Why We Love Being Scared
B2 First · Open Cloze · Cambridge Ready original exercise
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.
Every year, millions of people pay (0) ___ watch films that are designed to frighten them. Why would anyone choose to feel afraid? According (1) ___ psychologists, the answer is surprisingly simple. When we watch a scary film, our bodies react as (2) ___ we were in real danger. Our hearts beat faster and we breathe more quickly. But because we know we are completely safe, we can enjoy all the excitement (3) ___ any of the risks. When the film ends, many viewers feel relaxed and even happy. Some studies have also shown that watching horror films with friends can bring people closer (4) ___ . Not everyone enjoys being scared, of course. Some people find these films far (5) ___ frightening to watch at all. Experts say this has a lot to (6) ___ with personality. People (7) ___ enjoy roller coasters and other exciting activities are more likely to love horror films, and they often find quiet, gentle films rather boring. For true fans, (8) ___ matter how many times they have seen a film, they still jump at the scary moments.
Why We Love Being Scared
Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.