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🔍 Craft & Structure: Informational: The Brain Can Change (Grade 7)

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Read closely. Think about how the author wrote it.

The Brain Can Change

Scientists once believed that the adult brain was fixed — that after childhood, it could not grow or change much. We now know that is not true.

The brain has a property called neuroplasticity: it can form new connections between nerve cells throughout life. Each time you practise a skill, the connections involved grow stronger and faster, like a path that becomes clearer the more people walk it.

Studies of musicians, for example, show differences in brain areas linked to hearing and finger movement. People recovering from strokes can sometimes relearn skills as other parts of the brain take over.

This research supports what psychologists call a "growth mindset" — the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and good strategies.

Vocabulary: neuroplasticity — determine its meaning from context: ________________

1. Analyze how the author structures the text. How does each section contribute to the whole?
2. Determine the author’s purpose and point of view. How does the author address other viewpoints?
3. Analyze the meaning and effect of a key word or phrase.
4. Evaluate whether the structure makes the ideas clear and convincing.
Answer key: structure: old idea vs new evidence; purpose: to inform and encourage; analogy: brain connections like a path · neuroplasticity = the brain’s ability to change and form new connections
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Worksheets › Grade 7 English › Craft & Structure › Craft & Structure

Grade 7 (ages 12–13)Reading comprehensionFree printable PDF

About this grade 7 worksheet

Free Grade 7 English worksheet (Common Core RI.7.4): analyze text structure, word meaning and author’s purpose in "The Brain Can Change". Skill: Word choice, structure and point of view. Level: Grade 7 — also suits Year 8 (UK).

For teachers: skills & standards

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What age is it for?

It is designed for Grade 7 (ages 12–13), but use it with any child who is ready.

What skills does it build?

Word choice, structure and point of view.

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More “Craft & Structure” printables (rl/ri.7.4–6: word choice, structure and point of view)

Craft & Structure: Literature: Inheritance (Grade 7) · Craft & Structure: Informational: Why We Need Bees (Grade 7) · Craft & Structure: Literature: Static (Grade 7) · Craft & Structure: Literature: The Weight of Snow (Grade 7)

All 5 craft & structure sheets → · Grade 7 English: all 10 skills → · All Common Core grades

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