Read the text and choose the best words to complete it.
Choose the correct option.
A [emotion|phobia|performance|experience] may develop when a person has a scary experience with a particular thing or situation. A tiny brain structure called the amygdala (pronounced as "uh-MIG-duh-luh") keeps track of experiences that [warn|overcome|trigger|produce] strong emotions. Once a certain thing or situation causes a strong fear reaction, the amygdala warns the person by creating a fear reaction every time they encounter (or even think about) that thing or situation.
Someone might develop a bee phobia after being stung by a bee. For that person, looking at a photo of a bee, seeing a bee from a distance, or even walking near flowers where there could be a bee can all [put|take|set|turn] off the phobia manifestation.
Sometimes, though, there may be no single event that causes a particular phobia. Some people may be more sensitive to fears because of personality traits they are born with, certain genes they've inherited, or situations they've experienced. People who have had strong childhood fears or anxiety may be more likely to have one or more phobias.
Having a phobia isn't a sign of weakness or immaturity. It's the way our brain has learned to [trigger|respond|scare|overcome] in an attempt of [self-defence|identification|approach|instinct]. It's as if the brain's alert system triggers a false alarm, generating intense fear that is out of proportion to the situation. Because the fear signal is so intense, the person is convinced the danger is greater than it actually is.
Answer the questions about the text.
Write one number in each gap.
What is true about phobias?
There is always a real dangerous situation that creates a phobia.
The amygdala helps our brain to remember its reaction to danger and repeat it again and again.
When we have phobias, our fears are rational, based on a real level of unsafety.
Answer: [ ]
What can not become a reason for phobias?
Childhood fears.
A real dangerous situation.
Weakness and immaturity.
Answer: [ ]
How can phobias help people?
With the help of phobias, people can beware of potentially dangerous things.
With the help of phobias, people can get rid of childhood fears.
With the help of phobias, people can develop emotional intellect.
Answer: [ ]