Read the text and choose the best words to complete it.
Choose the correct option.
A phobia is an intense fear reaction to a particular thing or situation. With a phobia, the fear is out of proportion to the potential danger. But to the person with the phobia, the danger feels real because they are often literally scared to [fear|death|much|relief].
Phobias cause people to worry, dread, feel upset by, and [keep|take|bring|cut] down on the things or situations they fear because the physical sensations of fear can be so strong. So having a phobia can interfere with normal [woman|childhood|human|people] activities. A person with a phobia of dogs might feel afraid to leave their home in case they see a dog outside.
A girl with a phobia of thunderstorms might be afraid to go to school if the weather forecast predicts a storm. She might feel terrible distress and fear when the sky turns cloudy. A guy with social phobia experiences intense fear of public speaking or interacting, and may be afraid to answer questions in class, give a report, or speak to classmates in the dining hall.
It can be exhausting and upsetting to feel the intense fear that goes with having a phobia. It can set [up|down|back|off] missing out on opportunities because fear is holding you back. And it can be confusing and embarrassing to feel afraid of things that others seem to have no problem with.
Sometimes, people get laughed [on|above|at|up] about their fears. Even if the person doing the teasing doesn't mean to be unkind and unfair, it may only make the situation worse.
Answer the questions about the text.
Write one number in each gap.
What is true about phobias?
A phobia is easier to overcome than a fear.
A phobia is very close to fear but causes much stronger emotions.
With a phobia, people normally can't walk outside.
Answer: [ ]
How do people normally feel when they are being teased about their fears?
They laugh at themselves and get rid of their phobias.
They become even more stressed and worried.
They don't care about it at all.
Answer: [ ]
According to the text, which phobia does not prevent people from leaving their houses?
A phobia of dogs.
A phobia of thunderstorms.
A phobia of social interactions.
Answer: [ ]