Power TOEFL
TOEFL practice tests and AI study tools.
TOEFL practice tests and AI study tools.
According to paragraph 1, synaptic plasticity is the primary mechanism for which of the following?
[PASSAGE] "At the core of neuroplasticity lies synaptic plasticity, the process by which the connections between neurons, called synapses, are strengthened or weakened over time. This mechanism is widely considered to be the cellular basis for learning and memory, as it underpins the brain's ability to encode new information and store it for later retrieval." This means that synaptic plasticity is the fundamental way the brain learns and remembers by generating and holding onto new information. [WHY CORRECT] Option 2 is correct because the passage explicitly states that synaptic plasticity "underpins the brain's ability to encode new information and store it for later retrieval." This directly links synaptic plasticity to the process of encoding and storing information, which is central to learning and memory. [TRAPS] Option 1 (The generation of new neurons in the brain) is incorrect because the paragraph focuses on changes to existing synaptic connections, not the creation of new neurons. Option 3 (The overall growth and physical expansion of the brain) is also incorrect as the passage describes changes at a cellular/synaptic level, not macroscopic brain growth. [TIP] For detail questions, always scan the relevant paragraph for keywords from the question and answer choices. Once you find a potential match, carefully read the surrounding sentences to ensure the information directly supports the option. Avoid making inferences beyond what is explicitly stated.
The language describing Neuroscience rewards close reading: notice contrast markers, hedging, and emphasis, since TOEFL detail items hinge on nuance rather than matching keywords.
Locate the exact supporting line in the text instead of relying on memory.