🏛️ Passage 2: "From Clay to Cup"

A Museum Exhibit on Traditional Pottery-Making Techniques

A. Pottery is an ancient craft that has evolved across cultures. A typical process begins by kneading raw clay to remove air bubbles. Next comes shaping the object by hand or using a wheel. After forming the shape, the clay piece must dry thoroughly before the first firing (called bisque firing). Artists often apply glazes after this stage to create a glossy finish, then proceed with a second firing.

B. Different cultures have their unique touches. For instance, Japanese Raku pottery is rapidly cooled after firing, resulting in unpredictable glaze patterns. Meanwhile, ancient Greek pottery is known for its red-figure and black-figure painting styles, requiring precision during application before firing.

🔬 Passage 3: "The Sleep Cycle and Brain Function"

Scientists have long studied the connection between sleep and cognitive performance. It is well-established that REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep supports memory retention and emotional regulation. Brain scans show that the prefrontal cortex is more active during deep sleep stages, which are crucial for decision-making and problem-solving.

However, not all claims about sleep are scientifically validated. Some believe that sleeping in 90-minute cycles guarantees maximum alertness, but research shows individual differences make this unreliable. Similarly, the idea that everyone requires eight hours of sleep may not apply universally, as genetics and age affect needs.