92 學年度學測英文 第 31 題

Stress has become a favorite subject of everyday conversation. It is not 31 to hear friends and family members talk about the difficulty they have in 32 the stress of everyday life and the efforts they make to control the events 33 cause stress.

Most of us understand the results of not controlling our reactions 34 stress. Forty-three percent of all adults suffer terrible health effects 35 stress. Most physician office visits are for stress-related illnesses and complaints. Stress is linked to the six 36 causes of death—heart disease, cancer, lung disease, accidents, liver disease, and suicide. Currently, health care costs account for 37 twelve percent of the gross domestic product.

Yet, while stress may damage our health, it is sometimes necessary, 38 desirable. Exciting or challenging events 39 the birth of a child, completion of a major project at work, or moving to a new city generate 40 much stress as does tragedy or disaster. And without stress, life would be dull.