Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumSecondary Meanings of Common Words

For decades, researchers believed that the adult brain was a fixed, unchangeable organ, incapable of generating new cells or reorganizing its structures after childhood. However, modern neuroscience has dismantled this assumption. Although the basic architecture of the brain is guided by genetics, its neural networks remain remarkably plastic throughout a person’s life. In response to learning and environmental challenges, new connections are forged while unused pathways are systematically pruned. This inherent flexibility allows the brain to reorganize itself after injury and adapt to novel experiences.

As it is used in the passage, the word "plastic" most nearly means which of the following?

  1. A
    synthetic
  2. adaptableAnswer
  3. C
    artificial
  4. D
    delicate

Answer

The word plastic in this context most nearly means adaptable, as it refers to the brain's capacity to modify its neural pathways, reorganize itself, and adapt to new experiences.
The passage states that the brain's neural networks are modified in response to learning and that this flexibility allows the brain to reorganize itself. In this context, plastic describes the brain's capacity to be molded, reshaped, or adapted over time, making adaptable the correct definition.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Locate the target word in the passage and examine its immediate surrounding context.
The target word plastic appears in the sentence: 'Although the basic architecture of the brain is guided by genetics, its neural networks remain remarkably plastic throughout a person’s life.'
To determine how the context modifies the common definition of the word.
2
Analyze subsequent sentences for context clues that explain the nature of this plasticity.
The text mentions that 'new connections are forged while unused pathways are systematically pruned' and highlights 'this inherent flexibility' that allows the brain to 'reorganize itself after injury and adapt to novel experiences.'
To identify synonyms or conceptual indicators of the word's specific contextual meaning.
3
Evaluate the choices and select the term that matches the identified flexibility and capability for reorganization.
The word adaptable directly corresponds to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt, whereas other choices represent literal definitions or incorrect attributes.
To confirm the correct choice based on evidence in the passage.

Key Concept

Secondary Meanings of Common Words
Estimated Time:1m 0s
Rate this question

Topics

Secondary Meanings of Common Words

More questions from this topic