Decide which of the choices given below would correctly complete the passage if inserted in the corresponding blanks. Mark the correct choice for each blank on your ANSWER SHEET.

The United States is wellknown for its network of major highways designed to help a driver get from one place to another in the shortest possible time. ___1these wide modern roads are generally ___2 and well maintained, with___3 sharp curves and straight sections, a direct route is not always the most ___4 one. Large highways often pass ___5 scenic areas and interesting small towns. Furthermore, these highways generally ___6 large urban centers, which means that they become crowded with ___7traffic during rush hours, ____ 8 the "fast, direct" route becomes a very slow route.

However, there is almost always another route to take ___9 you are not in a hurry. Not far from the ___10 new "superhighways", there are often older, ___11heavily traveled roads which go through the countryside. ___12 of these are good two lane roads; others are uneven roads curving through the country. These secondary routes may go up steep slopes, along high ___13, or down frightening hillside to towns ___14 in deep valleys. Through these less direct routes, longer and slower, they generally go to places ___15 the air is clean and scenery is beautiful, and the driver may have a chance to get a fresh, clean view of the world.

1.   A. Although B. Since C. Because D. Therefore

2.   A. stable B. splendid C. smooth D. complicated

3.   A. little B. few C. much D. many

4.   A. terrible B. possible C. enjoyable D. profitable

5.   A. to B. into C. over D. by

6.   A. lead B. connect C. collectD. communicate

7.   A. large B. fast C. high D. heavy

8.   A. when B. for C. but D. that

9.   A. unless B. if C. as D. since

10. A. relatively B. regularly C. respectively D. reasonably

11. A. and B. less C. more D. or

12. A. All B. Several C. Lots D. Some

13. A. rocks B. cliffs C. roads D. paths

14. A. lying B. laying C. laid D. lied

15. A. there B. when C. which D. where