IV. Choose the word (A, B, C or D) that best fits each blank space in the following passage.
Stress is often believed to cause serious harm to our physical and mental well-being. But, do all types of stress badly affect our health? According to researchers from Yale University, those who look on the (17) ______ side of stress enjoy better health, greater life satisfaction, and superior work performance over those who regard stress as a (18) ______ of negative emotions. Their findings suggest that, during stress, the body releases (19) ______ adrenalin and cortisol. These hormones have been given a bad rap for making us “sick”. However, stress can enhance immunity and create mental toughness although chronic exposure to the hormones can take a (20) ______ on our immune system, making us feel flat and (21) ______ out.
Stress is inevitable, but its effects are not. What we need to do is focus (22) ______ making meaning out of it. For example, if children are stressed about an exam, parents can use it as an opportunity to encourage positive and equally true statements. They can say, “Show your skills, and see how well you can concentrate when you put your mind to it.”
(Adapted from The Benefits of Stress by Melbourne Child Psychology & School Psychology Services)
