Read the text. Answer using evidence from the text.
Researchers estimate that a large share of our daily actions are habits — behaviors repeated so often that we perform them with little conscious thought.
Many psychologists describe a habit as a loop with three parts: a cue that triggers the behavior, the routine itself and a reward that makes the brain want to repeat it. Over time, the brain links the cue directly to the reward, and the routine becomes automatic.
This explains why habits are hard to break: the cue still fires even when we’ve decided to change. Experts recommend keeping the same cue and reward but substituting a new routine — for example, taking a short walk instead of snacking when stressed.
Research also suggests that forming a new habit takes longer than the popular "21 days." One well-known study found it took participants an average of about 66 days, with wide variation.
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Worksheets › Grade 9 English › Reading Informational Text › Reading Informational Text
Free Grade 9 English worksheet (Common Core RI.9-10.1): read the informational text "The Science of Habits", find the main idea and answer questions with evidence. Skill: Key ideas and details in informational text. Level: Grade 9 — also suits Year 10 (UK).
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Key ideas and details in informational text.
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