[originaltext] (20) There is a general perception that we can’t do much to en

(20) There is a general perception that we can’t do much to enhance our intelligence. It’s almost always believed that whether you’re smart or not is determined right at birth and you can’t do anything about it.
   (20)However, these are all misconceptions. While some people have conditions that prevent them from being able to increase their intelligence level, for most people, there are plenty of things that can be done to make them smarter.
   Hobbies are integral parts of our lives, and once developed, we find ourselves immersed in them on a regular basis. Hobbies are fun and invigorating—and they can also have a great influence on our intelligence.
   Here are some hobbies that will help to make you smarter—all backed up by scientific studies and experiments:
   Music has the power to invoke complex emotions and psychological states. (21) Various researchers have shown that both listening to music and playing a musical instrument can increase memory capacity. Playing a musical instrument also teaches you patience and perseverance for it takes time and effort to learn to play a musical instrument. It also sharpens your concentration.
   Reading goes a long way towards increasing your intelligence level—this is further the case if you read voraciously across many different topics, from fiction and biographies, to anthologies.
   Reading reduces stress, helps you to experience multiple emotions, and teaches you a lot about many subjects. All these factors help you to feel better about yourself: being at peace with yourself is one of the most important foundations for positive wellbeing.
   Reading is very important for enhancing your knowledge on a subject, preparing for all sorts of situations and being more productive in how you go about achieving your goals.
   The foremost benefit of meditation is to help you focus on yourself and to get you to know your true self. Being engrossed in meditation helps individuals transcend to a higher state of being.
   Meditation helps to reduce stress levels and gets rid of all sorts of worries. With a calm and composed state of mind obtained through meditation, you can learn, think and plan things in a much more effective way.
   Regular meditation helps you to have full control over yourself. Being aware of distractions and effective methods of self-control are of the utmost significance when working to improve your intelligence.
   Just as you need to work out regularly to keep your body fit, you also need to work out your brain to keep it in good shape. (22)Regularly challenging the brain to do new things enhances its abilities and helps to keep you sharp.
   Questions 20 to 22 are based on the recording you have just heard.
   20. What is a general misconception?
   21. What is one of the benefits of playing a musical instrument?
   22. How can we enhance the brain’s abilities?