Creative Problem-Solving
Read Creative Problem-Solving and check the IELTS Reading answers. In a recent study, researchers at Northwestern University in the United States found that people were more likely to solve word puzzles with sudden insight when they were amused, having just seen a short comedy routine. 'What we thi…
Passage preview
In a recent study, researchers at Northwestern University in the United States found that people were more likely to solve word puzzles with sudden insight when they were amused, having just seen a short comedy routine. 'What we think is happening,' said Dr Mark Beeman, a neuroscientist who worked on the study, 'is that the humor, this positive mood, is lowering the brain's threshold for detecting weaker or more remote connections,' which enable people to solve puzzles.
Vocabulary from this passage
9 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- analytical adjective
Relating to or using methodically logical reasoning and the dissection of complex components
Engineering students must develop strong analytical skills to solve intricate structural problems.
- correlated adjective
Having a mutual relationship or connection, in which one thing affects or depends on another
Socioeconomic status is frequently correlated with educational attainment levels in sociological studies.
- inference noun
A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
The detective used logical inference to determine the sequence of events at the scene.
- perceptual adjective
Relating to the ability to interpret or become aware of something through the physical senses
Optical illusions exploit the limitations of our perceptual faculties to deceive the brain.
- recollection noun
The action or faculty of remembering or recalling something from the past
The witness had no clear recollection of the vehicle's license plate number after the accident.
- subconsciously adverb
In a manner influencing the mind without clear awareness on the part of the individual
Advertisements often operate subconsciously to influence consumer preferences and buying habits.
- susceptible adjective
Likely or liable to be influenced, harmed, or affected by a particular thing
Younger demographics are often more susceptible to peer influence regarding social trends.
- threshold noun
The level or point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins to be produced
A high pain threshold allows certain athletes to endure significant discomfort during training.
- trial and error noun
A problem-solving method in which various attempts are made until a successful solution is found
Early aviators designed aircraft largely through trial and error before aerodynamic principles were formalized.
Answers with explanations
- 14. B
Paragraph B outlines how the **process of doing a puzzle** provides a **pleasing escape**, matching the claim that people enjoy the act itself, not just the solution.
- 15. D
Paragraph D discusses a **review** by Schooler and Melcher that analysed research looking at the **relationship between insight and analysis**.
- 16. F
Paragraph F notes that students performed worse (solved fewer puzzles) if they had seen a **scary or boring video**, which directly equates to **disturbing or uninteresting material**.
- 17. B
Paragraph B contrasts solving puzzles with dealing with **social and professional mysteries in the real world** (life challenges).
- 18. C
Paragraph C describes an experiment where researchers actively **gave clues** (hints) to subjects by physically interacting with the experiment's materials.
- 19. E
Paragraph E highlights John Kounios's study, which focused on brain imaging **before a puzzle is attempted** (preparatory mental activity).
- 20. B
This quote, explaining how having a solution can provide comfort even when facing **life disasters** (difficulties), is attributed to **Marcel Danesi**.
- 21. D
The belief that insight and analysis are **truly different brain states** (separate functions) when solving puzzles is specifically argued by **Adam Anderson**.
- 22. C
The idea that problem solvers rely on **subconscious cues**—meaning they solve the problem **without knowing how they had done it**—is attributed to **Karl Duncker**.
- 23. A
The finding that **humor** helps people detect **remote connections** (links not obvious at first) is presented by **Mark Beeman**.
- 24. positive
The summary focuses on Kounios's studies. The passage specifies that when people's preparatory brain activity correlates with **positive** moods, they are more likely to solve puzzles with insight. The instruction is ONE WORD ONLY, so "positive" fits grammatically.
- 25. voice
The summary describes narrowing focus when the **general sound level is high** (a noisy room). The passage uses the example of trying to listen to someone's **voice**. The correct word is "voice".
- 26. distraction
The summary notes that insight puzzle-solvers widen their focus, making them more **open to** something. The text confirms that widening attention makes the brain more susceptible to **distraction**. Thus, "distraction" is the correct completion.