No matter how hard he tried, Mike could not make sense of his economics textbook.
A.Mike could not understand his economics textbook because he hardly tried to at all.
B.In spite of his efforts, Mike was unable to understand the contents of his economics textbook.
C.If Mike had studied harder, he would have been able to comprehend what was in his economics textbook.
D.It was impossible for Mike to understand his economics textbook without making a great effort.

Many people are afraid of sharks, but they rarely attack people.
A.Although sharks rarely attack people, many people are afraid of them.
B.Many people are afraid of sharks because they are dangerous.
C.Rarely attacked by sharks, many people are, therefore, afraid of them.
D.Sharks rarely attack people because many people are afraid of them.

In 1908, the Irish explorer Earnest Shackleton was on the point of reaching the South Pole when he decided to turn back.
A.The Irish explorer Earnest Shackleton couldn't see the point of reaching the South Pole in 1908, so he chose to go back.
B.In 1908, Earnest Shackleton, who was an explorer from Ireland, reached the South Pole just when he was deciding to return.
C.At the point when the Irish explorer Earnest Shackleton thought about turning around, he was on his way to the South Pole.
D.Earnest Shackleton, who was an Irish explorer, came close to the South Pole in 1908, but then he made up his mind to go back.

People say that Carter was the best director of his time.
A.Carter is said to be the best director of his time.
B.Carter is said to have been the best director of his time.
C.It was said that Carter was the best director of his time.
D.Carter was said to have been the best director of his time.

A.particular
B.interesting
C.significant
D.curriculum

A.eradicate
B.independent
C.agricultural
D.optimistic

_______(20)
A.Or so
B.Somewhat
C.Around
D.Approximate

_______(18)
A.keep on
B.keep out
C.keep from
D.drive away

_______(16)
A.stretches
B.lengthens
C.balances
D.lasts

Because Jack defaulted on his loan, the bank took him to court.
A.failed to pay
B.paid in full
C.had a bad personality
D.was paid much money