Example (0) + Questions 1–4
You are going to read an article about decision-making.
Four paragraph endings have been removed.
Choose from the endings A–E the one which fits best at the end of each paragraph (1–4).
There is one extra ending you do not need to use.
The Psychology of Decision-Making
Every day, we make hundreds of decisions — from what to wear to how to respond to an email. Most of these choices happen automatically, without conscious thought. However, when the stakes are high, we suddenly become aware of how complex the process can be. (0) [Example: B – In such moments, intuition often takes over, guiding us toward choices that feel right even when we can’t explain them.]
One explanation lies in the concept of cognitive bias. Our brains rely on mental shortcuts, or “heuristics,” to save time and effort — but these same shortcuts can also distort how we see reality. (1)
Emotion plays a powerful role too. Even when we believe we are acting rationally, our choices often reflect what we feel more than what we think. (2)
Over time, the sheer number of small decisions we make each day can wear us down. This “decision fatigue” explains why willpower fades as the day goes on and why even simple choices begin to feel exhausting. (3)
Technology has added yet another layer of complexity. With endless entertainment, shopping options, and social media content at our fingertips, we face an overwhelming amount of information. (4)