From the words lettered A to D below each of the following sentences, choose the word or group of words that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word as it is used in the sentence.

• 48) Japan has blazed a trail in the production of electronics. This means that in the production of electronics, Japan B. is leading others.
  • To "blaze a trail" means to be a pioneer or leader in a particular field.
• 49) Mohammed Ali won the fight hand down. This means that Mohammed Ali won D. very easily.
  • To win "hands down" means to win easily and decisively.
• 50) Scientists have broken new ground in their research. This means that scientists have A. made a new discovery.
  • To "break new ground" means to make new discoveries or innovations.
• 51) The paramount chief decided to obtain the land by hook or by crook. This means that the paramount chief decided to get the land C. by any means possible.
  • "By hook or by crook" means by any method, whether fair or unfair.

• 52) This dress is not appropriate for the occasion. D. suitable.
  • "Appropriate" means suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or occasion.
• 53) The administration will take stringent measure to protect its property. B. severe.
  • "Stringent" means strict, precise, or severe.
• 54) Their sufferings seem to be perpetual. A. eternal.
  • "Perpetual" means never-ending or eternal.
• 55) Some students are planning to obstruct the game. A. block.
  • "Obstruct" means to block or hinder.
• 56) The chief is planning an elaborate feast. D. expensive.
  • An "elaborate" feast is one prepared with great care and detail, often implying it is grand, lavish, and thus expensive.
• 57) Our product must not have a flaw. A. defect.
  • A "flaw" is a defect or imperfection.
• 58) The manager spoke frankly to the employees. B. openly.
  • "Frankly" means in a frank, open, and honest manner.
• 59) Momo was in a jovial mood last night. D. happy.
  • "Jovial" means cheerful and friendly, or happy.
• 60) Unfrozen foods decompose easily. C. decay.
  • "Decompose" means to decay or rot.

The options for these blanks are not provided in the image. The most logical words to complete the passage are:

I feel very 61) surprised when I hear people say that teaching is one of the easiest 62) professions in the world. To these people, teaching is basically the 63) simple 64) act, and anyone can be a teacher as long as he/she can read and write. But teaching goes beyond what they think it is, that is note-copying, explanations, 65) demonstrations and other 66) methods, which teachers use in the classrooms are not all to teaching. These are the finishing touches of the profession. The tediousness of the profession is 67) behind the stage. This is where the teacher devotes much of his/her time at home or in the library to make 68) preparations on the 69) subject he or she intends to teach. This requires that he/she states the 70) objectives, 71) content as well as the