When it comes to reading, we may be assuming that reading for knowledge is the best reason to pick up a book. Research, however, suggests that reading fiction may provide far more important benefits than nonfiction. It may be one of the best methods for building empathy (同理心), critical thinking and creativity.

High-level business leaders have long enthusiastically praised the virtues of reading. But they almost always recommend nonfiction. Reading nonfiction might certainly be valuable for collecting knowledge. However, research suggests that reading fiction predicts a sharper ability to understand other people’s motivations.

In addition, research suggests that reading literary fiction is an effective way to improve the brain’s ability to keep an open mind while processing information, a necessary skill for effective decision-making. In a 2013 study, researchers examined something called the need for cognitive closure (认知闭合), or the desire to “reach a quick conclusion in decision-making and an aversion to uncertainty and confusion”. Individuals with a strong need for cognitive closure rely heavily on “early information hints”, meaning they struggle to change their minds as new information becomes available. A high need for cognitive closure also means individuals are attracted to smaller bits of information and fewer viewpoints. Individuals who resist the need for cognitive closure tend to be more thoughtful, more creative, and more comfortable with competing narratives — all characteristics of high emotional intelligence.

University of Toronto researchers discovered that individuals in their study who read short stories (as opposed to essays) demonstrated a lower need for cognitive closure. That result is not surprising given that reading literature requires us to slow down, take in volumes of information, and then change our minds as we read. There’s no easy answer in literature. Instead, there’s only perspective-taking. As readers, we’ll almost certainly find Lolita’s narrator Humbert Humbert hateful, but we are forced to experience how he thinks, a valuable exercise for decreasing our need for cognitive closure.

【小题1】What does the second paragraph suggest about reading fiction?

A．It can’t help us to keep motivated.	B．It helps us to gather knowledge.
C．It helps us to improve reading skills.	D．It helps us to better understand others.

【小题2】What is the most possible meaning of the underlined word in paragraph 3?

A．Amazement.

B．Desire.

C．Dislike.

D．Need.

【小题3】What do we know about people with a high need for cognitive closure?

A．They are unwilling to accept new things.

B．They rely a little on the help of others.

C．They are happy to accept new knowledge.

D．They are in no hurry to draw conclusions.

【小题4】What is the advantage of reading fiction according to the text?

A．It can hardly change our mind.

B．It can improve emotional intelligence.

C．It can increase the need for cognitive closure.

D．It can add the ability of literature appreciation.