End-of-term self-assessment

Writing (a summary)
My performance in this task was not very good. I have made some mistakes in all written summaries. I think the main my mistake was that I did not differentiate analytical from restatement summaries, but now I know how to distinguish between them.
Performance in ESP vocabulary tests
It was not difficult to write tests in first semester, so in second I only improve my learning time. I spend less time to it, because I found my own method how to do it faster and more effective.
Performance in class dictations
I am very upset that I did not write this dictation, because now I do not know either I am good at it or I have to practise.
Listening practice in class
I improve my listening skills, because all practice in class was not very difficult to me. Also, in this semester I pay attention to my listening quality and try to practise not only in class, but outside it too.
Listening to peers’ power point presentations
I do not know how good I am at that, but I try to listen all presentations carefully.
Making power point presentation
I faced with some problems in this task. Firstly, when I made my presentation I saw that it is a little bit boring. Secondly, every day I delay to show my presentation in class. I do not like to present something when I am doing it alone. I know that it is my problem and I have to resolve it. So, my presentation is only made, but not showed.
Short talks on ESP themes in class
In my opinion I did advancement in speaking, but not very visible. For me, there was days when I feel quite good at it. Despite the fact that I afraid speaking, I was trying to fight with this fear and improve my skills.

Picture reference:

http://www.seemoney.co.uk/pages/news/ESMART9/tax4.html

Phobias

A lot of people around the world have an abnormal fear called phobia. Phobia is an irrational, intense, persistent fear of certain situations, activities, things, or even people. The main symptom of this disorder is the excessive, unreasonable desire to avoid the feared subject. It is generally accepted that phobias arise from a combination of external events and internal predispositions. It is believed that heredity, genetics and brain chemistry combined with life experiences play a major role in the development of phobias.


Catoprophobia is the fear of mirrors. People with this phobia start fearing looking into mirrors, especially Body length or large ones. This fear often is grounded in superstitions, sufferers may worry that breaking a mirror will bring bad luck or that looking into a mirror will put them in contact with a supernatural world inside the glass. Also, sufferers may fear mirrors for a variety of reasons, usually because of some emotional trauma involving mirrors or of the low self esteem. Catoptrophobia is characterized by individuals suffering from shortness of breath, heavy breath, sweating, and anxiety.

Ophidiophobia or in other words - snakephobia is a fear of snakes. A lot of people fear snakes and their venom, but people with phobia have irrational fear of all snakes: on the ground, in the cage, on TV, even in their imagination. Causes of this fear can be different: childhood experiences, Biblical symbol of evil, which may tend to heighten the fear in some, also snakes attacks on TV and movies. Symptoms may include shaking, crying, running away from snakes, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and etc.

The most frequently used treatment for phobias is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy called exposure therapy. It is important, though, to choose a therapist that you feel you can trust to help you through this process. Moreover, there are self-help tips for overcoming phobias:

• Learn about phobia;
• Challenge negative thoughts;
• Learn relaxation techniques (deep breathing, meditation...).

To sum up, all phobias can be treated. So people who have irrational fear of something should ask for the help to the institutions which treat such as disorders.

References:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phobia

http://www.depression-guide.com/phobia/catoptrophobia.html

http://www.way2hope.org/Illnesses/ophidiophobia-fear-snakes.htm

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/phobia_symptoms_types_treatment.htm

Picture:

https://www.caremark.com/wps/portal/HEALTH_RESOURCES?topic=drfear

http://www.flickr.com/photos/62771413@N00/472442193/