Read the passage. Choose the best answer from options A, B, C, and D.
Ancient Chinese myths tell of pearls falling from heaven where dragons fight. A pearl is a hard, rounded object produced by molluscs such as oysters. They are unique (__1__) they are the only gems produced by an animal. They can be used in jewellery or crushed for use in cosmetics. Usually white, pearls can have a creamy or pinkish tint or can be tinged with colours (__2__) from green to brown to purple. Black pearls do exist and are prized for their (__3__). Value is placed on a pearl according to its colour, size, lustre, and other factors. Lustre is the most important to jewellers. All things being equal, the larger the pearl is, (__4__) its value.
Until the 20th century, hunters pulled oysters from the bottoms of rivers and oceans. A haul of three tons might only (__5__) three or four perfect gems. In 1896, Kokichi Mikimoto, a Japanese inventor, was granted a patent for the artificial cultivation of pearls. As a result of its success, (__6__) all pearls used in jewellery today are cultured.
Pearls have fascinated man for centuries. They are believed to be the most magical and feminine of all gems. Pearls are the birthstone of June, and since they are symbolic (__7__) a happy marriage, many June brides wear them on their wedding day. Pearls are also said to give wisdom through experience, hence the expression "pearls of wisdom."
| 1 | A) as for | B) in that | C) owing to | D) so that |
| 2 | A) vary | B) varied | C) varying | D) to vary |
| 3 | A) rarity | B) loyalty | C) dignity | D) liberty |
| 4 | A) so great | B) the greater | C) much greater | D) the greatest |
| 5 | A) discover | B) lay | C) promote | D) yield |
| 6 | A) somehow | B) somewhat | C) almost | D) always |
| 7 | A) for | B) of | C) to | D) with |
Type your answers in the spaces provided.
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