Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 38 to 42.

         There are many superstitions in Britain, but one of the most (38)_______held is that it is unlucky to walk under a ladder even if it means (39)______the pavement into a busy street! If you must pass under a

ladder, you can avoid bad luck by crossing your fingers and keeping them crossed until you have seen a dog. Alternatively, you may lick your finger and make a cross on the toe of your shoe, and not look again at the shoe until the mark has dried.

        Another common superstition is that it is unlucky to open an umbrella in the house - it will either bring misfortune to the person who opened it or to the whole (40)______. Anyone opening an umbrella in

the fine weather is unpopular, as it inevitably brings rain!

        The number 13 is said to be unlucky for some, and when the 13^th day of the month (41)_______on a Friday, anyone wishing to avoid a bad event had better stay indoors. The worst misfortune that can happen to a person is caused by breaking a mirror, as it brings seven years of bad luck! The superstition is supposed to be originated in ancient times, when mirrors were considered to be tools of the gods.

        Black cats are generally considered lucky in Britain, even though they are associated with witchcraft. It is especially lucky if a black cat crosses your path - although in America the exact opposite belief prevails.

        Finally, a commonly held superstition is that of touching wood (42)________luck. This measure is most often taken if you think you have said something that is tempting fate, such as “My car has never broken down, touch wood?”

Điền vào số 39