Muscle Memory - Unit 6

C1 Advanced · Word Formation · Ready for C1 Advanced 4th Edition Workbook, Macmillan Education

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning.

EFFORT

MASTER

REPEAT

CONSCIOUS

STORE

ACQUIRE

PROBLEM

HOPE

Although cycling is beyond the (0) ___ of all but the most advanced robots, many humans, even small children, are able to do it (1) ___ , thanks to a remarkable phenomenon called muscle memory. Basically you don’t need to be Tommaso De Vecchis (see image) to achieve this! Muscle memory refers to the (2) ___ of complicated physical skills, such as typing at high speed, playing a musical instrument or performing a gymnastic routine, through extensive (3) ___ . While these activities initially require great conscious effort, with practice we eventually get to the point where we can do them completely (4) ___ , freeing valuable brain processing power and (5) ___ space for other tasks. Recent research even suggests that the (6) ___ of muscle memory may take place through observation alone, without the need for physical movement. One downside of muscle memory is that we have no conscious control over it. This is highly (7) ___ for elite sportspeople, for example, who may forget all their finely tuned motor skills under the intense pressure of international competition, reverting to (8) ___ incompetent beginners at what should be their moment of glory.

Muscle Memory

CAPABLE

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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