Are you an Optimist or a Pessimist?

Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?

• Optimist

• Pessimist

The writer says that British attitudes to the 2012 Olympic Games...

• Illustrated an underlying mindset

• Contradicted stereotypes of national character

• Reflected a shift in the public opinion

• Indicated the dangers of ambivalence

In the second paragraph, we learn that Professor Elaine Fox believes being optimistic..

• is more desirable than being pessimistic

• is a necessary counter to our negativity

• is likely to lead to unrealistic expectations

• is as natural a quality as pessimism

What does Professor Fox suggest about positive thinking in the third paragraph?

• it is difficult to find any sensible advice about it

• it is ineffective unless carefully planned

• it is desirable as it will lead to material benefits

• it is likely to be the basis for practical achievement

What is the writer illustrating by using the phrase ´the Olympics will be amazing´?

• the futility of merely thinking positively

• the way that positive thoughts can motivate people

• the importance of overcoming negative thinking

• the fact that people can be trained to think in certain ways

What point is exemplified by the reference to Thomas Edison?

• In order to be successful, we have to experience failure

• Optimists gain success through persistence

• Successful people are often unwilling to work for others

• Success comes more easily to optimists than pessimists

What is the fear system in our brain called?

• The amygdala

• The dopamine system

• The painkiller system

• The rational mind

In the final paragraph, it is said that the invention of the parachute..

• was a necessary consequence of the invention of the aeroplane

• proved that humans always tend to fear the worst

• was comparable to someone starting a company

• demonstrated a readiness to confront the idea of risk

What does the book 'Rainy Brain, Sunny Brain' suggest about attitudes?

• Both optimism and pessimism are necessary

• Optimism is more desirable than pessimism

• Pessimism is more rational than optimism

• Attitudes have no impact on our lives

When was the last time you used positive thinking to carry out a task?