CAE Reading and Use of English Practice Test 22

For a long time, it was a common 0 MISCONCEPTION that raising a child with two languages could cause confusion. Modern research, however, reveals a far more 17 picture. The constant mental juggling required to manage two linguistic systems seems to grant the brain a workout, leading to significant cognitive advantages. This mental agility often translates into a marked 18 in problem-solving skills and a greater capacity for creative thinking, which has been confirmed by a number of 19 scientists.

Furthermore, the benefits of being bilingual become more 20 in later life. Studies suggest that it can build a “cognitive reserve,” which may delay the onset of age-related mental decline. This does not mean bilingualism makes you immune to diseases like dementia, but it does seem to make the brain more 21 and better at compensating for neural damage. The 22 is that even a modest ability in a second language is beneficial. While achieving full 23 is ideal, the very process of learning and using another language is what 24 these cognitive “muscles”.