1. The candidates' challenge in the 2008 election was [____]: to get supporters out to the meetings and to win over the large numbers of undecided voters.


2. London coffee houses became centers of discussion [____] as “penny universities”.


3. There are elegant shops on [____] side of the street.


4. A: Excuse me. Can I try this blouse on?B:[____]


5. [____] a fire, the heritage building [____].


6. It’s been cold lately. So I try to [____] taking a shower every day.


7. By 2050, Africa’s population, both northern and sub-Saharan, is expected to [____] from 900 million to almost two billion.


8. He is a very conscientious professor. Never [____] he let his students leave his classes earlier.


9. The [____] consists of the usual march-past by the military and some interesting displays by the marching girls, martial arts clubs and dragon dancers.


10. The dog was _____ death in the snowy weather. 


11. A: I plan to take a three-day trip to Kenting. [____] B: It's been raining cats and dogs these days.


12. Mother Teresa [____] her [____] life aiding the sick and the homeless. Her selfless love has been highly praised by the world.


13. One of Hualien’s long-standing traditions is stone carving, which is not surprising considering the city’s main [____] is marble.


14. Because son preference has been a significant phenomenon in Asia for centuries, the Chinese actually have a term for such [____]: “bare branches” – branches of the family tree that will never bear fruit.


15. Most of the people in my office want to stay _____, so they exercise regularly.


16. The Department of Health urged the public to receive H1N1 flu shot as a [____] against potential outbreaks.


17. It’s sad that he died of a heart [____].


18. A: Are you sure we’re on the right way to the post office?B: Yes, [_____]


19. The fireman soon _____ the fire.


20. I love going away, but there’s no place like [____].


21. All his family members attended the [____] because they wanted to congratulate him on obtaining a college diploma in person.


22. It was very much _____ my disappointment that they lost the game. 


23. Our cell phones use one of the most [____] technologies in the electronic business. No one beats us.


24. Many families are struggling to _____ during this recession.


25. A:What color of dress should I choose for the ceremony?B:_____________ 


26. People who don’t think ahead and plan for their future often find themselves in a sorry [____].


27. Living in a highly [____] society, some Taiwanese children are forced by their parents to learn many skills at a very young age.


28. Who [____] you at the restaurant last week?


29. A [____] room or seat is being kept for someone rather than given or sold to someone else.


30. Mary [____] at Taipei University since 2008.


31. Our well-trained and caring employees are present [____] to provide the best services for every guest.


32. After walking for 10 miles, I just want to [____] down and take a ten-minute rest.


33. A: Can’t you meet me later this afternoon to talk about our investment project?B: _____


34. He drives much [____] than his girl friend.


35. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, written by Mark Twain is a famous story [____] reading.


36. Please give me your comments from a different [____].


37. City [____] are always available at the local tourist information center.


38. The movie is _____ the novel by Joseph O’Neill. 


39. If he _____ my phone, he wouldn’t have missed the flight to London. 


40. After having an _____ with me, the boss decides to give me the job. 


41. A:“Excuse me, but I think you made a wrong turn. You were supposed to turn left on Wilson.”B:[____]


42. Even the typhoon is [_____], the flight still takes off on time.


43. My mother wants me to [____] USD5,000 from the bank.


44. Clark: Hi, young lady._____Dianne: Oh, I’m just looking.Clark: O.K. If you need any help, just let me know.


45. I seem to have a fever. May I have a [____] to take my temperature?


46. You should understand that learning a language well results from _____ practice.


47. If the rain doesn’t stop soon, we should consider [____] Joe’s farewell party.


48. A: “I’m thinking of buying a notebook computer.”B:[____]


49. It is hard for me to [____] with vendors. I usually take the first price they offer.


50. The exterior of Tina's apartment has an exceptionally large [____].