Reading Task 1. Read the text and answer the questions.
My phobia
Phobia is a strong feeling of fear. In some cases it becomes a psychological illness. Mostly it is a result of a bad accident which left in our mind unpleasant impression and memories. When someone sees the subject which reminds him of this accident, he feels uncomfortable and desires to escape from that place.
For example, a man who is afraid of darkness explains his scare by childhood memories. He had been locked in a dark room as a punishment. This punishment and feeling sorry for himself become a phobia. Children who have never been surrounded by love and care of parents usually have low self-esteem. And they are afraid of people and crowded places. This is called social phobia.
Let me tell you about my phobia. Once as a child, our family went to a lake. It was a sunny, warm day. And the lake attracted us by its shining surface. My elder brother suggested I swim. He was good at swimming so he moved straight to the deep side. I swam badly, but in order to show everyone my bravery I followed him. Suddenly I felt that my legs became so heavy and I wasn't able to move. I was in panic and started to shout, asked for help. My muscles were in awful spasms. Finally I lost consciousness as a result of great scare. When I opened my eyes I was lying on land and my brother was giving me first aid. This frightening memory became my phobia. Then I learned that this kind of phobia is called aquaphobia. In conclusion, I want to say to everybody who is suffering from a phobia: do not live with your past. We have to live in the now, thinking about our future and don't allow your past to control your present.
1. What is a phobia?
2. What is social phobia?
3. What is aquaphobia?
4. Can the author swim well?
5. What was the weather like that day?

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