Read the following passage on WINTER SPORTS and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase for each of the blanks from 6 to 15.

Skilling has become a way of life for many people. From the moment the first snowflake falls until the spring (6) x skiers put skis on their cars and (7) x for slopes. There are many reasons behind the (8) x  of this winter sports.

Skiing is a true family sport that can be enjoyable by all people, whether 3 or 93 years old. Being able to (9) x a hill, to turn at will and nature at its loveliest are (10) x for all age groups.

Skiing is also interesting because it provides a variety of experiences. Snow conditions change hourly as the temperature and weather conditions change during the day. Moreover, every trail is different. Rarely does one pass over the same (11) x twice.

Improvement in skis equipment, clothing, and ski areas have made the sport more pleasurable,  comfortable and available. Warm and light clothing has replaced (12) x of heavy sweaters. Ski equipment made with modern materials has made skis and poles lighter, more flexible and suited to people of all ages. The (13) x of skiing had also improved by snow-making equipment. Even in areas of the countries that have (14) x snowfall, snow can be made (15) x the temperature be below 30 degrees Celsius.

For many people, skiing is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the out-of-doors, to challenge their physical abilities and, finally, to simply have fun. It is a sport world-wide and appears to be gaining in popularities constantly.Question 12