12.（ ）the attempted rescue mission, the hostages might still be alive.

58.We should make a clear（ ）between “competent” and “proficient” for the purpose of our discussion.

57.The chances of a repetition of these unfortunate events are（ ）indeed.

56.This project would（ ）a huge increase in defense spending.

55.In winter drivers have trouble stopping their cars from（ ）on icy roads.

54.The motorist had to（ ）to avoid knocking the old woman down in the middle of the road.

53.When you’re driving on a motorway, you must obey the signs telling you to get into the right（ ）.

52.Many people are（ ）to insect bites, and some even have to go to hospital.

51.（ ）at in this way, the present economic situation doesn’t seem so gloomy.

50.Firms that use computers have found that the number of staff（ ）is needed for quality control can be substantially reduced.

49.All of us would have enjoyed the party much more if there（ ）quite such a crowd of people there.