1 . Some countries could have been better prepared to fight the virus. Their leaders, _______, resisted calls for strict measures to contain it initially.

A．otherwise

B．besides

C．though

D．thus

2 . According to strict guidelines, Japan’s new era name(年号) ______ only two characters should be easy to read and write. ______ that, it should not employ common names or the first character of any of the last four eras.

A．making up; Apart from	B．consisting of; Aside from
C．which made up of; Besides	D．which consisted of; Except for

3 . As far as she could _______, there was nothing ______ low huts.

A．turn out; besides	B．make out; besides
C．turn out; but	D．make out; but

4 . What a terrible experience! _______ , you’re safe now----that’s the main thing.

A．Anyhow	B．Besides
C．Though	D．Somehow

5 . The young man couldn’t afford a new car. _______, he bought a used one.

A．Besides

B．Otherwise

C．Instead

D．Still

6 . ---- Why not buy this type of car，sir?
----- ________ the high price, I could have chosen one .

A．But for

B．Besides

C．Aside from

D．Except for

7 . Bob spent six months alone on his boat. _____, Ann took care of the children on her own.

A．However

B．Also

C．Meanwhile

D．Besides