101. It was a major ------- when mayor Lisa Wellington announced she was stepping down. (A) surprise (B) surprises (C) surprising (D) surprised

102. When applying to the new position, Ms. Wilson submitted ------- from her previous bosses. (A) administrations (B) exceptions (C) formulations (D) recommendations

103. According to a recent USA Now study, the country’s employment rate is at ------- 60 percent. (A) nearest (B) nearing (C) near (D) nearly

104. GTP Member Benefits are open ------- to those who have been longtime holders of GTP credit cards. (A) exclusively (B) severely (C) tolerantly (D) consciously

105. ------- the weather gets warm enough in the spring, the Gilvin Pub opens its outdoor patio to diners. (A) Even though (B) As soon as (C) In order that (D) Unless

106. Employers looking to create a more ------- work environment for employees can allow measures like remote working. (A) collective (B) observant (C) adaptable (D) preserved

107. Brixton’s market share almost ------- from 13 percent to 24 percent over a period of three months last year. (A) doubled (B) doubles (C) to double (D) has doubled

108. Glen Development will need to demonstrate that it has met ------- safety standards before expanding its business into other states. (A) nation (B) nationally (C) national (D) nations

109. Is spite of her shoulder injury, Deborah Keen ------- first place in the 100-meter freestyle swimming competition at the European Championships. (A) got along (B) came in (C) sent out (D) followed through

110. ------- being the CEO of General Media, Bradley Garth also sits on the board of multiple foundations. (A) As to (B) Equally (C) Along with (D) Indeed

111. Reporters ------- tried to reach a representative from Kelvin Insurance for further comments about its recent announcement. (A) exactly (B) newly (C) repeatedly (D) improbably

112. Customs officials would like to ------- inspection procedures for arriving shipments to prevent costly delays. (A) contend (B) embellish (C) simplify (D) correspond

113. The downtown section of Jefferson highway will ------- reopen tomorrow after extensive road work overnight. (A) complete (B) completely (C) completing (D) completed

114. Gary Meyer announced his retirement shortly after his company ------- by a former competitor. (A) acquired (B) was acquired (C) had acquired (D) to acquire

115. Having ------- from Seattle Business College with top honors, Coleen Fernandez was offered several internships at reputable law firms. (A) applied (B) proceeded (C) existed (D) graduated