proficiency still show many cognitive benefits
C. Adults learn languages faster than children
D. Adults should only learn languages similar to their native tongue

🔑 Keywords: adults, learning, second language

🔍 Scan the text for: information about adult language learners

📖 The text says in Paragraph 8: "Adults who achieve high proficiency in a second language still show many of the cognitive benefits, though the neural changes may be less pronounced than in early bilinguals."

📝 Analysis:

· A: "Cannot achieve any cognitive benefits" ❌ Opposite. They do show benefits.
· B: "Adults who achieve high proficiency still show many cognitive benefits" ✅ Direct match.
· C: "Learn languages faster than children" ❌ Not mentioned; it says neural changes are less pronounced, not about learning speed.
· D: "Should only learn similar languages" ❌ Not mentioned.

📍 Answer: B