Question 2. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?----- Passage 2 ---- Many connections between mind and heart are now scientifically confirmed1; our emotional well-being affects our physical well-being. This has crucial implications for teaching and learning in the 21st century. Regrettably, however, since the turn of this century, our education system has moved further away from genuine connections of mind and heart by abandoning non-test essentials2 and extracurricular3 activities in favor of test preparation. We live in an interdependent global economy where it is urgent to consider the importance of morally correct decisions and good relationships with our allies and enemies. Instead of ranking schools, we should be promoting collaboration4. Aside from only thinking about how we need to promote a skill in order to push students over the passing score on the MSA5, we should be educating children to be compassionate6 and be emotional supports to one another. Additionally, creativity and discovery are found precisely at this intersection of heart and mind. These should be included as 21st century skills in our public schools; yet because they cannot be measured through traditional, objective means, this ambition is problematic. Nevertheless, creativity will always carry us forward as a species so that we can work out together new ways to solve old problems. Destructive, negative emotions can weaken learning. Recent developments in brain imaging have enabled us to see that brains are plastic. They are constantly changing and growing, even among adults and through specific types of training, we can enhance our capabilities for emotional regulation. Therefore, habits of mind and heart can change. Given our brain development, adolescents7 are particularly vulnerable8 to emotional reactivity. However, studies have also shown that children who are taught mindfulness techniques such as thinking display positive benefits, specifically with regard to consistency and regulation. Some might believe that emotional regulation is a job for parents, not schools. Yet given the stories of youth violence that complicate the challenge of effective teaching, we cannot afford to leave this task just to this one social unit. It should be everyone’s job — schools, the media and all citizens — to promote positive habits of mind and heart.----- Question 2. According to the passage, which of the following statements is true?