No. 1 If you have any questions ------- the midterm exam, please ask your teaching assistant. (A) about (B) under (C) around (D) behind No. 2 In recent years many firms have started ------- the maintenance of their IT systems to cost cuts. (A) outsourcing (B) employing (C) delivering (D) shaping No. 3 A labor union was established in ------- of common interest by working students. (A) postage (B) pain (C) pursuit (D) partner No. 4 ABC Taxi is planning to introduce cars powered by fuel ------- in the next five years. (A) deserts (B) cells (C) drains (D) explosions No. 5 If you wish ------- to Mr. Wilson, please make an appointment through his assistant in that room. (A) speak (B) to speak (C) speaking (D) has spoken No. 6 Ms. Canberry told Nicole to bring at ------- two friends to the dinner party. (A) fewest (B) latest (C) least (D) best No. 7 The shop clerk refused to ------- the customer's 100-dollar bill. (A) changing (B) changed (C) change (D) changes No. 8 As ------- exposure to heat will damage the products, please store them in a cool, dark place. (A) stretched (B) spoiled (C) prolonged (D) abused No. 9 Gregory will have to work on weekends in order ------- the deadline. (A) to make (B) make (C) made (D) making No. 10 Before the conference, the presenters met to ------- about how to proceed. (A) refer (B) plan (C) talk (D) discuss