Fears and Phobias Practice Questions

Read the sentence from paragraph 3.

Fear helps protect us.

Which statement from the text supports the idea in this sentence?

• Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person.

• Fear is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous.

• A fear can be healthy if it cautions a person to stay safe around something that could be dangerous.

• Young kids often have fears of the dark, being alone, strangers, and monsters or other scary imaginary creatures.

The section "How Fear Works" is organized to show the--

• benefits of having fears

• various reasons why we have fears

• different types of fear that we have

• way the brain and body respond to fear

Read this sentence from paragraph 6 of the text.

This response is known as "fight or flight" because that is exactly what the body is preparing itself to do; fight off the danger or run fast to get away.

Which idea does the sentence help explain?

• Why the brain reacts instantly when it senses danger

• why the brain cannot understand scary situations

• why people have different responses to fear

• why people learn to face their fears

Read this sentence from paragraph 9 of the selection.

People fear things or situations that make them feel unsafe or unsure.

What does the word unsafe mean as used in this sentence?

• not certain

• in danger

• guarded

• misunderstood

The purpose of paragraph 13 in the text is--

PARAGRAPH 13--People can overcome unnecessary fears by giving themselves the chance to learn about and gradually get used to the thing or situation they’re afraid of. For example, people who fly despite a fear of flying can become used to unfamiliar sensations like takeoff or turbulence. They learn what to expect and have a chance to watch what others do to relax and enjoy the flight. Gradually (and safely) facing fear helps someone overcome it.

• give hope to people who suffer from fears

• explain how overcoming fear is possible

• describe different ways to be calm and relax

• tell why people are afraid of flying in planes

Which subheading indicates that its subsection will focus on a specific population?

• Fears During Childhood

• Fears People Have

• How Fear Works

• What is Fear?

Read the following sentence about the selection.

I am afraid of two things—storms—and loud noises.

Which phrase correctly punctuates the underlined section in the sentence?

• two things storms--and loud noises

• two things storms--and--loud noises

• two things--storms and loud noises

• correct as is

Which two statements are the most likely reasons the author wrote this selection?

• To tell readers about how fears and phobias work

• To persuade readers to get help if they have fears

• To explain how fears and phobias can be overcome

• To entertain readers with stories of how people overcame their fears

• To provide evidence that the amygdala keeps track of all strong emotions

What is the purpose of the boxed feature after paragraph 7?

Fear or Fun?

Some people find the rush of fear exciting. They might seek out the thrill of extreme sports and savor the scariest horror flicks. Others do not like the experience of feeling afraid or taking risks. During the scariest moments of a roller coaster ride one person might think, “I’ll never get on this thing again—that is, if I make it out alive!” while another person thinks, “This is awesome! As soon as it’s over, I’m getting back on!”

• to list different types of frightening activities

• to describe why some people cannot feel fear

• to explain how phobias are not the same as fear

• to point out that some people react positively to fear

What can the reader infer from the selection about people who enjoy risky or frightening experiences?

• they still make careful choices

• they are probably very reckless

• they are not fearful of anything

• they like the physical feeling of fear