Use of English

Competitive Minds

Competition can be a powerful force in everyday life. At school, at work, and even in sport, people are often encouraged to compare themselves with others and try to come (0) FIRST. In some cases, this can have positive psychological effects. It may push people to work harder, build confidence and (1) .......... them a sense of achievement. However, competition can also create pressure. Some people become so (2) .......... on winning that they begin to fear failure too much. As a result, they may suffer (3) .......... stress, lose sleep, or even avoid situations in which they might not succeed. In extreme cases, constant comparison with others can (4) .......... to low self-esteem and anxiety. Experts often point (5) .......... that the way people experience competition depends on their personality and environment. Supportive teachers, coaches and parents can help young people see competition as a chance to improve, rather than as a threat. Without that support, however, they may (6) .......... under pressure and stop enjoying the activity completely. For this reason, many psychologists argue that competition should be balanced (7) .......... cooperation. This allows people to develop ambition while also learning how to relate well to others and deal (8) .......... disappointment in a healthy way.