the police were certainly ________ off the mark in reaching the scene of the accident.

this material absorbs the sound, and doesn't ________ it.

sometimes happiness is just a matter of attitude _______.

the caretaker is responsible for the _______ of the school buildings.

illegal hunting is threatening the ______ of the species.

tension mounts as temperatures ______ on one of the hottest days of the year.

it was an interesting exhibition, but there was too much to __________ at once.

rural americans are often older than those in other parts of america and that may __________ the slower adoption rates for internet access.

most of the houses in the neighborhood __________ terrible damage in the fire.

i always _____ my revision notes just before i sit for an exam.

the president is facing a __________ of criticism over his handling of the crisis.