_______of popular expressions in our language have interesting backgrounds.
A.A sum
B.A large number
C.A great deal
D.The large number

Scientists and engineers have invented devices to remove _______from industrial wastes.
A.pollute
B.polluting
C.pollutions
D.pollutants

Unfortunately, your letter arrived after the final date for application. _______, we cannot consider you for the post.
A.To this
B.That is because
C.As result
D.Consequently

Only 65 per cent of people voted in the local election; the rest were completely ________.
A.disinterested
B.interested
C.uninteresting
D.uninterested

Everybody in the house woke up when the burglar alarm ______ .
A.came about
B.went out
C.went off
D.rang off

If you put your money in a bank now, you may get 12% _______annually.
A.interest
B.income
C.profit
D.money

The doctors know that it is very difficult to save the patient's life, _______they will try their best.
A.but
B.despite
C.however
D.although

In making remarks, he _______to understatement.
A.aligned
B.intended
C.inclined
D.declined

Thanks to the invention of labor-saving _______, domestic chores are no longer a burden.
A.devices
B.equipment
C.things
D.furniture

They are conducting a wide ______ _ of surveys throughoutVietnam.
A.selection
B.collection
C.group
D.range