By what time had almost 3,000 miles of track been laid?

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 26 to 30.

Most people are born with the natural ability to tell stories, but only a rare few have the determination to become professional authors, and even fewer have the joy of seeing their novels top the (26) _____________of bestselling books. Some of the world's famous crime writers have achieved the greatest success of all. Who can deny the appeal of famous detectives like Sherlock Holmes, Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot? Even if you haven't read the (27) _____________ books you will have seen them in films or on the TV.

If you have an ambition to become the next Agatha Christie what should you do? The best starting point is to read lots of examples of crime fiction written by good authors. You will need a notebook to carry around with you or, even better, some loose sheets of paper that you can (28) _____________notes on and then file into a folder. After all, the most everyday situation - for example, watching a woman get (29) _____________a train - may be the inspiration for your first bestseller.

Like any good recipe you have to know the main (30) _____________of a successful novel. These are: an original story, strong characters and a memorable setting.

Lan was_____________of the two sisters.

The house_____________the earthquake but then _____________by a fire.

The film_____________in 1997 is about the wild animals.

The last of these reasons is_____________the most important.

Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the option that hoot completes each of the following exchanges.

Mr David is having dinner with his friend in a restaurant.

Mr David: "Could you bring me some water?" - Waiter:" _____________"

The teacher recommended that Linda_____________her essay as soon as possible.