. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to choose the word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 26 to 30.

The joys and tribulations of being a pet owner! During our lifetime most of us have some experience of either owning a pet or being in close contact with someone who does. Is there such a thing as “the ideal pet”? If so what characterizes the ideal pet? Various (26) _______ influence one‟s choice of pet, from your reasons for getting a pet (27) _______ your lifestyle. For example, although quite a few pets are relatively cheap to buy, the cost of (28) _______ can be considerable. Everything must be taken into account, from food and bedding, to vaccinations and veterinary bills. You must be prepared to spend time on your pet, (29)_______ involves shopping for it, cleaning and feeding it. Pets can be demanding and a big responsibility. Are you prepared to exercise and housetrain an animal or do you prefer a more independent pet? How much spare room do you have? Is it right to lock an energetic animal into a (30) _______ space? Do you live near a busy road which may threaten the life of your pet? Pets such as turtles and goldfish can be cheap and convenient, but if you prefer affectionate pets, a friendly cat or dog would be more appropriate. People get pets for a number of reasons, for company, security or to teach responsibility to children. Pets can be affectionate and loyal and an excellent source of company as long as you know what pet suit you and your lifestyle.

Left-handers are the odd ones out. Sure, lefties (11) ______up about 10 percent of the population - but, frankly, it seems like society has forgotten about them. Just consider all of the right-handed gadgets, awkwardly designed desks, and cooking tools that fit comfortably only in your right hand. What (12)

______someone to become a lefthand? Scientists aren‟t exactly sure, but research points to a complex (13) ______between genes and environment. While no exact set of “leftie genes” have been discovered, people who dominantly use their left hands do have more left-handed family members. And researchers have found different brain wirings in righties vs. lefties. But no matter (14) ______it is that drives someone to use their antipodal paw, science has also uncovered a particular set of personality traits that left-handed people tend to have. So for all of you lefties, leftie-loving righties, and ambidextrous folks out there - it‟s time to brush up on your left-handed knowledge and help (15) ______an end to leftie discrimination once and for all.

Psychologists have long known that having a set of cherished companions is crucial to mental well-being. A recent study by Australian investigators concluded that our friends even help to (1) ______ our lives. The study concentrated (2) ______ the social environment, general health, and lifestyle of 1,477 persons older than 70 years. The participants were asked how much contact they had with friends, children, relatives and acquaintances. Researchers were surprised to learn that friendships increased life (3) ______ to a far greater extent than frequent contact with children and other relatives. This benefit held true even after these friends had moved away to another city and was independent of factors such as socioeconomic status, health, and way of life. According to scientists, the ability to have relationships with people to (4) ______ one is important has a positive effect on physical and mental health. Stress and tendency towards depression are reduced, and behaviours that are damaging to health, such as smoking and drinking, occur less frequently. (5)_______, our support networks, in times of calamity in particular, can raise our moods and feelings of self-worth and offer helpful strategies for dealing with difficult personal challenges.

(Source: Academic Vocabulary in Use by Michael McCarthy and Felicity O’Dell)