The noise of the traffic（）Paul from his work.

Mr. Edward was not in, so his brother acted as （）at the party.

The weakening housing market continued to take its（）on the industry.

He never（）to read the news but turned at once to the crossword puzzle on the last page.

He（）for military service against the wishes of his parents.

I just managed to（）a quick breath before I was pulled under the water by the passing boats.

I tried very hard to persuade him to join our group but I met with a flat（）

Inquiries（）the condition of the patients may be made personally or by telephone.

Our department（）courses in several foreign languages.

Some say yes and others say no; I don't know （）to follow.