Question

The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II
Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett | Drama
Refer to the selection to answer the questions below.
Why might someone’s apprehension begin mounting before a test?

Answer 1

Apprehension often starts rising before a test because of uncertainty and perceived threat. Specific causes include:

- Fear of failure or of not meeting expectations (from yourself, teachers, or family).
- Not feeling prepared or doubting your knowledge.
- High perceived stakes (grades, advancement, reputation).
- Anticipation of negative evaluation by others.
- Past bad experiences with similar tests.
- Physical responses to stress (racing heart, sweaty palms) that feed the anxiety.
- Negative self-talk and catastrophizing (“If I fail, everything’s ruined”).

In The Diary of Anne Frank (Act II) characters’ anxiety grows for similar reasons—uncertainty about the future, high stakes, and fear of discovery—showing how anticipation itself can intensify worry.

Ways to reduce mounting apprehension: prepare and practice, use relaxation techniques (deep breathing, brief mindfulness), reframe negative thoughts, get enough sleep and nutrition, and use test-taking strategies (skim questions first, time management).