Earthquakes are the most destructive natural disasters. They usually hit without any (23) ________and result in a great loss of life and an enormous demolition of buildings. Additionally, they may cause devastating landslides or (24) ________ gigantic tidal waves which, in fact, are colossal walls of water smashing into seashores with such force that they are capable of destroying coastal cities. (25) ________, the vast majority of fatalities and serious injuries come about when buildings collapse.

     Most frequently, the earthquake lasts 30 to 60 seconds, so usually there is no time to escape once the shaking starts. The savage (26) ________ of an earthquake trigger off a complex chain reaction in the building's structure when it is shaken, lifted, pushed or pulled. A building's height, its shape and construction materials are the most (27) ________factors deciding about the survival and collapse of the structure and, consequently, about the life or death of its inhabitants.

23. A. notice                    B. warning                   C. caution                    D. advice

24. A. create                    B. build                        C. construct                 D. get

25. A. Although              B. Nevertheless          C. Since                       D. However

26. A. services                B. results                     C. forces                      D. waves

27. A. significant            B. considerate            C. trivial                      D. positive

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V. Supply the correct form of the verbs in bracket. Write your answers in the space provided under this passage.

1. The second film we saw (direct) ______________ by Howard Hughes.

2. The results were completely wrong. As a scientist, she should (plan) ______________ the experiment more carefully.

3. Is it necessary that we (be) ______________ there tomorrow?

4. I want this mess (clean up) ______________ immediately.

5. There are a lot of new houses (build) ______________ along the streets.

6. I'll return the book to Jim the next time I (see) ______________ him.

7. They were fortunate (rescue) ______________ from the fire before the building collapsed.

8. During the winter I decided that I (grow) ______________ tomatoes and carrots when the summer came.

9. “You are looking well”. “I (play) ______________ a lot of squash to lose weight”.

10. Have you ever met the man (stand) ______________ over there?

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