Question 39

Phobias are extreme and unreasonable

Having a phobia is considered not normal and good because phobias are described as extreme and unreasonable fears that can lead to debilitating effects on a person's well-being.

A) Phobias are extreme and unreasonable

This option accurately reflects the passage's assertion that phobias are not typical responses to fear but rather excessive reactions that can negatively impact a person’s health, leading to symptoms such as sickness and high blood pressure.

B) Phobias are common and natural

While phobias may be common, the passage emphasizes that they are not natural in a positive sense, as they evoke extreme and unreasonable responses. Therefore, this option contradicts the context of the extract regarding the nature of phobias.

C) Phobias can lead to positive outcomes

This statement is incorrect according to the extract, which describes phobias as causing negative physical and emotional effects rather than any beneficial outcomes. The focus is on the debilitating nature of phobias rather than any potential positives.

D) Phobias are beneficial in some situations

This option is misleading because the passage portrays phobias as harmful and out of control, indicating that they do not provide any benefits. Instead, they lead to adverse reactions that affect a person's daily life.

Conclusion

Phobias are characterized in the passage as extreme and unreasonable fears that disrupt normal functioning and health. Other options fail to capture the detrimental nature of phobias as they suggest commonality, positivity, or benefits that are not supported by the text. Thus, option A is definitively correct.