IX. Choose the correct answers to complete the passage.
When we feel anxious, we often give ourselves negative messages like: “I can’t do this”, “I’m useless” and “I’m going to fail”.
It can be difficult but (1) to replace these with positive thoughts such as: ‘this is just anxiety, it can’t harm me’ and, ‘relax, concentrate - it’s going to be okay’.
Picturing how you’d like things to go can help you feel more (2) . Try to imagine yourself (3) up to an exam feeling confident and relaxed. You turn over your paper, write down what you do know and come away knowing you tried your best on the day.
It can sometimes feel like your whole future depends on (4) grades you get. There can be a lot of pressure (5) young people to do well in exams which can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. You might have (6) certain grades or put into a higher set, and feel if you don’t get the grade you’ll let your teachers or parents (7) .
Remember, exams are important – but they’re not the only way to a successful future. Lots of people (8) success in life without doing well in school exams.
1. a. afford b. allow c. let d. try
2. a. positive b. negative c. tense d. stressful
3. a. to turn b. turning c. turn d. turned
4. a. why b. when c. what d. how
5. a. about b. with c. on d. for
6. a. been predict b. predicted c. be predicted d. been predicted
7. a. down b. up c. on d. off
8. a. take b. achieve c. go d. seek
