12.

It's difficult for someone of his

statureto go out in public unrecognized. Correct answer stature

obstacleYour answer stature

13.

My interview with a panel of professors is the only degree.

left before I earn my Your answer obstacle

nedlectCorrect answer obstacle

14.

After years of

, the old house on the corner was finally torn down. Correct answer neglect

advantageousYour answer neglect

15.

If you want to write a book about traveling in Europe, it's actually been there before.

to have Your answer advantageous

Correct answer advantageous

likewise16.

I'm going to invest my money in Microsoft, and I strongly suggest you do

. Your answer likewise

citeCorrect answer likewise

17.

It is critical to

your sources when you make an argument. Correct answer cite

originaltyYour answer cite

18.

This month's bestselling novel has a(n) that is rarely seen in literature.

Your answer originality

interactCorrect answer originality

19.

It's difficult to

with people if you don't speak the same language. Correct answer interact

ammunitionYour answer interact

20.

It's common for politicians to use almost anything as opponents.

against their Your answer ammunition

Correct answer ammunition

Section B: Fill in each of the blanks with a suitable word. 21.

withThe toughest thing about moving away was when I had to part collection.

my book Your answer with

asCorrect answer with

22.

The spring season, winter into summer.

it were, doesn't really exist here since we go straight from Your answer as

forCorrect answer as

23.

Please leave me alone; I'm simply looking

some peace and quiet. Correct answer for

Your answer for

24.

After looking at his old pictures, James longed

togo back to China. Correct answer to

Your answer to

with25.

Just tell me the truth and don't toy

my emotions! Correct answer with

Your answer with

out26.

Mona decided to seek adopted.

her biological parents after she found out she was Your answer out

Correct answer out

27.

Forthe most part, I think the kids enjoyed our vacation this year.

Your answer For

Correct answer For

on28.

She picks up some extra money by being a tour guide

the side. Your answer on

Correct answer on

29. I think the reason we're such good friends is because we have so much

incommon.

Your answer in

upon Correct answer in

30.

If you learn to look this class as an opportunity, you might not be so miserable.

Your answer upon

Correct answer upon

Part II: Banked Cloze

Questions 31 to 40 are based on the following passage.

recommendationI'm looking for a good book to read. Can you give me a(n) (31)? I generally like to read fiction, but I will read nonfiction if the story is good. I'm a(n) (32)adventurer at heart, so I really like to read stories about exciting journeys and stereotypicalquests. I usually don't like boring stories that feature (33) characters that are portrayed with no originality. I don't mind action, but I can do without any (34)gratuitous and unnecessary violence. Do you have any ideas? In my opinion, the best literature features characters that face unbelievable odds, (35)sort of personal (36)confront their inner demons, and eventually arrive at some about the true nature of things. Along the way, the sacrificeenlightenmentcharacter will inevitably face a decision that might involve a(n) (37)could result in his or her (38)top.

desperatelyundoingwhich , but he or she will persevere and come out on I'm (39) looking for something to read on my vacation, so please let tackleme know what you would recommend. At this point, I'm ready to (40)almost any book, no matter how long!

(31) (32)

Your answer recommendation adventurer

Correct answer recommendation adventurer

(33) (34) (35) (36) (37) (38) (39) (40)

stereotypical gratuitous confront enlightenment sacrifice undoing desperately tackle

stereotypical gratuitous confront enlightenment sacrifice undoing desperately tackle

Part III: Reading Comprehension

Questions 41 to 45 are based on the following passage.

It is difficult, by sheer popularity and fame of the story, to read or listen to Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol without conjuring up images from one of the many preexisting dramatic productions of the tale. Unfortunately, we often focus on the popular dramatizations of the story to the exclusion of the message that lies at its heart. The story is now a staple of the Western Christmas tradition, but many people don't fully understand why. A Christmas Carol is a very simple and straightforward presentation of the dangers associated with power and greed. However, the story has a more fundamental (if somewhat clichéd by today's standards) message: seize the day and take advantage of all that life has to offer. The reader is left with the notion that, within all of us, there exist qualities that can be improved to unknowable benefit, and it is our responsibility to make necessary improvements in order to realize those benefits.

We see, in Ebenezer Scrooge, an individual almost entirely consumed by greed with little or no worries for the rest of humanity. He is, obviously, an extreme case with whom it is difficult to identify. His days are spent in concentration over his money and how best to underuse it, and his life has been wasted on this cause. He squanders his days while those around him, such as his nephew and Bob Cratchit, attempt to live their lives and make them worthwhile.