No. 1 Mike found ------- difficult to focus on his presentation after his manager started taking notes in front of him. (A) it (B) that (C) what (D) those No. 2 The flight was redirected to Portland ------- a storm that shut down San Francisco's airport. (A) since (B) for (C) due to (D) because No. 3 ------- graduating from a college in Australia, Linda accepted a position at a private research center. (A) Because (B) After (C) Already (D) During No. 4 It took the government three months to decide to increase ------- of the new banknotes. (A) circumstance (B) circle (C) circumfusion (D) circulation No. 5 The secretary overheard a manager's conversation ------- CEO. (A) because (B) with (C) towards (D) at No. 6 The company purchased a new photocopier because the previous model was -------. (A) outnumbered (B) outdated (C) outgoing (D) outward No. 7 After the unexpected death of the CEO, the board of directors ------- a meeting at 10 p.m. (A) calling (B) was called (C) called (D) has called No. 8 Bill's idea of opening a new shop was not approved because the majority voted ------- it. (A) against (B) astride (C) amongst (D) around No. 9 This operation may take some time ------- the processing time of the system. (A) depends (B) depending (C) depend (D) depended No. 10 The rumor about the company has spread rapidly ------- thousands of employees. (A) among (B) along (C) aside (D) astride