The optimism bias - Module 10

C1 Advanced · Open Cloze · Advanced Expert Coursebook, Pearson Education

For questions 1–8, read the text below and think of the word which best fits each gap. Use only one word in each gap. There is an example at the beginning.

We think of ourselves as rational creatures and yet (0) ___ the main we expect things to turn (1) ___ better than they end up being and underestimate the likelihood of negative events. Indeed, a tendency to look on the bright side may be (2) ___ closely linked with human survival that evolution must have made us that way. Research findings show that optimists live longer and are healthier, (3) ___ if their hopes are irrational and result (4) ___ unwanted outcomes. In order to reach our goals we have to visualise success. However, some people argue that ceaseless optimism makes for a greater shock when things (5) ___ wrong and that optimists need constant reassurance, which can increase anxiety. (6) ___ than rejecting uncertainty and insecurity, they say it’s better to imagine the worst. If you think you might lose something, you start to appreciate its value. It (7) ___ the Stoics of Ancient Greece who believed that we should not avoid negative emotions. To them, the ideal state of mind was (8) ___ of complete acceptance of any emotions, positive or negative.

The optimism bias

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