Final answer:
People can multitask reading and writing dictated sentences due to the brain's ability to associate information with context, absorb and retain chunks of information, and use heuristics.
Step-by-step explanation:
People were able to read while writing down different dictated sentences because the human brain is capable of performing multitasking, especially when tasks are made meaningful or contextual. For instance, by using prompts such as 'bagpipe', 'ship christening', and 'parachutist', the material becomes more memorable and better encoded, utilizing the ability to associate information with context. Furthermore, breaking down readings into smaller chunks aids in information absorption and retention, supporting the notion that the proximity of content and structure in reading material (e.g., grouping letters to form words) allows for more efficient processing of information. Strategies such as engaging with the text rather than passively reading also promote comprehension and learning. Additionally, our brains employ heuristics as automated shortcuts for more efficient cognitive processing.