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ENSA ;1 ~ ~ I T.. Slhi[ MIGHTY MIND BOOSTERS This edition published by Barnes & Noble Inc., by arrangement with Carlton Books Ltd. 1996 Barnes & Noble Books Text copyright © 1996 British Mensa Limited Design copyright © 1996 by Carlton Books Limited ISBN 0-7607-0157-1 Printed in Great Britain ENS IP R NT MIGHTY MIND BOOSTERS ROBERT ALLEN JOSEPHINE FULTON BARNES &NOBLE B OO NEW K S YORK CONTENTS Foreword 7 Mind Power Introduction 9 Developing Learning Skills 11-23 MaximizeYour Memory 24-4 I Reading Skills 42-56 Understanding Numbers 57-72 Increase Your Creativity 73-83 Making Better Decisions 84-99 The Art of Communication 100-114 Logic Puzzles Introduction 117 Logic Puzzles 119-205 Logic Puzzle Answers 206-224 0 FOREWORD This book is designed to challenge you in a number of ways. First, in an age when we are constantly being urged to improve our physical fitness, our mental faculties are taken for granted. Schools and colleges teach academic subjects while largely playing down issues such as how to learn, how to improve concentration, or how to conquer our fear of certain disciplines. This book aims to fill that gap. The author, a statistician by training, has produced a number of tests that help self-assessment of our aptitude in vital areas, such as learning skills, concentration, numerical and verbal skills, decision making and creativity. Some of the tests, such as those that assess concentration, are intentionally very tough. After all, when you are in a situation where concentration counts, one slip could lead to disaster. By practice and perseverance we can improve our mental powers. Sometimes things hold us back - for example, the common yet completely irrational fear of numbers. This book suggests a number of ways in which we can overcome such difficulties, and also offers hints and tips for improving performance. The message here is that we can change the way we are, and be better for it. The second part of the book has another purpose. It is a test of your ability to think clearly. The problems set here will force you to grapple with a variety of situations that can only be resolved by the rigorous application of logic. Normally we think of logic as one of those dry and dusty subjects that lurks in the realms of mathematics and philosophy - but that need not be so. The problems you will find here are purely for fun and will keep you entertained while sharpening your wits. Mensa is dedicated to the development of intelligence and its use for the common good. It is also a superb social club with members throughout the world. If you are interested in hearing more about Mensa, then contact US Mensa Inc., 201 Main Street, Suite 1101, Fort Worth, Texas 76102. Robert Allen, Editorial Director of Mensa Publications (UK) MIND POWER CONTENTS Developing Learning Skills Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions I 1-23 12-16 17-19 20-23 23 Maximize Your Memory Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions 24-41 24-29 30-32 33-38 39-41 Reading Skills Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions 42-56 42-48 49-50 51-55 56 Understanding Numbers Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions 57-72 57-6 I 62-63 64-70 71-72 Increase Your Creativity Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions 73-83 73-75 76-78 79-81 82-83 Making Better Decisions Assess Yourself Put It In Perspective Test It Out Solutions 84-99 84-9 I 92-93 94-98 99