1. It is reported that 1.4 million people took part in _____ post-graduate entrance exam, _____ 13 percent increase from last year.
A. a; the B. the; a C. a; / D. /; a
2. I must have been a great _____ to my parents in those hard days, for I never failed to live up to their expectations.
A. achievement B. comfort C. disappointment D. support
3. The 40-somethings found themselves in an embarrassing situation _____ rapid changes in all aspects of society.
A. as a consequence of B. in favor of C. for the purpose of D. by means of