The word “strength” in line 17 is closest in meaning to A. basis B. purpose C. discovery D. endurance

Indicate the word(s) OPPOSITE in meaning to the underlined word(s):

I prefer reading fictional stories to hearing about real events.

The _______ music for the film has been taken from the works of Chopins.

Last night, we ____ for you for ages but you never ____ up.

Ancient civilizations were not aware that the earth ______ a sphere.

The word “they” in line 22 refers to

Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage as being a result of the Deep Sea Drilling Project?

Read the following passage and then choose the most suitable word or phrase for each space.

The money that some professional sportsmen earn shouldn't impress anyone when you take into (1) __ the fact that only a few of them manage to attain immortality and everlasting fame. And once they reach their (2) __ and display their talent at their best, they are fully conscious that their brilliant careers won't last forever. They live under a constant pressure of being (3) ____ and subsequently replaced by someone who is younger, faster and more accomplished. For that reason, objectives like retirement benefits and pensions are (4)____ great concern to all professional athletes. Some of the retired competitors go as far as to organize strikes and rallies to voice their protest against any policy unresponsive to their demand (5)_____ the younger professionals seek more upgrading solutions to the problem as more and more of them attach a proper significance to (6)___ a solid education, even at university level. Such an approach should help them find interesting and well-paid jobs (7)____ their sports career is over. A completely new strategy has been devised by the schools priding themselves (8)_____ supporting their own teams. Their authorities insist that the sports clubs members achieve high academic standards or else they are debarred from partaking in certain sports events, which may lead to further disruption in their professional careers. By these practical and most effective (9)___, combining education with sports activity, the (10)___ of the professional athlete as being brainless and unintelligent may eventually be changing to the sportsmen's benefit.