Difficulty: Easy

Average Score: 88%

"Phobias - Don't be afraid."
Sounds simple, but for some people it's not. Having the normal
reaction of being scared or frightened helps you to survive threats of all kinds, both physical
and verbal. Most mild fears are outgrown during childhood; however, severe fears, called
phobias, are extreme and unreasonable. Phobias cause out-of-control feelings such as
sickness, headaches, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Specific phobias center around things,
activities, or situations while people with social phobias feel anxiety over social settings
where they fear embarrassing situations. Another type of phobia called panic disorder causes
people to sweat, tremble, or even faint due to overwhelming panic which may occur at any
time. By talking, breathing deeply, and visualizing, a person can gain control over
debilitating phobias

What does the author want the reader to know about phobias?

Rationale

That people can gain control over phobias.

The author emphasizes that through techniques such as talking, breathing deeply, and visualizing, individuals can manage and overcome debilitating phobias. This message highlights the potential for empowerment and recovery from these intense fears.

A (Phobias help people to survive threats.) YOUR ANSWER

While the author mentions that fear can assist in survival, this option misrepresents the focus of the text. The primary concern is not the survival benefits of phobias but rather their debilitating nature and how individuals can learn to manage them. The text does not support the idea that phobias serve a helpful survival function.

B (That phobias are debilitating.) YOUR ANSWER

Although the text does describe phobias as causing significant distress and health issues, this choice does not encapsulate the author's main message. The focus is on how individuals can take control of their phobias rather than solely highlighting the debilitating nature of these fears.

C (Phobias only happen in social settings.) YOUR ANSWER

This statement is inaccurate because the text discusses various types of phobias, including specific phobias and panic disorders, which can occur in numerous situations beyond social settings. Therefore, this option does not reflect the broader understanding of phobias presented in the text.

Conclusion

The author aims to convey that individuals can gain control over their phobias, emphasizing that while these fears can be intense and overwhelming, there are strategies available for managing them. The other options either misinterpret the text or focus on aspects that are not the primary takeaway, which is about empowerment and coping mechanisms.

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