______ in large quantities in the Middle East, oil became known as black gold because of the large profit it brought.

When the first child was born, they ______ for three years. 

Politicians _______ blame the media if they don't win the election. They're so predictable.

I refuse to believe a word of it, it's a cock-and- _______ story. 

The authorities _____ actions to stop illegal purchase of wild animals and their associated products effectively. However, they didn't do so. 

If a machine stops moving or working normally, you can say that it has ______ .

Mark the letter A, B, C, or Don your answer sheet to indicate the underlined part that needs correction in each of the following questions from 24 to 26. 

They had discussion about training not only the new employees but also giving them some challenges. 

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the word(s) CLOSEST in meaning to the underlined word(s) in each of the following questions from 17 to 18.

I had to pay through the nose to get my car repaired at a service station in the middle of the desert.