Fears and Phobias

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

Read this sentence from paragraph 3. Which statement from the article supports the idea in this sentence?

• Like all emotions, fear can be mild, medium, or intense, depending on the situation and the person. (paragraph 4)

• Fear is the word we use to describe our emotional reaction to something that seems dangerous. (paragraph 8)

• A fear can be healthy if it cautions a person to stay safe around something that could be dangerous. (paragraph 10)

• 
  Young kids often have fears of the dark, being alone, strangers, and monsters or other scary imaginary creatures. (paragraph 15)

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 selection. 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

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 selection is to —

• 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?

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

• 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

Which sentence from the selection best supports the answer to Part A?

• Fear is one of the most basic human emotions. (paragraph 2)

• Fear can be like a warning, a signal that cautions us to be careful. (paragraph 3)

• These physical sensations of fear can be mild or strong. (paragraph 5)

• Some people find the rush of fear exciting. (boxed feature after paragraph 7)

What can the reader infer 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.