1 . Directions: After reading the passage below, fill in the blanks to make the passages coherent and grammatically correct. For the blanks with a given word, fill in each blank with the proper form of the given word; for the other blanks, use one word that best fits each blank.
One steamy July afternoon in central Arkansas, I was working on an important project in my home office. My trusty printer was busy producing an important report 1 it simply stopped. After fifteen minutes of trying to repair, I decided to buy a new printer. Upon my return, my heart froze to see my house on fire.
2 having spent much of my life writing, I was speechless when facing this situation. I was lost for adequate words 3 (describe) the sick, sinking feeling of seeing my home, business, and belongings going up in flames along with photographs and memories 4 (collect) over a lifetime. But the panic that filled my shocked heart in that awful moment was for the nine cats that shared my home after 5 (rescue) from situations of ill-treatment and abandonment.
Responding to an early security-system warning, the amazing firefighters arrived immediately, 6 the chemical smoke had already caused deaths. I examined and kissed each cat goodbye, extremely grateful that they had passed gently, without injuries or burns.
Only animal lovers really understand the unbelievable impact 7 the loss of one beloved four-legged family member can have on your heart, mind and soul. The loss of so many dearly loved creatures sent me in great sorrow.
After staying with a friend of mine for a couple of weeks, I was relocated to a furnished apartment. One evening, about a month after moving in, I 8 (occupy) in writing a mystery novel, and at that time a “meow” sounded from outside the apartment door. Was it my mind playing tricks again? More than once I had heard, seen or felt the brush of one of my departed furry roommates. The meow grew louder and more repetitive. Curious, I opened the door.
Sitting on the doorstep was a kitten with a black coat and alert eyes. A neighbor 9 (walk) by picked him up and began petting him. When I remarked how cute her kitten was, she explained that it had been born under a bridge and looked around for food. This kitty-loving neighbor was quick to offer an extra litter box if I was interested in giving him a home. My immediate reaction was: “that’s all I need!” without hesitation she put the cute kitten down. I thanked her and closed the door, determined to just let him stay 10 a real home could be found.
