Section B Directions: In the following passage, a number of
words are missing. Fill in each blank with a single suitable word.
Friends play an important part in our lives, and although we
may take (46) for granted, we often don’t clearly understand
how we make friends. While we get on well with a number of people, we are
usually friends (47) only a very few, for example the average
among students is about 6 per person, In all the cases of friendly
relationships, two people like one another and enjoy being together, but beyond
that, the degree of intimacy between them and the reasons for their shared
interests vary enormously. (48) we get to know people we take
into account things like age, race, economic condition, social (49)
and intelligence. Although these factors are not of prime importance,
it is more difficult to get on with people when there is a marked difference
(50) age and background. Some friendly
relationships can be kept on argument and discussion, but it is usual for close
friends to have (51) ideas and beliefs, to have attitudes and
interests in common they often talk about "being on the same wavelength." It
generally takes time to reach this point. And the more they rely on
(52) another. People want to do friends favours and hate to
break a (53) . Equally, friends have to learn so put up with
annoying habits and to tolerate differences of opinion. In
contrast with marriage, there are no friendship ceremonies to (54)
the association between two people. But the supporting and
understanding of each other that results from shared experiences and emotions
does seem to create a powerful bond, (55) can overcome
differences in background, and break down barriers of age, class or race.