What Are You Afraid Of? and Conquering Fear Scholastic Test

The author structures paragraph 4-6 so that they –

• show how the brain processes fear

• explain how a fear is distinct from a phobia

• report the function of the amygdala and the cortex

• emphasize that phobias are irrational fears

Based on the details in paragraph 7, the reader can conclude that Hutson most likely –

• feels people with phobias, like Kevin’s, act irrationally

• knows about phobias because of personal experiences

• understands all the different types of phobias people can have and is willing to share some of their insecurities with his readers

• thinks it is important to inform readers of how people with phobias are incapacitated by their fears

Which words from paragraph 9 help the reader understand the meaning of the word gradually?

• nothing bad happens

• slowly moves

• treated with

• reprogrammed not to see

Which sentence from the selection best supports the idea that phobias are successfully treatable?

• That evening, he and his dad went to an annual event at Virginia Tech called “Gobblefest,” where they interacted with many mascots.

• Not long after the hockey game, Kyle decided it was time to conquer his fear.

• Kyle started to panic but didn’t run away.

• If you don’t interact with the thing that scares you, the brain will never accept that it’s not harmful, and scary fantasies can become more exaggerated.

The point of view from which the story is told gives the reader insight into –

• the attitude Miobe’s family displays towards him

• the reasons the villagers never fought the monster themselves

• how the villagers react towards Miobe

• Miobe’s determination to conquer his fears

Which definition matches the word hovered as it used in paragraph 19?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

In paragraphs 18-20, what do Miobe’s observations reveal about the villagers?

• The villagers have been paralyzed by their fear of the monster.

• The villagers do not respond kindly to strangers.

• The villagers do not take good care of their village.

• The villagers believe a monster threatens them from above a mountain.

This sentence helps illustrate that fear is –

• A. paralyzing

• B. unreasonable

• C. relative

• D. contagious

An idea explored in both the selection and the folktale is that fear is –

• trivial

• perilous

• conquerable

• essential

Which sentence from the selection best matches an idea presented in these lines?

• A. He tried to control his fear, but he couldn’t.

• B. When nothing bad happens, his or her brain is reprogrammed not to see the spider as a threat.

• C. If you don’t interact with the thing that scares you, the brain will never accept that it’s not harmful, and scary fantasies can become more exaggerated.

• D. Kyle’s treatment began when he was greeted by a man carrying a bunny costume.