Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 26 to 30.

Do you ever wish you were more optimistic, someone (26) ______ always expected to be successful? Having someone around who always fears the worst isn't really a lot of enjoyment - we all know someone who sees a single cloud on a sunny day and says, “It looks like rain.” but if you catch yourself thinking such things, it's important to do something about it.

You can change your view of life, (27) ______ psychologist. It only takes a little effort, and you'll find life more rewarding as a result. Optimism, they say, is partly about self-respect and confidence but it's also a more positive way of looking at life and all it has to (28) ______. Optimists are more likely to start new projects and are generally more prepared to take risks.

Upbringing is obviously very important in forming your attitude to the world. Some people are brought up to depend too much on (29) ______ and grow up forever blaming other people when anything goes wrong. Most optimists, on the other hand, have been brought up not to suppose (30) ______ as the end of the world - they just get on with their lives.