The large, water-spouting statue, called “Merlin” －h(huán)alf lion, half fish－ is the____ of Singapore.

A. symbol                    B. sign                        C. signal                      D. scene

— Many people are worried that so many college graduates each year can’t find a job.

— There is no need to worry about it as the government is now making every _______ to provide more jobs.

A. effort                      B. effect                            C. measure                    D. action

— Many people are worried that so many college graduates each year can’t find a job.

— There is no need to worry about it as the government is now making every _______ to provide more jobs.

A. effort                      B. effect                            C. measure                    D. action

Everyone present at the meeting agreed to stick to the ________that everyone should be treated fairly.

A. purpose                           B. ambition                  C. principle                  D. level

This research attracted wide______ coverage and BBC television’s Tomorrow’s World had a

special programme about it last week.

A. message        B. information           C. media          D. data

The mascot (吉祥物) Haibao, full of meanings from foot to head, has become the lucky symbol and cultural _________ of Shanghai Expo.

A. remark                B. mark                        C. scene                D. view

One of the consequences of our planet’s being warming up is a(n) ______ in the number of natural disasters.

   A. account          B. reason              C. increase                     D. occurrence

The traffic slowed down because of the heavy snow in Yushu County, presenting a new ____ to the recovery from the earthquake.

A. suffering                  B. disaster                    C. damage                    D. challenge

The black furnishings in his house provide an interesting ____ to the white walls.

A. comparison                     B. contrast                    C. opposition              D. difference

With the moonlight keeping them ________, the tourists climbed over the mountain without a guide.

A. approach   B. silence      C. secret     D. company