109 學年度學測英文 第 36 題

Dimples are small folds or indentations on the cheeks of one’s face. Generally, they appear on both cheeks; a single dimple on one cheek is a relatively 31 phenomenon. Some cultures are found to show preference for dimples on one’s cheeks, as the feature is claimed to be a sign of 32.

Though often associated with beauty, most dimples are actually a genetic 33 caused by shortened facial muscles. When a person smiles, the shorter-than-normal muscle pulls up the facial skin, which in turn creates a small indentation—or dimple—in the skin. Such dimples tend to occur in families, and are assumed to be an inherited feature. In fact, some researchers believe that the 34 of dimples from parents to children takes only one gene. If neither of the parents has dimple genes, their children will not 35 the trait.

Not all dimples are formed by a genetic defect, though; some may appear due to the 36 of excessive fat on the face. Such dimples are not a permanent trait, for they vanish when the excessive fat goes away. Many babies, for example, have dimples on their 37 cheeks. As they grow older and lose their baby fat, the dimples may 38 with time.

For those people who were born without 39 dimples, various methods can be applied to successfully create them. These methods 40 from a simple step like makeup to a drastic one like surgery. It all depends on whether you think it is worth the effort.