Reading comprehension, 8th form, 2nd term

Read the text and choose the correct option.

"The debate between digital and physical reading is often framed as a choice between convenience and tradition. On one hand, e-readers are undeniably practical. A single device, weighing less than a thin paperback, can house an entire library. For a traveler or a student with a heavy commute, this 'weightless' library is a technological miracle. Furthermore, digital screens allow for adjustable fonts and built-in dictionaries, making literature more accessible to those with visual impairments.

On the other hand, the 'analog' experience of a printed book offers something a screen cannot: sensory engagement. Scientists have found that the tactile act of turning a page and the smell of the paper help the brain create a 'mental map' of the information. This explains why many readers find it easier to remember a specific detail if they can visualize its physical location on the left or right side of a real page.

However, the most significant difference lies in the nature of our attention. A physical book is a 'single-tasking' object; it does not have notifications, apps, or a battery that might die. In contrast, even the most advanced e-readers are often connected to the internet, creating a constant temptation to multitask. While an e-book is a tool for information, a printed book remains a sanctuary for deep, focused concentration. Therefore, the choice isn't about which format is superior, but rather about what kind of reading experience the brain requires at that moment."

What is the primary advantage of e-books for travelers according to the text?

Read the text and choose the correct option.

"The debate between digital and physical reading is often framed as a choice between convenience and tradition. On one hand, e-readers are undeniably practical. A single device, weighing less than a thin paperback, can house an entire library. For a traveler or a student with a heavy commute, this 'weightless' library is a technological miracle. Furthermore, digital screens allow for adjustable fonts and built-in dictionaries, making literature more accessible to those with visual impairments.

On the other hand, the 'analog' experience of a printed book offers something a screen cannot: sensory engagement. Scientists have found that the tactile act of turning a page and the smell of the paper help the brain create a 'mental map' of the information. This explains why many readers find it easier to remember a specific detail if they can visualize its physical location on the left or right side of a real page.

However, the most significant difference lies in the nature of our attention. A physical book is a 'single-tasking' object; it does not have notifications, apps, or a battery that might die. In contrast, even the most advanced e-readers are often connected to the internet, creating a constant temptation to multitask. While an e-book is a tool for information, a printed book remains a sanctuary for deep, focused concentration. Therefore, the choice isn't about which format is superior, but rather about what kind of reading experience the brain requires at that moment."

Why does the author mention "mental maps"?

Read the text and choose the correct option.

"The debate between digital and physical reading is often framed as a choice between convenience and tradition. On one hand, e-readers are undeniably practical. A single device, weighing less than a thin paperback, can house an entire library. For a traveler or a student with a heavy commute, this 'weightless' library is a technological miracle. Furthermore, digital screens allow for adjustable fonts and built-in dictionaries, making literature more accessible to those with visual impairments.

On the other hand, the 'analog' experience of a printed book offers something a screen cannot: sensory engagement. Scientists have found that the tactile act of turning a page and the smell of the paper help the brain create a 'mental map' of the information. This explains why many readers find it easier to remember a specific detail if they can visualize its physical location on the left or right side of a real page.

However, the most significant difference lies in the nature of our attention. A physical book is a 'single-tasking' object; it does not have notifications, apps, or a battery that might die. In contrast, even the most advanced e-readers are often connected to the internet, creating a constant temptation to multitask. While an e-book is a tool for information, a printed book remains a sanctuary for deep, focused concentration. Therefore, the choice isn't about which format is superior, but rather about what kind of reading experience the brain requires at that moment."

The text suggests that digital books are particularly helpful for: