【WPMの測定手順】
1. 読む前に設問を確認する
2. 時計(ストップウォッチ)を見ながら、英文を最初から最後まで読み、かかった秒数を記録する
3. 設問に解答する
4. 答え合わせをして正解数を確認する
以下の計算式でWPMを算出する
WPM = 語数 ÷ 読むのにかかった秒数 × 60 × 正解数 ÷ 設問数
※読んだ内容の理解を測定せずただ英文を読むスピードをチェックしたい場合は、WPM = 語数 ÷ 読むのにかかった秒数 × 60 まででOK。
How Training Your Sense of Smell Can Keep Your Brain Healthy
Many people don’t think much about their sense of smell, but recent studies show that it is very important for our brain health, especially as we age. Scientists have discovered that losing the ability to smell is connected to diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. In fact, a weak sense of smell might even predict a person’s future risk of these diseases before other symptoms appear.
The way our brain processes smells is special. Unlike sight or hearing, smells go straight to the parts of the brain that handle memory and emotions. This means that scents can quickly remind us of past experiences or change our mood. When people lose their sense of smell, their world often becomes dull and they may even feel depressed.
Surprisingly, training your sense of smell can help keep your brain healthy. Just like exercising your body makes your muscles stronger, regularly practicing with different scents can make your nose and brain more sensitive. Some people use “smell training kits,” which contain different scents like lemon, rose, eucalyptus, and clove. They sniff each scent every day, and studies show this can actually improve both their ability to smell and their memory.
Scientists also found that people who practice smelling scents might be less likely to develop brain diseases as they age. Some even believe that smell training could help reverse memory loss in certain cases. So, paying attention to your sense of smell and giving it a little exercise might help keep your brain sharp and your life more colorful as you get older. (259 words)
☆Answer the questions☆ (2×4=8)
(1) What is one disease linked to a weak sense of smell?
a) Influenza b) Parkinson’s c) Asthma d) Diabetes
(2) What does smell training involve?
a) Running every day b) Sniffing different scents c) Eating special food d) Watching movies
(3) How does losing the sense of smell affect people’s lives?
a) They feel more energetic b) Their world becomes dull and they may feel depressed c) They become better at sports d) They learn new languages
(4) What is a benefit of training your sense of smell?
a) It helps you see better b) It can keep your brain healthy c) It helps you sleep more d) It improves your singing

【Answer】