No. 1 Mr. Omaha evaluates a company over the long ------- before he decides to buy its stock. (A) curve (B) term (C) hour (D) profit No. 2 The trend for retail stores these days is to ------- an online presence. (A) being (B) be (C) have (D) has No. 3 It was shocking news that Silverstone Corporation was fined for committing ------- and substantial violations of federal law. (A) serious (B) seriousness (C) seriously (D) serious-minded No. 4 Ms. Park came to work though she ------- a stomach flu. (A) was (B) took (C) have (D) had No. 5 A customer at Brooks Books is reminded to keep his or her receipt ------- a proof of purchase. (A) off (B) except (C) as (D) on No. 6 We won't be late for the meeting if we go there ------- taxi. (A) by (B) on (C) to (D) at No. 7 Low interest rates ------- allowed more young couples to buy homes. (A) have (B) has (C) are (D) is No. 8 What the residents are ------- for is a clear explanation from the city about the change of school district. (A) wanting (B) leaning (C) claiming (D) asking No. 9 It took the government three months to decide to increase ------- of the new banknotes. (A) circumstance (B) circle (C) circumfusion (D) circulation No. 10 Before the conference, the presenters met to ------- about how to proceed. (A) refer (B) plan (C) talk (D) discuss