第39 至42 題為題組 
Typically featuring zombies and serial killers, horror movies are too frightening to be fun for some 
people. But many others enjoy a good fear spectacle, and line up to see the latest scary movie. Given the 
variations in preferences, new studies have started to untangle the benefits and risks of horror movies.   
One benefit of horror movies revolves around the concept of so-called “safe fear.” When watching a 
frightening film, people are in the comfort of their own home or theater seats rather than under the threat 
of any real danger. In a controlled environment, these films may actually reduce the negative impact on 
viewers and help them become tougher. Secondly, as people are drawn into the story, they tend to take the 
perspective of the characters and rehearse the plot unconsciously. Researchers believe that viewers are 
learning vicariously this way, picking up tips on how to handle threats in the real world. In addition, 
studies show that the thrill and excitement linked with scary films can be therapeutic: It allows viewers to 
release bottled-up emotions and experience a sense of relief after the movie is over. This probably explains 
why during the COVID-19 pandemic, horror and pandemic thrillers were the most-watched movies on 
digital movie apps. 
However, researchers also find that horror movies can have negative effects on some people. People 
who are more sensitive to anxiety can panic after viewing a thriller. For those with unpleasant experiences, 
trauma may be triggered by the themes and images in the movies, which could make their symptoms worse. 
Furthermore, watching horror movies can disturb sleep patterns, as the residual fear and anxiety they evoke 
may  keep  people awake  all  night,  thus  leading  to  fatigue  and  irritability  the  following  day.  Finally, 
specialists warn that frightening films can have a negative impact on children. Children under 14 who watch 
horror movies have a greater chance of developing anxiety later in adulthood. Worse yet, exposure to 
graphic violence and bloodshed can make them less sensitive to real-life violence and more accepting of 
aggression. 
39. What field of study does the research mentioned in the passage most likely belong to? 
(A) Psychology.  (B) Education.  (C) Philosophy.  (D) Communication. 
40. What does the author mean by “learning vicariously” in the second paragraph? 
(A) Making inquiries without reservation. 
(B) Gaining knowledge through observation. 
(C) Acquiring insights by face-to-face interaction. 
(D) Obtaining information from personal experience. 
41. Which of the following statements about horror movies can be inferred from the passage? 
(A) Most horror movie lovers are prone to aggressive behavior. 
(B) There are far more benefits to horror movies than disadvantages. 
(C) COVID-19 was an important source of inspiration for horror movies. 
(D) Watching horror movies may have a long-term effect on personality. 
42. How does the author develop the ideas in this passage? 
(A) By defining and illustrating a concept. 
(B) By showing opposing views of an issue. 
(C) By presenting cause and effect of a problem. 
(D) By providing steps for settling a disagreement.