Fill In The Blanks

Awards are formally conferred upon recipients.

Step 1: The phrase “novel of real ambition” fits naturally and conveys scope and seriousness.

Step 1: “Associated with” is grammatically and contextually correct.

Step 1: Tone analysis.
The sentence praises artistic quality.
Step 2: Best fit.
“Mesmerizing” fits both emotional impact and style.

Step 1: Sentence logic.
The sentence contradicts common belief.
Step 2: Correct connector.
“Contrary to popular belief” is the correct phrase.

Step 1: Correct comparative structure.
The correct phrase is "as comfortable as", which is used to make a direct comparison between two things. The sentence makes a comparison between the comfort level of two cars.
Thus, the correct answer is (2).

Step 1: Identify the correct preposition.
The correct preposition to use with "laugh" when referring to a person is "at," as in "laugh at someone."
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct phrase is "laugh at the poor." Final Answer:

Step 1: Identify the correct form.
The correct expression is "used to" when referring to a habit in the past.
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct phrase is "used to". Final Answer:

Step 1: Identify the correct preposition.
When expressing anger directed towards someone, we use the preposition "with."
Step 2: Conclusion.
Thus, the correct phrase is "angry with." Final Answer:

Step 1: The correct preposition used with “afraid” is “of”.

Step 1: A business agreement is commonly called a “deal”.

Step 1: Something hidden is usually below or beneath an object.
Step 2: Underneath correctly conveys this meaning.

Step 1: The sentence means “bigger than all countries excluding Russia.”
Step 2: The word except means “excluding.”

Morale refers to the confidence, enthusiasm, or spirit of a group or team.

Skirted means avoided dealing directly with something, which explains why the speech was disappointing.

Inalienable rights are those that cannot be taken away from a person; freedom and equality fall under this category.

The correct preposition used with shore is off, meaning away from but near the shore.

The sentence requires a word meaning excluding. China is bigger than all countries except Russia.